World Wetlands Day: A Look Back at Biodiversity Protection in the Mediterranean Region
published on 03 February 2025
Camargue, France © IUCN Med
Every year, World Wetlands Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of these ecosystems (marshes, wet meadows, mangroves…), which are essential for maintaining natural balance and play a significant role in reducing the impact of climate change. They serve, for example, as natural barriers against coastal erosion, storms, and floods.
In its efforts to support wetlands, the FFEM incorporates Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), which rely on the use of these ecosystems and their services to address environmental and socio-economic challenges.
In its efforts to support wetlands, the FFEM incorporates Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), which rely on the use of these ecosystems and their services to address environmental and socio-economic challenges.
The FFEM has been working for several decades to ensure the preservation and sustainable management of these aquatic ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by human activities. In 2019, the FFEM began supporting the consolidation of the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands through the organisation La Tour du Valat. This network of civil society actors is dedicated to preserving the Mediterranean Basin and its wetlands. The Alliance promotes networking among local stakeholders, the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and the pooling of resources to foster coordinated and effective action throughout the Mediterranean region.
Six years later, the success of this network demonstrates the crucial role of civil society in bridging the gap between scientific research and political decision-making in wetland preservation. This is achieved through participatory governance and the involvement of local populations. Today, the Alliance operates in collaboration with two networks: the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands and the Mediterranean Waterbirds Network.
Since its creation, the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands has developed various support mechanisms that connect actors and strengthen their capacity for wetland preservation around the Mediterranean. The Red Alert system, which allows any civil society organization to request support from the Alliance to enhance its capacity for action, successfully prevented the agricultural exploitation of part of Lake Marmara in Turkey in 2022. In 2024, the Alliance awarded its fourth grant under the “Green Light” mechanism to the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia to support the preservation of the Carska Bara wetlands.
In 2018, the Greek NGO Erimiti Plou, dedicated to preserving the natural area of Erimiti on the island of Corfu, successfully prevented a large-scale tourist development on the site, which would have led to the destruction of the three wetlands that constitute its environmental richness. Through the Red Alert mechanism, the NGO received support from members of the scientific community and civil society within the Alliance and was able to bring its "Save Erimitis" campaign to national attention.
Thanks to the Red Alert system and the subsequent campaign, we succeeded in raising public awareness and discouraging investment in a project that would have had severe consequences. This mechanism gave visibility and strength to our demands, ultimately allowing us to achieve a successful outcome.
explains Xenia Tombrou, Communications Officer at Erimitis Plous.
Today, the Alliance boasts a network of 29 members from 18 countries and operates with flexible and responsive governance. Each year, it attracts new actors from civil society and the research community, eager to benefit from this dynamic environment.
Today, numerous initiatives are emerging, and this is the true strength of the network. This alliance of organizations from across the Mediterranean effectively manages and drives this civil society mobilization mechanism, which is highly flexible and responsive. Its adaptable governance structure allows everyone to participate, and even take on leadership roles.
, explains Jean Jalbert, General Director of La Tour du Valat.
Today, numerous initiatives are emerging, and this is the true strength of the network. This alliance of organizations from across the Mediterranean effectively manages and drives this civil society mobilization mechanism, which is highly flexible and responsive. Its adaptable governance structure allows everyone to participate, and even take on leadership roles.
By supporting projects in wetlands, the FFEM pursues a dual objective: preserving the unique biodiversity of these ecosystems and combating climate change. In doing so, the FFEM contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land). Nature-Based Solutions help to promote local knowledge and integrate sustainable practices into agriculture, fishing, and ecotourism. The FFEM places a strong emphasis on supporting initiatives where local communities play an active role in wetland management, ensuring a sustainable and equitable approach.
