Bonn, Germany – An international workshop hosted by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) has underscored the critical role of comprehensive national wetland inventories in safeguarding Europe’s biodiversity and supporting environmental resilience. Held on October 25 and 26, 2025, the event gathered approximately 70 experts from across Europe to exchange knowledge and strategies for monitoring and protecting these vital ecosystems.
Wetlands, encompassing marshes, swamps, and peatlands, serve as essential habitats for diverse wildlife and play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and flood control. The workshop, organized under the auspices of the BfN in collaboration with European partners, addressed gaps in current inventory systems and explored best practices for data collection and integration. Participants emphasized that accurate inventories are foundational for effective conservation policies, enabling governments and international agencies to track habitat loss and implement targeted restoration efforts.
The event was prompted by the ongoing degradation of wetlands due to urbanization, agriculture, and climate impacts, which threaten outdoor activities such as birdwatching, angling, and eco-tourism that rely on these areas. Experts highlighted how improved inventories could enhance cross-border cooperation, particularly in light of EU directives on nature restoration. Discussions included the standardization of mapping techniques using satellite imagery and ground surveys to create unified European datasets.
One key focus was the integration of wetland data into broader sustainability frameworks, aligning with global commitments like the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention). The BfN, as Germany’s lead agency for nature conservation, facilitated sessions on sharing methodologies between member states. Representatives from countries including the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden shared case studies on their national approaches, revealing common challenges such as incomplete coverage in remote areas.
A statistical highlight from the workshop revealed that Europe has lost over 50% of its wetlands since 1900, with current annual degradation rates exacerbating habitat fragmentation. This data, drawn from recent EU reports presented during the event, underscores the urgency for robust inventories to inform policy. For instance, in Germany alone, wetlands cover about 6% of the land area but support 30% of the country’s biodiversity, making their protection vital for species like the Eurasian otter and various migratory birds.
The workshop also touched on implications for international agencies, such as the European Environment Agency (EEA), which relies on national inventories for continental assessments. Participants called for increased funding and technological support to update inventories every five years, ensuring real-time monitoring of threats like drought and pollution. Practical examples included the Dutch Delta Programme’s use of advanced GIS mapping for wetland management, which has restored over 10,000 hectares since 2010, serving as a model for other nations.
Beyond technical discussions, the event addressed community engagement in outdoor conservation, noting how public awareness campaigns can bolster inventory efforts through citizen science apps for reporting wetland conditions. This approach not only aids data collection but also fosters a sense of stewardship among recreational users, from hikers traversing bog trails to anglers in floodplain rivers.
The BfN announced plans to publish a comprehensive report from the workshop, aiming to influence upcoming EU biodiversity strategies. Experts agreed that strengthening wetland inventories is indispensable for achieving the 2030 targets under the Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to halt and reverse nature loss. By prioritizing these ecosystems, international collaboration can enhance resilience against environmental challenges, preserving spaces for sustainable hunting and fishing practices where regulated.
Overall, the gathering reinforced the interconnectedness of local inventories and global conservation goals, with the BfN committing to lead follow-up initiatives. As climate pressures intensify, such forums are crucial for aligning efforts across borders, ensuring wetlands continue to thrive as cornerstones of Europe’s natural heritage.