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Wetlands

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that serve as biodiversity hotspots and play a key role in regulating the global carbon cycle. They provide critical habitats for endemic species and support rural economies. Despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing or degrading at an alarming rate—making them among the most threatened ecosystems in Europe. The consequences are significant: rising greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss are dual crises that demand urgent action. There is growing recognition of the need to reverse this trend. Wetland restoration offers a powerful solution for climate mitigation, sustainable land use, and green innovation. As nature-based solutions, wetlands deliver multiple benefits—from flood control and water purification to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Yet, major knowledge gaps remain. These include limited understanding of wetland biogeochemistry, uncertainty about where to restore, and a lack of robust tools to assess restoration effectiveness. These gaps hinder the full integration of wetland restoration into climate and land-use policies.  

This research group is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary wetland science—covering ecosystem processes, greenhouse gas dynamics, wetland mapping, restoration strategies, and policy frameworks. Through innovative research and collaboration, we aim to support the protection and sustainable use of wetlands as essential components of a climate-resilient future. 

Shubiao Wu

Associate Professor Department of Agroecology - Soil Physics and Hydropedology