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French dairy giant Bel Group is collaborating with the CEN of Franche-Comté and the EPAGE of Haut-Doubs Haute-Loue and Doubs-Dessoubre to revitalise over 40 peatlands in the Jura region over the next six years. The CEN of Franche-Comté is a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving the natural environment within the Franche-Comté region of France. Meanwhile, EPAGE is a public entity tasked with water management in the Haut-Doubs Haute-Loue and Doubs-Dessoubre regions. These wetlands, known for their biodiversity and crucial role in water cycle preservation, also feature carbon capture capabilities. Bel's initiative aligns with its climate and biodiversity strategy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions across its value chain under the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C trajectory. Peatlands, which cover only 3% of Earth's land surface, harbour approximately one-third of the soil's carbon content, making their protection and restoration imperative in global climate mitigation efforts. The owner of The Laughing Cow brand's commitment to decarbonising the food sector was underscored in February 2022 when it pledged to achieve carbon neutrality in its factories by 2025 and across its entire value chain by 2050. To fulfil this commitment, Bel is implementing a carbon sequestration strategy to offset its residual carbon emissions. The company has earmarked approximately €10 million annually for supporting projects with positive environmental, social and economic impacts. In this latest project, Bel will leverage the carbon sequestration potential of peatlands, particularly in the company's historical birthplace, the Jura region. The partnership is set to accelerate the pace of peatland rehabilitation projects in the area, doubling the current rate of execution. Bel Group's president, Antoine Fiévet, said: "Peatlands are little-known yet exceptional natural ecosystems that play an essential role in carbon sequestration, fresh water supply, but also in the preservation and restoration of biodiversity. With this partnership, dedicated to their rehabilitation, alongside the CEN of Franche-Comté and the EPAGE Haut-Doubs Haute-Loue and Doubs-Dessoubre, we demonstrate once again that the responsible action of Bel group in favour of the environment and territories within which – and for which – we operate, is an investment in the sustainability of our activity and in service of our commitment to offering healthier and more sustainable food, accessible to all" Muriel Loriod-Bardi, president of the CEN of Franche-Comté, added: "Thanks to the peatland restoration work carried out over the past few years by the Franche-Comté Conservatory of Natural Spaces and its partners, the inhabitants of the Jura massif have become proud of these precious natural environments which offer so much beauty. Today, peat bogs strengthen the attachment of Franche-Comté people to their territory. There is still a lot to do to rehabilitate and save them, which is why it is essential that more and more players get involved in their preservation, like Bel group."