A new knowledge synthesis report prepared by the Science Service for Biodiversity (SSBD), currently being developed by BioAgora, provides a scientific foundation for assessing, monitoring and restoring two of Europe’s most important wetland ecosystems - peatlands and coastal lagoons. Produced in response to a policy request from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) to the Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD), the report supports the implementation of the Habitats Directive, the Water Framework Directive and the Nature Restoration Regulation.
The report, Ecological Characterisation of Peatlands and Coastal Lagoons in Europe, highlights the critical ecological role of these habitats despite their declining extent across Europe. It identifies hydrology as the key factor determining ecosystem condition, shows how multiple pressures - including drainage, land-use change, pollution and climate change - interact to drive degradation, and proposes integrated indicator frameworks to improve ecological assessment and monitoring.
To strengthen wetland conservation across the EU, the report recommends a more harmonised monitoring system combining Earth Observation, in-situ measurements and modelling approaches, paving the way for more consistent reporting and evidence-based restoration efforts. Prepared by a multidisciplinary expert group coordinated by BioAgora and the Science Service for Biodiversity, the report provides practical scientific guidance for policymakers and environmental practitioners working to safeguard Europe's wetlands.
Access the report here.