We just released two platforms to make navigating data on wetlands restoration easier. Check them out.
Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems distinguished by complex ecological, hydrological, and environmental dynamics. The fields of wetland research encompass numerous disciplines, such as biology, hydrology, climatology, and policy evaluation.
These multifaceted characteristics of wetland ecosystems necessitate access to a wide variety of data sources, ranging from ecological observations to policy documents, often requiring access to different sources, including government agencies, environmental organisations, and academic institutions.
Different structures, formats, languages, standards, and access protocols may be utilised by these data sources, making it difficult to efficiently locate and utilise the necessary data for research projects.
To address these needs, the REWET project has developed two powerful digital tools: the Wetlands Multi-Stakeholder Platform and WETSET.
These platforms aim to support scientists, environmental managers, policymakers, and local communities in restoring and managing wetlands more effectively.
What is WETSET?
Research and effective management of wetlands require access to diverse datasets from various sources, often presenting challenges due to differing data structures, formats, and accessibility. The REWET project addresses these issues through the development of WETSET, a comprehensive European data index designed to centralise information on wetland datasets at European, national, and regional levels.
WETSET represents a significant advancement in European wetland data accessibility, streamlining research and assessment efforts.
The platform's centralised approach and detailed dataset characterisations empower stakeholders with the information needed for effective conservation and management. Continued development and community engagement will ensure WETSET's long-term value in understanding and protecting these critical ecosystems across Europe.
By offering detailed characterisations of these datasets, WETSET allows researchers to quickly determine their relevance, significantly reducing the time spent searching for dispersed information. This centralised approach streamlines the research process, making wetlands data more accessible and research more efficient, facilitating the assessment of these ecosystems at the European level.
Ultimately, WETSET aims to foster informed decision-making and contribute to the sustainable future of European wetlands.
Key benefits:
- Centralised access to diverse wetland datasets across Europe;
- Detailed metadata to quickly assess dataset relevance;
- Streamlined data discovery, reducing research time and duplication;
- Support for ecosystem monitoring and restoration planning.
By offering a consistent, user-friendly way to locate and compare datasets, WETSET empowers users to carry out informed assessments of wetland conditions, carbon sink capacity, and climate impacts.
What is the Wetlands Multi-Stakeholder Platform?
The Stakeholders Platform is a digital environment created to foster dialogue, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the field of wetland restoration and conservation. Developed within the REWET project, the platform brings together diverse actors, from researchers and NGOs to government agencies and businesses, to exchange ideas, best practices, and resources.
Key features:
- Access to up-to-date research and publications on wetland ecosystems;
- Case studies and insights from real-world restoration projects;
- Integration with other EU-funded initiatives related to climate and biodiversity.
Whether you are looking for more trust-sourced information, join a community of practice, or contribute to policy dialogues, the Stakeholders Platform provides a unique space to engage and collaborate.
Explore the Multi-Stakeholder Platform
Why these platforms matter
The restoration and conservation of terrestrial wetlands, including peatlands, floodplains, and freshwater wetlands, are essential for meeting the EU's climate and biodiversity goals. Yet, fragmented data and isolated efforts have long hindered progress. The Multi-Stakeholder Platform and WETSET directly address these barriers by promoting open science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based action.
Together, they form a cornerstone of REWET’s mission: to enable sustainable, science-driven wetland restoration that maximizes carbon capture and supports ecological resilience across Europe.
Join the REWET community and take advantage of these innovative tools to contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you're a researcher, practitioner, policymaker, or citizen interested in wetlands, your input matters.