Restoring mediterranean wetlands part II: methodology, field results and future challenges

Since 2017, MedIsWet project created a network of partners working for the documentation, conservation and restoration of Mediterranean Island Wetlands. A workshop organized during the SERE 2021 explained the goal and methodology of MedIsWet. This 2nd presentation focuses on the last achievements and the restoration work done on the ground by the MedIsWet network. The goal of this presentation is threefold. The first goal is to present the results of the restoration activities implemented by the MedIsWet network. Information will be provided and lessons learned shared through the 8 wetland restoration projects that are running on the different pilot sites. These actions have led to the restoration of more than 405 ha of wetlands in 9 countries (Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Malta, Turkey and Tunisia). The second goal of the presentation is to explain the methodological tool the MedIsWet network used to select the wetlands to restore, aiming to replicate restoration activities in the future. Based on a multi-criteria approach, combining social and natural challenges, the MedIsWet partners have prioritized the island wetlands to restore. The third goal of the presentation is to focus on the future action of MedIsWet. A third phase of the project would start from sharing the knowledge gained and the methodological tool created by the network, so that practitioners can prioritize wetlands to restore in the framework of new biodiversity and restoration international and EU targets. This methodological tool will be presented and shared with the public attending the conference.