Our Work
Wetlands are as vital to the planet as rainforests. That is why we are dedicated to their conservation and restoration. We do this by understanding and tackling the underlying causes of wetland loss and damage. Our knowledge-base and advocacy enables action to safeguard and restore wetlands, and to use them in sustainable ways.
Knowledge, policy and practice
We connect technical knowledge, policy dialogue and practical projects in the field. Using scientific knowledge makes us a well-trusted source of information, while powerful demonstration projects inspire people to act. We engage in advocacy on topics for which we have developed knowledge and experience. We use this to stimulate governments and companies to develop and implement effective policies at all scales, from local to global.
Empowering local communities
Our experience proves that policies and investments can be strongly influenced through a bottom-up process. By working with local partners and building the capacity of local communities whose lives closely connect to wetlands, we empower civil society with knowledge and skills to more effectively engage with governments and the private sector, influencing decisions which affect them but which are made nationally and even internationally.
Strategic partnerships
To leverage significant and long-term change, we need governments, the private sector and civil society to act individually and jointly. We work in a critical and constructive manner with the corporate sector to improve their sustainability performance, particularly in relation to wetlands and water. We also engage in partnerships as a means to enable both the public and private sector to safeguard and restore wetlands.
Our streams of work
Wetland Biodiversity
From the wild rivers of the Balkan Peninsula to the vast Arctic tundra, from mountain streams with salamanders to peat swamps filled with dazzling dragonflies, from waterholes to estuaries full of salmon, sea trout and waterbirds, wetlands provide some of the world’s greatest nature spectacles.
Rivers and Lakes
How can we develop sustainably and safeguard communities at risk from water-related disasters? Wetlands such as rivers, streams, swamps, lakes, and estuaries play a critical role in supplying and regulating the quantity and quality of water. Water risks to society, including scarcity, droughts and floods, are increasing around the world. Conserving and restoring wetlands is a cost-effective investment strategy to increase water security.
Peatlands
Why do we consider the world’s peatlands with their black acidic waters some of the most valuable treasures on earth? By safeguarding peatlands we can reduce millions of tons of CO2, prevent major flooding, save some of the most biodiverse areas in the world and ensure water security for millions of people. We aim to maintain these treasure troves, from the Arctic to the tropics, and from the high mountains to the sea.
Global Europe
The Global Europe Programme at Wetlands International Europe strives to advocate for and mainstream wetlands in EU global policy and external actions, enhancing their role in the climate and biodiversity agenda.
