EU nature restoration law
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”
BUT 48% 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
Meet European personalities who support wetland restoration
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