For some time already it has been insufficient to consider peatlands merely as a source of peat for peat extraction, nor as a source for forestry or agriculture. We have come to an understanding of the importance of all the ecosystem services that peatland provides, especially in their natural condition.

Open lectures will be advertised in universities and to potentially interested NGO-s. Participation in such lectures will be free of charge for everyone. In parallel with the peatland congress, international peatlands and peat related movie festival will be held. The festival will be open to the general public. Prior to the congress, international peatlands and peat related photo contest will be held. The best pictures will be presented during the congress and winners will be announced.

There is potentially no better scene for the discussion of peatland ecological services than Estonia. Due to the suitable landscape and climatic conditions for paludification, approx. 22 % of Estonian territory is covered with peatlands in various conditions. Peatlands are an integral part of the Estonian landscape and have governed the course of old roads and communication between different regions.