Wetlands International European Association (WI-EA)

Introduction

This proposal aims to strengthen WI-EA's participation in the EU policy dialogue and increase its support to the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental, climate, and energy objectives. The activities planned combine EU-level awareness raising with innovative wetland solutions, national and/or local level implementation, knowledge development, capacity building, and outreach to help achieve the ambitions of the European Green Deal, including the EU’s global commitments.

Objectives

WI-EA will work to create momentum for wetland solutions by focusing on the following objectives:

1. Halt and reverse the EU’s loss of habitats and species
   This will focus on the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and species conservation under the Birds and Habitats Directive, the 30% Protected Area target, and the legally binding Nature Restoration targets.

2. Protect and restore freshwater ecosystems
   Efforts will be made to meet EU environmental, biodiversity, and climate targets by restoring the broken water cycle and improving the health of Europe’s waters. This includes supporting the Water Framework Directive and seeking better implementation, achieving the Nature Restoration Law’s free-flowing rivers target by reconnecting rivers, and increasing the EU’s ability to adapt to climate change.

3. Ensure a just transition in peatland and carbon-rich wetland landscapes
   This objective supports EU biodiversity and climate policies, focusing on the inclusion of paludiculture, wet farming, and peatland restoration measures in future Nature Restoration Plans. It also emphasizes the recognition of wetland-based carbon removals in the Carbon Removal Certification Framework while generating public support for the restoration and protection of peatlands.

4. Mainstream wetlands protection, restoration, and sustainable use
   The goal is to integrate these aspects into global European policies and programmes, focusing on the key role that wetlands play around the world in maintaining peace, ecological processes, and wetlands-based economies, as well as their contribution to achieving the objectives of the Green Deal.