Bonn, Germany – The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) hosted an international workshop focused on national wetland inventories, convening approximately 70 experts from across Europe on October 25 and 26, 2025. This event underscored the critical role of comprehensive wetland mapping in enhancing biodiversity conservation and supporting environmental management efforts amid ongoing climate challenges.
Wetlands, often referred to as the kidneys of the landscape, play a vital function in water purification, flood control, and providing habitats for diverse species. The workshop, organized by the BfN in collaboration with European partners, aimed to standardize and improve national inventories of these essential ecosystems. Participants discussed methodologies for data collection, integration of remote sensing technologies, and the harmonization of inventory standards to facilitate cross-border conservation strategies. The gathering highlighted the urgency of updating wetland databases, as many European countries face degradation of these areas due to urbanization, agriculture, and climate change impacts.
According to the BfN, accurate inventories are foundational for implementing the EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives, which mandate the protection of wetland sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation. Experts presented case studies from various nations, demonstrating how improved inventories have led to better-targeted restoration projects. For instance, in Germany, recent updates to the national wetland registry have identified over 1,200 previously undocumented sites, contributing to enhanced monitoring of migratory bird populations that rely on these habitats for breeding and wintering.
The two-day event included sessions on sharing best practices for inventory development, addressing gaps in data coverage, and leveraging international frameworks like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Ramsar, an intergovernmental treaty established in 1971, promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands worldwide, and the workshop aligned with its goals by fostering dialogue on transboundary wetland management. Participants emphasized the need for collaborative data platforms to track changes in wetland extent and health, noting that Europe has lost nearly 50% of its wetlands since 1900, according to European Environment Agency statistics.
Discussions also touched on the implications for outdoor activities, as wetlands support recreational pursuits such as birdwatching, hiking, and angling. Degraded wetlands diminish these opportunities, affecting ecotourism and public engagement with nature. The BfN representatives stressed that robust inventories enable policymakers to prioritize restoration efforts that benefit both wildlife and human enjoyment of natural spaces. One key outcome was the agreement to develop a joint European guideline for wetland inventory protocols, expected to be finalized in early 2026.
International agencies, including the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment and the Ramsar Secretariat, contributed to the proceedings through keynote addresses. These inputs reinforced the workshop’s focus on aligning national efforts with global sustainability targets, such as those outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 15 on life on land. The event also addressed challenges in funding and capacity building for inventory work, with calls for increased EU funding to support smaller member states.
As part of broader conservation initiatives, the BfN highlighted ongoing projects like the restoration of peatlands in northern Germany, where enhanced inventories have guided the rewetting of 10,000 hectares since 2020, reducing carbon emissions and boosting habitat quality for species like the Eurasian otter and various amphibians. This example illustrates how inventory data directly informs actionable conservation measures.
The workshop concluded with a roadmap for future collaborations, including annual follow-up meetings and the integration of citizen science data to supplement professional inventories. By strengthening these tools, European nations can better safeguard wetlands against emerging threats, ensuring their resilience for future generations. The BfN plans to publish a comprehensive report on the workshop findings in the coming months, providing detailed recommendations for inventory enhancement.
This initiative reflects the BfN’s commitment to international cooperation in nature conservation, bridging scientific research with policy implementation to address pressing environmental issues. For more information, visit Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN).