Wetlands are a crucial part of our ecosystems. In addition to providing habitats for aquatic species, wetlands pull greenhouse gasses from the air, protect areas from flooding, and purify water. That’s why it’s an absolute shame that the planet has lost up to 71 percent of its global wetlands since 1900, and why a group in Scotland is designing floating wetlands that harness nature’s own power to clean and beautify urban waterways. The group, which goes by the name of Biomatrix Water, has created several different modular systems that can rid polluted water of everything from suspended solids to nitrogen, phosphorus, and metals. Did we mention these floating wetlands are 20 times more effective than land-based treatment plants? The floating wetlands are comprised of high-density polyethylene floats assembles with stainless steel joints. Durable and low-maintenance, they can withstand strong weather and water currents and potentially last for up to 20 years. Atop the floating wetlands are different kinds of plants that establish their roots underneath the rafts in the water, which is how they purify the surrounding water. And best of all, Biomatrix can ship their floating wetlands anywhere in the globe. In fact, they’ve already started working with city leaders, architectural firms and nature conservation groups around the world.