June 2024

Communicating the shift towards water resilience

War and Environment in Syria: How Conflict Shapes Forests

Juniper shrubland in Tartus Syria. Image: Angham Daiyoub

In an eye-opening interview, Angham Daiyoub researcher at CREAF (an AMWAJ member organisation based in Barcelona), uncovers the significant yet often overlooked environmental damage caused by the war in Syria. Her research, using satellite images, reveals a devastating 20% loss of the country's forests, with profound impacts on the environment, society and economy. The interview is conducted by Mariam Younes.

AMWAJ Team was at the Urban Resilience Forum & Valencia Energy Week

AMWAJ participated in the Cities Climate Week & Urban Resilience Forum in Valencia from 26-28 June, meeting with people working to make cities greener. On the last day, we visited the Albufera de Valencia, a biodiversity hotspot and the lifeblood of local communities and economies, internationally recognised by being included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1986. Discover the Albufera from the inside with this photo essay by local photographer Juan Solbes published at REVOLVE Magazine.

Join the AMWAJ Community on WhatsApp

Exciting news for journalists, communicators and environmental professionals! Join the AMWAJ WhatsApp community, a space to share your work, projects, articles and events on environmental issues in English and your native language. You can connect with peers from across the Mediterranean, create synergies and facilitate access to research. To join, send an email to amwaj@revolve.media and tell us why you want to be part of our community. 

MedCities: New AMWAJ Member

MedCities is the new member of AMWAJ. MedCities helps local governments in the Mediterranean to achieve their strategic priorities, believing that they have a vital role to play in improving the lives of their citizens. It is a Mediterranean voice for local authorities and builds their capacity to meet the challenges of local governance in a sustainable way. 

Water News Europe is the New Media Partner

Water News Europe is an independent online news medium for the European water sector. Its freelance journalists report on water issues in various Member States, providing coverage on topics related to European water legislation, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Drinking Water Directive.

Listen to AMWAJ Summer Mediterranean Spotify Playlist

We've curated a special Spotify playlist to bring you the vibrant sounds of summer from around the Mediterranean. This playlist captures the essence of the countries around the Mediterranean. Listen to the songs from across the Mediterranean now and let us know if you would like your own favourite song to be added to the list. 

REVOLVE - The 52nd Issue is Out!

REVOLVE's issue 52 focuses on energy while also addressing various relevant topics in sustainability and the environment, with a particular emphasis on sustainable spaces and nuclear energy.

CREAF - Climate change is making bees more sensitive to pesticides

Solitary bee (Osmia sp.) in a “bee hotel”. Public domain image.

Significant declines in bee populations have been observed in recent decades, linked to factors such as climate change, land-use change, biological invasions, and pesticide use. Previous studies have demonstrated that these stressors do not act in isolation but interact with each other, forming a deadly cocktail for bees. This has now been confirmed by a study led by researchers from CREAF and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Read the article by Veronica Couto Antelo.

Community Updates

WE ARE OCEAN Project by Artport_ making waves

ARTPORT_making waves in the framework of their WE ARE OCEAN Wadden Sea KUNSTREUSEN project by the German artist Insa Winkler commissioned this video which reflects the idea behind the project and narrates the story of the traditional fish trap fishing method which is home to the Wadden Sea and which is under risk of extinction. This local and most ecologically friendly way of fishing is an example for ocean protection and Wadden Sea protection. The project was introduced by Anne-Marie Melster, Co-Founder & Executive Director ARTPORT_making waves, during the UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona. 

ARTPORT_making waves began as a curatorial collective in 2006 in New York and Valencia, Spain, focusing on the intersection of art, climate change, and sustainability. The project aims to highlight the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to climate change through themed exhibitions, film productions, workshops, conferences, and educational programs.

Opportunities4u

Climate Editor

The National News is looking for a climate editor. The Climate Editor will be responsible for writing, editing, and commissioning stories on climate change and its impact on the world. 

Opportunities4u

Policy Officer at the Ocean, Seas and Waters Unit

Apply for a vacancy for a Policy Officer within the Ocean, Seas and Waters Unit, at the European Commission Research and Innovation DG.

AMWAJ stands for A Mediterranean Water And Journalism platform for sustainable development. We aspire to build an energy and water community around the Mediterranean. An initiative by REVOLVE.