As our planet heats up, many species, including wintering waterbirds, are on the move—shifting their ranges northward into previously unoccupied territories. In Finland, for instance, whooper swans are now staying closer to home. However, this migration isn't keeping pace with the rapid changes brought about by climate warming.

Recent research reveals an exciting breakthrough: conservation efforts aimed specifically at wetland habitats can significantly enhance the ability of waterbird communities to adapt to the changing climate. These remarkable birds do more than just beautify our landscapes; they provide essential ecosystem services that benefit us all. By aiding their adaptation, we ensure future generations can also marvel at their presence.

The study shows that in areas where wetland conservation projects were implemented, waterbird communities experienced population changes at twice the rate of those in regions lacking such initiatives. This research, led by doctoral researcher Leonie Jonas from the University of Turku, underscores a critical reality: despite some progress, these species are lagging behind the pace of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation strategies.

Published in the journal *Biological Conservation*, the study focused on projects funded through the EU's Natura 2000 initiative, which has been championing conservation for over three decades with an impressive budget of €2.2 billion.

Lead researcher Elie Gaget from the Tour du Valat Research Institute expresses optimism: "It's thrilling to discover that LIFE funding, initially designed for static conservation approaches, can adapt dynamically to support biodiversity in our rapidly changing world." The findings underscore the necessity of proactive conservation measures in protected areas, especially for waterbirds whose future depends on habitat-focused management rather than direct species interventions.

Using thousands of waterbird observations collected across 26 EU countries, coordinated by Wetlands International, this study sheds light on the critical role that conservation efforts play in protecting these vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of climate change.