The 2th INTECOL Wetlands Conference took place from 29 June to 4 July in Tartu, Estonia, bringing together over 400 participants. The event featured plenary lectures, symposia, workshops, and presentations that explored recent developments in wetland research and conservation.

On 3 July, during a session focused on wetland restoration, Lea Hallik from the University of Tartu presented the SpongeBoost project and addressed the water regulation capacity of the country’s raised bogs. Two of SpongeBoost’s case studies are located there, focusing on improving water retention in the Pärnu River area and the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve.

SpongeBoost aims to support EU regions, cities, and local authorities by developing practical solutions that increase or restore the natural water retention capacity of landscapes to help adapt to climate change.