Moor research in Greifswald: Minister visits circulating experts!

Moor research in Greifswald: Minister visits circulating experts!

Greifswald, Deutschland - Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and the state environment minister Dr. Till Backhaus gave themselves an exciting visit to the Greifswald Moor Centrum (GMC) at the University of Greifswald. On July 3, 2025, they found out about the important research and the protection of moor areas, which are of great importance not only for the climate, but also for biodiversity. The university maintains one of the leading research institutions in this area at both national and international level, as reports [IDW-Online].

enthusiastic about the insights he received on his tour, Schneider praised the excellent research at the University of Greifswald. Particularly noteworthy are the impressive research institutions, including a research system with 108 mini bogs, a global moor area database and a diverse moor library. Dr. Franziska Tanneberger and her colleagues clearly presented the different aspects of moor research, which has a tradition over 200 years at the university.

moor research and their meaning

The GMC is not just a cooperation between the University of Greifswald, the Michael Succow Foundation and Duene e. V., but also a place where around 100 researchers are active. Not only basic research is carried out here, but also a strong focus on paludic culture is placed in order to use moor areas sustainably and to record carbon sales and the greenhouse gas exchange. This opens up new perspectives for climate protection, as the working groups in moor research examine in detail, according to the [website of the University of Greifswald].

The AG deals with diverse topics of moor research - from paleoecology to sustainable use of bogs. The interdisciplinarity is a key term; Both basic research and practical application are sought. The needs of nature conservation also flow into the work of the researchers, which among other things also deal intensively with lesser-known moor and door types.

scientific cooperation and global responsibility

The visit of Minister Schneider went hand in hand with the current discussion about the role of bogs in climate protection. According to a statement by the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, which has recently been published, natural bogs and floodplains are not only habitats for a high biodiversity, but also crucial for the prevention of flood disasters and the reduction of CO2 emissions. The re-interlocking and renaturation of these important ecosystems are therefore to be regarded as key measures in order to achieve the goals of the EU Nature Restoration Law and the UN Biodiversity Convention, as is emphasized on [mowi.botanik.uni-greifswald.de]

The challenge of protecting nature and at the same time rewarding the ecosystem services of the bogs requires coordinated effort on several levels. Suggestions such as the integration of bogs into CO2 emissions trading and the changeover to paludic culture are central points that have to be followed up together. The international cooperation and the commitment of the research institution in Greifswald are essential.