From water stree to water security. Wetlands as a strategic asset for the Mediterranean

Mediterranean wetlands are a strategic asset for water security, climate adaptation and mitigation, and socio-economic stability across the region. In the 27 countries participating in the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet), nearly two-thirds of the population live in proximity to a wetland, highlighting the strong links between wetland integrity, human well-being, and territorial resilience.

The Mediterranean Wetlands Outlook 3 (MWO-3), produced by the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory, confirms a persistent and systemic degradation of these ecosystems. To date, over 56% of Mediterranean natural wetlands have been lost, with continued declines driven by water over-abstraction, land-use change, river fragmentation, and climate impacts. These pressures reduce wetlands’ capacity to regulate water availability, buffer climate extremes, and sustain key economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

At the same time, the MWO-3 shows that wetland loss is not inevitable. Where governance frameworks are coherent, ecological water needs are secured, and restoration is adequately financed, wetlands demonstrate measurable recovery. The report identifies five strategic levers for action, including restoring hydrological connectivity, scaling up ecological restoration, strengthening water governance, integrating wetlands into spatial planning, and reinforcing regional cooperation.

To mark World Wetlands Day, MEP César Luena and MEP Jutta Paulus will host a policy dialogue at the European Parliament on 5 February 2026, presenting the key findings of the MWO-3 and exploring how the European Union can translate this evidence into action.

Co-organised by Wetlands International Europe and Tour du Valat, in collaboration with MedWet, the event will examine how the Nature Restoration Law, the European Water Resilience Strategy, and the Pact for the Mediterranean can support large-scale wetland restoration and investment, while strengthening EU–Mediterranean cooperation on water resilience and climate adaptation.

The discussion will bring together EU policymakers, Mediterranean partners, and scientific and policy experts to explore how wetland protection and restoration can support EU water and climate objectives, strengthen cooperation with Mediterranean partner countries, and contribute to sustainable growth, resilience, and regional stability.

Practical information
📍 European Parliament, Brussels
🗓 5 February 2026
⏰ 12:30 – 14:30

A draft agenda is provided below. Registration details will be shared in due course.

12.30 – 13.00                 Registration

13.00 – 13.05                 Welcoming by dr Chris Baker, Director Wetlands International Europe

13.05 – 13.15                 Opening by MEP Luena, Socialists & Democrats Group 

13.15 – 13.20                Video message from Commissioner for the Mediterranean Ms Šuica

13.20 – 13.30                 Reflection on the World Wetlands Day  by Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Senior Advisor for Europe, Convention on Wetlands

13.30 – 13.45                 Mediterranean Wetlands Outlook by Anis Guelmini, Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory/MedWet

13.45 – 13.52                 Case study: wetland restoration in Spain by Eduardo de Miguel, Director Fundacion Global Nature

13.52 – 14.00                 EIB Water priorities by EIB

14.00 – 14.05                 CoR Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (TBC

14.05– 14.25                 Q&A

14.25 – 14.30                 Closing remarks dr Chris Baker, Director Wetlands International Europe