The MedWet Initiative: the lessons learned and the way forward

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1 10ème Réunion du Comité 7th des European Zones Humides Ramsar Méditerranéennes Meeting Working 10th at Meeting regional of the level Mediterranean to be Wetlands more effective Committee The MedWet Initiative: the lessons learned and the way forward Session 9 Trnava, Slovak Republic, Sept. 2011

2 The MedWet Initiative is born at the Grado Conference in 1991 with the main goal of contributing to the conservation and wise use of Mediterranean wetlands. In 1997, MedWet became the first regional initiative under the aegis of the Ramsar Convention. 2

3 Aims and operation of the initiative To promote and participate in the implementation of the Ramsar objectives in the Mediterranean region. To develop and reinforce capacities to ensure adaptive management of Ramsar sites and cooperation between their management bodies. To transfer and exchange knowledge and expertise to key conservation actors. To coordinate with other international initiatives in the region, and globally 3

4 Aims and operation of the initiative MedWet Scientific and Technical Network 27 countries and entities (Albania, Algeria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, The FYR of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Palestinian Authority). These countries and entities are represented by their focal points, which are mainly Ministries of Agriculture and Ministries of Environment. 4 5 Inter Governmental Organizations (Barcelona Convention, Bern Convention, European Commission, Ramsar Convention, United Nations Development Program) 5 international NGOs (Birdlife International, IMWI (International Water Management Institute) IUCN, Wetlands International, WWF International)

5 Aims and operation of the initiative MedWet Scientific and Technical Network Network of interested organizations that collaborate around specific projects 5 Wetland Centres [ARPAT (Agenzia regionale per la protezione ambientale della Toscana)-Italy, EKBY (Greek Biotope / Wetland Centre)-Greece, CEZH (Centro de Zonas Humidas)- Portugal, CEHUM (Centro Español de Humedales)-Spain, Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat-France] And 3 to come : RSCN, Jordan. SPANA, Morocco and SPNL, Lebanon 5

6 Aims and operation of the initiative The governance of MedWet The MedWet Steering Group provides operational guidance and governance to the Initiative in between MedWet/Com meetings. It takes operational decisions and resolves problems identified during the implementation of MedWet/Com decisions. State members: France (Chair), Morocco (Tunisia as alternate), Greece (hosting the MedWet Secretariat), and Jordan (Lebanon as alternate); Wetland Centres and IOPs : Tour du Valat and IUCN as the representatives of nonstate members;ramsar Secretariat and the MedWet Honorary Member Thymio Papayannis; 6 The politic support to the Initiative is provided by all MedWet/Com members, while the financial support is specifically provided on an annual basis by the all the MedWet Countries.

7 Results and achievements (1) Building the image of MedWet The image of MedWet is linked to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, The openness of the MedWet Initiative is the innovative part of this image. In the MedWet forum (the MedWet/Com) an equal voice is given to each of the members. Voluntary participation, mutual trust and shared benefits sustains the Initiative. 3 essential pillars for a network 7

8 Results and achievements (2) Coordination mechanism for wetland activities Inventorying and monitoring of wetlands is considered as one of MedWet s most important missions, i.e. to gather accurate and uniform information about the state of Mediterranean wetlands. Site management and local capacity building are an essential approach in the effort to protect and improve wetlands. Socioeconomic considerations are based on the concept of wise use of wetland resources, which takes into consideration not only the biological function of wetlands but also their social, cultural and economic aspects. Integrated water resource management for agriculture and nature is of high importance as MedWet deals with countries where water scarcity is a constant problem. Integrated management of the natural and cultural heritage can provide benefits to the conservation of wetlands, can empower local communities and create eco-tourism opportunities. 8

9 9 Results and achievements (3) A history of projects achievement MedWet1 project: methods and tools in the Northern Mediterranean MedWet2 project: North African and the Balkans, focus on wise use concept and socioeconomic aspects MedWet/Coast: coastal wetlands of North Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans LIFE3 project: founding pillar for the North African Wetlands Network in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. CODDE project: inventorying of Mediterranean wetlands and implementation of MedWet tools at the European level. InWent/MedWet Water Dialogues & the Global Water Partnership GWP-Med: a multistakeholder participative approach in water management and governance. Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory

10 Challenges and problems to overcome The MedWet vision adopted in Changwon 1. Improving the knowledge on Mediterranean wetland functions, services and values, as well as on their status and trends. 2. Promoting, developing and implementing national wetland policies and inter-sectoral action plans. 3. Ensuring the sustainable integrated management of wetlands. 4. Moderating the impact of climate change. 10

11 Challenges and problems to overcome (1) Adding value 1) Developing tools: refine, evaluate and update Inventory and monitoring tools. Efficient operation of The Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory. 3) Developing projects and attracting funds: MedWet must resume intensive project development, facilitated and coordinated by the Secretariat. 4) Strengthening networks: A key role of MedWet is in promoting synergy in the region. Resume and reinforce the actual networking with key international, regional and national actors in the Mediterranean (GWP-Med, InWEnt, UNEP-MAP and RAC- SPA, Wetlands International etc). 11

12 Challenges and problems to overcome (2) Weaknesses and threats Increasing difficulty in convincing stakeholders of the added value of MedWet in relation to Mediterranean wetlands Decreasing interest by the international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations members of MedWet/Com Difficult staffing situation of the Secretariat Weak cooperation within the Scientific and Technical Network. Transition from a technical collaborative network to a more politically oriented body, thus losing a considerable part of its pertinence. Increasing financial difficulties in the region and especially for the host country. 12

13 Fields of cooperation with other RRIs Increasing interest of international actors and EU countries may provide opportunities for actions in favour of water and wetlands. Exchanging and dissemination of tools and knowledge between RRIs. Undertaking joint activities and projects to apply the lessons learned Adapting wetland management tools to the RRI specificities. Exchange new governance and intersectoral approaches. Develop participation of the civil society, and connections between science and policy. 13

14 Thank you for your attention. Nejib Benessaiah, MedWet Coordinator 14