New European Wetland Map: a milestone in wetland conservation
European Wilderness Society is a partner of ALFAwetlands project, which focuses on wetlands restoration around Europe. Within ALFAwetlands project, many activities are planned to rise awareness about wetlands importance.
On time for the World Wetlands Day, the European Wetland Map (‘EWM’) is launched. This map significantly enhances the state-of-knowledge on wetlands across Europe by locating, assessing and merging the latest geospatial data. It combines various data from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) on wetland types and their distribution on mineral soil in coastal environments and floodplains, as well as for a large variety of peatlands in one most comprehensive, easily accessible resource.
Understanding the importance of the European Wetland Map
Wetlands are among the most vital ecosystems on the planet, providing essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and water regulation. Despite their importance, these ecosystems have been widely degraded due to human activities, including urbanization, agriculture, and climate change. To effectively protect and restore wetlands, comprehensive data on their distribution and status is needed. The European Wetland Map (EWM) represents a major advancement in this field, offering a harmonized dataset that covers a wide range of wetland types across the European continent.
”Over a period of two years, we collected, checked and merged more than 200 geodata sets on wetlands and especially peatlands from various sources. Now we are happy about this standardised dataset that makes widespread European wetlands visible and enhances their analysis, understanding and management.’‘ Says Dr Cosima Tegetmeyer of the Greifswald Mire Centre, one of the map’s developers.
The Scope and Coverage of the European Wetland Map
The EWM is designed to fill the gap in wetland mapping by integrating various existing national and regional datasets into a single, accessible resource. It includes data on floodplains, coastal wetlands, peatlands, and other mineral wetlands, spanning across numerous European countries. By providing this comprehensive dataset, the EWM enables policymakers, conservationists, and researchers to make informed decisions regarding wetland protection and restoration.
One of the key strengths of the EWM is its extensive geographic coverage. It includes most European countries, except for a few territories where data was unavailable. The map utilizes geospatial data to assess wetland distribution, offering a reliable tool for monitoring changes in wetland areas and supporting the implementation of conservation measures. This ensures that wetland conservation efforts are based on up-to-date, scientifically validated information, allowing for more effective management and restoration initiatives.
A Tool for Conservation and Policy Planning
The EWM not only enhances the understanding of wetland ecosystems but also plays a critical role in policy planning and environmental management. It supports the European Union’s climate and biodiversity strategies by identifying priority areas for restoration and conservation. The map is particularly useful for implementing the EU Nature Restoration Law and aligning with international frameworks such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The dataset is structured to provide insights into the extent and condition of different wetland types. This information is essential for assessing greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands, understanding their role in carbon storage, and evaluating the impact of land-use changes on wetland health. By improving the accuracy and accessibility of wetland data, the EWM strengthens global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect vital biodiversity hotspots.
European Wetland Map and World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 2nd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wetlands and promoting conservation initiatives.
The EWM aligns perfectly with the objectives of World Wetlands Day by providing a scientific foundation for conservation efforts. By offering detailed insights into the state of European wetlands, the map helps policymakers and conservationists develop targeted restoration projects. Additionally, it serves as an educational tool, raising awareness about the ecological and economic benefits of wetland ecosystems.
Map developers
The European Wetland Map has been developed as part of the research and innovation projects “ALFAwetlands – Wetland Restoration for the Future” and “WET HORIZONS”. Additionally, its preparation was supported by the project “Building the European Peatland Initiative: A Strong Alliance for Peatland Climate Protection in Europe.
The Michael Succow Foundation together with the University of Greifswald, both partner in the Greifswald Mire Centre, played a key role in the development of the map.
Conclusion
The European Wetland Map is a groundbreaking initiative that enhances the ability to monitor, protect, and restore wetlands across Europe. By offering comprehensive data on wetland distribution and condition, it supports sustainable land-use planning and contributes to climate change mitigation efforts. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, the EWM serves as a reminder of the importance of wetlands and the urgent need to safeguard them for future generations.
Through collaboration, education, and policy action, we can ensure that wetlands continue to thrive and provide their invaluable benefits to nature and society. Let the European Wetland Map be a guiding tool in this mission, supporting a future where wetlands are protected, restored, and celebrated as one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems.
Press release
Please also read and disseminate our Press Release in different languages.
Discover more from European Wilderness Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.