Meta, Microsoft & Google Invest in Restoring Irish Peatlands
Meta, Microsoft and Google have pledged more than US$3.5m (€3m) with the aim to restore 450 hectares of degraded peatlands across Ireland.
Peatland Finance Ireland says the peatlands are one of the country's most valuable natural ecosystems and will benefit greatly from the investment.
The landmark investment follows from The European Investment Banks support in 2022 and Amazon in 2025.
Dr Shane Mc Guinness, Founder and Director of Peatland Finance Ireland says: “Peatlands are one of Ireland’s most important ecosystems, and their restoration is a breakthrough opportunity to cut emissions and protect biodiversity.
“This investment shows growing international recognition of Ireland’s restoration potential.”
Why are the peatlands important?
The peatlands can store more carbon than all other vegetation types combined, according to the Peatland Finance Ireland.
When healthy it can filter and regulate water and provide habitats for wildlife.
However when degraded it can become major emitters of greenhouse gases, so Peatland Finance Ireland say that the restoration of the area is the most cost effective way to fight climate change.
The European Investment Bank says that the peatlands are central to Ireland's future climate and biodiversity commitments.
Creating healthy peatlands could contribute to better water security, helping to mitigate droughts and flood events.
The bank reports that the rehabilitation of the peatlands could reduce national carbon emissions by up to 10%.
John Boumphrey, UK and Ireland Country Manager at Amazon says: “Peatlands are vital stores of carbon, but their degraded state means they currently release over two million tons of greenhouse gases every year.
“We’re supporting the development of the Peatland Standard for Ireland because properly financing restoration projects can bring great benefits to both local communities and the broader environment.”
What will the latest investment do?
The investment from Meta, Microsoft and Google will begin with a pilot site in Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation and could bring several benefits to the ongoing project.
Peatland Finance Ireland says that it could restore around 450 hectares of peatland across Ireland.
The aim will be to provide long-term climate, water and biodiversity benefits that are backed by third party verification from the Irish Peatland Standard.
The project will not only help the planet but also aims to create additional benefits for local communities, such as water quality and more resilient landscapes.
Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft says: “When it comes to sustainability, there is no winner.
“Our collective progress depends on partnerships and teamwork.
“This is why it’s especially exciting to share that Microsoft, alongside Meta and Google, is investing in the restoration of up to 450 hectares of Ireland’s precious peatlands.
“What makes this project special isn’t just the scale — it’s the spirit of collaboration.
“We’re working hand-in-hand with local communities, government, and experts to make sure every step is transparent, science-driven and delivers lasting results.
“By pooling resources and expertise, we’re unlocking nature finance for real impact. Safeguarding our water resources starts with protecting the ecosystems — like peatlands — that sustain them.”
What has already been done?
In 2022 the European Investment bank kick started the project by announcing an initiative to support the restoration of the peatlands.
The initial agreement for the project outlined the restoration of 60 hectares of previously drained bog wetted, with the aim to increase water storage levels by 50-90 million litres.
Amazon started out a new voluntary certification, under its Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund., committing US$578,000 (€495,000) through a joint investment with various others.
The certification aims to restore 700,000 hectares of degraded peatlands helping to avoid up to two million tons of carbon emissions annually.
Shane says: “The new Peatland Standard recognises the environmental, economic and societal benefits from reviving these vital ecosystems.
“Quantifying the benefits of carbon, biodiversity and water enhancements will unlock financing for community restoration work, which is only possible when funding comes from a diverse and blended range of sources.
“It is encouraging to see businesses, alongside national and European public bodies, providing blended financing to support positive environmental impact.”
