WaterLANDS: water-based solutions for carbon storage, people and wilderness

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WaterLANDS: large-scale restoration of European wetlands.

 

WaterLANDS will undertake hands-on restoration of specific wetland sites, covering an initial 10,500 ha, and create best practice models that can be applied to wetland restoration at other sites. By engaging with local communities and stakeholders, the project will ensure that wetland restoration results not only in environmental gains, but also social and economic benefits for the communities involved.  

 

Comprised of diverse ecosystems including peatlands, fens, riparian marshes and coastal estuaries, wetlands are home to 40% of the world’s species. They also store and capture carbon, remove environmental pollutants, and protect communities from flooding. Wetlands are particularly vulnerable to damage from human activities. Europe has already lost up to 90% of its original wetlands, resulting in massive biodiversity loss, water and food shortages, devastating floods and fires, coastal subsidence and erosion. The large-scale, integrated approach developed in WaterLANDS will address these challenges to ensure the resilience and health of both wetland habitats and the communities who rely on them.  

 

Prospex Institute's Role

 

Prospex Institute is leading a work package focusing on identifying and engaging local communities and stakeholders in the wetland areas, to ensure that restoration solutions are co-designed and have local support. This participatory approach is designed to deliver truly sustainable solutions, providing environmental, social and economic benefits.

 

Together with consortium partners Prospex Institute will also facilitate shared learning among WaterLANDS’ Knowledge and Action Sites, enabling exchange of knowledge and best practices among experts and communities involved in wetland restoration initiatives across Europe.