The National Congress on Wetlands Conservation and Restoration was held in Jerez de la Frontera (Andalusia), Spain, on 12-14 November 2015, within the framework of an EU funded project under the LIFE programme for the restoration of Los Tollos wetland, implemented by the Andalusia Government and the Pablo Olavide University.

The MedWet Coordinator, Delmar Blasco, was invited to make the opening speech that he entitled “The Mediterranean wetlands – Progress and challenges” (the speech, in Spanish, can be read here).

The Congress gathered more than 200 scientists from all over Spain and some 40 research works were presented, in which had participated 235 experts. The presentations were divided into five sessions covering issues related to the ecological and hydrological basis for the conservation and restoration of wetlands; conservation and restoration of continental wetlands; conservation and restoration of marshes and coastal wetlands; active management and valorisation of wetlands; and perspectives for wetlands conservation in Spain. There were also poster presentations during coffee breaks and a final round table on the future of wetlands conservation in Spain.

It was very stimulating to see that almost half of the works presented where carried out by young researchers and that also half of the presenters were women.

The full programme of the Congress is available at http://www.congresohumedales2015.es/programacion.php

For more information concerning the proceedings of the Congress please contact Mr Felipe Oliveros at felipe.oliveros@juntadeandalucia.es