The COP24Med meeting, organized by UNEP/MAP, took place from 2 to 5 December 2025 in Cairo, Egypt. The meeting brought together accredited delegations from the 22 Contracting Parties—21 Mediterranean coastal states and the European Union—along with observers, MAP Partners, and intergovernmental organizations.
MedWet actively contributed to COP24 through its involvement in several side events, formal and informal discussions, policy-related engagements, and bilateral meetings with its members.
Presentation of the Mediterranean Wetlands Outlook 3 (MWO-3)
The side event unpacked the MWO-3 and its value not only for the Convention on Wetlands but also for advancing the goals of the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention. It aimed to show how science can drive more effective policy-making, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and accelerate the protection and restoration of coastal wetlands — the foundation of resilience in the Mediterranean.
Produced by the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (MWO), MWO-3 (2025) is the most recent and comprehensive scientific assessment of the state of Mediterranean wetlands. It combines ecological data, socio-economic analyses and recommendations for decision-makers, providing a decision-making tool for governments, local authorities and other stakeholders. Find the report here.
Anis Guelmami (Tour du Valat, MWO) and Chris Rostron (MedWet) at COP24 of the Barcelona Convention, © Elisa Tuaillon / Tour du Valat
A policy brief outlining key levers for strengthening coastal wetland conservation was presented during the event. The discussions highlighted three key recommendations:
1️⃣ The urgent need to strengthen management plans for Ramsar Sites—many sites still lack plans, and even where plans exist, implementation remains limited. Countries should prioritise developing and applying effective management plans before designating new Ramsar Sites.
2️⃣ The importance of aligning MWO indicators with major global and regional frameworks—especially the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Ramsar Framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and other Mediterranean initiatives—particularly as indicators begin to be downscaled at national levels.
3️⃣ Closer alignment with the Barcelona Convention, notably its Integrated Coastal Zone Management protocol, by developing coastal-wetland-specific indicators that can directly support implementation across Mediterranean countries.
Policy brief du MWO-3 © Elisa Tuaillon / Tour du Valat
In this video, Chris Rostron, MedWet Coordinator, and Anis Guelmami, Coordinator of the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (MWO), reflect on this productive session and the important conversations it sparked.
Restoring Mediterranean Wetlands and Forests: Technical Innovations and Governance for Climate Resilience
MedWet also took part in the side event “Restoring Mediterranean Wetlands and Forests: Technical Innovations and Governance for Climate Resilience,” co-organised by Plan Bleu, ETC-UMA, and partners from the Natural Heritage Community of the Interreg Euro-MED programme. The session focused on accelerating restoration efforts for forests and wetlands across the Mediterranean. It aimed to outline a clear roadmap for better integrating scientific knowledge, operational tools, and governance solutions into restoration policies throughout the region.
Giancarlo Gusmaroli, MedWet Consultant for WE GO COOP project, presented Wetland Contracts as an innovative governance tool to strengthen wetland management and support community-led wetland restoration projects. He also introduced the Mediterranean Community of Practice on Wetland Contracts, officially recognized under the Interreg Euro-MED WE GO COOP project.
Mediterranean Coastal and Marine Restoration: Bridging Local Practice and Policy for Biodiversity and Climate Resilience
The event was organised by MedWet, ETC-UMA, IUCN, and the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium. Drawing on insights from major Mediterranean initiatives—such as RESCOM, RESTCOAST, Restore4Cs, and Wetland4Change—the session underscored the urgent need to embed coastal and marine restoration within national and regional policy frameworks. A multi-ecosystem approach was highlighted as essential for strengthening resilience and advancing climate mitigation and adaptation across the region.
Chris Rostron, MedWet Coordinator, facilitated the panel discussion, while Marianne Courouble, MedWet policy expert, presented on behalf of the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium, the policy recommendations to upscale Nature-based Solutions and strengthen the resilience of coastal ecosystems at the forefront of climate change. She highlighted the need for a Mediterranean Action Plan for the restoration of coastal ecosystems to harmonise fragmented policies and accelerate implementation on the ground.
The discussion highlighted several priority actions:
- Develop a science-based regional restoration plan under the UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention, with clear targets and common indicators, aligned with EU and global frameworks;
- Integrate source-to-sea and ecological connectivity into restoration strategies;
- Boost cooperation and exchange of knowledge, best practices and solutions;
- Mobilize innovative and sustainable financing, involving private sector ;
- Strengthen stakeholder engagement and integrate restoration into cross-sectoral planning instruments and climate policies.
Find these detailed recommendations in the policy brief published by the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium
The protection, restoration and connectivity of marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems in the Mediterranean: the challenges ahead
MedWet, represented by Chris Rostron and Marianne Courouble took part in the side event “The protection, restoration and connectivity of marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems in the Mediterranean: the challenges ahead”, co-organised by the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco and PAMEx.
As 80% of people living on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Basin are already experiencing severe water scarcity and water pollution, the event highlighted the urgent need for collective action to restore and sustainably manage freshwater ecosystems across the region. It also explored how restoration, ecological connectivity, and effective regional cooperation can advance progress toward the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Targets 2 and 3.
The Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco also showcased DIMFE as a strong example of a donor-led initiative strengthening freshwater and wetland resilience across the region.
More information about the event: https://lnkd.in/d5at9_sz
The National Conference on Wetlands in Egypt
MedWet also participated in the National Conference on Wetlands in Egypt took place on 7 December in Cairo, as part of the project “Wetland-based solutions for Water, Climate Resilience and Biodiversity in Egypt”. The event was co-organised by the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory, in partnership with MedWet, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and the RAED- Arab Network for Environment and Development. It brought together 50 participants from across Egypt and several international organisations.
More information about the conference here.
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