Rewetting policy brief for a resilient Europe: aligning defence, nature, and social goals

Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine has drastically changed the geopolitical reality in Europe. As the European Union (EU) reconsiders its defence strategy, both conventional military strategies and more unusual measures are being proposed. One such measure is the restoration of drained wetlands, particularly peatlands.  

Header photo: A damaged Russian vehicle mired in wetland in Moshchun, Ukraine, April 2022. Serhii Mykhalchuk / Global Images Ukraine, Getty Images

Wetlands can prevent movement of military troops: wetlands and rewetting approaches are increasingly discussed because of their potential defence advantages. Wetlands could function as a natural sponge since their soils retain large amounts of water, making the land surface waterlogged and impassable for heavy military equipment such as tanks and armoured vehicles.   

Coincidently, rewetting European wetlands for this purpose could also contribute to climate and nature conservation efforts. However, this is not a quick-fix solution and should be approached responsibly. Which means, rooted in ecological principles and social justice considerations. 

This policy brief explores how rewetting can be of value to European defence capabilities as well as nature and biodiversity, while keeping in mind ethical dilemmas and social justice considerations. 

REWET: a laboratory on European scale  

REWET is a laboratory for the restoration of wetlands at European scale. In the REWET project, funded by the European Union, NGOs, universities, companies and institutions joined forces to study the full potential of wetland areas. With information from seven open laboratories, we are developing a comprehensive understanding of how European wetlands can best contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation.