A new study published in Nature addresses a major obstacle to climate-aware restoration policy: the absence of a continent-wide, high-resolution picture of where wetlands are, what types they are, and how disturbed they have become. Led by researchers at the Global Wetland Center at the University of Copenhagen, the work aims to make wetland restoration targets measurable and actionable across Europe.

“To meet wetland restoration targets, we need a high-resolution map showing their extent, the different types, and what is disturbing them today,” says lead author Gyula Máté Kovács. He emphasizes that without such insight, it is difficult to assess wetlands’ true climate impact—especially where restoration potential is greatest.

Using 10-meter satellite imagery and machine learning, the team produced an open-access digital product called European Wetland Types. The map classifies six categories of natural and semi-natural wetlands across 38 European countries, enabling consistent, cross-border comparisons of wetland extent and condition.

The researchers highlight that Europe’s wetlands are highly fragmented. Roughly 27–33% occur in contiguous areas smaller than 25 hectares, and 7–11% are found in patches under 1 hectare. Because many existing datasets are too coarse, the smallest wetlands may be systematically missed—reducing the accuracy of restoration planning and carbon risk assessments.

Across the mapped region, about one fifth of wetlands are highly affected by human activity. Inland marshes emerge as among the most disturbed, while peatlands are flagged as a top priority for climate benefits due to their strong capacity to store soil carbon.

However, the stakes extend beyond biodiversity. The study estimates that up to five billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent soil carbon may have been released compared with a scenario where these wetlands remained undisturbed—an amount comparable to roughly 1.5 years of total EU CO₂ emissions.

Built to support implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Law, the map helps member states identify restoration candidates and estimate likely climate outcomes. By harmonizing how wetlands are defined across countries, it also allows EU institutions to evaluate reporting on a comparable basis.

The team is now extending the approach to develop a global version of the map, with the goal of improving worldwide estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands and guiding restoration strategies at larger scales.

Subject of Research: Wetland distribution, fragmentation, condition, and restoration potential across Europe
Article Title: Highly fragmented European wetlands with uneven restoration needs
News Publication Date: 15-Jul-2026
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10760-9 ; https://ee-gmkovacs.projects.earthengine.app/view/european-wetland-types
References: Nature (2026), study DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10760-9
Image Credits: Not provided

Keywords

Wetlands, peatlands, satellite mapping, machine learning, carbon sinks, greenhouse gas emissions, EU Nature Restoration Law, biodiversity restoration, habitat fragmentation, 10m resolution

Dr. Anggi Hapsari, an ecologist at the University of Göttingen, has secured around two million euros in funding for her groundbreaking project entitled “SaLtedPeat: Potential impact of sea level rise related salinization on lowland tropical coastal peatlands.” This innovative research aims to address a critical gap in current environmental knowledge regarding the impact of climate change on the unique ecosystems of Southeast Asian peatlands, which serve as crucial carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Dr. Hapsari’s project underscores the urgency of understanding how rising sea levels, exacerbated by climate change, can lead to the salinization of these sensitive freshwater ecosystems.

The significance of Dr. Hapsari’s research lies in its approach to analyzing the salinization process and its ramifications for coastal peatlands, which have been understudied in the broader context of climate change. The project not only aims to elucidate the direct effects of increased salinity on these environments but also hopes to shed light on historical precedents where similar conditions may have led to devastating ecological consequences. Notably, preliminary findings suggest a connection between historical sea level fluctuations and increased fire risk, pointing to a potential causal relationship that could affect peat swamp forests in the region.

Moreover, the investigation will incorporate a wider analysis of the transitional zones where freshwater peatlands meet saline ecosystems, documenting how these areas respond to environmental changes. By studying the chemical and biological properties of peat itself, Dr. Hapsari and her team aspire to reveal the underlying mechanisms that dictate the resilience of peat swamp forests in the face of salinity increases. The implications of their findings could be profound, offering new insights into ecological stability and potential strategies for preserving vital carbon reservoirs, which are crucial in mitigating global warming.

On a parallel front, Dr. Oliver Barnstedt, a neuroscientist at the European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen (ENI-G), has received approximately 1.5 million euros to research the neuronal dynamics of learning and memory in the mammillary body through his project “LearnMamBo.” This area of the brain, while historically overshadowed by the hippocampus in memory research, plays an essential role in episodic memory—an aspect of cognition that is notably compromised in dementia-related diseases.

Dr. Barnstedt’s project aims to rectify the knowledge gap surrounding the mammillary body by utilizing state-of-the-art imaging and physiological techniques. He plans to employ two-photon calcium imaging, which allows for the simultaneous observation of numerous neurons across multiple days, to monitor their activity during the formation and retrieval of memories. Such a detailed analysis promises to unravel the complexities of memory storage in this brain region and could lead to groundbreaking insights into the pathophysiology of memory disorders.

In addition, optogenetic methods will be leveraged in the study, which enables precise activation or inhibition of specific neuronal groups via light pulses. This innovative approach not only deepens understanding of memory mechanisms but also holds potential for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at ameliorating cognitive decline in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The confluence of Dr. Hapsari’s and Dr. Barnstedt’s research signifies a critical intersection between environmental science and neuroscience that highlights the intricate link between ecological health and human cognition. As climate change continues to pose severe challenges to ecosystems globally, addressing the ramifications on human health and memory function becomes increasingly urgent.

Both projects will run over a five-year period, during which the researchers hope to produce valuable data that can inform not only academic circles but also policymakers and environmentalists who strive for effective climate action and sustainable management of natural resources. By bridging disparate fields of study, this research embodies an integrative approach to tackling some of the most significant questions facing our planet.

Ultimately, the successful execution of these projects could provide invaluable insights into the resilience of both coastal ecosystems and cognitive functions in the human brain. The health of our environment and our cognitive abilities are inherently intertwined, and as researchers continue to peel back the layers of these complexities, the hope is to forge paths toward more sustainable futures for both our planet and humanity.

Subject of Research: Impact of sea level rise on peat swamp forests and neuronal dynamics of memory in mammals
Article Title: ERC Grants Embrace Cutting-Edge Research: Salinization of Peatlands and Memory Mechanisms
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: University of Göttingen
References: None
Image Credits: Muhammad Iqbal

Keywords

Climate Change, Peatlands, Salinization, Ecology, Neuroscience, Memory Formation, Coastal Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Dementia, Cognitive Health, Environmental Research Impact.