Description
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, characterised by rising temperatures, water stress and extreme weather events. With just 2% of the world's renewable water resources, the region faces extreme aridity and is home to 12 of the world's most water-scarce countries, with water availability well below the global average. Rising temperatures, increased evapotranspiration and reduced rainfall are exacerbating water scarcity and exacerbating food and water security challenges.
Recognising the multi-faceted impacts, the MENAWET project is designed as a comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative to protect and restore wetlands and freshwater ecosystems in the MENA region. The project is driven by the critical need for collaboration between countries facing common environmental challenges and the urgency to share knowledge, experience and operational strategies. Its key objectives are to facilitate a robust regional network to foster collaboration, strengthen capacity building, promote scientific research involving youth and women, conduct practical demonstrations on the ground, and develop effective communication and fundraising channels.
The strategies of the MENAWET project include building a regional network that fosters collaboration among MENA countries addressing wetland conservation challenges. It will also focus on capacity building, promoting knowledge sharing and engaging young people and women in high-impact research. Practical field demonstrations will be a cornerstone to showcase conservation initiatives, while effective communication channels and fundraising tools will be developed to streamline support and resources for wetland conservation efforts in the MENA region.
