After developing Policy recommendations aimed at restoring marine and coastal ecosystems last year, this year the Natural Heritage Mission is focusing and expanding the scope to terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, recognizing forests and wetlands as critical ecosystems for the region’s long-term resilience. Drawing on the collective knowledge of four of the sixteen thematic projects, the Mission is developing and testing regional actions that generate policy evidence and concrete tools to support the implementation of key EU and Mediterranean policy frameworks.
The 2026 Policy brief “Mediterranean Ecosystems Restoration: Safeguarding Natural Heritage for People and Nature” lays out why we need to restore and protect the natural environment across the Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on forests and wetlands, which are currently threatened by climate change and human activity.
Inclusive governance, advocacy for the active participation of women, youth, and local communities in decision-making processes at the center of the 2026 Policy brief
The document emphasises that successful environmental recovery depends on key aspects such as inclusive governance, advocacy for the active participation of women, youth, and local communities in decision-making processes. The document highlights various territorial solutions from concrete projects, including innovative methodologies like “Climagine” for coastal planning and “Democracy Labs” to foster public trust. Furthermore, it explores economic and digital tools, such as nature credits and geospatial monitoring platforms, to ensure that restoration efforts are both financially viable and based on accurate data. To sustain these initiatives, the document recommends strengthening capacity building through shared knowledge networks and educational activities like flash flood awareness games. Ultimately, it serves as a strategic roadmap for aligning regional policies with international biodiversity goals to ensure long-term ecological and social resilience.
Social media to amplify the message
Each year, the Mission is committed to facilitate the development of key policy documents to address shared environmental objectives. These policy documents and key recommendations are disseminated in key events, as well as through advocacy campaigns, to reach the identified targets and promote policy change according to the EU priorities.
To amplify the impact of these recommendations, the Natural Heritage Mission launched a social media communication campaign to raise awareness and mobilise stakeholders. Follow it on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
