Wetland Biodiversity
Wetlands are among the most diverse ecosystems in Europe. Our Biodiversity Programme focuses on migratory birds and fish and the European biodiversity policies. It complements the ecosystems focus of our peatland, freshwater and coastal programmes.
Europe is one of the global hotspots of wetland loss. Large-scale drainage of wetlands started earlier and was more intensive than most other regions. In addition, unsustainable hunting, fishing and other factors causing additional mortality threaten wetland-dependent species. 45% of waterbirds occurring in Europe have declining global populations, more than landbirds (36%) or seabirds (39%). 37% of freshwater fish species are threatened in Europe, making them one of the most threatened taxonomic groups.
Europeans were amongst the first to recognise the importance of protecting wetlands and conserving and sustainably managing associated migratory species through international treaties and coordinated actions. The International Waterfowl Research Bureau (IWRB), the European predecessor of Wetlands International, was established to support the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats. More recently, we have also undertaken to promote the conservation of swimways for migratory fish, building on our flyway conservation experiences.
Our initiatives
Shaping Europe’s Biodiversity Policies
Our aim is to ensure the protection and sustainable use of wetland-dependent species and to maintain a coherent and comprehensive network of protected wetlands in Europe through the provisions of the Birds and the Habitat Directives. Beyond protecting what is left, we aim to restore wetland habitats through the provisions of the Nature Restoration Law.
In collaboration with our other programmatic streams, we promote the integration of biodiversity conservation into sectoral policies such as agriculture, fisheries, energy and transport.
Flyway Conservation
We have been pioneering the flyway conservation effort in the African-Eurasian Flyways since 1967.
Swimway Conservation
We implement the Global Swimways initiative in Europe through our Trans-European Swimways Programme for the conservation of migratory freshwater fish
Our Impact
- The EU Nature Restoration Regulation was adopted in 2025 providing a framework for the restoration of wetland habitats.
- All European Union countries contribute annually to the International Waterbird Census (IWC) counts, supporting policy and management decisions across Europe.
- 466 wetlands, covering an area the size of Nigeria, are designated as Ramsar sites in Europe and Africa based on data produced by the African-Eurasian Waterbird Census.
- 392 Swimways of European Importance are identified as hotspots for conservation, essential for restoring migratory freshwater fishes’ population.
