Improving the Management of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas

National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE 3 Lessons from MPA Karaburun-Sazan  Design and management of MPAs must be both top-down and bottom-up. Since the beginning, the MPA K-S newsletter is  It is not feasible in today’s marine environment to divorce the questions of resource use and IN THIS ISSUE: meant to be different to the ‘normal’ publications in conservation, because marine natural resources and their living space are all sought now by many several ways. People Editorial – Lessons from interested in the sea are different users for many different purposes. MPA K-S______1 rarely able to monopolize an  The MPA designation serves both sustainable use edition of any publication and environmental protection objectives, and PAs Management that is read by many people relevant agencies should work together in Committee______1 with diverse interests, not planning and management.

only those with primarily Tourism Certification in  Socioeconomic considerations usually determine Vlora ______2 marine backgrounds. Such a the success or failure of MPA. Again, these rare opportunity occurs in this publication. Our aim is should be addressed from the earliest possible Resp. Meas & Mgmt of to take maximum advantage of it. stage. Oil Clean-Up Ops. at Sea  It is better to have an MPA which is not ideal in and on Shore ______2 Below we describe several lessons learned related to MPA K-S management with particular reference to an ecological sense but which meets the primary METT Evaluation of MPA two principal focal areas: objective than to strive vainly to create the ‘perfect MPA’. K-S ______3 1. The application in practice of the IUCN protected

area categories to MPA; the ease and difficulty of  Another key to success is setting clearly defined Inauguration of VC at NP objectives against which its performance is Llogara ______3 establishing and managing the MPA and the benefits that can be derived from; and regularly checked, and establishing a monitoring program to assess management effectiveness. Increasing Vis. & Info for 2. Contributions which the MPA can make to MPA K-S ______4  Because of the highly connected nature of the sea, sustainable fishing, as well as to biological which efficiently transmits substances and forcing Did You Know?______4 diversity. factors, the MPA will succeed if it is embedded in The lessons learned appear to be universal as well as an integrated management regime. Letter from Anja______5 location specific. We believe this is a good time to be working on MPA  The MPA contribute to the maintenance or K-S – global attention on, and support for, is

restitution of both biological diversity and continuously higher and is growing rapidly. While the abundance, both of which are relevant to task ahead remains substantial, the prospects are in This edition is prepared by sustainable fisheries. many ways becoming brighter. Thus we hope that readers will find this newsletter not only informative, UNDP Project on Marine  Key to success is the deep involvement of local and Coastal Protected Areas communities from the earliest stages of MPA. but encouraging, as we did. @ UNDP Project Team ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE In January 2018, under the information and guidelines. direction of Prefect Ms. Suzana This initiative is implemented pursuant to the DCM no. 593, dated Jahollari, was held the meeting 9.10.2018 "On the Composition, Functions, Duties and of Tirana County, in which was Responsibilities of the Environmental Protected Areas constituted the Protected Area Management Committees". Management Committee for Based on the relevant legislation the committee has a supervisory Tirana County. function for the implementation The meeting was attended by of management plans in the directors and representatives environmental protected areas various institutions, such as Mr. Zamir Dedej, NAPA General and operates according to the Director, representatives Tirana, Durrësi, Dibra RAPA-s, Tirana regulation adopted by it itself, and Kavaja Municipalities, ISHMPUT, OSHE, Director of while the role of the technical Educational Directorate, Deputy Mayor of Rrogozhina, secretariat is undertaken by the representatives from the Ministry of Culture, because many protected area administration, cultural monuments are located within the Protected Areas. which administers all the In addition, NAPA has started work on the constitution of the documentation that reflects the committee activities. respective Committees in each County, by sending the relevant @ UNDP Project Team

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 1 TOURISM CERTIFICATION IN VLORA The UNDP MCPA2 Project has undertaken a study related to The following recommendations are provided as a follow up of this Tourism Certification in Vlora. This study consisted on appraising service: the tourism certification process and  Development of a Sustainable Destination Strategy with recommendations for the most tangible actions. appropriate certification schema to be  It is a great opportunity for the applied to Vlora. The overall approach destination to develop its mass tourism was to create an informal and based on sustainable principles. constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, in order to listen and see how they perform in terms  The tourism sector should get involved, as it is their guests who of all aspects of sustainability. are meant to enjoy the destination and hopefully come back. Some findings are summarized below:  Hotels willingness to pay for certification. - Vlora is a typical tourism destination. Investment in the  Providing information to the tourists (do’s and don’ts) and accommodation infrastructure is evident. limiting tourist access to more sensitive areas. - Hotels staff is a vital resource, however it is rather difficult to  Working together with other stakeholders is very beneficial. recruit employees and – importantly – retain them.  Capacity building of the tour operators is important both in - Although the destination does offer a variety of activities, how to provide informative and interesting information to the hotels do not seem to promote these. tourists, and to ensure that the operators know why there are restrictions on the capacity and areas - Regarding environmental protection, that are ‘no go’ for them. there many good examples of actions already being undertaken.  The PA administration should issue licences for tourism businesses - There is no capacity building of the operating in the PAs. tour operator’s operating in the MPA K-S, nor an estimation of the MPA’s carrying capacity.  Preparation of a code of conduct for operators in the MPA. - The Visitors Information Centre is a very fine – state of the art  Prepare Sustainable Management Plans for the tourism – information point for tourists. The information there is first businesses. class and of great interest. @ UNDP Project Team RESPONSE MEASURES AND MANAGEMENT OF OIL CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS AT SEA AND ON SHORE TABLE TOP EXERCISE On January 22, 2019, a Table-Top exercise was organized in Participants reacted by providing the right solutions, just as if it Durrës, with focus on testing response measures to maritime oil was a real incident. Specific impacting elements were also studied, spill, within the framework of “Management of marine and such as stimulated currents, winds and coastline pollution for increased tides, weather, time-stamped vessel Safety at Sea and Ports in line location coordinates, and tracking with EU Maritime Law and procedures from the operating center. Policy” project. The event was Description, documenting, reporting, organized and managed by picking up and messaging, keeping a diary UNDP , ATRAC from a person skilled in the job, etc. were (Adriatic Training and Research other specific issues during this exercise. Centre) and IMOC (Inter- The structure of the exercise was well organized and enabled institutional Maritime Operational Centre). The target groups were participants to efficiently test their capabilities in response representatives and specialists whose role and functions relate to operations to a maritime oil spill situation, and most important, to OSRP system and to maritime safety. build discussions and exchanges of thoughts among each-other. The purpose of this exercise was to control the mechanisms for This experience and testing exercise contributes to strengthen rapid alert, information verification, decision-making regarding cooperation between maritime OSR authorities and local authorities response measures and management of oil and seawater as well as the qualification of designated marine environment purification operations. personnel from line ministries and relevant The statement of the exercise was: “A institutions/agencies on the ground. In tanker with 4000 tons had exploded addition, it helped to deliver practical on the morning of January 22, near know-how to maritime personnel on the Vlora Port, 8 Nm SSW from Sazan procedures to assess the situations, provide Island, polluting the surrounding prognoses of its progress, decision making area of the island”. tools to right response and command of This was followed by explaining in details the initial situation, the operations during the OSR; these provide following hourly situations, the initial position of the ship, the oil strong grounds to review and upgrade process of the National spill region, the type, the weather condition, so all the necessary Contingency Plan in our country, mainly for the part of the elements, allowing participants to analyze the situation, develop maritime pollution and OSR measures. appropriate approached and take the right measures. @ UNDP Project Team

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 2 METT EVALUATION OF MPA KARABURUN-SAZAN The monitoring and evaluation of the management effectiveness is an important aspect of Protected Areas management. Obviously, this aspect is also closely linked to the implementation of the respective management plans. Monitoring enables collection of information through observing impacts of management and therefor decides which activities will be adopted for the annual planning. For some years now, this evaluation is carried out annually by the Regional Administration of Protected Areas (RAPA) Vlorë using an evaluation tool such as Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT). With the support of UNDP MCPA2 project, this tool is digitalized, therefore providing the opportunity to facilitate the access, evaluation and data storage. Chart of METT evaluation for MPA K-S The Marine Protected Area Karaburun-Sazan was assigned as pilot An important advantage of using METT is being easy to use, thus area for testing this tool and has recorded data for several years easy to replicate for other protected areas. Actually RAPA Vlorë is which helps the area’s managers to have a general overview of the using this tool for the six protected areas under jurisdiction as well progress related to the Protected Area effective management during as for the Natural Monument of Blue Eye. last years. @ Regional Administration of Protected Areas Vlorë INAUGURATION OF VISITOR CENTER AT LLOGARA NATIONAL PARK In South-West Albania lies one of the most characteristic and tion, mostly by unique national parks of its kind, Llogara National Park. Nowadays deliberate fires or this park is identified with a new, fully contemporary and environmental interactive visitor pollution. In this regard center. the center provides Established in very clear information 2018 by NAPA, on the effects of over- this center was exploitation or misuse inaugurated and of natural resources began its normal with particular operation since 25 emphasis on erosion. January 2019. The Thanks to its favorable inauguration of geographic position, the this center was natural complex of attended by the Llogara NP and EU Ambassador in Albania, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Karaburun Peninsula has Prefect of Vlora Region, Mayor of Vlora, General Director of about 1400 vascular NAPA and other nature lovers and representatives of the local plants, approx. 42.4% of community. Albania's . The The information exhibited in the center gives an overview of the center provides detailed nature and PAs information on flora, as network in Albania, well as a herbarium which will be one of the elements that will be proceeding further constantly enriched in collaboration with universities and students. in detail with The center also and flora in Llogara exhibits the Bee NP. This park is House, a carefully visited all year constructed structure round by foreign that introduces the life and domestic organization of a bee. tourists as one of The exhibitor is built the most popular destinations for hiking, picnics, etc. in such a way that In the function of education, in the center is positioned a 3D model makes clearly visible that conveys a clear panorama of the natural complex Llogara- through the Karaburun and highlights its natural and cultural attractions. honeycombs the working day of bees and their organization up to the honey production. The bee was not chosen by chance. The use Llogara NP represents a perfect example of the coexistence of of honey as a local product of economic benefit to the area and the people with nature, where socio-economic benefits often go hand in complexity of this species ecology has resulted with interest in the hand with nature protection. Used for years by the local community education’s function. for livestock and tourism, it is often threatened by human interven- @ Regional Administration of Protected Areas Vlorë

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 3 INCREASING VISIBILITY AND INFORMATION FOR MPA KARABURUN-SAZAN

UNDP Albania project The tables include a on Marine and Coastal variety of information Protected Areas in about the marine park collaboration with accordingly to the Regional Administration management plan and of Protected Areas in its zoning areas. Vlora, with the intent to In brief, the tables increase visibility and highlight the abundant information about natural, cultural, marine park specific areas with unique natural historical and touristic values and in accordance attractions of the area, to Management Plan of as well as the allowed the marine park, has activities within park financed the construction boundaries. and installation of 9 A billboard with information tables within flashing lights located different marine park along national road at areas and amenities. city entrance has been completed The aim of the with park information investment is to help to promote MPA K-S. park administration to During the last touristic improve management on season, the MPA K-S raising information, was one of the most visibility and helping impressive tourist visitors to get destinations in Albania, acquaintance with with over 60,000 marine park unique thousand visitors. values and attractions. @ UNDP Project Team

DID YOU KNOW?

The Sad Reproduction Secret of Octopuses Aristotle “The Father of Marine ” As with most creatures, the The great Greek philosopher octopus's main purpose in life is Aristotle can also be regarded as to reproduce. However, if it “the father of marine knew just what was waiting for biodiversity”. He spent a it soon after, it might think considerable part of his life twice. Octopuses are considered studying marine species. More the most intelligent of all than 40% of the animals that invertebrates. However, Aristotle studied in his zoological reproduction for them is a death sentence. Both the male and works had a marine origin. If Aristotle were still alive today, he female octopuses die soon after mating. The male dies a few would have made an excellent ambassador for modern marine months afterwards, while female dies shortly after the eggs hatch. biodiversity research.

Seahorse Give Birth How long can the Precious Coral of the Mediterranean live? Seahorses are the only animals in The Precious coral of the which the male, not the female, Mediterranean – Corallium rubrum gives birth to thousands of babies is known as one of the world’s most at once and care for their young, economically valued marine species while only five in thousand with long-lasting, historic survive in adulthood. The process exploitation. Scientists have of seahorse reproduction is very described C. rubrum as a long long- interesting. Males and females living, slow-growing octocoral. court for several days. During that period of time they perform Depending on the geographic area, the average age of colonies at dancing rituals, swimming side by side at the same pace. They first branching is about 10 years and C. rubrum colonies have a want to be able to mirror the movement of the other in sync. maximum lifespan of 106 years.

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 4 LETTER FROM ANJA Messages transmitted through words, eyes, and soul of a child like that of Sazan-Karaburun for propagation and wintering ... The always bring strong emotions, positive feelings, and hopefulness Karaburun cliffs are specially tailored for nesting of aquatic for a better future for the nature and our living environment. birds." These feelings were experienced by our staff when a letter from How beautifully, sincerely and straightforward Anja "protests" Anja Brahimi, a 4th grade student at "Mihal Grameno" school in against illegal bird hunting: "... people have the need to consume Tirana, arrived in our editorial office. these birds during the winter season. But they forget that these Anja's letter is titled "Endangered Birds". With a simple, but rich birds are living things like us. What would happen if people were in and eloquent language for a child, Anja points out the high variety the birds’ place?" of birds in Albania and the dangers posed to them, especially by Anja explains why we should protect birds, how they are protected illegal hunting. "There are thousands of birds in Albania that are fit and survive, and what each of us should do in this regard. At the to adapt to our climate ... Just think how rare these birds are and end Anja has a message for all of us: "... I urge all citizens to stop people turn them into food ..." Anja writes. hunting so that these birds can live as freely and quietly as we do!" In a very natural way it is founded in this letter the link between We invite you to read Anja's letter, hoping you will enjoy it and endangered birds and MPA K-S: "Several birds prefer marine area experience the same feelings as we did.

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