Emeritus Professor DoctorMichael Succow, Right Livelihood Award Laureate, is the founder and Chairman of the Board of the Michael Succow Foundation for the Protection of Nature, located in Greifswald. Up until 2006 Michael Succow was the Director of the Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden of the University of Greifswald and exerted significant influence on the structure of the study course “Landscape ecology and nature conservation”.
The exploration and the conservation of peatlands worldwide has been the focus of the life-long scientific work of this recognised peatland ecologist. Derived of this is one of the main aims of his foundation, the conservation and the development of wetlands, especially of peatlands and marshes.
His presentation will be an overview about land use practices in peatlands, beginning with low intensity drainage and ending up in often total destruction of fens and peat degradation due to intensive drainage and utilization. Finally he will present some options and solutions available for sustainable use of peatlands in the future.
Moderation: Sebastian Schmidt, Michael Succow Foundation