Latvia plans swamp revival on border with Russia to boost defense
Latvia seeks to strengthen its border defense with Russia using an unconventional method (Illustrative photo: facebook.com/rs.gov.lv)
Latvia's Armed Forces have backed the idea of restoring swamps along the border with Russia. According to the National Armed Forces press service, the wetlands would serve as a natural barrier on the frontier.
"The National Armed Forces support the restoration of historical peat extraction sites on Latvia's eastern border – their revival can make a significant contribution to strengthening the country's defense capability, serving as natural obstacles on the eastern border. This involves the restoration of swamps, water bodies, and forests in historically degraded peat extraction sites," the military statement said.
They also noted that such a decision would make it possible not only to strengthen border defense but also to reduce material, technical, and personnel resources.
Priority is planned to be given to those peat extraction sites where "the restoration of wetland ecosystems most directly contributes to the construction of the Baltic defense line on the eastern border."
Most of Latvia's peatlands are concentrated in the east of the country, specifically in Latgale and the Upper Land.
According to studies and regional surveys, the Latgale region has the largest share of swamps in relation to its area.
European countries restore swamps for defense
Politico earlier wrote that European Union countries bordering Russia want to protect themselves from a possible invasion by restoring swamps.
In particular, Finnish politicians are already proposing to restore swamps near the border with Russia.
In Poland, swamp restoration has been included in the East Shield program.
