From 15 to 17 September 2017, the 6th Mediterranean Waterbirds Network Meeting was held. This regional network, established in 2012, includes North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt) along with the French National Office for Hunting and Wildlife (ONCFS) and Tour du Valat, a research center specializing in environmental and wetland studies, supported by the French Ministry of Environment. Tunisia hosted the network’s inaugural meeting at its establishment.

The network aims to strengthen regional cooperation, coordinate winter waterbird censuses, exchange expertise, and overcome challenges faced in monitoring activities across North African countries. Key achievements include the creation of a regional database, training national personnel in bird identification and census methods, providing financial and material support such as binoculars and telescopes, publishing scientific papers in specialized journals, and issuing brochures and training programs on CDs.

Libya’s experience was represented by the Libyan Society for Birds, the General Environmental Authority, and the University of Tripoli. Libya benefited from the network’s programs at a critical stage through material support, provision of equipment, access to the regional database, and the training of national staff in Tunisia under the supervision of Association des Amis des Oiseaux / Tunisia (AAO). The network’s moral support also played a significant role in ensuring the continuity of the Winter Waterbird Census in Libya.

Looking forward, there is a vision to sustain and expand the network’s activities, including potential membership expansion to other countries along the northern Mediterranean coast. Representatives from these countries participated in this meeting and commended the network’s achievements and future plans.