About 150 European experts are discussing the role of floodplains and coastal wetlands in climate protection at a conference taking place in Bonn, western Germany, until Thursday.

Thomas Granner, Vice President of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, stated at the conference's opening on Tuesday that it is important to address biodiversity and climate change together.

Wetlands are affected by the consequences of climate change, but on the other hand, they can contribute to climate protection, Granner explained.

He added that wetlands store carbon, reduce drought, and help protect against floods, and they also play an important role as a habitat for animals and a place to relax.

German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke said in a welcoming speech via video link: "Nature is our most important ally in combating the climate crisis."

Climate change expert Simon Duffield noted that the impacts of climate change observed on wetland habitats over the past two years are evident.

He added: "It's not getting better. We are only halfway in the wrong direction."

Duffield clarified that the goal of the conference is to come up with strong, evidence-based recommendations.