Latvia restores marshes on eastern border with Russia to strengthen defence

Latvia is restoring marshes on its eastern border to strengthen its defences. Illustrative photo: Getty Images

Latvia has launched a project to restore peat bogs and wetlands on its eastern border with Russia. Such natural barriers are to become an additional element of the country's defence.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the National Armed Forces support the revitalisation of swamps, water bodies and forests in historically degraded areas. This not only reduces environmental damage, but also facilitates defence operations by enabling more efficient use of army resources.

The project is being implemented within the framework of the initiative «Supporting the revitalisation of historic peat extraction sites». Particular attention is focused on areas where bog restoration will facilitate the construction of the Baltic Defence Line.

The municipalities plan to attract EU funding under the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Programme, which provides support for the transition to climate neutrality and the gradual phase-out of peat in the energy sector.

As a reminder, Estonia is ready to host British F-35A fighter j ets, which can carry nuclear bombs, in the future.