Thesis subject

MSc thesis topic: Analysis of the drivers behind three-decade wetland dynamics in the Netherlands

Wetland ecosystems are among the most valuable and productive environments on Earth. They support rich biodiversity and deliver essential ecosystem services such as water purification, flood regulation, and carbon sequestration. In the Netherlands, a country renowned for its water management, wetlands hold special significance. These areas include marshes, fens, peat bogs, and shallow lakes that cover over a million hectares of the country.

Dutch wetlands not only provide habitat for wildlife (including migratory birds and aquatic species) but also act as natural buffers against flooding and as carbon sinks in peatlands. However, despite their importance, wetlands are under pressure. Globally, approximately 35% of wetlands have been lost since 1970, a decline rate three times faster than that of forests. The Netherlands is no exception to these challenges – understanding and protecting its wetlands is critical for both nature and society.

Background

Over the past 30 years, Dutch wetlands have shown mixed trends: peatlands continue to degrade due to drainage for agriculture, while restored floodplains and new reserves like Marker Wadden offer local gains. Key drivers include climate change (droughts, floods), land use (farming, urbanization), and water management. However, separating these factors remains challenging due to their complex interactions.

Relevance to research/projects at GRS or other groups

With this research you will contribute to an ongoing PhD research project

Objectives and Research questions

How have Dutch wetlands changed in extent and distribution since 1990?
What are the main drivers of these changes (climate vs. human activities)?

Requirements

Genuine interest in this topic
Solid experience with Python or R (GRS-33806 Geo Scripting)

Literature and information
(Expected reading list before starting the thesis research)

Kaplan, J.O., Goldewijk, K.K., Siebert, S., Minayeva, T., Hugelius, G., Joosten, H., Barthelmes, A., Prigent, C., Aires, F., Hoyt, A.M., Davidson, N., Finlayson, C.M., Lehner, B., Jackson, R.B., McIntyre, P.B., 2023. Extensive global wetland loss over the past three centuries. Nature 614, 281–286.
Ghajarnia, N., Destouni, G., Thorslund, J., Kalantari, Z., Åhlén, I., Anaya-Acevedo, J.A., Blanco-Libreros, J.F., Borja, S., Chalov, S., Chalova, A., Chun, K.P., Clerici, N., Desormeaux, A., Garfield, B.B., Girard, P., Gorelits, O., Hansen, A., Jaramillo, F., Jarsjö, J., Labbaci, A., Livsey, J., Maneas, G., McCurley Pisarello, K., Palomino-Ángel, S., Pietroń, J., Price, R.M., Rivera-Monroy, V.H., Salgado, J., Sannel, A.B.K., Seifollahi-Aghmiuni, S., Sjöberg, Y., Terskii, P., Vigouroux, G., Licero-Villanueva, L., Zamora, D., 2020. Data for wetlandscapes and their changes around the world. Earth Syst. Sci. Data 12, 1083–1100.
Munizaga, J., Rojas, O., Lagos, B., Rojas, C., Yépez, S., Hernández, E., Ureta, F., de la Barrera, F., Jato-Espino, D., 2024. Spatiotemporal vegetation dynamics in a highly urbanized Chilean coastal wetland: Insights on long-term natural and anthropogenic influences. Ecol. Indic. 169, 112919.

Theme(s): Modelling & visualisation; Integrated Land Monitoring