The National Armed Forces support the restoration of degraded historical peat extraction sites into mire ecosystems serving as natural barriers along the eastern border

The National Armed Forces of Latvia support the revitalisation of historical peat extraction sites located along Latvia’s eastern border. The restoration of these peat extraction sites can make a significant contribution to strengthening national defence capabilities by serving as natural barriers along the eastern frontier.

The initiative envisages the restoration of bogs, waters, marshland and forests in historical degraded peat extraction sites, thereby reducing the historical damage to natural resources. The restoration of bog ecosystems not only facilitates the conduct of defence operations but also helps reduce the need for material, technical, and personnel resources.

Joint revitalization plans for historical peat extraction sites are being developed within the framework of project No. 6.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 “Support for the revitalization of historical peat extraction sites” implemented by the Vidzeme planning region and its cooperation partners Latgale, Zemgale and Kurzeme planning regions. 

Particular emphasis is placed on historical peat extraction sites where the restoration of mire ecosystems would most directly contribute to the development of the Baltic Defence Line along the eastern border.

For the restoration of historical peat extraction sites, municipalities plan to use European Union funds under the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027, within Specific Objective 6.1.1 “Mitigate the economic, social and environmental consequences of the transition to climate neutrality in the most affected regions”, Measure 6.1.1.1 “Phase away from the use of peat in energy”.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv