Extended wetland ecosystem layer 2018 (raster 100m) version 1, Jul. 2021

This metadata refers to the raster dataset that presents the ecosystem wetlands extent in 2018 in Europe. It includes 20 wetland classes which, besides inland and coastal wetlands, includes transitional ecosystems corresponding to wetlands such as riparian forests, wet grasslands, estuaries, or rice fields. A great diversity of wetlands exists making the definition of a wetland ecosystem both challenging and controversial. The development of an extended wetland ecosystem layer according to the definition of the Ramsar convention is an explicit policy request in Europe which builds on an ecosystem-based justification of an inclusive definition, delimitation and delineation of wetlands, looking at the “hydro-ecological” boundaries of this ecosystem (including their wetness and flow characteristics).