MedWet-Reseau CODDE - Reseau MedWet d'information et conaissance pour le developpement durable des ecosystemes hydriques
The Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (Med-Wet) of the Ramsar Convention, a permanent network of collaboration and provision of scientific knowledge to all Mediterranean countries, has launched the Med -Wet/CODDE project under the INTERREG IIIC programme in order to provide regions with a tool that will allow decision-making on regional development activities based on the knowledge of water-related ecosystems that exist in their territory, the benefits these bring to people and the pressures they need to be protected against. Wetlands are important ecosystems providing a number of services to human society, such as flood control, water storage and purification, climate control and development opportunities including fisheries, agriculture, tourism and many others. Sustainable development depends on the knowledge of decision-makers about the existence of environmental resources in any region. By securing the provision of easy-to-use knowledge on the ecosystems and the functions and services they provide to society, as well as the needs they have for appropriate management through long-term planning, decision makers can address priority issues so that long-term viability of the ecosystems can be secured, coupled with sustainable generation of income and employment for local people. Overall objective / Objectif général The MedWet/CODDE project will mobilise existing MedWet network partners in Greece, France, Italy and Portugal and exchange knowledge with Estonia in order to build on the extensive know-how and information already existing in the network. It will provide an innovative web-based tool that allows all users to access easy-to-use information on the location, ecological characteristics and socio-economic importance of water-related ecosystems. By incorporating Remote Sensing and Satellite Imaging it will also provide a state-of-the-art tool for all involved stakeholders to monitor and assess the current status and trends of such ecosystems, and to adapt their development strategies to keep them healthy and to maximise the long-term benefits they bring to society. Expected results / Résultats attendus The MedWet/CODDE project will establish a web-based database in which the basic information on all Mediterranean wetlands will be stored on-line. The project will keep information regularly updated, drawing from satellite images, interactive maps and other remote sensing techniques. This will allow decision makers to base their planning on factual information about the existence, values and threats to important ecosystems in their territory. The project will put particular emphasis on developing components that show clearly the socio-economic importance of such ecosystems, including aspects such as cultural heritage, land use, traditional uses and socio-economic indicators, so that the trends and effects of sustainable development decisions can be assessed. Seminars and workshops aimed at relevant stakeholders will ensure that regional players become accustomed to using the tool and will secure its long-term operation.