Background Bogs host a variety of specific plant communities and species typical for bog habitats. The conservation status of bogs in the Hunsrück and Eifel area has severely declined in recent years as a result of anthropogenic interference and suspended use. At the same time animal and plant species associated with bogs have become rare. Therefore there is an urgent need to restore and preserve the bogs of the Hunsrück and Eifel area. Preservation and restoration of bogs is not only important for the long-term conservation of plant and animal species associated with these habitats: Bogs can function as permanent stores of CO2 and, as a result, are of great importance for climate change mitigation. Degraded bogs, however, add to the emission of greenhouse gases and thus have a large-scale adverse effect on the environment. Objectives The project aims to restore and protect important bog habitats in the Hunsrück and Eifel area. Among these are several habitats listed as priority habitats in Annex I of the Habitats Directive: active raised bogs, bog woodland and alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior. Other habitat types, such as the Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix, European dry heaths, Species-rich Nardus grasslands, Molinia meadows and hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities, will benefit from this project as well. The main objective of the project is to stop the decline of plant communities and species associated with bogs. In addition, the project will help stop emissions and reactivate the bonding of CO2 from bog habitats. Further aims include raising awareness of the importance of protecting nature, and especially bogs, which can play a key role in climate change mitigation. Expected results: Restoration and protection of some 100 ha of bogs in the Hunsrück and Eifel area; Long-term waterlogging and maintenance of blocked ditches; Restoration of valuable open habitats on some 30 ha; Purchase of 13.5 ha of forested land; Drawing up of six management plans; Stabilisation and activation of CO2 storage in the bog areas of the project, and achieving long-term effects via voluntary emissions trading of bog certificates; Removal of tracks and forest roads; and Arresting the population decline of various target species.