TOUR DU VALAT
A research centre for the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands
Programs
Programs
Wetlands constitute the type of ecosystem that contributes the most to human subsistence and development; paradoxically, this is also the habitat that is most threatened by human activities (COP Ramsar, 2004). In view of the issues faced by Mediterranean wetlands, the Tour du Valat set up a five-year multidisciplinary programme in 2006, in partnership with many national and international organisations. The objectives of this programme are to create more synergy between research and the needs of conservation, to become increasingly involved in the Mediterranean countries, in particular via “pilot sites”, and to widen and strengthen the foundations of its strategic partners - technical, financial, and political.
The 2006-2010 programme is organised according to three complementary themes:
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Observatories, biodiversity and public policies
To evaluate the condition of wetlands in the Mediterranean basin and to identify trends in order to influence public authorities in promoting their conservation. -
Integrated management and ecosystems dynamics
To develop field projects to study natural processes and human activities in order to promote the integrated management of wetlands. -
Global change and species dynamics
To improve the state of knowledge of the population dynamics of animals and plants with a view to making use of this knowledge in the conservation of wetlands faced with global changes.
The concept of transfer lies at the very heart of the Tour du Valat’s mission. To this end, we have developed expertise in the fields of training, the publication of popularised documents, awareness raising, and, more generally, communication.
Learn more :
Observatories, biodiversity and public policies
Integrated management and ecosystems dynamics
Global change and species dynamics
Closed projects