• Climate Change

Scotland’s Peatland ‘The Flow Country’ wins UNESCO’s World Heritage Status

In a groundbreaking achievement for Scotland and the world, The Flow Country – one of the largest and most intact blanket bog ecosystems on the planet – was officially recognized, in 2024, as the world’s first peatland by UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the far north of Scotland, this vast expanse of peatland, with 4,000 square kilometers, now stands alongside globally iconic sites like the Serengeti, the Galapagos Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. The designation underscores the exceptional significance of this fragile ecosystem, cementing its place as a natural treasure of UNESCO’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). 

Peatlands: Scotland’s Natural Legacy 

Peatlands are vital for Scotland’s natural heritage, covering over 2 million hectares – totalizing a remarkable 25% of the country’s land area. More than 60% of the UK’s total peatland is found in Scotland, highlighting its global and national importance. The recognition of The Flow Country as a World Heritage Site is a testament to Scotland’s leadership in protecting and restoring these critical ecosystems. 

Peatlands are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to their extraordinary ability to sequester carbon. In fact, The Flow Country alone holds approximately 400 million tones of carbon – more than all of the UK’s forests and woodlands combined. These ancient ecosystems, some of which have been accumulating carbon for over 9,000 years, prevent the release of climate-warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a result, well-managed peatlands are indispensable in the fight against climate change. 

The Flows NNR, a blanket bog near Forsinard. ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot/2020VISION

The Scottish Government’s Commitment to Peatland Restoration 

Recognizing the urgent need to protect these ecosystems, the Scottish Government has committed £250 million over 10 years to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peatlands by 2030. The Peatland ACTION Programme, funded through Scotland’s Climate Change Plan for Net Zero, is already making significant progress. So far, 75,000 hectares of damaged peatland have been restored, and efforts are accelerating, with a record 10,360 hectares restored in 2023-24 alone. 

But the work doesn’t stop at restoration. Scotland’s peatland policy is built on three key pillars: protection, management, and restoration. By focusing on these areas, the government aims to limit further degradation of peatlands, actively manage existing sites, and restore those that have been damaged. This comprehensive approach will not only help Scotland meet its net-zero targets but also ensure that communities vulnerable to climate-related flooding are better protected. 

Peatland restoration at Beinn Dhuand Mid Hill ©Lorne Gill/SNH

A dumper truck transporting turf from a borrow pit at a Peatland Action site at Glenfeshie Estate. ©Lorne Gill/SNH

Beyond Restoration: Scotland’s Vision for Peatlands 

Emerging science is showing that additional emissions reductions may also be available from other interventions beyond restoration. Interventions such as reduced grazing by herbivores, rewetting of croplands, and the reclassification of peat-based grasslands also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By shifting their focus from hectares restored to emissions reduced to consider the emissions savings of these other types of measures, Scotland is leading the way in innovative approaches to peatland management. 

The Scottish Government is also working to create a supportive regulatory environment to encourage peatland restoration on a landscape scale. This includes new financial incentives, specialist training for landowners and managers, and measures to stimulate demand for sustainable peatland projects. By fostering these partnerships, Scotland is positioning itself as a global leader in conservation and landscape restoration. 

Scotland’s Just Transition to Net Zero 

Beyond the environmental benefits, peatland restoration is playing a vital role in Scotland’s Just Transition to a low-carbon economy. The restoration efforts are creating jobs in landscape conservation, boosting sustainable tourism, and supporting local hospitality sectors. These activities align with Scotland’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, while also promoting biodiversity and community resilience. 

A Global Leader in Peatland Conservation 

Scotland’s recognition of The Flow Country as a UNESCO World Heritage Site marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change. As the first peatland to receive such distiction, The Flow Country shines a light on the crucial role peatlands play in sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. With continued investment, innovation, and leadership, Scotland is in the race to become a global model for peatland restoration, conservation, and climate action. 

The future of Scotland’s peatlands is not just about preserving the past -it’s about building a sustainable, resilient future for generations to come. 

©Lorne Gill/SNH

 

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