Side event details
Background and Justification
Mediterranean wetlands are among the most biodiverse and ecologically valuable ecosystems, providing essential services to over half a billion people. Yet, they are facing critical threats.
Historically, more than half of the Basin’s natural wetlands have already disappeared and nearly 40% of their associated species are now at risk of extinction. This degradation has significantly reduced the provision of key ecosystem services, while rising sea levels are projected to cause profound structural and functional changes in up to 70% of coastal marshes by 2100, severely impacting their associated activities and livelihoods. However, as Nature-based Solutions, these ecosystems are among our most valuable allies in tackling climate change and ensuring water security, food sovereignty, tourism growth, and socio-economic development in the region. Addressing these challenges requires strengthened regional cooperation and the promotion of innovative and science-based approaches for the conservation and restoration of Mediterranean wetlands.
The Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (MWO) offers a science-policy interface which provides data and baseline information to monitor the status and trends of these ecosystems, supporting the work of MedWet. The side-event will focus on strengthening this science-policy interface by bringing together institutional representatives from Contracting Parties, researchers, and ONGs to discuss the current state of Mediterranean wetlands, explore key trends, and propose collaborative solutions tailored to national contexts. It will emphasize how scientific knowledge from the MWO can be effectively translated into policy decisions, supporting MedWet’s strategic objectives and national wetland policies to meet Ramsar commitments.
Objectives
• Disseminate key scientific findings on the status and trends of Mediterranean wetlands and their policy implications.
• Identify challenges and opportunities for science-based wetland conservation, restoration and management.
• Strengthen the science-policy interface to ensure that research findings inform decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels.
• Inform policymakers and practitioners on best practices and innovative solutions derived from scientific assessments.
Expected outcomes
• Improved understanding among decision-makers of the need for science-based wetland protection measures.
• Strengthened regional and international partnerships to promote evidence-based wetland conservation policies
• Policy recommendations aligned with Ramsar resolutions, national wetland strategies, and regional frameworks.
• Increased engagement between scientists and Contracting Parties representatives, fostering long-term collaboration.
Moderators
Anis Guelmami (Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory)
Michael Ronse (Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory)
Chris Rostron (MedWet)
Contributors
Nadjiba Bendjedda (Algeria)
Florent Merle (France)
Şerif Hizli (Türkiye)
Francesca Antonelli (Wetlands International)
Jean Jalbert (Tour du Valat)
0:00 - 0:10 Setting the Stage
• Welcome remarks.
• Introduction to the MWO and its role in supporting the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in the Mediterranean Basin.
0:10 - 0:40 Key Findings from the MWO
• Overview of the latest trends in Mediterranean wetland status, pressures they face, and innovative solutions.
• Introduction to the Mediterranean Wetlands Geoportal.
• Q&A
0:40 - 0:57 Panel Discussion
• Interactive discussion on strategies for integrating scientific findings into national and regional policy frameworks.
0:57 - 1:00 Closing remarks