PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project is intended to establish a regional programme for the wise use of the wetlands in the Mediterranean which promotes collaboration, co-operation and information transfer between MedWet participants at international, national and non-governmental levels, and which effectively addresses local needs in the local context. The project aims to prevent the loss and degradation of Mediterranean wetlands, by extending the conservation tools developed under existing EC project No. 3907 'MedWet' to non-EU Mediterranean States. The objectives of the project are: · To test and apply the tools for conservation and wise use of the Mediterranean developed by the first MedWet project, in wetlands of five Mediterranean States which are not EU members : Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Morocco and Tunisia; · To develop a new MedWet methodology on the economic and social values of Mediterranean wetlands; · to organise national wetlands seminars in the five target States, in order to raise awareness of wetland values among decision-makers, and to promote integrated management of wetlands; · to contribute to the consolidation of the dynamic created under the first MedWet project, for consultation among the various actors working towards conservation and wise use of the Mediterranean, with participation by governmental, non-governmental, and scientific bodies. The project activities include: · Formulation of a published management plan for at least one major wetland in each of the five participating countries. The plan will use MedWet methodologies for inventory, monitoring, training and public awareness, and will involve local personnel in its preparation; · Publication in French and English of a Handbook on economic and social values of Mediterranean wetlands; · Increasing awareness of the value of wetlands in the Mediterranean through dissemination of this handbook and through national seminars; · Improved coordination of conservation and wise use efforts in Mediterranean wetlands, by strengthening regional consultation mechanisms.