My study aims to support restoration of disturbed peatland ecosystems guiding them toward a path to undisturbed ecosystems. Addressing 4 critical issues: climate change, forestry, restoration and raising awareness about peatland restoration while inspiring positive change. As proxy for ecosystem state, I use composition and functional traits of testate amoebae. To define the target ecosystem state, I will sample a set of pristine peatlands. To assess how disturbances impact peatlands, I will sample a drainage experiment simulating impact of climate change and forestry drained peatlands. To assess the success of restoration efforts and effectiveness of different methods, I will sample a set of restored peatlands and experimental restoration site.
