The WaterLANDS project was featured as a success story by the Green Deal Projects Support Office for its efforts in scaling up wetland restoration and developing innovative governance. WaterLANDS addresses the ongoing decline of wetlands by establishing best practices and laying the groundwork for large-scale restoration across Europe. The project draws on experience from 15 wetland “Knowledge Sites” to carry out on-the-ground restoration at six “Action Sites.”
It is also developing governance frameworks, blended finance models, and stakeholder engagement strategies to enable sustainable wetland restoration that delivers not only environmental benefits, but also social and economic ones.
By linking scientific research with practical experience, the project aims to transform wetland landscapes and generate new opportunities for local communities.
Wetlands are vital for purifying water, storing carbon, and protecting communities from flooding—yet over half of Europe’s wetlands have been lost in the past century. WaterLANDS seeks to reverse this trend through ambitious, large-scale restoration supported by strong governance and long-term planning.
At the heart of the project is a pioneering governance framework that brings together governments, local communities, and scientists. Plan Bleu has contributed to this effort by developing a theoretical governance framework designed to identify the conditions and measures necessary for successful restoration. This tool offers concrete recommendations tailored to different contexts and stakeholder needs.