Financing Wetland Conservation and Restoration in the Mediterranean: Strategies, Donors, and Innovative Models

Context 

Mediterranean wetlands are among the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems in the world. They play a key role in climate change adaptation, water security, territorial resilience, and the livelihoods of local communities.

Despite their importance, access to funding remains a major challenge today, in a context where financial resources are becoming increasingly scarce, for local actors, civil society organisations, and public authorities engaged in wetland conservation and restoration.

In this context, MedWet is organising a regional webinar aimed at:

  • Better understanding existing funding priorities and mechanisms;
  • Sharing proven and innovative financing models;
  • Strengthening the capacity of project leaders to approach donors and structure strong proposals.

 

 

Target audience

  • Civil society organisations active in environmental conservation
  • Wetland site managers (MedWet Managers network and beyond)

Expected outcomes

  • Improved understanding of available funding opportunities in the Mediterranean
  • Concrete recommendations to enhance the quality and impact of project proposals
  • Strengthened connections between donors and project applicants

Format and language

  • Online webinar (Zoom): Link
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Working languages:  English (subtitles in French)

Date

Thursday 7 May 2026 at 14:00 CET

 

Webinar Agenda

 

Time (CET)SessionDurationSpeakers
14:00 – 14:05Opening 5 minChris Rostron  &  Sana Mezoughi – MedWet

 

14:05 – 14:15The Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems: a philanthropic alliance supporting wetland conservation and restoration10 minLéa Glâtre – Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
14:15 – 14:25IUCN Med funding opportunities for CSOs and wetland conservation initiatives10 minArnau Teixidor – International Union for Conservation of Nature – Mediterranean Cooperation Centre
14:25 – 14:35 The role of the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) in regional initiatives and multilateral forums10 minFlorent Merle – French Biodiversity Agency
14:35 – 14:45WLI Small Grants for CEPA projects10 minConnor Walsh – Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
14:45 – 14:55Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund: Opportunities for Mediterranean Wetland Preservation Projects for Civil Society Organizations10 minPierre Carret – Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)
14:55 – 15:15Interactive discussion20 minAll speakers
15:15 – 15:20Conclusion5 minSana Mezoughi – MedWet