@article{gledocs_11858_7274,
author = {Hofer, Bernd and Huwald, Götz and Lehmann, Jan},
title = {Studie zur Situation des Torfabbaus im Baltikum},
year = {2012},
volume = {42},
pages = {43-56},

abstract = {Abstract: The Industrieverband Garten (IVG) e.V., Ratingen (Gardening Industry Association), engaged the engineering company Hofer & Pautz GbR, Altenberge, to prepare a study on the situation of the Baltic peat industry. The aim of the study was to research the extraction of peat in the Baltic states, and to collect reliable data for on objective discussion on the activities of the German peat industry in the Baltic. To provide a full-coverage database for the three Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – satellite photographs were used to provide digitised images for the ArcGIS geoinformation system so that the size of the areas could be determined. The peat extraction areas were divided into active and inactive areas and then checked on the ground on the basis of up-to-date local knowledge in some of the peatlands. Additional information was gathered from internet searches, and direct contacts with universities, authorities and associations. This study produced the following findings: • The industrial exploitation of peatlands for peat extraction began in the Baltic several decades ago when Russia still controlled the area. • Prior to gaining independence, peat mining in the Baltic states under Russian control was at least twice as much per year as it is today. • The active and abandoned peat extraction areas affect 4.2% of the raised peatbogs in the Baltic in total. • The old Russian peat extraction areas abandoned since 1990 are seen as a significant problem for climate and peatland protection (biodiversity) in the Baltic. If production continues at the current rate, the reserves in the peat extraction areas developed during the period of Russian domination will last for many decades to come. However, because the white peat lies in the upper part of the profile, and is therefore extracted first, and because the demand will rise in the light of the decline in peat extraction in Germany, it is forecast that new white peat extraction areas will have to be developed much earlier for qualitative reasons. This situation may arise in the short term for some peat extraction operations in particular. New approvals for peat extraction in the Baltic are also subject to EU regulations which have been adopted in the national laws by the three states.},
note = { \url {http://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gldocs-11858/7274}},
}