Linnunsuo wetland in Finland used to be a lifeless „moonscape,“ but through the efforts of local fishers and an environmental group called Snowchange it has been transformed into a thriving and biodiverse ecosystem. Originally drained and mined for peat by an energy company in the 1980s, the site was left scarred and deserted. With highly acidic soil and water pH levels dropping to 2.77 it became impossible for plants and animals to survive there. In 2010, alarming fish deaths in nearby rivers prompted local communities to take action, leading to the launch of restoration efforts in 2011.
The restoration involved rehydrating the land by building interconnected dams and pools, effectively stopping peat decomposition, which had been releasing harmful CO2 into the atmosphere. This critical step not only restored the wetland’s carbon storage capacity but also set the stage for a remarkable ecological recovery. Within a year, life began returning. Today, Linnunsuo is home to 205 bird species, including the threatened Northern Pintail and the vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle. Larger wildlife like bears, wolverines, and moose now frequent the area, while sphagnum moss has reestablished itself, further enhancing the areas carbon storage. Snowchange‘s success stems from blending traditional and scientific knowledge and empowering local communities to lead conservation efforts.
Linnunsuo has become a global symbol of hope, demonstrating how degraded ecosystems can be revived. While challenges remain, such as slower recovery in certain areas, the wetland’s transformation offers a model for future restoration projects and a reminder of humanity’s potential to positively impact nature.