Denmark has surpassed its initial goals for lowland soil restoration through local green tripartite collaborations across the country. The efforts have been ongoing for several months and have already demonstrated significant progress.

Minister Jeppe Bruus expressed satisfaction with the achievements, noting that preliminary projects cover 180,000 hectares, exceeding the target of 140,000 hectares. The initiative is also close to achieving its goal of removing nearly 13,000 tonnes of nitrogen.

While many projects are still in the outline phase and require further development, the minister remains optimistic. The collaborative approach has proven effective at the local level. Projects with preliminary investigations or commitments cover approximately half of the 140,000-hectare target.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding compensation for farmers who will need to repurpose agricultural land to support nature and improve the aquatic environment. A CO2 tax of DKK 40 per tonne of CO2 from carbon-rich lowland soils may be implemented from 2028 for those unwilling to participate voluntarily.

Some local collaborations have finalized agreements, including those for Smålandsfarvandet in South and West Zealand and Bornholm. The tripartite collaboration around the Baltic Sea has also completed its conversion plan. Municipalities must approve all 23 conversion plans before the end of the year, followed by negotiations.

Johannes Lundsfryd Jensen, chairman of the Climate and Environment Committee in the Danish Association of Municipalities (KL), praised the effort, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between environmentalists, farmers, and political parties.