Background Mediterranean wetlands include river deltas, lagoons and temporary marshes. They constitute important and unique habitats for a number of species of fauna and flora. They are valuable natural resources, providing clean water and flood protection, and stabilizing the sea shore. However, many Mediterranean wetlands have been lost over the past century. National seminars held in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia had identified common problems in wetland areas: poor exchange of information between central authorities, scientific bodies and NGOs; poor implementation of projects; and a lack of common strategies for management of fragile sites or to deal with key human pressures, such as urbanisation, extensive agricultural activities and water consumption. The project selected three different kind of wetland areas, one in each country :Morocco (Merja Zerga), Tunisia (Sebkhat El Kelbia) and Algeria (Reghaia). Objectives The project sought to preserve the wetlands, whilst also protecting the sustainability of human activities linked to these natural resources. It sought to consolidate and strengthen the management of the wetlands and to integrate the local populations in the planning, implementation and monitoring of management activities. It aimed to build on the work of the MedWet initiative, which had already demonstrated the interest in collaboration in this field, to encourage the exchange of information and experiences between the three participating countries and develop a regional network. More specifically, the project aimed to: strengthen the national capacity in the partner countries by developing their understanding of the ecological functions of the wetlands and promoting regional cooperation strengthen the local capacity by developing their understanding of how to take socio-economic advantage of the natural resources in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way establish a management plan in Algeria and revise existing plans in Tunisia and Morocco Results Although the project did not achieve all of its objectives, it played nevertheless an important role with regard to the management of Mediterranean wetlands. The project successfully promoted regional networking in North Africa around the management of sustainable wetlands. It provided opportunities for learning for participants from different levels and started processes of strengthened co-operation in the field. It led to a new operational plan and visitors’ centre in Algeria. The project was able to create a Focal Unit on wetlands in each of Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. These units brought together representatives from three crucial sectors in wetland management: public administration, relevant associations and universities. The project was an important catalyst to developing networking and cooperation between these groups. Three regional meetings of the national Focal Units were held - one in each national capital - including visits to project sites. The meetings enabled participants to exchange information and build capacity at all levels of intervention, including research, methodology, training and awareness-raising. Extra dynamism was provided to the exchanges through the involvement of external experts - researchers, academics and administrators from other departments. In Algeria, cooperation between the Focal Unit, the Ministry and the scientific and technical experts led to a new management plan for the protected wetland area. This has set out the tools and vision necessary for the follow-up of the plan and calls for the progressive integration of the local population and other stakeholders in the work. The project developed eco-tourism infrastructure in the project sites. In Algeria, additional external investment enabled the building of access routes, an observation post, cafeteria, car park, shelter and jetty. In Tunisia, the project contributed to the development of a botanical garden featuring specific wetland plants. Awareness raising activities were carried out by the Focal Units, notably in Algeria. In co-operation with an Architecture Polytechnic and private companies they established an environmental education centre for adults. The centre was opened with an exhibition on wetlands and the conservation issues affecting the site at Reghaia. Tangible progress was not as obvious in the other two countries, although important steps were taken in developing cooperation, trust and mutual understanding. In Tunisia, essential initial studies were carried out. In Morocco, an assessment of the wetlands was made. The cooperation processes launched in the project will hopefully lead to the development of visitors’ centres and improved management plans in the future.