Perspective chapter: development of ITA-based bioeconomy sites in peatands; green innovation that promotes zero-waste, zero-pollution and climate action principles

Abstract

Rewetted peatlands represent emerging environments that combine carbon storage with green innovation supporting rural regeneration and community transitioning to low-carbon economies. This chapter describes the establishment of innovative integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) sites in peatlands areas as new bioeconomy demonstrators for viable green innovation that can be replicated globally for strategic sustainable change-of-land-use. Fish aquaculture waste is used by microalgae and duckweed to produce high-value proteins and other added-value ingredients that can be biorefined on-site for human and animal feeds. These peatland-based demonstration sites use organic, zero-pollution, zero-waste and climate-friendly principles. They operate at the vital interface between bottom-up end-user stakeholders and top-down strategic regreening policies. These IMTA bioeconomy peatlands can be digitally transformed for real-time performance monitoring, product development and supply-chain management, and security. The outcome of this novel peatland demonstration site aligns and will contribute to achieving many of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.