The impact of restoration of Lithuanian peatlands on the economic value of certain ecosystem services

The purpose of the study is to assess spatial and temporal changes in the economic values of ecosystem services provided by Lithuanian peatlands and to assess the benefits of restoring drained peatlands in comparison to the costs. Lithuania has lost about 75 % of its peatlands, most of which are drained fens (74 %), and most of which remain intact were raised peatlands (65 %). Forestry and agriculture were the main drivers of peatland loss. The examined ecosystem services provided by undrained peatlands, compared to drained ones, were mainly related to climate and water flow regulation, waste management, biodiversity, and recreation. Based on this selection of ecosystem services (ES), the value of intact peat ecosystem services is $1336 million per year. Undrained peatlands, occupying less than half the area of drained peatlands, provide twice as many benefits in terms of ES as drained ecosystems. If these drained peatlands were restored by 2050, they would account for $4006 million per year. A cost-benefit analysis has shown that the benefits outweigh the costs, making restoration efforts economically justifiable. More effective management measures could achieve a balance between the use of these ecosystems and the benefits they provide to human well-being.