ReMedi: Rice paddies as living wetlands

Building resilient Mediterranean agroecosystems through integrated biodiversity, water and carbon management

A new approach to rice farming and wetland conservation in the Mediterranean

Mediterranean rice-growing regions face increasing challenges linked to climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and pressures on food production.

ReMedi takes an innovative approach by treating rice paddies and wetlands as one interconnected socio-ecological system. The project develops and tests sustainable farming practices that improve water management, strengthen biodiversity, enhance carbon storage, and support long-term agricultural productivity.

By bringing together farmers, researchers, NGOs, and policymakers, ReMedi aims to create practical solutions that can be replicated across the Mediterranean region.

Integrated water management

Improving water efficiency while supporting healthy wetland ecosystems

Sustainable rice farming

Promoting organic and regenerative practices that work in harmony with nature

Biodiversity conservation

Protecting habitats and wildlife across Mediterranean rice-growing landscapes

Climate resilience

Reducing environmental impacts and improving adaptation to climate change

Addressing Mediterranean wetland challenges

The Challenge

Rice fields and wetlands are closely connected, yet they are often managed separately. This disconnect has contributed to:

At the same time, Mediterranean wetlands are among the region’s most valuable ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife, regulating water resources, storing carbon, and supporting agricultural production.
ReMedi aims to restore these connections through a landscape-scale approach that benefits both people and nature.

The Solution

ReMedi combines:

By integrating these elements, the project develops a trans-Mediterranean model for sustainable wetland agroecosystem management.

Pilot regions

To ensure its solutions are effective across different environmental and agricultural contexts, ReMedi is testing and validating them in four Mediterranean wetland regions.

These pilot areas represent diverse landscapes and challenges, providing an opportunity to assess how different approaches can contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable water management, climate resilience, and more sustainable agricultural systems.

The knowledge generated across the pilot regions will support the development of solutions that can be adapted and replicated throughout the Mediterranean.

News and Events

Latest updates from the project, pilot activities, workshops, publications, and events.

STAY IN TOUCH

Be part of our community of interest

Join the ReMedi community and follow the project’s journey towards more resilient Mediterranean rice systems.

THE CONSORTIUM

A multidisciplinary partnership across the Mediterranean and Europe

Coordinated by Eurecat, the consortium includes research centres, universities, environmental NGOs, farmer networks, foundations, and innovation organisations from Spain, Germany, Italy, Egypt, and Turkey. Together, the partners represent the main Mediterranean rice-growing regions and contribute complementary knowledge to address the environmental and agricultural challenges facing wetland ecosystems

10

Partners

5

Countries