From 20 to 21 January 2026, an international study visit was organised by SEMIDE in partnership with the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa, in Tuscany (Italy), focusing on nature-based solutions (NbS) for the management and restoration of Mediterranean wetlands. This initiative was carried out within the framework of the Restore NAW project, led by WWF North Africa and the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS).
Objectives of the visit
The main objective of this mission was to promote the exchange of technical experience and good practices among stakeholders from the Mediterranean region — experts, managers and decision-makers — in order to strengthen capacities for the sustainable management of wetlands.
The visit brought together a diverse group of participants, including:
- partners from Morocco and Tunisia,
- experts from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa,
- the Head of European Projects of the Northern Apennines River Basin Authority,
- water resource managers from the Tuscany Region,
- representatives of the agricultural sector,
- managers of protected areas such as WWF Italy,
- members of three irrigation and drainage consortia.
Programme and field visits
The programme combined in-depth technical exchange sessions with field visits illustrating concrete and innovative approaches to wetland restoration and management, including:
- controlled re-flooding of agricultural land previously drained,
- constructed wetlands dedicated to polluted water treatment,
- phytoremediation systems to improve water quality,
- reuse of treated wastewater during low-flow periods,
- groundwater recharge management,
- the need for dialogue between water management, agriculture and biodiversity stakeholders.
Wetland challenges and key lessons learned
The experiences shared during the visit highlighted several crucial issues:
- the strategic role of wetlands in securing water supply,
- their contribution to climate change adaptation and flood risk reduction,
- their importance for biodiversity conservation and combating desertification.
Conclusion
This study visit represented an important opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and enrich reflections on concrete solutions adapted to the challenges facing Mediterranean wetlands. The technical exchanges and field examples are expected to inspire integrated and sustainable approaches in North Africa and beyond.
