Wetlands International

Published purpose

The purpose of the Mediterranean Wetlands Capacity Building project is to build the capacity of civil society to dialogue with governments about improved wetlands management. By encouraging the inclusion of civil society, the project aims to reduce possible tensions and to ensure that the opinion of the people living off the wetland resources, many of whom are the poorest of the poor, is taken into account in wetlands management. The Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region is one of the most water-deprived regions of the world. Annual water consumption outstrips renewable resources. The wetlands forming part of these resources were destroyed over the past century, because of a failure to recognize their importance and value. Many of the communities living near these wetlands are impoverished and are often left out of the decision-making and resource planning processes.