The future for Mediterranean wetlands: 50 key issues and 50 important conservation research questions

Area of Science:

• Ecology and Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology
• Mediterranean Ecosystems

Background:

• Mediterranean wetlands are crucial for biodiversity and human well-being.
• These ecosystems face severe degradation and numerous challenges.
• They support endemic, threatened species and are integral to local societies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key issues affecting Mediterranean wetlands from 2020-2050.
• To pinpoint critical research questions for wetland conservation.
• To inform proactive research and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Online survey and literature review to gather potential issues and questions.
• An iterative, anonymised Delphi-like process for prioritization.
• Diverse assessment panel involved scoring, voting, and discussion.

Main Results:

• Identified 50 key issues and 50 impactful research questions.
• Prioritized issues include dams, plastic pollution, weak governance, desalination, and antimicrobial resistance.
• Research questions focus on conservation interventions and understanding threat impacts.

Conclusions:

• The analysis supports research, policy, and practice for Mediterranean environmental conservation.
• Provides a model for similar analyses in other global regions.
• Highlights the need for proactive management of Mediterranean wetlands.