The geopolitical reality in Europe has changed dramatically. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine since 2022 has made it clear that Europe needs to rethink its defence capabilities. While billions are being spent on conventional armaments, there is a lack of innovative, cost-efficient and synergetic solutions. One such approach is the rewetting of peatlands — a measure that advances both Europe's security as well as its climate and nature conservation efforts.

Peatlands as a strategic line of defence

Peatlands have historically played a decisive role in military defence. Napoleon was already defeated by the impassable marshlands of Russia, and in 2022 Ukraine used flooding for the defence of Kyiv. There is no military equipment that can cross wet peatlands. According to a book on military technology by V.V. Baluta, published in Belarus in 2018, wet peatlands can support far less weight than drained bogs – their load-bearing capacity drops from 1.0 kg/cm² in drained bogs to 0.25 kg/cm² in a wet peatland. All major offensives through peatlands during the Second World War were carried out in winter and with the participation of peatland scientists. This knowledge has recently been rediscovered in modern Ukraine. Naturally wet and equally rewetted peatlands are impassable for tanks, slowing down troop movements and forcing them into more predictable corridors that are easier to defend.

Particularly relevant regions for strategic rewetting include:

• Ukraine - protection against current attacks from Russia and possibly Belarus
• Border areas of Poland, the Baltic states, Finland and Romania - natural barriers against potential threats from Russia
• East Germany - as an additional line of defence for Western Europe

In addition to their direct military benefit, wet peatlands provide additional protection for critical infrastructure by making troop movements near transport routes, energy facilities and strategic supply points more difficult.

Synergies with climate protection, nature conservation, and economic policy

The importance of peatlands in terms of security policy is complemented by climate policy and economic benefits. Drained peatlands release large amounts of CO₂ — rewetting them could bind millions of tonnes of CO₂ per year. On average, every hectare of rewetted peatland saves at least 10 tonnes of CO₂ emission per year, in many cases even significantly more. This measure therefore not only contributes to achieving climate targets, but also creates economic prospects for rural regions through sustainable management models (e.g. paludiculture).

The economic benefits include:

• Creation of new value chains through wet farming
• Promotion of companies specialising in the use of biomass from wet peatlands
• Contribution to regional development and job security in rural areas

In addition, the rewetting of peatlands supports the objectives of the EU Nature Restoration Law, which prescribes the large-scale restoration of damaged ecosystems. Natural and rewetted peatlands provide habitats for numerous endangered species, help regulate the water levels in the landscape, cool their surroundings, provide clean water and improve resilience to extreme weather events.

Different types of peatland landscapes

It is important to distinguish between two main types of peatland for effective use as a defence tool:

1. Large, relatively intact peatland landscapes - These areas are mostly located in regions close to the border and are particularly effective as natural barriers due to their vastness.
2. Fragmented, agriculturally utilised drained peatlands - These areas are more heavily developed, but could also offer strategic advantages through targeted rewetting. However, it would have to be examined how roads and infrastructure influence the defence effect.

Financing and market development: Utilisation of the EU CRCF

One key to successful implementation lies in financing. The EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) can be used here to incentivise investment in rewetting. Specifically, the EU could guarantee the purchase of a portion of the greenhouse gas emission reductions generated by peatland projects over the next ten years. The remaining certificates could be taken over by the private sector, which would strengthen the market for peatland rewetting and mobilise additional investment.

A possible financing framework:

• Establishment of an EU fund with 250-500 million euros to finance planning and implementation
• EU as anchor buyer for 50% of the emission certificates generated over ten years
• Mobilisation of the private sector to take over the remaining 50% in order to establish the market for CO₂ certificates from peatlands

This combination of public funding and private participation would not only strengthen defence, but also establish a new economic sector.

Realisation: From vision to reality

Concrete measures are required for peatlands to be effective as a defence strategy:

1. Identification and prioritisation of peatland areas in strategically relevant regions
2. Technical measures for rewetting:
   
   • Adjustment of water pumps, blocking of drainage ditches
   • Construction of sluices and flooding infrastructure
   • Restoration of natural regional water balances 
   • Target: At least 100,000 ha along the eastern borders of the EU and in Ukraine
3. Legal and financial framework conditions:
   • Fast approval processes for defence peatlands (national interest)
   • Utilisation of the EU CRCF for financing via CO2 certificates
   • Financial incentives for farmers and private owners
4. Integration into the European security strategy:
   • Cooperation with NATO partners
   • Consideration in national defence plans
   • Involvement of environment and infrastructure ministries in planning

Conclusion: A new perspective on security

Europe needs innovative defence strategies that go beyond conventional armament and guarantee long-term security even after the end of military conflicts. The rewetting of peatlands is a cost-effective, sustainable and strategic investment in security, climate protection and economic stability. In addition to protection against military threats, it offers long-term economic and ecological benefits. By linking with the EU CRCF, targeted market development for peatland projects can be initiated. In addition, rewetting is an important building block for the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Law, which contributes to the restoration of European landscapes. Now is the time to put this solution on the political agenda.

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Recommended reading

Schwägerl, C. (2024): Die strategische Bedeutung von Feuchtgebieten. Internationale Politik 5, September/Oktober 2024, S. 78-83

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Map of peatlands and wetlands in the EU and other countries