{"id":880,"date":"2026-08-03T14:06:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T14:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/?p=880"},"modified":"2026-08-18T14:43:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:43:53","slug":"why-restoring-mires-is-harder-than-it-sounds-life-mires-estonia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/2026\/08\/03\/why-restoring-mires-is-harder-than-it-sounds-life-mires-estonia\/","title":{"rendered":"Why restoring mires is harder than it sounds \u2013 LIFE Mires Estonia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/06_Life-Mires-Estonia.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><em>Prefer listening on the go? This episode is also available on <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/55ZmBKZ1u7s54Wmh8E3oqq?si=97b90944b1eb4fbf\">Spotify<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Why restoring mires is harder than it sounds \u2013 LIFE Mires Estonia Steps for Nature podcast \u00b7 Episode 6\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/55ZmBKZ1u7s54Wmh8E3oqq?si=97b90944b1eb4fbf&amp;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Welcome back to the sixth episode of <em>Steps for Nature<\/em>! In this episode, we speak with J\u00fcri-Ott from the Estonian Fund for Nature about LIFE Mires Estonia and what it takes to restore ecosystems that have been heavily altered over time. The discussion touches on how our understanding of peatlands is changing, and why stronger guidance and shared frameworks are needed to support effective restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-883\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395-1920x1287.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395-1320x885.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/IMG_4395.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>J\u00fcri-Ott Salm, Photo: Katre Liiv<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to nature conservation in Estonia. Founded in 1991 by a group of naturalists and experts, it works independently to support nature protection through expertise and innovative solutions. ELF focuses on protecting endangered species and habitats, as well as Estonia\u2019s characteristic landscapes such as the sea, wetlands, and forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cFifteen years ago, in 2010, much of the practice in relation to restoration of peatlands was based on building dams of wood or other materials which you had to bring into the area. And we learned within a few years that actually this is not working, and everybody was learning at that time.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 J\u00fcri-Ott Salm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-2048x1534.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-1920x1439.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-M.Kohv_Korsa_Elo-Liivi-teos_madu_25.09.25-2-1320x989.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em>Overhead view of the K\u00f5rsa bog. Photo: M. Kohv<\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Running from 2015 to 2021, the LIFE Mires Estonia project focused on restoring six key mire areas across Estonia, targeting ten priority wetland habitat types such as active raised bogs and bog woodlands. Through large-scale restoration measures\u2014including closing drainage ditches, constructing dams, and reworking soil\u2014the project helped restore natural water conditions across nearly 8 000 hectares of mires. The project combined practical restoration measures with public engagement, involving volunteers in monitoring and hands-on restoration activities and organising study tours and educational hikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Copy-of-A.B.Erikson_GA_Day-2_Parnu-Museum-Korsa_12.05.26-37-1320x880.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em>Hike and volunteer work at K\u00f5rsa on day 2 of the WaterLANDS General Assembly. Photo: A.B. Erikson<\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/M.Kass_Lavassaare_24.11.25-suurem-tasandusala-peale-teostust-1320x743.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leveled landscape following restoration work at Lavassaare. Photo: M. Kass<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br><strong>Learn more:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/elfond.ee\/\">Estonian Fund for Nature<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/soo.elfond.ee\/en\/\">LIFE Mires Estonia<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/d.soo.elfond.ee\/index.php\/s\/VIePzQZljBa1RlN#pdfviewer\">Project Handbook<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/soo.elfond.ee\/en\/filmid\/\">Ad(mire)! | A 9-episode series of educational films<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prefer listening on the go? This episode is also available on Spotify. Welcome back to the sixth episode of Steps for Nature! In this episode,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":881,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,15],"tags":[10],"class_list":["post-880","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment","category-nature-restoration","tag-podcast"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/880","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=880"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/880\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":912,"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/880\/revisions\/912"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=880"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=880"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cbss.org\/youth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=880"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}