Coastal wetlands are precious ecosystems where rivers, the sea and human communities meet, creating complex and delicate natural balances. These territories are rich in biodiversity and natural resources, yet increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, drought and extreme weather events.

These were precisely the issues addressed during the workshop organised by DeltaMed as part of the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, held in Rome on 29 September. This prestigious international event provided the association with an opportunity to bring the challenges facing Mediterranean deltas and wetlands to the attention of a qualified audience, while encouraging the exchange of knowledge, experiences and perspectives from different territories.

The workshop was opened by DeltaMed President, Dr Giorgio Piazza, who introduced the association’s role and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation among Mediterranean delta territories, which share environmental vulnerabilities and increasingly interconnected challenges.

The discussion brought together distinguished representatives from the academic, technical and institutional communities. Speakers included Prof. Marco Mancini from the Polytechnic University of Milan and Prof. Novello from the University of Padua, who offered a historical perspective on the delicate balance between water regulation, territorial transformation and ecosystem protection, with particular reference to the history of land reclamation in Italy.

The institutional and river basin planning perspective was presented by Eng. Alessandro Delpiano from the Po River Basin District Authority, whose contribution focused on coastal risk management and the dynamics of the Po River Basin District. His presentation highlighted the challenges facing a particularly complex and vulnerable territory, where river and marine dynamics intersect with the need to ensure safety and effective territorial management.

The international dimension was represented by Dr Rafael Sanchez Navarro, who attended the workshop in person on behalf of the Ebro Delta in Spain. His participation brought into the discussion the experience of one of the Mediterranean’s most significant delta territories, fostering dialogue between geographically diverse areas that nevertheless face similar environmental issues and management challenges.

The workshop was moderated by Eng. Sergio Grego, DeltaMed Secretary and Director General of the Veneto Orientale Land Reclamation Consortium, who guided the discussion among the speakers and encouraged the exchange of different experiences and approaches.

The concluding remarks were delivered by Dr Agr. Graziano Paulon, Director of the Agricultural and Environmental Department of the Veneto Orientale Land Reclamation Consortium, who emphasised the importance of translating knowledge and dialogue into concrete actions capable of supporting territories in their transition towards more resilient and sustainable management models.

The workshop represented a significant milestone for DeltaMed, not only because of the quality of the contributions and the value of the experiences shared, but also because it provided an opportunity to raise the association’s profile within a prestigious international setting. The dialogue between geographically distant territories, yet united by similar challenges, highlighted the importance of moving beyond administrative and national boundaries to address, through coordinated action, the issues affecting Mediterranean deltas and wetlands.

Knowledge, sharing and cooperation: these are the three key principles through which DeltaMed aims to strengthen its role as a reference network for delta territories, promoting the exchange of experiences, the dissemination of knowledge and the development of new partnerships.

Participation in the Rome Forum marked another step in this direction, offering the association an opportunity to expand its network of contacts and strengthen new opportunities for collaboration. The protection of coastal wetlands is not merely a concern for individual territories; it is a shared responsibility and a common challenge for the entire Mediterranean region.

Protecting deltas today means safeguarding a natural, social and economic heritage that is essential for future generations.