Consortium “RITM carbon” launches a series of online lectures “The World of wetland ecosystems: from basics to innovations”

In the article, an overview of the online lecture series "The World of Wetland Ecosystems: From Basics to Innovations", which will be launched in early 2025 by the Working Group on Wetland Ecosystem Research of the Consortium "RITM CARBON", is given. Wetlands are vital for human survival. They are among the most productive environments in the world; cradles of biodiversity that are indispensable for countless benefits and "ecosystem services" provided to humanity. However, study after study shows that the area and quality of wetlands continue to decline in most regions of the world, and the knowledge for more rational use is still insufficient. In a popular science format, 19 lectures will comprehensively cover swamps, their formation and development, vegetation and wildlife, peat accumulated during the post-glacial period and still continuing to accumulate, their stratigraphy and properties. Much attention will be paid to the issues of the role of wetlands in the biosphere, the economic use of wetlands, their restoration, and research methods. The lecture series is intended for a wide audience, especially young people interested in nature and its life.