The modern approach for peatlands is not to drain, but to moisturize.This is due to the fact that peatlands have the ability to store carbon. When peatlands are drained, the well-preserved carbon and nitrogen are released as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and as nitrates into surface waters. Additional environmental issues associated with drainage of peatlands include the loss of their ability to purify water, loss of biodiversity, loss of productive land, peatland fires, and more.

DESIRE: Development of sustainable peatland management by restoration and paludiculture for nutrient retention in the Neman river catchment The project „DESIRE“, supported by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2014-2020 for 2.5 years, started in January 2019. The project is confirmed as a flagship project of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Policy Area Nutri and strongly contributes to the aims of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme.