Mediterranean Wetlands

Wetlands? Are there wetlands in the Mediterranean, you might well ask. Yes, there certainly are.

In the Mediterranean, wetlands include lagoons and salt marshes, freshwater lakes, karstic cave systems, temporary ponds, artificial wetlands such as reservoirs, salinas, fishponds and rice paddies, small and scattered peatlands, and one of the longest rivers in the world[1].

Wetlands are critically important for biodiversity and human wellbeing, but face a range of challenges. This is especially true in the Mediterranean region, where wetlands support endemic and threatened species and remain integral to human societies, but have been severely degraded in recent decades.

Since ancient times, Mediterranean wetlands have provided food, paper (Cyperus papyrus), water, building materials, and other ecosystem services that contribute to human wellbeing. Wetlands also offer at least some protection against floods and other extreme weather events.

[Alexandria, Egypt]

People just don't understand the importance of wetlands any more. Rampant building of hotels and other urban structures have been a constant attack on these wetlands. The Mediterranean lost approximately 50% of its natural wetland surface area over the twentieth century[2].

Historically, Mediterranean wetlands have been drained or highly sanitised for agricultural use, and development of tourist areas. Add to that the pollution of oil spills, discarded plastic, poor wastewater treatment infrastructure, and you have a perfect storm. Desertification of the Mediterranean is progressing at an alarming pace[3].

Protection of Mediterranean wetlands is vital for future generations.

[1] Balbo et al: Mediterranean wetlands: archaeology, ecology, and sustainability: Mediterranean wetlands in WIREs Water – 2017
[2] Perennou et al: Existing areas and past changes of wetland extent in the Mediterranean region: an overview in Ecologia Mediterrannea - 2012. See here.
[3] Kam, Muro: The increasing threat of desertification to Europe - brief, Institute for European Environmental Policy – 2025. See here.