From 25 to 27 November 2025, the Natural Heritage Mission held its third Annual Institutional Dialogue in Barcelona, co-organized by MedCities and CREAF, as part of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme. Our Wetland4Change project was represented by its lead partner, University of Forestry, Bulgaria, and by the Spanish project partner ETC-UMA.
This year’s Dialogue unfolded against a backdrop of renewed policy momentum: the adoption of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, the launch of the Oceans Pact and the Pact for the Mediterranean, and the concurrent anniversaries of both the 10th UfM Regional Forum and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process
As a project dedicated to wetland restoration as nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation, Wetland4Change brought to the Dialogue both evidence and recommendations, contributing to shaping coherent governance, science, and practice across the region.
W4C at NHM event Barcelona Nov2025 Christoph Schröder | ETC-UMA
Institutional Dialogue on transforming environmental governance in the Mediterranean region
During the first day, dedicated to the Institutional Dialogue on transforming environmental governance in the Mediterranean, ETC-UMA represented by expert Christoph Schröder presented the challenges address while advancing wetland-bases solutions. One of the main issues highlighted was the current lack of consistent and complete data across Mediterranean wetlands, which limits the possibility to design and assess restoration actions effectively.
Moreover, Christoph Schröder underlined the need for clearer and more comprehensive knowledge about co-benefits, trade-offs and the expected effects of different restoration options. More evidence-based information is essential for decision-makers and practitioners, particularly regarding how restoration influences vegetation recovery, long-term carbon storage and flood regulation as it can enhance the ability of river catchments to regulate flash floods.
W4C at Natural Heritage event Barcelona Nov2025 | Stanimira Ivanonva
The Natural Heritage Mission’s Community of Practice activities
On the second day, during the Natural Heritage Mission’s Community of Practice activities, the University of Forestry represented by expert Stanimira Ivanova showcased recent work on greenhouse-gas mapping in the Wetland4Change pilot sites of Albufera in Spain and Kerkini in Greece. By analysing the spatial and temporal dynamics of different functional compartments within these wetlands, the team explored how carbon fluxes vary across ecosystems and seasons.
This approach makes it possible to identify areas with higher mitigation potential and supports more informed decisions on where restoration efforts can generate the greatest climate benefits. These findings are also available on what we achieve section.
Wetland4Change’s participation in the Dialogue reinforced the importance of bringing together science, policy and practice when addressing the complex challenges facing Mediterranean ecosystems. With new political frameworks emerging at both European and regional levels, the project’s contributions highlighted the urgent need for robust data, locally adapted approaches and coordinated action across borders. As Wetland4Change continues to advance its work, the collaboration established through the Natural Heritage Mission provides a strong foundation for promoting more resilient, well-governed and climate-adaptive wetlands throughout the Mediterranean.
