On December 3rd and 4th, the team of the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (MWO) organized and facilitated a training workshop on the use of Earth Observation tools and data for monitoring Mediterranean wetlands. The workshop was aimed at partners from civil society and the academic research community in Turkey.

Led by Anis Guelmami and Nina Bègue, the workshop brought together 14 participants from two NGOs (Doğa Derneği and Akdeniz Koruma Derneği) and two Turkish universities (Ege University and Aydın Adnan Menderes University). The participants represented a diverse range of profiles, including students (master’s and doctoral levels), academic researchers (professors, associate professors, and lecturers), and wetland conservation professionals from civil society organizations. This diversity reflects a committed community engaged in the research, management, restoration, and preservation of wetland ecosystems in Turkey.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to data processing tools for Earth Observation applied to wetland monitoring with a practical demonstration on the Gediz Delta. They learned how to map land use, including wetland habitats, and analyze the pressures impacting them. Hands-on sessions allowed them to work with Sentinel-2 satellite images, processed using the GEOclassifier software—a powerful tool developed through the Horizon-2020 Satellite-based Wetlands Observation Service project. This software enables the manipulation of such data to produce maps and relevant indicators for monitoring wetland ecosystems.

The workshop also covered advanced methods for analyzing the spatial-temporal dynamics of surface water and vegetation, which are essential for assessing the ecological conditions of wetlands. Finally, participants were introduced to cloud computing tools, such as Google Earth Engine, offering them opportunities to explore innovative applications for monitoring these ecosystems using Earth Observation technologies.

Hands-on sessions © MWO

Through this workshop, participants gained insight into the potential of Earth Observation data and technologies to aid in understanding the state and functioning of wetlands, thereby enhancing their management, conservation, and restoration. By combining theoretical approaches with practical activities, the workshop strengthened the capacities of these local actors to support research for better conservation of Turkish wetland ecosystems.

Satellite image processing. ©MWO

For more information, please contact:

Anis Guelmami,
Coordinator of the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory
guelmami@tourduvalat.org