Wetlands are among the most biodiverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth, playing a crucial role in water purification, carbon storage, and flood regulation. However, their dynamic nature and widespread degradation pose significant challenges for monitoring and conservation. Many countries lack accurate and up-to-date inventories of wetland areas, making it difficult to track changes, implement restoration, or fulfil international reporting requirements, such as those of the Ramsar Convention.
Moreover, wetlands are highly dynamic, with vegetation and water coverage changing seasonally and in response to climatic conditions. Understanding these changes is essential for preserving their ecological functions and services, including carbon storage and biodiversity support.
Earth Observation (EO) provides a powerful solution for wetland mapping and monitoring. Satellite data, particularly from the Copernicus Sentinel missions, offer high-resolution, frequent observations that are critical for tracking wetland dynamics over time. Optical sensors capture vegetation health and water presence, while Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) penetrates cloud cover and dense vegetation to provide consistent data on water levels and soil moisture.
Combining these EO data sources enables:
• Mapping wetland extents and types.
• Tracking seasonal changes in vegetation and water.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of restoration efforts and assessing ecosystem health over time.
