Wetlands such as floodplains, peatlands, lakes and coasts are biodiversity hotspots and offer vital contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. National Wetland Inventories (NWIs) can help to monitor, protect and restore these important ecosystems more effectively.

The workshop was organised in Bonn as a hybrid event, hosted by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) together with the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) and the European Coordinator of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP). Experts and national focal points from 23 European countries exchanged experiences on the development, implementation or updating of NWIs.

In particular, the workshop emphasised the important role of NWIs in informing policy decisions, sustainable use strategies and nature restoration. NWIs also play a key role in tracking progress towards global environmental commitments, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the workshop, country experts showcased their approaches to inventory development, highlighting challenges and success factors related e.g. to harmonizing data and streamlining different reporting obligations. One key topic was how NWIs can support the assessment of wetland carbon storage and emissions. Participants also discussed new applications of remote sensing methods and digital tools for wetland mapping and data management.

The workshop results helped to identify priorities and needs for further guidance for advancing NWIs across Europe. These findings will guide ongoing efforts under the Convention on Wetlands to enhance wetland inventory practices worldwide.