A win for wetlands research Within the last century around 50 % of the world's wetlands has disappeared as a result of pollution, agriculture and drainage. This drastic decline means that, as one of Europe's most threatened ecosystems, wetlands and their management is a top research priority. Climate Change and Environment © Thinkstock The aim of the EU-funded WETLANET project was to enhance the research potential of the Central Laboratory of General Ecology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (CLGE-BAS). This was achieved by strengthening a local laboratory network, including three field stations at wetlands of major ecological importance, as well as specialised laboratory units at CLGE-BAS. The approach included improving the human capacity of CLGE-BAS and upgrading the technical capacity of its laboratories. Project members also aimed to promote their activities as widely as possible so as to increase the influence of the CLGE on policy. In total, 64 research visits were carried out for exchanges of know-how and experience, and 6 researchers with international experience were recruited. Their work diversified and strengthened research capacities. Substantial improvements to the CLGE-BAS technical and information technology (IT) equipment were also achieved. As a result, CLGE is now able to compete for research funding in the European market. It is also a partner in four other EU project proposals related to wetlands and marine topics. In addition, the increased transfer of expertise and participation in training and workshops has helped the CLGE to integrate into the European Research Area (ERA). WETLANET has thus improved the research capacity of CLGE-BAS, allowing it to become one of Europe's leading institutions on wetland research.
