Private and public sectors collaborate to bring nature based solutions to life

This is the message of a hard-hitting video created by LVMH, Achnacarry Estate, Caledonian Climate and Wetlands International.

Peatlands cover approximately 12% of the UK’s land mass, yet a staggering 80% are degraded and deteriorating. When in this state, peatlands actively release CO₂ into the atmosphere, accounting for 4% of the UK’s annual carbon emissions.

These emissions would otherwise be absorbed by the same, rewetted, blanket bog. Healthy peatlands are powerful carbon sinks, the waterlogged, highly vegetated conditions soaking up vast quantities of CO_2. Recovering damaged peatlands is therefore essential to limiting greenhouse gas emissions, realising our net zero commitments and tackling globally rising temperatures.

Home to 13% of the world’s blanket bog, and the location of the Flow Country, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland has a critical role to play in the recovery of these vital ecosystems.

The Scottish government has committed to restoring 250,000 ha of peatland by 2030. However, with only 10,360ha recovered between 2023-2024, the creators behind the film argue that private investment is needed to rapidly increase at-scale peatland restoration.

Businesses like LVMH are acutely aware of this reality. The conglomerate, alongside PeatlandACTION, financed the restoration of 90 hectares of peatland in Achnacarry Estate, which is forecasted to reduce emissions by 20,858 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over the project’s 100-year lifespan.

Antoine Arnault, LVMH Image and Environment Director, said: “At LVMH, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to nature and the planet. The collaboration with Achnacarry Estate demonstrates our commitment to protecting the environment, enhancing biodiversity and restoring our natural resources.”

Astie Cameron, Achnacarry Estate Manager added: “Peatland not only absorbs and captures carbon, but it also provides a vital habitat for many rare and endangered species, acting as a hotspot for biodiversity. The team has observed an increase in Black-throated Divers and Merlins visiting the Estate, and we expect to see more wildlife flourish over the project lifespan.

Hans Schutten, Programme Head at Wetlands International, commented: “Peatlands are immensely powerful ecosystems that have the potential to reverse some of the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“In producing this film, we hope to raise public awareness of the urgent need to protect and restore peatlands in Scotland the world over. It is a rallying cry for investment in peatland restoration – without it, we leave ourselves exposed to the most devastating impacts of climate change.”

The film launches at an uncomfortable moment for Scotland’s green targets. Recent reports suggest the country will miss its legally binding target to reach net zero by 2045, with failure to reach its carbon sequestration goals a key sticking point. 

Freddie Ingleby, Managing Director of Caledonian Climate, said: “With experts suggesting Scotland will miss its net-zero target by 20m tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, there is a very real and urgent need for private investment in peatland restoration.

“We cannot afford to waste any more time, and businesses now need to put their money where their mouth is and partner up to deliver these vital nature projects.”

Watch the full film below.