The Red Alert System

Is a wetland you care about under threat? We can help you stop it.

On top of accelerating climate pressures, Mediterranean wetlands face threats from large-scale development and infrastructure projects. When a civil society organisation needs to act fast to protect a threatened wetland, the MAW Red Alert System provides the international support, strategic expertise, and network mobilisation to make that action count.

What it offers
Cases
Map
Apply now

LATEST WIN

Urdaibai, Spain — Guggenheim expansion project abandoned

The project was declared incompatible with the Urdaibai UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a critical stopover for thousands of migratory birds. A victory for citizens, science, and wetlands.

What the Red Alert System offers

Threatened Mediterranean wetland

What it is

The Red Alert System is an emergency advocacy mechanism that allows civil society organisations to rapidly mobilise international support when a Mediterranean wetland faces an imminent threat — development projects, infrastructure, or other activities that jeopardise biodiversity and local communities.

MAW task force at work

What it delivers

Once activated, MAW provides:

A dedicated task force of at least 3 expert organisations
A tailored, science-based advocacy (e.g., letter campaign) and communication strategy
International visibility through connections with the institutional sphere (Ramsar, UNESCO, the EU, national institutions…), and the media
Up to 1 year of active monitoring and support

All free of charge.

Civil society organisation protecting wetlands

Who it is for

Any civil society organisation facing a direct threat to a wetland or river in the Mediterranean Basin. No experience of international advocacy is required. Applications are free and will be submitted to the Steering Committee of the MAW.

You can apply if you are:

A civil society organisation

Based in or working in the Mediterranean region

Facing a direct threat to a wetland or river

Applications are free and take approximately 40 minutes. No experience required.

How the Red Alert System works

The Red Alert System initiates rapid, coordinated international action in response to a local wetland facing an imminent threat. Any civil society organisation can trigger the process. MAW Steering Committee evaluates the case, assembles a task force, and develops a strategy with the applicant, from the first application to a live international campaign in as little as 8 weeks.

Apply

Complete the short online application form or email it. Tell us about the wetland, the threat, and your organisation. Takes approximately 20 minutes

~40 minutes

MAW evaluates

The MAW Steering Committee reviews the application. We may request a short call to learn more about the case. You will receive a decision within 15 days.

Up to 15 days

Task force builds your strategy

A task force of at least 3 MAW member organisations works with you to develop a tailored advocacy and communication strategy. The applicant is a full participant throughout.

~20 days

Launch and monitor

The strategy is launched publicly. MAW and the task force support outreach through media, social channels, and international institutions. The Alliance monitors developments and adapts the strategy as needed.

Up to 1 year

Ready to apply?

Applications are free, open year-round, and take approximately 20 minutes. No experience required.

Launch a Red Alert

Red Alerts in action

From Spain to Albania, the Red Alert System has helped protect some of the Mediterranean's most threatened wetlands - iconic sites and biodiversity hotspots critical to the Mediterranean region.

LATEST WIN

Urdaibai UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Spain

Urdaibai

Spain

Guggenheim Museum expansion project threatening the Urdaibai UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its migratory bird populations.

Outcome: Project abandoned after two years. Declared incompatible with Biosphere Reserve objectives and climate commitments.

Lead partner: Guggenheim Urdaibai Stop, CIREF, SEO/BirdLife, WWF España, Youth Engaged for Wetlands.

Learn More

MONITORED

Erimitis wetland, Corfu, Greece

Erimitis

Greece

Large-scale tourism infrastructure project on the island of Corfu threatening three internationally important wetlands.

Outcome: Two letters endorsed by MAW members sent to the Prime Minister of Greece. Ecological importance of site formally communicated to national and international institutions. The project has been revised to a smaller and more eco-friendly one.

Lead partner: Local NGO coalition — Corfu, Greece

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ACTIVE

Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape, Albania

Vjosa-Narta

Albania

Illegal Airport on construction in the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape, one of Albania's most ecologically significant coastal wetland systems.

Outcome: International mobilisation and advocacy strategy developed and implemented. Keeping the case in the headlines and on the desks of the EU and Berne Convention authorities.

Lead partner: PPNEA, AOS, Euronatur, BirdLife ECA

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MONITORED

Camargue delta, France

Camargue

France

Multiplication of infrastructure projects (Extra High Voltage Line, Superhighway, and a bridge) threatens the ecological integrity of the Camargue, one of the Mediterranean's largest river deltas and a critical wetland habitat.

Outcome: Red Alert strategy developed and implemented. Continued monitoring and dialogue with decision-makers. Open a case in the Ramsar Convention.

Lead partner: En travers de la Route, Euronatur, Youth Environment Europe

Learn More

Red Alerts across the Mediterranean

Explore past and active Red Alerts across the Mediterranean Basin.

RED ALERT SYSTEM

Is your wetland under threat?

If you are a civil society organisation in the Mediterranean facing a direct threat to a wetland or river, the Red Alert System is designed for you. Applications are free and take approximately 40 minutes to complete. There is no requirement for prior experience in international advocacy.

Launch a Red Alert

Show the Red Alert map