Our new policy paper calls for stronger EU action on wetland conservation and restoration
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Advocacy
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Press Release
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Peatlands
A newly published policy paper, Prioritising wetland conservation and restoration in Europe, brings together knowledge and recommendations of several EU-funded projects – which we are involved in – to identify key policy actions needed to accelerate wetland conservation and restoration across Europe.
For months, three projects focusing on peatlands restoration; REWET, ALFAwetlands and WET HORIZONS; working alongside partners from four European initiatives (Restore4Cs, ForPeat, Interreg Wetland4Change and Palus Demos), combined scientific evidence, practical restoration experience and policy expertise to expose stronger, concrete and effective peatlands restoration policies. As a partner in several of the contributing projects, we are proud to support this joint effort
Gathered in a common policy paper, the recommendations provide clear guidance to policymakers ensure a more effective implementation of key EU environmental policies, notably the Nature Restoration Regulation, the Water Framework Directive and the Common Agricultural Policy. Drawing on lessons from research and demonstration projects across Europe, the policy paper outlines priority actions needed to address persistent obstacles such as fragmented governance, misaligned financial incentives, funding gaps, limited technical capacity and insufficient stakeholder engagement.
Focused on strengthening policy implementation, improving coordination across sectors and unlocking investment in wetland restoration, these recommendations aim to ensure that wetlands can fully contribute to achieving Europe’s climate, biodiversity and water resilience objectives.
This is an unprecedented opportunity to scale up wetland restoration at EU level.
Download the policy paper:
Downloads
Stay tuned
The publication’s key findings and policy recommendations will be presented during the joint final conference of the REWET and ALFAwetlands projects, “Wetland solutions for the future: learning from ALFAwetlands and REWET projects”, taking place on 17 September 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. More info about the event.