BioDiver

Final report

The objective of the preparatory project BioDiver was to develop a plan for the main project, focusing on sustainable management of degraded lands and cut-away peatlands in Northern regions. The goal was to create operational models to reuse these areas in environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable ways. This included carbon capture, biodiversity preservation, and boosting the regional economy. 

A key part of the project was ensuring that landowners could find ways to use their lands for sustainable livelihoods by managing carbon and supporting biodiversity. Indicators would also be developed to measure these outcomes.

During the preparatory project, the background and stakeholder groups involved in the degraded lands were identified, along with an overview of relevant policies. The concept of "nature management" was introduced as part of the project approach. 

Four nature management schemes were highlighted as promising for the sustainable reuse of degraded land: restoration, recreation and well-being, agriculture, and sustainable energy and bioproducts. From these, four value chains were selected for economic analysis and biodiversity indicators: rehabilitation, ecotourism, regenerative agriculture, and short rotation forestry. These focus areas aim to combine economic benefits with environmental sustainability.