Context 

50% of Mediterranean wetlands have disappeared since 1970. To halt this loss, it is essential to raise awareness among as many people as possible about wetlands and their vital role for both humanity and the planet.

Objective

The CEPA Programme in the Mediterranean aims to support policymakers, organisations, and citizens, facilitating action at local and national levels to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands, in line with the objectives of the Ramsar Convention’s Strategic Plan on Wetlands.

MedWet informs and supports governmental and non-governmental actors in implementing CEPA actions in the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean stakeholders are informed and made aware of the importance of wetlands.

The identity of a “Mediterranean Wetlands Community” is strengthened.

Actions

1. Coordination of World Wetlands Day activities in the Mediterranean

Celebrated every February, World Wetlands Day (WWD) is a key moment to raise awareness among the general public as well as governmental and non-governmental actors in the Mediterranean about the importance of preserving and restoring wetlands.

This day aims to enhance the recognition of wetlands through various public events and local initiatives. It provides an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences on the significance of these ecosystems.

To support this, MedWet undertakes the following actions:

• Development of information and communication materials, as well as event registration tools, for Mediterranean countries in around a dozen Mediterranean languages.
• Implementation of awareness-raising and education initiatives on wetlands.
• Annual financial support through the “Small Grants WWD” scheme for 34 Mediterranean organisations.
• A quantitative analysis of WWD activities in the Mediterranean.

World Wetlands Day celebration in Croatia, 2020. Photo: © Public Institution “Nature Park Vransko jezero”

2. Coordination of a Mediterranean Wetland Cities network

The more cities develop, the greater the risk to the preservation of wetlands and the communities that depend on them. The Wetland City Accreditation recognises the efforts of communities closely connected to the use and management of wetlands and aims to encourage cities near these ecosystems to foster a positive relationship with these valuable environments.

MedWet supports the Wetland City Accreditation at the Mediterranean level to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as the socio-economic benefits for local communities.

To achieve this, MedWet undertakes the following actions:

• Establishing and coordinating a Mediterranean working group on the Wetland City Accreditation.
• Implementing information and awareness-raising activities on the accreditation for key stakeholders in the Mediterranean.
• Strengthening its online and physical presence at events related to the accreditation, such as mayoral roundtables.

Ghar el Melh, Tunisie. ©WWF North Africa

Key Success Factors

1. MedWet: A community of stakeholders committed to wetland conservation.
2. A database of Ramsar site managers in the Mediterranean and local NGOs, facilitating project outreach and the development of a territorial network.
3. Effective communication tools and activity mapping in the languages of Mediterranean countries.
4. A call for project proposals to provide financial support for local initiatives.

Location

The Mediterranean region, targeting the 27 member countries of the Initiative.

Duration

Since 2020.

Funding

The French Biodiversity Office and the member countries of the MedWet Initiative.

Partners

The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Ramsar France Association, and the Ramsar Regional Centre for East Asia.

Contact

• Coordination of the Mediterranean CEPA Programme: perroud@medwet.org
• Wetland City Adviser: mezoughi@medwet.org
• Communications Officer: smari@medwet.org

Reports:

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