This report is the first report of the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (MWO) which was created in 2008 under the framework of the MedWet Intiative in order to monitor and assess the status and trends of Mediterranean wetlands and to increase knowledge on their various benefits. The report presents the results of a three year analysis of the status and trends of wetlands in the Mediterranean and the pressures they face.

The MWO’s analysis especially focuses on twenty-five indicators relating to wetlands biodiversity, the ecological services they provide, the pressures they are facing, and the actions taken by society to conserve and to sustainably manage them. The report refers to seventeen indicators which have been developed and evaluated.

The key results of these analyses are the following : contrasting trends for wetlands biodiversity between the Western and the Eastern Mediterranean regions, very strong and growing pressure on water resources and multiple causes of degradation on wetlands. Political and governance issues in addition to the institutional divides between main stakeholders are the main causes of these pressures.

The report also underlines the many services provide by wetlands to humans, especially the regulatory services such as water purification and flood-risk mitigation. It aims to provide strategic and operational recommendations and prospects for action to decision makers and civil society stakeholders.

The Observatory team has written a two-volume report, available in French and English:

Volume one, is a technical report intended for the scientific community. It describes the methods used to monitor the seventeen indicators, and provides the specific results ; (English, Français)

Volume two, is a synthesis of the report, offers a more overall analysis, and is intended for decision makers. It includes the synthesis (English, Français) and the factsheets (English, Français).