Enhancing ecosystems’ and social resilience: Restore4Life Wetland Restoration Initiative

• DOI: 10.7251/zars2401281i
• Publication Date: 2025-05-19T11:13:35Z
• Authors: Milica Ilić; Zorica Srđević; Bojan Srđević; Jasna Grabić; Laslo Galamboš; Dušanka Cvijanović; Pavel Benka

Wetlands, crucial ecosystems providing vital services and habitats, face threats from human activities and climate change. The Restore4Life project, centered in the Danube basin, aims to address these challenges through holistic wetland restoration efforts. Across the Danube basin, transformative restoration activities are underway, focusing on enhancing wetland connectivity, fostering biodiversity, unlocking carbon sequestration potential, and delivering essential ecosystem services. Implementation sites include floodplains, rivers, and lakes, where dedicated efforts encompass concrete restoration activities. Additionally, at six monitoring sites, the project team tracks the impacts of previous wetland restoration initiatives on ecosystem conditions and services. Within Serbia, the Landscape of Outstanding Features – Vlasina stands out as a valuable implementation site, boasting significant peatlands and biodiversity. Despite being protected, these habitats face threats from tourism, urbanization, agriculture, and peat extraction. Restoration efforts within Vlasina target four polygons, aiming to address degraded areas spanning 1,600 hectares. Restore4Life represents a significant endeavor to address wetland restoration challenges, engaging in restoration activities, community empowerment, and the promotion of sustainable practices. Moreover, the project pioneers citizen science initiatives in Serbia, fostering public involvement in environmental conservation efforts. By combining scientific expertise with citizen engagement, Restore4Life aims to pave the way for effective wetland restoration practices and deepen societal appreciation for the ecological importance of these vital habitats. The objectives of the paper are to highlight the importance of wetlands restoration, biodiversity conservation, water security, and climate resilience, and to advocate for community engagement, including citizen science, and sustainable practices to preserve these vital ecosystems. Recognizing and nurturing the values of wetlands is crucial for fostering harmonious relationships between humans and nature, ensuring the long-term well-being of both present and future generations.