Zwarte Beek: EcoTree’s first peatland restoration project in Belgium

Why peatlands matter, and why restoring Zwarte Beek is urgent

Peatlands, such as those in Zwarte Beek, are carbon and water storage powerhouses. In the downstream part of the valley, where EcoTree and the local NGO Natuurpunt are concentrating their efforts, peat layers store massive amounts of carbon, when they are wet. However, in their current drained state, they emit up to 11 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year. Simultaneously, they cannot store the water as they are meant to, which in times of droughts becomes ever more important. 

With 100 hectares targeted for land acquisition and restoration, the project has the potential to preserve and lock in an estimated over 100,000 tonnes of CO2e, preventing their release into the atmosphere due to ongoing degradation, drainage, and climate stress.

However, the value of this landscape extends far beyond its carbon footprint: 

• It’s part of the Natura 2000 network, home to Belgium’s only breeding pair of common crane and the country’s largest population of common snipe.
• Its soils host rare habitats and species, such as bog arum, bog myrtle, and the spotted crake.
• It stores millions of cubic meters of water, helping to reduce flood risks and improve regional water resilience during droughts.

Two ways for businesses to take part

1. Restore nature through biodiversity sponsorship

Companies can fund the restoration and protection of ecologically valuable land areas in Zwarte Beek by contributing to the regeneration of rare wetland habitats, the reconnection of fragmented ecosystems, and the return of iconic species.

Sponsorship enables the purchase of parcels in strategic zones, such as “De Leunen” and parts of the Lange Beemde site, both of which are critical for reversing landscape fragmentation and improving groundwater recharge.

2. Offset unavoidable carbon emissions via MoorFutures-certified credits

Zwarte Beek is certified under the renowned MoorFutures standard, a robust and science-based carbon methodology for peatland projects. Companies can acquire verified carbon credits representing real, additional, and permanent CO₂ emissions avoidance. You can read more about out different certified carbon credits here. 

This option allows you to:

• Meet Climate targets with high-integrity carbon credits.
• Support local biodiversity and water regulation as co-benefits.
• Communicate measurable climate contributions to stakeholders.

An impactful way for businesses to take concrete action 

This project is already being supported by companies committed to meaningful sustainability action. One of them is Minor Hotels, a long-standing EcoTree partner:

“Every one of us has a certain responsibility towards our environment and our planet. We at Minor Hotels are aware of this responsibility. We are grateful to be able to cooperate again with our trusted partner EcoTree in this Peatland Project in Belgium on behalf of our clients, contributing to climate, water and biodiversity protection.”

- Bastian Keppler, Director Sales TMC / CSR Sustainability Ambassador – Northern Europe, MINOR HOTELS

This kind of partnership illustrates the strength of EcoTree’s model: combining scientific rigour, trusted on-the-ground implementation, and strategic business engagement to drive nature-positive outcomes.

Local expertise, long-term impact

EcoTree’s role is to enable access to high-quality nature-based projects through a business-friendly framework. On the ground, we collaborate with the dedicated scientists of Natuurpunt, who bring decades of conservation expertise and a strong community trust. Other partners include the University of Kiel and Climate Ministry of Mecklenburg Pomerania (Germany).

The restoration work includes:

• Filling drainage ditches to rewet the peat soils
• Reconnecting fragmented land parcels
• Removing invasive species and outdated infrastructure
• Reviving historical marshes 

Hydrology, biodiversity, and carbon storage are all being monitored and studied, ensuring results that meet the standards of scientific scrutiny and regulation.

How to contribute to restoring the Zwarte Beek peatlands

If your company is seeking impactful, measurable, and locally rooted ways to advance its climate, biodiversity, or CSR goals, Zwarte Beek presents a unique opportunity to get involved.

Contact us to learn more and explore contribution options: Reach out to us or book a meeting with Christian, from our DACH team, to learn how your organisation can participate in this flagship project.