MARISTANIS’ first objective is to improve knowledge of wetlands. Wetlands and the water basin system of Oristano represent unique ecological systems, biodiversity reservoirs and cultural assets while providing key climate change mitigation services. The first phase of the project has seen the gathering, reorganization and improvement of the knowledge concerning the Ramsar sites. Only through the creation of a solid scientific literature, an identification of all the necessary  interventions for the protection and development of the territory will be possible.

This programme is seeking to achieve an integrated coastal wetlands management. The main challenge of this objective is to turn existing legislative and regulatory instruments into effective management plans, taking into consideration the local context, and to develop management skills at all government levels starting from local municipalities to set an effective wetlands governance.

MARISTANIS project entails the reduction of threats on marine ecosystems. In this respect, it encourages local and regional authorities to interact with researchers to identify specific plans and actions to ensure and promote the persistence of processes that operate between marine and terrestrial parts of the coastal system.

MARISTANIS encourages the deployment of nature-based solutions and activities to reduce anthropogenic pressures on wetlands. This includes the reduction of risks from pollution sources but also the improvement of the conservation of endangered species and habitats (e.g. birds, amphibians and fishes).

The project provides for capacity building and knowledge sharing activities. One of its purposes is to enhance cultural and landscape heritage. Indeed, the strong depopulation and loss of economic activities endanger the valuable heritage around the wetlands and coastal areas. The value of these ecosystems needs a powerful action to be recognized by the local stakeholders, and enhanced through new economic and cultural activities linked to a more sustainable value chain and ecotourism services.

In parallel, the initiative promotes awareness raising on the importance of wetlands among local stakeholders. The aim of this campaign is to promote activities contributing to the preservation and safeguarding of wetlands.