MARISTANIS Local Wetland Observatory

Sustainable wetland management requires a new and integrated spatial management approach to preserve unique environmental, economic and landscape features. This process should be supported by the provision of quality spatial data through a dedicated web-based GIS platform and a governance structure to guarantee the implementation and monitoring of the Maristanis Coastal Wetlands Contract (CWC): the Local Wetland Observatory (LWO)

Aim of the tool

The aim of the Local Wetland Observatory (LWO) is to improve the conservation and management of wetlands by monitoring their status through a web-based GIS platform, and by providing technical support for the achievement of a homogeneous governance of these areas through the Maristanis Coastal Wetland Contract (CWC).

Main objectives

The specific objectives of the LWO are to (i) provide timely and quality information on wetlands’ status and trends, (ii) track threats to wetlands and identify actions that promote their protection, wise use and restoration, (iii) assess the dimension of wetlands in the context of sustainable development, and (iv) monitor the Maristanis Coastal Wetland Contract (CWC) implementation progress, to achieve a homogeneous governance of wetlands in the Gulf of Oristano.

Technological infrastructure

A PC with stable internet connection is necessary to access all the documents regarding the Wetlands Observatory (web GIS and Maristanis project webpage).

Training

No particular training is necessary to access and explore the data and all the CWC documents of the Wetlands Observatory.

Investment

Access to the Wetlands Observatory is free-of-charge.

Concept

The LWO has been included on the activities list in the Action Plan of the Coastal Wetland Contract. A catalogue was built, including all the spatial/geographic data on a Geographic Information System catalogue, and published through the Maristanis webgis.

It is articulated along 4 monitoring themes, one for each specific objective:

1. Biodiversity and ecosystem integrity
2. Drivers and pressures on wetlands
3. Ecosystem services and integration of the environment into development processes
4. Status of governance

A list of 20 indicators associated with each monitoring theme and objective has been developed. In addition, five socio-economic indicators have been identified to support the territorial analysis and correlation with main development sectors, including urbanisation, agriculture and livestock fisheries and aquaculture, irrigation, public infrastructures, and tourism; and for the investigation of cross-cutting issues (see Annex 1).

Data are gathered at a local scale (municipalities, province, region), and other scales (including biomes, coastal zones and coastal wetlands, rivers, Natura 2000 sites, watershed, rural/urban, ecological zones).

Pilot areas

The LWO covers the Gulf of Oristano in Sardinia, Italy, which includes the six Ramsar sites and other coastal lagoons and ponds included in the Nature 2000 Network.

Recommended timeline of implementation

As a first phase, necessary data were collected and technical reports and factsheets were elaborated that reflected knowledge of the Wetlands Observatory to be disseminated to relevant stakeholders. Following this, the GIS platform was elaborated and published through a dedicated website.

A main challenge is to ensure the provision of the necessary human and economic resources to put into force the Wetland Observatory in the long-term.

Quantitative results

The data included in the LWO are used to support the production of reports based on results and analyses, as well as diversified products for targeted communications.

Key deliverables

• Technical reports on wetland status conservation.
• Factsheets aiming to strengthen the management and networking of wetland protected areas for local stakeholders and public authorities.
• A report on the implementation and monitoring of the CWC Action Plan and the participatory process.

Transfer potential

The LWO has been developed specifically for the Gulf of Oristano; however, its methodology and approach can be replicated to any other wetland areas in the Mediterranean, to support their integrated and sustainable conservation and management.

• The socio-economic macro-indicators selected in the logical framework of the Wetlands Observatory include Income, Enterprises per sector, Tourism trends, Ecolabel/EMAS and other environmental certifications, and Demography, density and population structure.

• The web-based GIS platform includes a total of 21 layers that show information such as Ramsar sites, bird protection areas, intangible human and cultural heritage, wastewater treatment plants, SPAMI areas, fish landing sites and fishing fleets.

Biodiversity and ecosystem integrity

• Diversity and abundance of species (fauna and flora)
• River flow
• Water quality (wetlands and rivers)
• Wetland surface area

Drivers and pressures

• Climate (Precipitations, droughts, temperatures)
• Salinization
• Land use and land conversion (agriculture and urbanization around wetlands)
• Irrigated hectares and type of culture
• Volume of fishing

Eco-system services (TESSA methodology)

• Role of wetlands in water purification
• Educational and touristic role of wetlands
• Role of wetlands in mitigating flood and drought

Integration of wetlands in development decision

• Surface of protected wetlands
• Integration of environment in local development planning
• Level of implementation of integrated water resources management
• Effectiveness of the management in the Ramsar sites
• Strategic efforts in wetland protection (PAC/PSR)

Status of the Governance

• Update of Wetland management plans
• Implementation of the activities included in the CWC Action Plan.
• Rapid Assessment tool developed by (PAP-RAC)

Additional socio economic indicators

• Income (IRPEF)
• Enterprises per sector
• Tourism trends
• Ecolabel/EMAS and other environmental certifications
• Demography, density and population structure environment into development processes.