On 22 May 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Germany in cooperation with the German environmental organisation NABU and the LIFE PeatCarbon project co-financed by the European Commission held an international event, “Peatland, Climate, and People: A Conversation for a Greener Future”, aimed at highlighting peatland restoration as an important tool for the mitigation of climate change and conservation of biodiversity.
In her keynote speech for the event, Ambassador Alda Vanaga underlined: “Latvia is a green country, we are rich in forests, rivers and peatlands. We are proud to be one of the countries with the highest share of peatland ecosystems in Europe. It is both a privilege and a responsibility. We know that healthy peatlands accumulate carbon, filter water and foster biodiversity, but if degraded, they contribute significantly to climate change. We have gathered here today as the climate crisis requires concrete and joint action, and the restoration of peatlands is one of the most effective ways to respond to it.”
The Ambassador’s remarks were followed by an overview of state of peatlands in the European Union and the partner countries of the LIFE PeatCarbon project, presented by leading experts in the sector: Dr Hans Joosten from the Greifswald Moor Centrum, Frankie Turk from RE-Peat, an association in the Netherlands; Lisa Michely, sustainability strategy projects manager at REWE Group; Jānis Ģērmanis from a municipal forest management company Rīgas Meži; Björn Köcher from Michael Otto Foundation; Ari-Pekka Auvinen from the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation; and Inese Klause from the Directorate-General for Environment.
The participants had an opportunity to view a photography exhibition, Peatlands and Climate – Restoration Stories, documenting the restoration process of four different peatlands from the perspective of 20 researchers from Latvia, Denmark, and Germany. The event included a video performance titled Soiden Soidinmenot and combining videos of peatland restoration and research with forefront jazz music performed by Heikki Ruokangas and Juho Karjalainen.
The event was implemented as part of the public diplomacy programme in support of the lobby campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. Latvia is standing as a first-time candidate for an elected member’s seat and its campaign runs under the motto of “Together for peace and resilience”. Membership of the UNSC will be a key instrument in pursuit and protection of Latvia’s foreign policy interests and enable Latvia to further expand its international cooperation, thereby contributing to world peace and resilience.