MedWet was founded in 1991 to encourage international collaboration among Mediterranean countries, specialized wetland centers and international NGOs in protecting wetlands.

Mediterranean wetlands, typically made up of river deltas, lagoons and temporary marshes, are valuable natural resources. We depend on them for clean water, protection from floods, stabilizing of the sea shore, fisheries and agriculture. Wetlands are often the only places where many plants and animals are found. As many Mediterranean wetlands are lost compared to 100 years ago, the remaining ones are even more valuable.

MedWet is a forum where twenty-five Mediterranean countries, specialized wetland centers and international environmental organizations meet as equals to discuss, identify key issues and take positive action to protect wetlands, for man and for biodiversity. It is also a source of information and knowledge. MedWet helps Mediterranean countries to evaluate economic, social and biodiversity values of wetlands, provide technical tools and ensure good management of wetlands.

In 2002 MedWet became formally recognized as a regional initiative under the global Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

MedWet has concentrated its work in seven areas:

* Inventories of wetlands

* Socio-economic analysis of wetland values

* Wetland management

* Capacity building

* Public Awareness

* Dissemination of research results

* Integrated water resource management for agriculture and nature