Cofunded by the European Union

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

Abstract -

Wetlands, particularly peatlands, hold a central position at the intersection of groundwater, surface water, and terrestrial landscapes. To enhance climate adaptation and mitigation, the aquatic ecosystem services provided by peatlands play a central role in the climate policies at EU and national scales.

In these policies, the measure of rewetting degraded peatlands under land use is explicitly mentioned. Peatland hydrology, especially emphasizing the role of groundwater related processes, is recognized as the key driver of vital ecosystem services peatlands provide. However, basic understanding of how hydrology impacts peatland functioning at the European scale, as well as detailed mapping products on groundwater and land use are currently lacking.[...]

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Attachement

The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for seven years from 2022.

The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame. 

All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.

These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.

This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We know that we can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play and especially the scientific research community.

Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as It is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource. 

International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.

Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.