MEDWET - Mediterranean Wetlands Initiave

projects

ACRONYM	CODDE
TITLE:	MedWet information and knowledge network for the sustainable development of wetland ecosystems


Sites	The different tools developed by the project are tested in a number of sites. The revised inventory datasheets and the online database are tested in s'Albufera de Mallorca, Balearic Islands and Camargue, France. Pilot projects on wetland identification using remote sensing tools are carried out in Serbia and Cyprus.
Duration
	Starting Date: JAN 2005
	End Date: DEC 2007
	Duration in months: 36
Co-financing Agency	European Union, Funding Instrument: ERDF, Community Initiative INTERREG III C Sud Programme
Lead Partner	MedWet Coordination Unit, Greece
Partners	Partner 1 Name: Goulandris Natural History Museum - Greek Biotope / Wetlands Center (EKBY) Country: Greece Partner 2 Fondation Sansouire - Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat Country: France Partner 3 Name:Instituto da Conservação da Natureza (ICN) Country: Portugal Partner 4 Name: Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale della Toscana(ARPAT) Country: Italy Partner 5 Name: Geography Institute, Tartu University Country: Estonia
Budget	1.461.075,00€	Co-financing Agency/ Institution:	1.095.806€	ERDF contribution
		Partners:	418,743,75€	National contributions
Category
Objectives	* Exchange of current knowledge and expertise on methods of inventorying and monitoring wetland ecosystems with a view to revising MedWet Inventory tools (updating them with new fact sheets and novel tools) in line with new EU regulations and incorporating new Earth Observation technologies * Create mechanisms for exchange of data encouraging participation of states, exchange of data protocols and for the development of tools such as online information systems * Encourage stakeholders and decision makers to respond to needs and utilize opportunities provided within a network in order to develop inventories and monitor wetland ecosystems within the context of sustainable development
Anticipated Results	* A key tool for the management and sustainable development of wetland ecosystems is to be developed through collaboration of a large number of experts who will hold 10 regional workshops Through use of the new tool by the posting online of related methodology and data bank open to all interested parties Strengthened exchange of knowledge, information and best practices among a network of experts to be accomplished through collaboration of experts on development and implementation of such tools *Convene meetings involving a total of 100 regional decision makers over four workshops in order to disseminate the tools and sensitize the public to the benefits of the methodology
Actions / Activities	* Revising of the MedWet Inventory to add new data records on water quality, socio-economic and cultural aspects and on indicators regarding status and tendencies as well as to incorporate new Earth Observation tools to monitor environmental variables Create mechanisms of electronic dissemination of information and communication ensuring information security Establish the development of an online information system aimed at encouraging the participation of European organisations active in this field and acting as a web-bank of inventory data *Disseminate information on the use and benefits of the tools to encourage their adoption for the management and sustainable development of wetland ecosystems and support their adoption by decision makers
Reporting / Meetings	Five meetings were held: i-ii) in Thessaloniki, Greece, 20-21 January and 15-16 May 2005 iii) in Alcochete, Portugal, 20-22 July 2005 iv) Athens, Greece 9-11 February 2006 v) Thessaloniki, Greece 2 April 2006 The first progress report was submitted on 12/10/05.
Remarks	The inventorying tool to be developed through CODDE will advance and build on the information system tool for inventorying wetland resources produced within the MedWet SUDOE project.
Timetable
Press	Group monitors Greek wetlands ( 13_01_06)