Publication Details |
| Category | Text Publication |
| Reference Category | Journals |
| DOI | 10.3897/natureconservation.62.167089 |
Licence  |
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| Title (Primary) | Towards effective and integrated riparian wetland monitoring in Europe: challenges and opportunities |
| Author | Cvijanović, D.; Stammel, B.; Novković, M.; Adamescu, M.; Baumane, M.; Bonn, A.
; Ehlert, T.; von Gönner, J.; Januschke, K.; Kaden, U.S.
; Schipper, C.; Schulz-Zunkel, C.; Scholz, M.
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| Source Titel | Nature Conservation-Bulgaria |
| Year | 2026 |
| Department | NSF; BioP |
| Volume | 62 |
| Page From | 121 |
| Page To | 148 |
| Language | englisch |
| Topic | T5 Future Landscapes |
| Keywords | Citizen science; eDNA evaluation tools; remote sensing; restoration; resto- ration success; riverine floodplains; wetland ecosystem observation |
| Abstract | Riparian Wetland conservation and restoration in Europe increasingly rely on nature-based solutions, yet biodiversity monitoring of their implementation remains fragmented across scales, methods and policy frameworks. This paper synthesises current approaches in wetland monitoring and proposes an integrated, adaptive framework linking long-term, system-orientated observation with short- to medium-term, intervention-focused restoration monitoring. Combining site-based surveys with standardised, multi-scale assessments enables differentiation of natural variability from human pressures, detection of tipping points in species sensitivity to climate pressures and evaluation of restoration outcomes under EU policies, such as the WFD, the Habitats and Birds Directives and the Nature Restoration Regulation. Besides conventional biodiversity monitoring, we highlight innovations that address critical monitoring gaps: artificial intelligence–supported remote sensing using satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles, sensor networks for near-real-time hydrological observations, environmental DNA metabarcoding and citizen-science approaches. Essential biodiversity variables and essential ecosystem-service variables are emphasised as integrative indicators that connect ecological integrity, ecosystem functioning and human well-being. Finally, we outline the enabling conditions for a harmonised European wetland monitoring architecture, supported by major environmental research infrastructures that provide long-term ecological data, advanced digital tools and integrated assessments essential for evidence-based, climate-resilient restoration. |
| Cvijanović, D., Stammel, B., Novković, M., Adamescu, M., Baumane, M., Bonn, A., Ehlert, T., von Gönner, J., Januschke, K., Kaden, U.S., Schipper, C., Schulz-Zunkel, C., Scholz, M. (2026): Towards effective and integrated riparian wetland monitoring in Europe: challenges and opportunities Nat. Conserv.-Bulgaria 62 , 121 - 148 10.3897/natureconservation.62.167089 |
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