World Wetlands Day 2024: 2 Cross-Border Cooperation success stories in wetland conservation

Image

“Wetlands and Human Wellbeing” is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2024. This year's campaign emphasises the vital connection between wetlands and human life, highlighting the benefits of sustainable wetland use for the future of humanity. Wetlands provide economic, social, and cultural advantages, playing a crucial role in addressing climate-biodiversity issues and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Recognising the importance of wetland restoration is essential for the collective benefit of all people. 

Image

In the heart of Bekaa Lebanon, a groundbreaking environmental ENI Cross-Border Cooperation project (ENI-CBCMED) known as the NAWAMED – Constructed Wetlands has taken root. Developed in collaboration with the American University of Beirut, this EU-funded project shows the innovative approach of using constructed wetlands for greywater treatment. With the installation complete, the Constructed Wetlands (CW) are now fully operational, efficiently treating greywater and demonstrating their capacity to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for greywater treatment.

Another example takes us to the Balkan-Mediterranean (BalkanMed) region which boasts a natural environment of immense biodiversity value, featuring lake complexes, riverine systems, and inland and coastal wetlands. Many of these areas also harbour essential archaeological and cultural heritage, holding significant potential for territorial development and cooperation. Despite their importance, knowledge about Balkan-Mediterranean wetlands remains limited, scattered, and incomplete, hindering effective protection and conservation efforts. To address this challenge, the EU Interreg BalkanMed project 'Improving the conservation effectiveness of wetlands (WetMainAreas)' is actively working towards protecting, conserving, and promoting the development of wetlands as a shared asset of the BalkanMed territory.

Want to learn more about the close relationship between nature and water? Interested to receive guidance on how your work can contribute? Take a look at the Quick Tips on Working with Nature in the water sector. For further assistance or guidance, the EU Greening Facility is ready to provide support. If you have any questions or require advice, you can reach out to them by writing to INTPA-GREENING-FACILITY@ec.europa.eu  |  NEAR-GREENING-FACILITY@ec.europa.eu