In 2026, the world marks 40 years since the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, and new ecological restoration efforts are increasingly focusing on managing natural ecosystems, reducing climate risks, and rebuilding environmental balance in affected territories. A major priority in this process is the restoration of degraded peatlands and drained wetlands, which play a vital role in climate regulation and ecosystem stability.
Wetlands are essential natural systems that regulate freshwater flows, support biodiversity, and act as significant carbon sinks. In Belarus alone, wetlands cover about 863,000 hectares, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide annually while also producing oxygen. However, when these ecosystems are drained or degraded, they contribute to biodiversity loss, disrupted water systems, increased fire risks, and higher greenhouse gas emissions, with around 190,000 hectares of land in Belarus currently affected.
Since 2005, UNDP in Belarus has supported wetland and peatland restoration through policy development, technical guidance, pilot projects, and capacity building. This work has helped strengthen national legislation, including the Law on Protection and Use of Peatlands, and has contributed to the restoration of more than 50,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems across the country.
These restoration efforts align with global environmental agreements, including climate change, biodiversity, desertification, and wetland conservation conventions. By restoring wetlands, Belarus is helping to enhance carbon storage, protect biodiversity, and contribute to international climate commitments and sustainable development goals.
The Chernobyl-affected territories present a particularly sensitive environmental context, especially within the Polesie State Radiation and Ecological Reserve. In these areas, drained wetlands increase the risk of fires, which can spread long-lived radionuclides and cause wider environmental contamination. Restoring natural water regimes helps reduce fire hazards and stabilise radioactive materials within peat soils, improving long-term ecological safety.
Recent initiatives in 2026 include scientific assessments for restoring degraded peatlands such as the “Kolybanskoye” site, along with expert consultations and conferences involving more than 110 specialists. These efforts combine scientific research with international best practices to guide ecosystem recovery and strengthen regional cooperation.
Overall, wetland and peatland restoration in the Chernobyl-affected region demonstrates how ecological recovery can support climate action, reduce environmental risks, and promote long-term sustainability. Forty years after the disaster, these efforts reflect a shift from remediation to resilience, showing how nature-based solutions can contribute to a safer and more sustainable future.
