Call to Action: Urdaibai Red Alert
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Rivers, Wetlands, and Wildlife
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take care of our planet
We are The Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands
The Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands is a powerful voice for wetland and river conservation. Our network consists of 29 of the best conservation organizations and research institutions from across 18 countries. We provide a platform of support to civil society organizations and research institutions working to protect, restore, and sustainably use Mediterranean wetlands and rivers.
We help civil-society organizations protect wetlands and rivers by facilitating cooperation between them and scientific institutions, supporting communication, offering capacity-building programs and advocating with authorities for implementing and enforcing policies. We are also a knowledge hub where we actively share scientific information, lessons learned and technical approaches amongst our members and community organizations.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands are key to maintaining biodiversity and combating climate change. They contain a high concentration of plant and animal species, making them critical for the planet’s ecosystem. The Mediterranean region alone is home to 400 coastal lagoons that provide essential feeding and breeding grounds for many marine species. This helps to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and other marine life.
Sadly, Mediterranean wetlands are the world’s most threatened ecosystem and they are in danger of collapse without more active local management. Local, community-based organizations often need help organizing and running effective protection campaigns with authorities.
Learn About Mediterranean Wetlands Challenges
Dams & Water Abstraction
Alters ecosystems, blocks species from travelling, and reduces water availability.
Over-Exploitation of Species
Reduces the populations of
species that are hunted, fished
or harvested for human consumption and prevents their regeneration
Urban & Transport Development
Destroys, fragments or reduces the quality of available habitats for species and increases both air and water pollution.
Intensive Agriculture & Aquaculture
Leads to the direct destruction of habitats for species and generates pollution due to an excess of nutrients and pesticides.
Climate Change
Modifies habitats, forces species to migrate, and makes conditions harsher for the species that cannot adapt or move.
Invasive Species
Species introduced by man,
intentionally or accidentally, that negatively impact the native species.
Our solutions
Get Support to Protect a Wetland Under Threat
Are you a civil society organization in the Mediterranean, and do you need help in protecting a river or wetland? We can help you by developing a strategy to help you draw the attention of society, decision-makers, and the international community to stop the destruction of protected areas.
The Red Alert system is a way to identify and stop (or reduce) emerging threats towards important Mediterranean wetlands and rivers. Once a Red Alert is launched, we go into action to help community based organizations protect their important natural resources.
Look at Our Impact
KM’s of Rivers Legally Protected
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Significant Policies Influenced
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Hectares restored
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Read Our Stories
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Sebou Water Fund: Towards Water Resource Management and Wetland Conservation in Morocco
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BRIDGE 5 – IUCN launches the first series of dialogues in the Medjerda catchment area
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Green Light Field Visit: Progress in the Restoration of the Dar Fatma Peatlands, Tunisia
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Europe’s Nature Restoration Law adopted!
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Updates on Red Alert
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Reflecting on a Decade of Achievements – Wetlands International Europe 10th anniversary event
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Celebrating 70 years of Tour du Valat!
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Training on Wetland Restoration
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Significant Bird Sightings at Azraq Wetland Reserve
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RESERVOIR Project: Innovative Water Management Solutions in the Mediterranean
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Restoration Initiated in Gediz Delta: Indigenous Landscapes in Izmir, Turkey
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Record Dam Removals in 2023 Mark a Milestone in European River Restoration
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MapStream – An inventory of barriers in the Sarantaporos sub-basin, Aoos River basin, Greece
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Sarantaporos Science Week
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Wetlands International Europe Launches “Natural Sponges” Website
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Sardinia, the beautiful island of Italy, hosted the final evaluation of the Coastal Wetlands Action Plan from MAVA Foundation last October.
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Sauvons le lac Marmara (Turquie) !
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As a network of 29 organizations, we are the voice of wetlands and rivers across 15 countries in the Mediterranean. We help local communities in protecting, restoring, and sustainably using their wetlands and river basins.