Rewetting of Peatland

The project will create a full‑chain, EO‑driven monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system that quantifies carbon removals from peatland rewetting projects and delivers CRCF‑compliant outputs. Building on the ESA WorldPeatland deliverables, the first phase consists of intensive user engagement and site definition: together with WWF France a co‑design workshop will capture the specific data needs of peat‑restoration practitioners, after which two pilot sites representing distinct restoration strategies (e.g., blanket rewetting versus targeted ditch blocking) will be selected and their objectives aligned with CRCF methodology and national peat‑policy priorities.

In the second phase IABG will consolidate and curate all relevant EO and auxiliary datasets—Sentinel‑1 SAR for surface deformation, Sentinel‑2 optical for vegetation indices, high‑resolution peat‑extent maps, and in‑situ hydrological gauges—into a consistent, quality‑controlled time series that includes per‑dataset uncertainty estimates. These inputs feed an EO‑based carbon‑accounting workflow that couples the satellite observations with the process‑based DALEC ecosystem model, ensuring scalability, cost‑effectiveness and regulatory compliance. The workflow generates a statistically robust baseline of peat‑carbon stocks, propagates uncertainties through Monte‑Carlo simulations, and then computes the net carbon removals and associated emission‑reduction credits for each pilot site in accordance with CRCF quantification principles. The resulting MRV products (baseline maps, annual removal estimates, uncertainty bands and verification reports) will be delivered through a web‑portal that supports transparent stakeholder access and auditability, thereby enabling peatland managers and donors to demonstrate verifiable climate‑impact outcomes.

Pilot sites

Marais de Mazerolles (CRCF pilot)

Chautagne (Innovative pilot)