Rethinking Peatland Futures for Latvia: Life Cycle Thinking Approach Integrated Within Multicriteria Analysis
摘要
Latvia relies on its peat resources economically, environmentally, and culturally, but with increasing pressure from climate targets and biodiversity commitments, there is a growing urgency to rethink how degraded peatlands are managed. This study evaluates various restoration and after-use strategies for extracted peatlands by applying an integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) framework that combines environmental (LCA), economic (LCC), and social (S-LCA) evaluation dimensions. A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach using the TOPSIS method is employed to compare ten after-use scenarios, including renaturalization, afforestation, water body creation, wetland crop cultivation, and renewable energy installations. The analysis highlights trade-offs across sustainability dimensions and supports informed land-use planning by identifying which options deliver the most balanced performance. The proposed method provides a structured and adaptable tool for policymakers and land managers to guide post-extraction peatland recovery in line with national and EU sustainability goals.