Enhanced understanding of carbon and groundwater dynamics in European peatlands and their related ecosystem services

ECO-WADE focuses on advancing the understanding of carbon and groundwater dynamics in European peatlands and their role in providing ecosystem services, particularly water purification, water regulation, and climate regulation. Peatlands, vital for mitigating eutrophication, storing water, and sequestering carbon, are under threat due to drainage and land use changes, resulting in soil degradation and a decline in ecosystem services. Rewetting initiatives, promoted by EU policies, aim to restore peatlands, but their success depends on hydrological conditions, including water table depth (WTD) and water quality. ECO-WADE addresses knowledge gaps by developing a consistent pan-European inventory of peatland hydrology, synthesizing fragmented data on ecosystem services, and evaluating rewetting impacts. A multidisciplinary team from seven European countries employs innovative methods, including geospatial machine learning, to model WTD and drainage, assess rewetting potential, and co-develop tools with stakeholders for targeted restoration efforts. The project builds on expertise in hydrology, carbon flux modeling, and peatland research, aiming to deliver actionable insights for sustainable peatland management across Europe.