On January 28th and 29th, 2025, the WE GO COOP project successfully conducted its 1st Thematic Seminar, titled Framing the Community of Practice, in a hybrid format in Rome, Italy. The event was hosted by the Department of Architecture of Roma Tre University and brought together experts, institutions, and stakeholders to discuss and establish the foundation of the Wetland Contracts Community of Practice.
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, and interactive workshops. Key topics included the legal recognition of Wetland Contracts, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and funding strategies for environmental governance.
Day 1: Exploring Collaborative Networks and Setting Objectives
The seminar began with an opening session, featuring institutional welcomes from representatives of the Department of Architecture of Roma Tre University and Anatoliki, followed by an overview of the event, the presentation of the virtual and collaborative platform for the WE GO COOP Community of Practice, and a review of Wetland Contracts in the Mediterranean.
A key highlight of the first day was the roundtable discussion on Collaborative Networks for Wetland Governance, which brought together experts from organizations such as the International Office for Water, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, MedPAN, Interreg Euro-MED Natural Heritage Mission, MedWet, and the Union for the Mediterranean.
The afternoon sessions focused on defining the objectives of the WE GO COOP Community of Practice, featuring a case study on the first bottom-up national Community of Practice on Wetland Contracts. Participants then divided into working groups and engaged in a World Café session, discussing topics such as legal acknowledgment and advocacy, knowledge sharing and capacity building, and finance for governance and action.
Day 2: Towards a Policy Paper for Wetland Contracts
The second day centered on shaping a policy paper addressing the challenges and opportunities for Wetland Contracts. Experts presented insights on nature restoration, biodiversity protection, climate change adaptation, and the socio-cultural aspects of wetlands.
A brainstorming session followed, during which participants worked in thematic groups to outline key messages for the policy paper. The day ended with a final wrap-up and closing remarks.
For project partners, a Steering Committee meeting took place in the afternoon to discuss current and future activities, with a special focus on the pilot areas of Nature Park Vransko Jezero, Vjosa Narta Protected Area, and Carvalhal Wetlands.
A Step Forward in Strengthening Wetland Governance
The WE GO COOP 1st Thematic Seminar marked an important milestone in strengthening wetland governance through the development of a Community of Practice. The event provided a unique opportunity for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective action toward improving the management of wetland ecosystems.
