Restoration is an investment. Comparing restoration costs and ecosystem services in selected European wetlands

Wetland restoration aims to restore key environmental functions to degraded ecosystems, but it comes with costs, which can hinder public acceptance of restoration. However, the benefits we gain from restoration can be valued higher than the costs of restoration, making restoration an investment. This study aimed to analyse the costs of wetland restoration projects implemented in selected European countries. We analysed 100 projects implemented between 1996 and 2019. Results showed increasing numbers of wetland restoration projects implemented in Europe since the early 21st century. The total budgets for wetland restoration projects rose in the years reviewed, increasing the average project budgets. The average cost of restoring 1 hectare of wetland in the 100 projects analysed was 9,084 EUR∙ha−1, which, including the amortisation rate of actions implemented to restore wetlands, allowed us to estimate the average unit cost of wetland restoration to 227 EUR∙ha−1∙y−1. Available information on the average values of ecosystem services provided by wetlands (estimated to be 4,011 EUR∙ha−1∙y−1) allowed us to conclude that the value of sustainably managed wetlands is from ten to fifty times higher than the average wetland restoration costs. Our findings indicate that wetland restoration should be considered an investment, as the revenue the society gains from reestablished wetlands outweighs the costs of their restoration. These findings contribute to the international discussion on wetland restoration’s role in boosting environmental and economic resilience, underscoring the need for regular restoration efforts to benefit ecosystems, economies, and societies.