Sampling at the Dar Fatma peatlands in Tunisia as part of a field visit to support the design of the restoration project.

The Green Light Protocol

A protocol to support the nature restoration movement in the Mediterranean

In response to the urgent need to restore degraded ecosystems, the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands developed the Green Light Protocol to help initiate and accelerate wetland restoration across the Mediterranean. It brings stakeholders, scientists and landscape architects together to co-design the first restoration concept, build a shared vision for action, and lay the foundations for an effective restoration strategy.

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What the protocol offers

What it is
The protocol aims to create a dialogue between stakeholders, scientists and architects to co-create the first concept for a restoration project, using landscape architects’ drawings as a tool to facilitate stakeholder consultation, engagement and the construction of a common vision.

Group of 6 people posing behind a desk for a group photo

What it delivers
The protocol supports partners to develop:
1. An initial restoration concept and shared vision
2. The foundations of a restoration strategy and action plan
3. Communication materials to support outreach and fundraising

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Who it is for
The protocol is designed for civil society organisations, site managers and local partners with a restoration opportunity who need support to structure early planning, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and mobilise wider support.


Landscape picture of Vrina Marshes

How it works

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How the Green Light works

The protocol creates a dialogue between local stakeholders, scientists and landscape architects. Landscape drawings and participatory visioning are used as practical tools to support consultation, build consensus and agree on shared objectives over time.

Coordinated by Tour du Valat Foundation, the protocol assigns an expert team to selected partners (restoration expert, landscape architect, graphic designers and filmmakers) to support planning and communication. The MAW Secretariat—Wetlands International European Association and IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation—supports additional outreach and fundraising to help mobilise donors and partners.

 

Piloting the protocol across the Mediterranean

Göçke Bay (Türkiye)

First pilot site (led by Mediterranean Conservation Society)

Göçke Bay
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Dar Fatma peatlands (Tunisia)

Second pilot site (led by WWF North Africa)
Dar fatma
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Vrina freshwater marshes (Albania)

Selected by MAW’s Steering Committee, located in Butrint National Park
Vrina Marshes
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Carska Bara wetlands (Serbia)

Selected for its ecological and cultural value
Carska Bara
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Request support for a restoration opportunity

Are you a civil society organisation or local partner working to restore a wetland in the Mediterranean? The Green Light Protocol can support selected partners to build a shared vision, shape early restoration planning, and develop communication materials to mobilise support.