Today we celebrate the World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about importance of wetlands. It is celebrated each year on 2 February to the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971 (Ramsar Convention).
Mediterranean wetlands are a unique subset of global wetlands, characterized by a blend of European, African, and Asian influences. Climatic cycles of mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, combined with their strategic position at the crossroads of migratory bird routes, make Mediterranean wetlands a biodiversity hotspot – a crucial habitat for various flora and fauna. By prioritizing wetlands protection and restoration, we not only safeguard their inherent values but also harness their potential in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and climate challenges. Given the multiple benefits that wetlands offer in terms of biodiversity conservation, flood control, coastal protection, carbon sequestration, water quality improvement, and livelihood support, they are indeed valuable nature-based solutions for adaptation to climate change in the Mediterranean basin and elsewhere.
