The Mediterranean Island Wetlands project (MedIsWet) is active on the ground

Based on the experience acquired in the project “Conservation of the island wetlands of Greece” (2004-2013), implemented by WWF Greece and thanks to the support from the MAVA Foundation, the Mediterranean Island Wetlands project (MedIsWet) aspires to establish a network of NGOs, institutes, universities and public authorities.

The project includes actions for the completion of the inventories of all the Mediterranean island wetlands, dissemination of knowledge and promotion of certain conservation measures in local, national and Mediterranean scale.

 

Field work for wetland inventories has started

In Greece, WWF Greece was invited by the local NGO “Patmos Habitats” to present, from 12 to 15 April 2018, a report on the status of wetlands in Patmos Island, including the threats they face and how they can be protected. It was the occasion to visit all wetlands in the island and to organize a public event that was attended by more than 60 people, among them the mayor and the police chief of the port.

 

The wetlands of Paros Island, Greece. Photo credit: T. Giannakakis/WWF Greece

 

During the event, Thanos Giannakakis, the MedIsWet Coordinator, explained the definition of wetlands, the benefits of biodiversity in the area for the local community, and the regulations governing their protection.

Listen to the interview (in Greek) of T. Giannakakis with the local press.

On 15-25 April 2018, WWF Turkey, one of the MedIsWet partners, visited the 15 wetlands on Göcek, Kargı and Ayvalık Islands in Turkey. Gocek and Kargı islands have natural wetlands where boats and sailboats can be seen, and brackish and salty small ponds. On Ayvalık island there is a breeding colony of the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis).

 

 

Wetlands in Turkey. Photo credit: Eylül Dizdaroglu/WWF Turkey

 

In Sardinia, field work for wetland inventories started in April. More than 50 wetlands were visited by the researchers of the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation (CCB) of the University of Cagliari.

 

Wetland inventories in Sardinia. Photo credit: Mauro Fois/CCB, University of Cagliari

 

In Croatia, the Croatian team working for the project also undertook field works from 20-26 April for a wetland inventory of sites larger than 0.1 ha and discovered new habitats. The team registered four wetlands on Veli Brijun Island, visited 19 wetlands on the Cres Island, and established contact with two local associations: the Island Development Agency for the Conservation of Cres-Losinj Islands and the local society Puntari. With significant help from local residents, the team had a chance to see the socio-cultural importance of the island wetlands.

 

Wetlands on Cres island. Photo credit: Ivana Sučić/Association Hyla

 

In Cyprus, two events were organized in April by Terra Cypria at Kalavasos reservoir and at Agia Varvara primary school. The Cypriot partners of the MedIsWet project also participated in the Green Festival held at the University of Cyprus to introduce the snakes of Cyprus and to present the MedIsWet project. Overall, more than 100 people attended these events.

 

The MedIsWet project participating at the Green Festival in Cyprus. Photo credit: Savvas Zotos/Terra Cypria

 

MedIsWet welcomes its new team member

MedIsWet is proud to announce that a new collaborator, Afroditi Kardamaki, has joined the MedIsWet project in Crete. Afroditi was a team member in the Greek Island Wetlands project from 2009-2013 and after a “short” break of traveling around the world and gaining experience, she is back with the team. Because of her previous experience, Afroditi is very familiar with the MedIsWet approach and tools and she is adjusting rapidly to her new responsibilities.

 

More information

Visit the website of MedIsWet

Read the MedIsWet newsletter of April 2018

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Contact

Thanos Giannakakis
MedIsWet project coordinator, WWF Greece
t.giannakakis@wwf.gr