Strategic analyses for wetland rewetting

Wetland rewetting is an important element of climate action. It is an effective measure to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and improve water management. Metria has on several occasions carried out analyses identifying areas suitable for rewetting, both at national and regional level. Metria has carried out this type of analysis and proposed plugging locations for restorations on behalf of both authorities and municipalities.

Read about geodata support for governmental assignments regarding wetland rewetting

To analyze which areas are suitable for rewetting, various data are used, such as soil type data, peat maps, ditch maps and land cover data.

- It is important to see how large the potential wetland would be and how far the area of influence extends. This is done by identifying different plugging locations and modeling the plugging of ditches in these locations. This is followed by a survey of the areas that would be affected by a new wetland so that it is possible to sort out areas where a wetland would have a negative impact on the surroundings," says Cecile Bouju, GIS and remote sensing consultant at Metria.

Once potential wetland areas have been identified, the analysis can also be developed to examine synergies with other benefits such as water treatment, groundwater recharge and biodiversity.

Read more about Metria's expertise in GIS, analysis and consulting here: Analysis and consulting - Turning data into knowledge (metria.se)

Facts about wetland rewetting

Wetland rewetting is an effective measure to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and improve water management.

Wetland rewetting is an important part of climate action for several reasons:

• Carbon sequestration: Wetlands, especially peatlands, can store large amounts of carbon. When intact, they sequester more carbon than they release, helping to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Reduced emissions: Drained peatlands emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and sometimes nitrous oxide, which contribute to climate change. Rewetting these soils can reduce these emissions.
• Biodiversity: Wetlands are home to many species and contribute to a rich biodiversity. Rewetting helps to preserve these ecosystems.
• Water regulation: Wetlands act as natural sponges that absorb and retain water, which can reduce the risk of floods and droughts.