Why should wetland restoration be prioritised by European and Mediterranean countries?
The economic benefits of restoring wetlands outweigh the costs
The proposal for a European Nature Restoration Law acknowledges that “for inland and coastal wetlands (…) the monetised benefits from carbon storage alone already exceed the estimated costs of ecosystem restoration”
Saline di Cervia. ©Artem Bolshakov
Indeed, wetlands provide some of the most essential services that sustain our societies:
Carbon dioxide sequestration
Water purification
Irrigation means for agriculture
Drought prevention
Flood prevention
Sea level rise mitigation
BUT
48%
48%
globally in the last 50 years
of wetlands have disappeared globally in the last 50 years
A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally. This includes lagoons, marshes, salinas, swamps, etc. The main reasons for the decline of wetlands are uncontrolled water extraction for agriculture and the development of artificial infrastructures.
Discover successful examples of wetland restoration
Laguna di Venezia
In Laguna di Venezia, the creation of 220 ha of new wetlands is already mitigating flood risks with increased water storage capacity of some 1,800,000 m3.
…
Camargue
In Camargue, France, a restoration programme has saved public funds of between €13 – €17 million for reconstructing dikes, €7-€24 million for the construction of groins, and at least €800,000 in annual maintenance.
…
Albufera de Valencia
In Albufera de Valencia, Spain, the economic value of the ecosystem services provided in one restored area has been estimated at more than €20 million.
50%
of Mediterranean wetlands have disappeared in the last 50 years.
150
million people live in Mediterranean coastal areas
50%
of Mediterranean wetlands have disappeared in the last 50 years.
150
million people live in Mediterranean coastal areas
Meet European personalities who support wetland restoration
Frédérique TUFFNELL, French deputy
Jane MADGWICK, Netherlands
Gianluca Cocco, Sardinia (Italy)
Jakub Wejchert, EU
Fabrice DENTRESSANGLE, PRIMA
Wetland managers' recommendations
The side-effects of building grey infrastructures
Instead of restoring natural ecosystems, European and Mediterranean countries are often reacting to disasters and extreme weather events by developing artificial dams, concrete barriers, excavations and cutting of natural vegetation. These “grey solutions” interrupt the natural dynamics of these ecosystems and have a massive impact on biodiversity.
For the new restoration measures to be effective, the positive impacts on biodiversity and natural ecosystems should be ensured and quantified.
Photo: Luzzone Dam. © Gattoarturo
Instead of restoring natural ecosystems, European and Mediterranean countries are often reacting to disasters and extreme weather events by developing artificial dams, concrete barriers, excavations and cutting of natural vegetation. These “grey solutions” interrupt the natural dynamics of these ecosystems and have a massive impact on biodiversity.
For the new restoration measures to be effective, the positive impacts on biodiversity and natural ecosystems should be ensured and quantified.
Photo: Luzzone Dam. © Gattoarturo
The urgent need to approve the new Nature Restoration Law
The new Nature Restoration Law is a great opportunity to recover natural infrastructures and implement Nature-based Solutions allowing to respond to the pressing challenges that European societies are facing.
After a summer of extreme temperatures, devastating fires and drought events, accelerating the approval of this law is key to protect the livelihoods of millions of people.
Read more about the importance of this law for wetlands in this position paper.
The new Nature Restoration Law is a great opportunity to recover natural infrastructures and implement Nature-based Solutions allowing to respond to the pressing challenges that European societies are facing.
After a summer of extreme temperatures, devastating fires and drought events, accelerating the approval of this law is key to protect the livelihoods of millions of people.
Read more about the importance of this law for wetlands in this position paper.
Contact the Wetland-based Solutions team
Wetland-Based Solutions is a free-to-access resource and information platform put together by expert scientists, analysts and specialist organisations to assist decision-makers and managers in protecting and restoring these fragile and yet vital ecosystems
Contact the Wetland-based Solutions team
Wetland-Based Solutions is a free-to-access resource and information platform put together by expert scientists, analysts and specialist organisations to assist decision-makers and managers in protecting and restoring these fragile and yet vital ecosystems