Support of the Ramsar Regional Initiatives

As the oldest of the 22 Ramsar Regional Initiatives (RRIs), set up in 1991, MedWet has a wealth of experience and expertise developed over the past few decades. Working across different countries, partners, and geographical areas can be challenging, and this is why RRIs were set up to start with. MedWet is well-placed to advise on good practice, as well as highlight potential pitfalls. In this context, MedWet has been called upon to support other RRIs, both existing and newly created versions, so that they can benefit from our experience.

First RRIs gathering

During the 14th Session of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP14) to the Ramsar Convention (Geneva, Switzerland, 5-13 November 2022), the MedWet Initiative organized a side event on the animation of the European Regional Ramsar Initiatives Network. The side event gathered representatives of Contracting Parties and Ramsar Regional Initiatives.

The discussions that took place during and after the side event were very fruitful as each Regional Initiative presented the work they have done, their activities, and their engagement in wetland conservation in their regions. The Initiatives found an appropriate space to express their points of view and their suggestions to establish a strong European Coalition for Wetlands.

With the support of its member countries, MedWet greatly endorses and pushes for the creation of this Coalition, and believes that it can play a pivotal role in the coordination of the conservation and restoration efforts, and in raising awareness of wetlands at the European level.

Coordination of the RRIs
At Ramsar COP15, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, MedWet played a central role in coordinating the RRIs. We prepared a map of all the RRIs with background information to be used at a joint RRI exhibition booth. We worked with our RRI partners to staff the booth and promote what RRIs do with materials, resources, and merchandise from across the RRIs. In addition, we held a side event, jointly funded by the RRIs, to showcase work from across the globe. More information here.

Representatives of RRIs taking part in the side event at Ramsar COP15

Between the COPs, we work with the Ramsar Secretariat to plan and hold online events that will continue to support the RRIs through the sharing of good practice, training, and information exchange.

SARRI (Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative)

The SARRI initiative is a new Ramsar Regional Initiative (RRI) for Southern Africa, launched at Ramsar COP15, in 2026. Before that, MedWet supported the development of the initiative by working with NatureXPairs and partners from contracting parties across Southern Africa, with funding provided by the French Biodiversity Agency. Online meetings allowed us to work with the partners to develop the approach, and face-to-face support was given at a first workshop in the Reunion Islands in 2024, followed by a second in Marrakech in 2025. We are pleased to see that the initiative is now going from strength to strength and we continue to provide support as needed. More information here.

For more information, please contact Chris Rostron, MedWet coordinator, at rostron@medwet.org.