Water-Based Solutions for Carbon Storage, People and Wilderness (WaterLANDS)

Introduction

WaterLANDS aspires to facilitate the expansion of wetlands restoration by addressing various challenges that have hindered successful restoration efforts. The project investigates best practices in ecological restoration that align with biodiversity and ecosystem service targets and social objectives. WaterLANDS aims to identify governance structures, business models, economic incentives, and international funding sources suitable for upscaling wetland restoration and adaptable to local and national circumstances.

Within the WaterLANDS project, Action Sites involve implementing concrete restoration measures, while Knowledge sites serve as a repository of best practices and knowledge. To ensure local support and sustainability, the project aims for the co-design of restoration through continuous engagement with communities and stakeholders.

The project consolidates expertise and knowledge to facilitate ongoing assessments of restoration success, considering ecosystem services, socio-economic integration, and financial sustainability. This approach aims to ensure widespread restoration that can be scaled beyond the lifespan of the WaterLANDS project.

In collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and the entire project community, GTK’s main task in the WaterLANDS project is to identify SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) indicators for the ecosystem services generated by the restoration of wetlands.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101036484 (WaterLANDS). This output reflects only the author’s view and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Contact person: Liisa Maanavilja

 

Return to projects