Fen habitats are biotopes with highly specialized flora and fauna and traditionally used as pastures or meadows. Intact fens serve to store CO2 and water, and can be used as attractive recreational areas if visitors are properly instructed. Fens depend on water and are very sensitive to climate change. According to the existing Flachmoorverordnung (Fens Ordinance), adequate ecological buffer zones must be established around them. Maintaining a proper water balance is critical for the long-term protection of fens. While a precautionary hydrological perimeter has been roughly modelled for the 106 Bernese raised bogs, such key basic knowledge is lacking for the restoration and maintenance of the canton’s fens.
The first step of this project was the development of an impact model. It displayed robust results for fens in flysch. However, it needs to be improved with regards to karstic areas and fens influenced by groundwater near lakes and rivers. Later, the impact model will be tested in practice using topographic, geological, and vegetation data. Afterwards, the model will be applied to all Bernese fens of national or regional importance. A user-friendly manual will be created for the responsible authorities tasked with implementing a precautionary perimeter as a basis for planning.