HVL researchers support ban on petland destruction – demands stricter rules and more knowledge

On November 1, the deadline for submitting consultation input to the Norwegian Environment Agency proposal for a national ban on petland destruction. In its contribution, the Landscape, Ecology and Climate Research Group (LØK) at HVL supports the proposed ban, but asks the environmental authorities to tighten and clarify several points in the bill.

The contribution is based on knowledge from REPEAT. The proposal to ban mire destruction is highlighted in the contribution as necessary and well-founded, since mires play a role in carbon storage and the work to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. However, LØK warns that the ban will lose its effect if it is not practiced consistently and well-grounded in knowledge.

The consultation contribution, highlights six main points:

1. The ban must apply to all peatlands, regardless of peat depth, because the current map basis is too weak to handle the depth requirements.
2. Possibilities for exemption should be moved from the municipalities to the state administrator to avoid local interests in the protection, as experience has shown in the coastal zone.
3. There should be a requirement for reviews of older zoning plans (planvask) that may contravene the new ban.
4. The requirements for impact assessments for measures that affect peatlands must be made clear and standardised.
5. In the event of a violation of the law, actors must be required to restore damaged areas rather than merely pay fines. 
6. To ensure the legitimacy of the law, peatland management and understanding of nature conservation must be strengthened in both planning, education and public debate.

The consultation input can be read in full HERE.