CONSERVATION OUTCOMES in the Mediterranean Basin

CONSERVATION OUTCOMES In the Mediterranean Basin

2012 to 2017 Aichi Target Report

Conservation achievements toward the Aichi Targets as part of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund’s first investment phase in

the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot.

CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot

Aichi Target Report

Contents

INTRODUCTION ...... 2 The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund ...... 2 The Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 2 CEPF in the Mediterranean Basin ...... 2 SUMMARY ...... 3 Methodology of data collection ...... 3 Key findings ...... 4 REPORT FINDINGS ...... 5 Target 1...... 5 Target 2...... 7 Target 3 ...... 8 Target 4 ...... 9 Target 5 ...... 11 Target 6 ...... 12 Target 7 ...... 13 Target 8 ...... 14 Target 9 ...... 16 Target 11 ...... 17 Target 12 ...... 19 Target 14 ...... 20 Target 15 ...... 22 Target 18 ...... 23 Target 19 ...... 24 Target 20 ...... 27 CONCLUSIONS ...... 28 FURTHER INFORMATION ...... 29

Page 1 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot INTRODUCTION The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) was founded in 2000 to address the growing threats which biodiversity is facing, by empowering civil society in developing countries and transitional economies to protect the world’s biodiversity hotspots, the most biologically rich yet threatened terrestrial ecosystems. CEPF is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Conservation International (CI), the European Union, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Japan, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the World Bank. A fundamental goal of CEPF is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. The Convention on Biological Diversity The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty, signed by 196 parties, supporting the conservation of life on Earth. The parties to the convention have an enormous challenge ahead of them to achieve the Convention’s 2011-2020 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, also known as the Aichi targets. CEPF works with the signatories of the CBD, NGOs and communities in the world’s biodiversity hotspots to establish long-term, locally led conservation initiatives that guide sustainable use and equitable sharing of the benefits of biodiversity. To date, CEPF has supported more than 2,200 civil society organizations (CSOs) in more than 90 countries and territories for projects that make significant contributions to the Aichi targets.

CEPF in the Mediterranean Basin Stretching east from Portugal to Jordan and north from Cape Verde to Italy, the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot is one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots. Covering more than 2 million square kilometers, this hotspot is the second largest in the world, and ranked third-richest in terms of plant diversity. CEPF began granting in the region in 2012, with over $11million was awarded to 108 projects, funding 93 organizations in 12 countries. The investment focused on 3 strategic themes; Integrated Coastal Zone Management, sustainable management of water catchments and resources, and improving the conservation and protection status of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). The Regional Implementation Team (RIT) was established to coordinate the investment for CEPF, building the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the process and harmonizing with other initiatives, networks and donors. This report was compiled by the RIT and looks at the conservation outcomes achieved in the first phase of investment.

Page 2 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot SUMMARY Methodology of data collection In 2015 a mid-term assessment was conducted which highlighted the knowledge gap in relation to the Aichi Targets. National assessments were undertaken for all 11 eligible countries1 with a total of 186 people participating including CEPF grantees, civil society and governments. Aspects of national conservation priorities were discussed, with grantees and stakeholders highlighting new emerging issues, and where changes to political and social sectors impacted on the environment. Participants in this process told us that there was a need to align donor and governmental strategies to ensure conservation priorities are addressed effectively. In addition to this, CSOs needed to have commitment and support from higher levels to ensure environmental issues are addressed into the future. One major obstacle here was that many CSOs were not aware of their national biodiversity strategies (NBSAPs), and those that did understand them did not see how CSOs could play a role in helping their governments achieve the targets. Therefore the RIT decided to address this issue as part of the Final Assessment process in 2017. National workshops were arranged for all 11 eligible countries, with a total of 148 participants from civil society and governments. The workshop trainings explained about the CDB and Aichi Targets, and how they have already and could potentially contribute to their own national conservation priorities in the future. Alongside the aim of informing CSOs about their national biodiversity targets, we also felt it important to bring governments and CSOs together to discuss the key issues and see where their own strategies align, and how donor funding like CEPF, can help them address their major issues.

Mid-term Assessment in Jordan © The United Society for Developing Water Resources and Environment. During the course of each project grantees are also required to report back on their progress and record achievements against their own targets as well as CEPF’s global indicators. Results achieved from the individual grants have been analyzed against the Aichi Targets and are summarized in this report. The Aichi Targets are for a national and global level, and so it must be highlighted that with the relatively minimal size and timeline of CEPF grants it would not be possible to contribute to these significantly, especially for small grants (projects under $20,000). However all CEPF grants have activities within the themes addressed by the targets and this report summarizes the findings.

1 Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco and Tunisia.

Page 3 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Key findings  CEPF grantees in the Mediterranean contributed to16 Aichi Targets2, highlighting the variety of work undertaken by grantees and the various threats and needs in this complex region.

 Raising the awareness of biodiversity and its significance (Target 1) is the most widely addressed target, through activities in all countries and strategic directions, showing that local civil society plays a critical role in communicating the benefits and fragility of sites and species.

 Target 2, about integrating biodiversity values into national and local development was tackled extensively due to the CEPF strategy focusing on coastal and river basin management and other site- level planning processes, involving stakeholder consultations and using CSO expertise.

 Targets 4, 6 and 7 around sustainable production, fishing and agriculture are linked to major livelihoods in the Mediterranean, and innovative practices and partnerships developed by civil society are producing important pilot studies which could be replicated elsewhere.

 Targets 5, 11, 14 and 15 around preventing habitat loss, establishing Protected Areas and restoring ecosystems were a major focus of many grants due to the strategic direction on improving the conservation and protection status of KBAs.

 The traditional knowledge of local communities (Target 18) was a rich resource repeatedly used by CEPF grantees in the creation of project ideas and their implementation, working side-by-side local people to understand issues, develop solutions and to make sure changes would be maintained.

 Complex issues such as invasive species and sustainable financing were tackled by civil society organizations despite complicated conditions and constraints, showing that even on a relatively small scale significant results can be made.

 The role of the RIT and CEPF are evident in Targets 19 and 20, where leveraging, building synergies and facilitating knowledge exchanges across country boundaries is essential.

Endangered Barbary macaque, Morocco © Karyn Sig.

2 The 4 Targets not touched by CEPF projects were 10, 13, 16 and 17.

Page 4 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot REPORT FINDINGS Target 1.

PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THE VALUES OF BIODIVERSITY AND THE STEPS THEY CAN TAKE TO CONSERVE AND USE IT SUSTAINABLY. The majority of CEPF Mediterranean grants contain activities which involve awareness raising and education, with the general public such as students, tourists, local businesses, other CSOs and governments all considered. Community events, workshops and consultations all help locals understand the issues are their local sites and species, and contribute to how they are conserved.

 All 11 countries had projects contributing to this Target – with the majority of projects working locally, and with local communities, there would be significant awareness raising.

 48 projects include community-based actions - Work with local communities are encouraged at the project design stage

 81% grants were made to national CSOs – local organizations know the threats faced and how to communicate them to the public

World Wetlands Day in Libya © Libyan Society for Birds.

Page 5 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Tales from the field

Local people:

 In Libya World Wetlands Day was celebrated with university students, scouts, waterbird experts and local people in Maitga Marsh.

 Local Conservation Groups in Tunisia have been formed, training up volunteers on the importance of sites so they can inform the public, develop ecotourism, and take part in essential monitoring.

 From Bat nights in Bosnia and Hercegovina, young people, families and local communities have been brought together to understand the beauty and value of their wildlife.

 Activities across country borders in the Balkans around the Drin River basin have connected people through regional workshops, public awareness days, documentaries and training.

 TV has been an important communication tool with many grantees projects featured on news networks such as the Kuriat Island restoration work in Tunisia, and River Moraca in Montenegro.

 Radio coverage particularly in North Africa updates the public on key conservation issues such as a photo exhibition and biodiversity day in Tunisia

 In Macedonia over 30 young students were trained up and helped engaged the public in 10 cities to educate them about the biodiversity-rich Lake Ohrid which is threatened with development. Governments:

 In Algeria, government officials are made aware of the issues affecting key sites and worked with the grantees and other stakeholders to ensure their protection.

 At Ulcinj Salina in Montenegro over 500 new articles were produced, and engagement from EU MPs, ambassadors were engaged about the importance of the site.

 Rangers were trained by grantees in Lebanon and Morocco to raise their awareness of threats to wildlife, and how to utilise their existing skills to enforce laws and monitor sites.

Public open day at Ulcinj Salina in Montenegro © Centar za zastitu ptica.

Page 6 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Global audiences:

 Nature lovers have read more about the CEPF grantees protecting the Dalmatian Pelican in the National Geographic, the Smithsonian magazine and BBC Earth.

 Science-led audiences have been updated through the New Scientist, Science Magazine and Nature journal.

 Grantee films have been disseminated to capture international audiences as well as locals, with Lake Skadar featured on the BBC Earth, and The Endangered Treasure of Ulcinj film shortlisted in the International Green Culture Festival. Target 2.

BIODIVERSITY VALUES HAVE BEEN INTEGRATED INTO

NATIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND PLANNING PROCESSES AND ARE BEING INCORPORATED INTO NATIONAL ACCOUNTING, AS APPROPRIATE, AND REPORTING SYSTEMS. With the strategy focusing on Integrated Costal Zone Managements (ICZM) and Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) issues, a large proportion of grants had achievements here. However it must be noted that the with low CSO capacity, particularly in North Africa, it was difficult to influence on a high level, so a niche was found for many CSOs to provide baseline data, stakeholder consultations and management plans. For transboundary issues CSOs significantly contribute to improving communication and knowledge for different stakeholders.

 10 countries had projects contributing to this Target - only Libya had no activities here, which is understandable considering the low capacity of CSOs and political difficulty contributing on this level.

 15 policies have been influenced by projects in 7 countries – progress was seen especially with ICZM in the Balkans.

Environmental education in Morocco © Association Marocaine pour l’Ecotourisme et la Protection de la Nature.

Page 7 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Tales from the field

 In Morocco the Delegation for National Education has approved an environmental education programme on freshwater environment and protection of rivers, and has sent a note to ask all public schools/high schools to adopt this environmental programme in their curriculum.

 Advocacy campaigns led to a hunting ban in Albania for an initial 2 years, which was extended for an additional 5 years to set up a more sustainable hunting system in the country.

 A group of CEPF grants to local and international NGOs allowed them to actively participate in the consultation process for local spatial planning for the Protocol on ICZM in Montenegro.

 In North Africa, management plans were created and updated for national parks in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Habitat mapping, species action plans and consultations were all conducted by local CSOs to inform local and national governments.

 Mitigation measures were developed and incorporated into a renewed Environmental Permit for hydropower plants in Bosnia and Hercegovina. Target 3

INCENTIVES, INCLUDING SUBSIDIES, HARMFUL TO BIODIVERSITY ARE ELIMINATED, PHASED OUT OR REFORMED IN

ORDER TO MINIMIZE OR AVOID NEGATIVE IMPACTS, AND POSITIVE INCENTIVES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY ARE

DEVELOPED AND APPLIED, CONSISTENT AND IN HARMONY WITH THE CONVENTION AND OTHER RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT NATIONAL SOCIO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS. Incentives are a relatively new concept to adopt in this region, with few CSOs having the influence or backing of stakeholders to implement these schemes. However some work was still carried out, namely in relation to ecotourism initiatives and local small businesses.

 4 countries had projects contributing to this Target - including a transboundary project covering Albania and Macedonia.

Ohrid Lake, Macedonia © Liz Smith, BirdLife International.

Page 8 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Tales from the field

 The Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust was established and the baseline of a foundation providing incentives for biodiversity conservation for the region was prepared.

 An analysis of concession granting for gravel excavations and recommendations for its sustainable use was developed in Montenegro for the River Morača.

 In Libya, indicators for site degradation in Marge and Tripoli were gathered and used for incentives, including subsidies, to reduce harm to biodiversity. Target 4

GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESS AND STAKEHOLDERS AT ALL LEVELS HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO ACHIEVE OR HAVE

IMPLEMENTED PLANS FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION AND HAVE KEPT THE IMPACTS OF USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES WELL WITHIN SAFE ECOLOGICAL LIMITS. The Mediterranean has a multitude of differing threats from unsustainable production, including fisheries and agriculture. Tourism and the related infrastructure and development plans links to this is also a major challenge for preserving KBAs. Tackling these issues on a national level or with large private sector companies was very difficult, and so the results here were made more on the local, smaller scale.

An open day for organic products produced by local businesses and farmers in El Haouaria, Tunisia © Moujib Gabous, AAO Cap Bon.

Page 9 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Results

 8 countries had projects contributing to this Target – mostly from eco-tourism related activities.

 6 projects had impacts on environmentally friendly tourism practices - with new small eco- businesses created and new products introduced for existing businesses.

 400 jobs created in ecotourism and small businesses around the region – many grantees focused on improving local livelihoods.

 12,000 people with increased revenues through livelihood activities – with local communities, cooperatives and women’s groups benefitting alongside the preservation of key species and sites.

Tales from the field

 Community-driven nature-based tourism was initiated in Albania where local businesses were encouraged through micro-grants to engage eco-tourists, giving them eco-friendly tours, guest houses, creating new information boards and giant murals to advertise the country’s natural wonders.

 In Montenegro micro-incentives were created to develop sustainable products for local producers in Ulcinj area, and in the Morača canyon trainings and exchanges were put in place for sustainable honey and wine production, and ecotourism was grown through Alpine clubs and birdwatching.

 In Šasko lake, Montenegro more than 20 local people were integrated into its sustainable tourism offer by producing local products for the information centre.

 Sustainable tourism was promoted and strengthened with the training of eco-guides and creating a network of product providers as part of an Ecotourism Development Strategic Plan in the Trebižat area, in in Bosnia and Hercegovina.

 Local communities were made aware of the benefits of producing sustainable organic products in Korba, Maamoura, Soliman, Haouaria in Tunisia, which were sold to tourists and locals.

New tourist information boards for coastal KBAs in Albania © Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania.

Page 10 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 5

THE RATE OF LOSS OF ALL NATURAL HABITATS,

INCLUDING FORESTS, IS AT LEAST HALVED AND WHERE FEASIBLE BROUGHT CLOSE TO ZERO, AND DEGRADATION AND FRAGMENTATION IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. With water scarcity and high threats of development due to over-population, the Mediterranean is under significant pressure. Grantees have led projects tackling the resulting problems such as soil degradation, forest fragmentation and overgrazing. To try and prevent further losses, grantees have worked to develop and improve the management of Protected Areas and created management plans for natural parks and KBAs.

 7 countries had projects contributing to this Target – particularly in North Africa and Middle East.

 65 KBAs benefitted from CEPF-funded actions – from direct site management and scientific studies, to stakeholder consultations and public awareness raising.

 51 KBAs covering 2,177,809ha have strengthened management – through management plans and other formal policies. Tales from the field

 The endangered Barbary Macaque was the focus species for a project about analysing habitat fragmentation and identifying potential forest corridors in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

 The mapping of caves with important bat colonies was undertaken in the Neretva catchment area in Bosnia and Hercegovina, to better understand the ecosystem and prevent their further degradation.

 Overgrazing in a Biosphere Reserve in Jordan has been tackled through offering local villages an innovative agricultural solution that doesn’t degrade the soil and improves their food security. Photo: Forest fragmentation research in the High Atlas, Morocco © Moroccan Primate Conservation.

Page 11 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 6

ALL FISH AND INVERTEBRATE STOCKS AND AQUATIC

PLANTS ARE MANAGED AND HARVESTED SUSTAINABLY, LEGALLY AND APPLYING ECOSYSTEM BASED APPROACHES, SO THAT OVERFISHING IS AVOIDED, RECOVERY PLANS AND MEASURES ARE IN PLACE FOR ALL DEPLETED SPECIES, FISHERIES HAVE NO SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS ON THREATENED SPECIES AND VULNERABLE ECOSYSTEMS AND THE IMPACTS OF FISHERIES ON STOCKS, SPECIES AND ECOSYSTEMS ARE WITHIN SAFE ECOLOGICAL LIMITS. Fishermen were found to be key stakeholders in many projects, in the Mediterranean Sea as well as freshwater lakes. Through Integrated Coastal Zone Management approaches and Marine Protected Area plans, grantees helped identify threats, gather stakeholders and ensure civil society were involved in the decisions around their livelihoods and protecting the populations of threatened fish species.

 6 countries had projects contributing to this Target – particularly in North Africa and the Balkans.

 12 river basins have initiatives to improve management at the basin or sub-basin level – in Morocco, Albania, Macedonia, Jordan and Lebanon.

Local fisherman, Montenegro © Liz Smith, BirdLife International.

Tales from the field

 Work with the National Leisure Fishing Association in the Atlas Mountains set up a monitoring system for sustainable use of freshwater resources, based on a network of 44 fishing guards.

 Enforced control of illegal fishing in Lake Skadar, bordering Montenegro and Albania, involved numerous stakeholders on the community and governmental levels.

Page 12 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot  150 fishermen in the Bou Areg (Mar Chica) Laguna in Morocco learnt how to adopt sustainable fishing practices and increase their revenues, working in parallel with authorities to understand and cooperate with a no-fishing zone, covering 9,000ha.

 The first steps toward sustainable fishing were made in Bosnia and Hercegovina through awareness raising and networking of fly and sport fishing associations in the Trebižat area. Target 7

AREAS UNDER AGRICULTURE, AQUACULTURE AND

FORESTRY ARE MANAGED SUSTAINABLY, ENSURING CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY.

With many areas of the Mediterranean especially impacted by agriculture a number of projects addressed this Target. Ecosystem services and sustainable ecotourism were some of the main ways civil society were ensuring areas were managed sustainably.

 9 countries had projects contributing to this Target – only Libya and Cabo Verde didn’t have a direct project on this theme.

 1,485,000ha of productive landscapes with improved management – where natural resources are better understood and managed through working with local communities and governments.

Tales from the field

 In Lebanon the adoption of the Anti- Lebanon Mountain area as a Hima (a protected area managed by local communities) led to 5,913 ha of improved management in this production landscape.

 A vision of sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and forestry in the Ohrid region in Macedonia was created and advocated through a national campaign.

 A seasonal irrigation plan was introduced in the Shkumbini’s River region of Albania, helping farmers analyse the need for water against the irrigation capacity, leading to improved management and 2,600ha of more land irrigated, an increase of 21%. Photo: Community-based sustainable management in Hima el-Fekha, Lebanon © Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon.

Page 13 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot  In Macedonia an assessment of sustainable timber extraction was created for the watershed of Jablanica in Vevchanski izvori Protected Area.

 In Jordan 656,367ha of KBAs had strengthened management and protection within the production landscape of the Mujib Basin, with one project introducing an innovative agricultural solution for a local village, to help them continue to feed their livestock and protect surrounding vulnerable plants. Green fodder, used as an alternative to grazing pastures in vulnerable areas © Grandeur Africa. Target 8

POLLUTION, INCLUDING FROM EXCESS NUTRIENTS, HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO LEVELS THAT ARE NOT DETRIMENTAL TO ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION AND BIODIVERSITY. Pollution is not a specific focus of the CEPF investment strategy in the Mediterranean, however it is a serious threat to some individual KBAs, with water-based KBAs particularly vulnerable. With river basin and coastal conservation key elements of the investment strategy, it was a reoccurring concern and widespread, so a number of projects incorporated activities to help tackle it. Small-scale actions included litter-picks and awareness raising, and on the larger scale integrated waste management systems were developed.

 5 countries had projects contributing to this Target – mainly in the Balkans, and would often involve wide stakeholder involvement from the public, private sector, NGOs and government.

A dune cleaning competition with local school children on the Ras Maleh dunes, Tunisia ©Association de Protection de l'Environnement de Hammam Ghezaz.

Page 14 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot

Tales from the field

 Establishment of a solid waste management and recovery system was implemented in partnership with the municipalities of 5 KBAs in Tunisia.

 An Integrated Watershed Management Plan was produced for the management of solid waste and wastewater pollution in Patoku lagoon and corresponding rivers in Albania.

 A project working on the prevention of illegal hunting is expected to significantly decrease lead pollution in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems of Hutovo blato in Bosnia and Hercegovina.

 Around Šasko lake in Montenegro waste management practices were undertaken including awareness raising and incentives to halt littering, plus cleaning actions and introduction of garbage bins.

 In Albania the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, The National Environment Agency and Agency of Protected Areas were shown the results of the pollution caused by industrial activity, namely nickel contamination, resulting in frequent checks along the Shkumbini river and fines.

 On the Kuriat Islands in Tunisia a litter clean-up campaign was organized, with 50% of people involved coming from the tourism and fishing sectors.

Illegal waste dumping in Tunisian wetlands © Hichem Azafzaf, Association Les Amis des Oiseaux.

Page 15 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 9

INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES AND PATHWAYS ARE IDENTIFIED AND PRIORITIZED, PRIORITY SPECIES ARE CONTROLLED OR ERADICATED, AND MEASURES ARE IN PLACE TO MANAGE PATHWAYS TO PREVENT THEIR INTRODUCTION AND ESTABLISHMENT. Although it is not immediately apparent the Mediterranean hotpot is home to a number of islands, many of which are vulnerable to introduced invasive species, and their unique biodiversity has suffered as a result. With this issue often requiring significant stakeholder consultation, research, preparation and implementation, few organizations have the technical resources or funding to carry out this work. Add to that their often remote and uninhabited locations, these projects take a lot of devotion and expertise to undertake.

 2 countries had projects contributing to this Target – work in Cabo Verde and Tunisia.

Tales from the field

 In Tunisia, a project succeeded in eradicating rats from Grande and Petite Kuriat islands where they were a major threat to young turtles. 2 years after, control is still showing no rats, and the sea bird populations are increasing.

 A cat eradication plan was prepared and adopted for Santa Luzia Islet in Cabo Verde in order to prepare the islet for the translocation of the Critically Endangered Raso Lark. 3 years on and the first breeding pairs have been moved from Raso to Santa Luzia, and the first offspring has been reported.

 On Raso Islet, Cabo Verde, an eradication plan was developed to combat the invasion of Singapore fire ants, including distribution mapping, identifying potential pesticides and assessing the best way to deliver the bait with minimal interaction with the existing wildlife of the islet.

Raso Lark on Santa Luzia islet, Cabo Verde. © Awatef Abiadh, Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO).

Page 16 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 11

AT LEAST 17 PER CENT OF TERRESTRIAL AND INLAND WATER, AND 10 PER CENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS, ESPECIALLY AREAS OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, ARE CONSERVED THROUGH EFFECTIVELY AND EQUITABLY MANAGED, ECOLOGICALLY REPRESENTATIVE AND WELL CONNECTED SYSTEMS

OF PROTECTED AREAS AND OTHER EFFECTIVE AREA-BASED CONSERVATION MEASURES, AND INTEGRATED INTO THE WIDER LANDSCAPES AND SEASCAPES. Protected Areas have been created as a result of grantee projects, ensuring these areas are recognised on a national level as vulnerable and significant sites for biodiversity. Public consultations, advocacy and data gathering were major areas of work where civil society contributed. Existing Protected Areas also benefitted from CEPF funding, where grantees worked closely with local communities, municipalities and national governmental agencies to develop or update management plans, manage the sites, conduct additional research and protect keystone species within the areas. Exchange visits between grantees were also instigated to ensure knowledge was shared about best practices elsewhere in the region.

 10 countries had projects contributing to this Target – only Libya didn’t have projects working on Protected Areas.

 8 new Protected Areas created, covering 27,651ha – in Lebanon and Jordan.

 7 additional new Protected Areas are expected before 2020, covering 115,000ha – in Albania, Algeria, Lebanon, Montenegro and Tunisia.

 33 projects in 30 existing Protected Areas were supported – with approximately 1.1million ha. demonstrating improved management (based on a Management Efficiency Tracking Tool).

Inauguration of El Dichar Natural Site for endemic Iris sofarana in Ehmej, Lebanon © Ramy Sakr, University Saint-Joseph.

Page 17 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Tales from the field

 In Algeria the engagement of local and national stakeholders enabled Djebel Babor to be re- established as a National Park, strengthening and creating new partnerships between the government, University of Setif, and the communes of Babor, Oued Bared, Tamridjet and Darguina.

 A co-management convention between the governmental coastal agency and a grantee reinforced the management of Kuriat Islands in Tunisia, ensuring its future creation as a Marine Protected Area.

 Plant micro-reserves have been created in Lebanon in partnership with local public, private and religious landowners, in order to protect endemic plants.

 Improved management of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve was achieved and awareness raised locally on the importance of the ecosystem services through an economic valuation of the reserve.

 A network of coastal and terrestrial Protected Areas in Albania have benefited by the enforcement and increased controls on hunting and poaching, through capacity building of inspectors and Local Conservation Group members.

 Qaytouli-Roum in Lebanon became the first Responsible Hunting Area to be set up in the country, managed by the local government with support from hunting and nature conservation organizations.

 Transboundary cooperation was key in developing the management plan of Lake Skadar, between Albania and Montenegro.

 A hunting ban, sustainable fishing, nesting platforms and other management improvements were introduced in the Patoku Nature Reserve, Albania.

The forested Djebel Babor Nature Reserve, the Protected Area surrounded by unprotected land, Algeria © Awatef Abiadh, LPO.

Page 18 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 12

THE EXTINCTION OF KNOWN THREATENED SPECIES HAS

BEEN PREVENTED AND THEIR CONSERVATION STATUS, PARTICULARLY OF THOSE MOST IN DECLINE, HAS BEEN IMPROVED AND SUSTAINED. Many CSOs funded have spent decades researching the species and working on the sites, so have a broad understanding of the threats not only to the specific species but to the whole habitats or ecosystems they rely on. In the Mediterranean efforts were spent on gathering additional research on the species to understand more about their populations, piloting new techniques to improve their numbers, improving habitat management and using their expertise to inform the public, local communities, businesses and governments on their importance and how to help protect them.

 At least 12 Globally Threatened species have benefitted from direct conservation actions – with safeguarding key species a priority for many local CSOs.

 The Dalmatian Pelican decreased its Red List status from Vulnerable to Near Threatened – thanks to conservation actions, including efforts supported by CEPF at a key breeding site. Tales from the field

 Through floating rafts and educating local fishermen and tourist boats to prevent disturbance, the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is no longer globally threatened, and its local extinction on Lake Skadar (bordering Montenegro and Albania) has been prevented.

 The El-Dichar Natural Site was created in Lebanon to protect the endemic Iris sofarana; this micro- reserve shelters one of the last populations of the iris and is home to other vulnerable plant species.

 The Endangered Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) has benefitted from the careful education of tourists and fishermen in Tunisia and Cabo Verde to prevent disturbance on their nesting beaches.

 A translocation plan was created and implemented to establish breeding pairs of Critically Endangered Raso Lark (Alauda razae) on a nearby islet to widen its habitat and improve the population’s chances of withstanding severe storms, an increasing threat due to climate change.

 In Lebanon, threats have been reduced at the site level for the Vulnerable Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus libani) and Syrian Serin (Serinus syriacus) through different management plans.

Photo: Dalmatian Pelican © Jaime Rojo, The Living Med.

Page 19 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Some plant species supported by projects:

Left: A Lebanese Cedar in the Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Lebanon © Olivier Langrand, CEPF.

Right: Iris Sofarana in Lebanon © Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat, University Saint-Joseph. Target 14

ECOSYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES,

INCLUDING SERVICES RELATED TO WATER, AND CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTH, LIVELIHOODS AND WELL-BEING, ARE

RESTORED AND SAFEGUARDED, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS OF WOMEN, INDIGENOUS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND THE POOR AND VULNERABLE. The Mediterranean region is rich in ecosystem services, with fisheries and grazing land supporting local livelihoods, water for drinking and irrigation, and tourism of the natural spaces being just some of them. The wetlands of the Mediterranean are a prime example which provide essential ecosystem services to nearby villages and towns, with integrated coastal and river basin management projects aiming to communicate this to stakeholders and advocate for their protection. National CSOs are well-placed to understand the needs of local communities and their livelihoods as well as the benefits and vulnerabilities of nearby KBAs, making them more likely to create solutions which benefit people and biodiversity.

 8 countries had projects contributing to this Target – consisting of developing management plans, policies, advocacy campaigns and restoration.

 10 projects had a specific focus on watershed management, seeking to improve water management and availability – in Albania, Algeria, Lebanon, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco and Tunisia

Page 20 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Tales from the field

 The training of local guides, rangers and wardens was undertaken in many KBAs across the Balkans – in Patoku lagoon, Albania; Hutovo blato National Park and Mostarsko blato in Bosnia and Hercegovina; and Skadar Lake in Montenegro, ensuring better management within wetlands, where the important processes keeping the wetlands functional for different stakeholders are understood, protected and maintained.

 Ecosystem services were identified and evaluated in El Kala National Park in Algeria, in Ichkeul National Park in Tunisia, and in Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve in Lebanon; to help the governments, local communities and businesses to understand the resources within the parks and help them use them sustainably.

 Improved management and local community engagement within 8 North African wetlands in Algeria and Tunisia have meant greater understanding for the vital ecosystem services they provide.

 Safeguarding actions such as watchdog activities and transparent public advocacy campaigns helped protect the Morača river and Buljarica cove in Montenegro, from development.

Page 21 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 15

ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF BIODIVERSITY TO CARBON

STOCKS HAS BEEN ENHANCED, THROUGH CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION, INCLUDING RESTORATION OF AT LEAST 15 PER CENT OF DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION AND TO COMBATING DESERTIFICATION. The Mediterranean has a variety of ecosystems which are vulnerable to climate change, from mountain habitats dealing with higher temperatures, to increasingly arid and degraded soils in agricultural landscapes. This target was not a major focus of the investment however a number of projects in the Balkans involved restoration of degraded areas, and all projects involving site management plans would have taken into consideration the impacts of climate change and proposed relevant mitigation measures.

 9 countries had projects contributing to this Target – with many CSOs aware of the threat and taking it into consideration when managing KBAs. Tales from the field

 Soil erosion and land degradation is being prevented in the Drini River Basin, Albania, through micro-projects in four villages involving the planting of 60,000 indigenous trees, improving the management of grazing pastures and piloting the use of traditional check dams.

 The wise water use of Shkumbin river in Albania and halting the pollution has led to the partial restoration of the degraded river ecosystem.

 To prevent the further degradation of Ulcinj salina, pump repairs were made to ensure sea water could enter the site, alongside careful water management training and knowledge exchange to ensure its maintenance.

Photo: Building of traditional check dams in Albania © Borut Rubinic, Društvo za opazovanje in proučevanje ptic Slovenije.

Page 22 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 18

THE TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATIONS AND PRACTICES OF INDIGENOUS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES RELEVANT FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF

BIODIVERSITY, AND THEIR CUSTOMARY USE OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, ARE RESPECTED, SUBJECT TO NATIONAL LEGISLATION AND RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS, AND FULLY INTEGRATED AND REFLECTED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION WITH THE FULL AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF INDIGENOUS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AT ALL RELEVANT LEVELS. People and nature have lived side-by-side in the Mediterranean for thousands of years, but sadly the last few decades of increased human population has had a major negative impact on biodiversity. There are however a number of traditional management techniques which can still work in harmony with nature, and a number of grantees have reintroduced or encouraged local communities to maintain their cultural practices which contribute to the preservation of local fauna and fauna.

 5 countries had projects contributing to this Target – mainly through local CSOs working in collaboration with local communities and businesses.

 48 projects include community-based conservation actions – using local knowledge on sites and species.

 12,000 people with increased revenues through livelihood activities – alongside conservation benefits. Tales from the field

 The Hima concept, a traditional conservation approach based upon sustainable use of natural resources and community stewardship, was revived in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, where communities were educated on sustainable hunting and grazing, as well as training women in the tradition of carpet weaving as an alternative livelihood.

 Traditional products and recipes were collected and promoted for Šasko lake in Montenegro, forming a basis for tourist offerings and integrated into the local tourism action plans. Photo: Carpet weaving in Lebanon © Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon.

Page 23 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot  To alleviate the unsustainable harvesting of wild medicinal and aromatic plants in the rural communes of Ait M'hamed and Imegdale in Morocco, and providing alternative income for the local people, two plant nurseries were established, producing 20,000 almonds and walnuts per year, and the new water pipeline also improved drinking water for 50 families.

KNOWLEDGE, THE SCIENCE BASE AND

TECHNOLOGIES RELATING TO BIODIVERSITY, ITS VALUES, FUNCTIONING, STATUS

AND TRENDS, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS LOSS, ARE IMPROVED, WIDELY SHARED AND TRANSFERRED, AND APPLIED.

Many innovative pilot studies were implemented by grantees, as well as data gathering to improve knowledge on numerous species in the region. International and national expertise was built into projects to share experience, and the RIT facilitated exchanges between grantees working on similar issues, species or geographies.

 8 networks have been formally created – with many more smaller, informal networks and groups formed around projects to ensure knowledge exchange.

 81% of grants went to local/national CSOs – ensuring knowledge within countries is built-upon, and local experts have their skills enhanced.

 72% of grantees increased their capacities – technical and operational capacities of CSOs have grown with the support and experience of CEPF projects.

Page 24 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Tales from the field

Scientific breakthroughs:

 The first physical evidence of a cave salamander, the Olm Proteus anguinus, was found in Montenegro, using new environmental-DNA sampling techniques. Its presence will inform future policy and development plans within the delicate karst landscape in which it lives.

 New data of the underground biodiversity in the Neretva area was collected and presented to decision-makers in Bosnia and Hercegovina.

 A new species of snail (Bythinella melovski) was described for science and the conservation needs of where it lives, Jablanica in Macedonia, were addressed. The Olm, blind cave salamander © Gregor Aljančič, Društvo za jamsko biologijo. Data gathering and assessments:

 New Natura 2000 sites were proposed by conducting dragonfly, mollusk and fish research in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 An assessment of freshwater KBAs was undertaken in the Mediterranean Basin, mapping 1,236 freshwater species and identifying167 freshwater KBAs, greatly improving the database on threatened species in these areas and qualifying their status and distribution.

 Knowledge on plants was improved through assessments of Important Plant Areas in Lebanon and Cabo Verde, gathering experts from NGOs, governments and academia. Young specimen of Cordulegaster heros dragonfly © Dejan Kulijer, Society for Biological Research and Protection of Nature.

Page 25 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot

Knowledge exchange for loggerhead turtle conservation, Tunisian grantee in Cabo Verde © Notre Grand Bleu. Knowledge sharing:

 In the Balkans significant support from EU countries was given to advise on complex issues; from Austria and Hungary advising on management plans within Montenegro and Macedonia; to international knowledge about ICZM issues in Montenegro; and Bulgarian support given to their Albanian counterparts for governmental legislations.

 Larger international CSOs were granted to coordinate Med-wide projects in different countries such as wetlands across North Africa and transboundary sites, with a key aim of building capacities of local organizations. Mentoring of recently established, smaller organizations by stronger, longer- established organizations proved a successful model for strengthening organizational capacities.

 Transboundary projects brought many NGOs together from different countries, sharing best practices and building new networks.

 The RIT facilitated peer-to-peer exchanges on specific practices rooted in on-the-ground experience, which had great results in terms of alliance building, expanding networks and skill sharing, for example between Libya and Jordan, Tunisia and Cabo Verde, and Tunisia and Japan.

 Clustered grant-making, where clusters of grants were made to CSOs with complementary skills to address the conservation of the same site, proved to be an effective approach to leveraging the complementary skills and experience of different CSOs, in contexts where no single organization has the necessary capabilities.

Page 26 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot Target 20

THE MOBILIZATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR BIODIVERSITY 2011-2020 FROM ALL SOURCES, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSOLIDATED AND AGREED PROCESS IN THE STRATEGY FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION, SHOULD INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY FROM THE CURRENT LEVELS. THIS TARGET WILL BE SUBJECT TO CHANGES CONTINGENT TO RESOURCE NEEDS ASSESSMENTS TO BE DEVELOPED AND REPORTED BY PARTIES. Through the establishment of an Advisory Committee of key organizations and donors, as well as being part of a Donor Round Table for the region, the programme was aware of other initiatives and a number of synergies were made to leverage funding.

 $1.129 million was leveraged from the MAVA Foundation – for the portfolio, focused on coastal conservation projects (ICZM).

 An estimated 38 grantees leveraged additional $ 4.2 million – close to 50% of the total amount granted by CEPF ($8.667 million).

 The Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust was established through a CEPF grant, and could be a future funding source for biodiversity conservation in the future.

 CEPF collaborated with the Global Environment and Technology Fund to support work in Morocco on water management, and begin discussions with a grantee on coastal wetland protection in Tunisia.

 The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation supported a CEPF grantee in Jordan for an integrated water management plan.

 The RIT took part in the preparation and implementation of the North Africa Programme de Petites Initiatives pour les Organisations de la Société Civile d’Afrique du Nord implemented by IUCN and funded by FFEM/MAVA – in particular to coordinate support to small, local organizations.

Page 27 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot

CONCLUSIONS

The Aichi Targets are essential for having a universal set of objectives to aim for. Even though the Mediterranean represents just one biodiversity hotspot, it is apparent that the conservation efforts happening there are wide-ranging and the scope for replicating the successful interventions elsewhere is high. The importance of civil society in this process cannot be underestimated. Key conclusions:

 Alignment of CEPF grants and Aichi Targets Every CEPF grant contributed to at least one Aichi Target, proving there is close alignment of the CEPF investment strategy with national and global conservation targets. This alignment is ensured due to the unique process CEPF goes through to develop the investment strategy – developing an Ecosystem Profile. During 2016 CEPF embarked upon the updating of the Ecosystem Profile for the Mediterranean Basin, where a consultation of over 500 stakeholders resulted in a new investment strategy for CEPF in the region. During this process a workshop in each country discussed their conservation priorities, in order to bring together key themes (Strategic Directions) which could be prioritised for the hotspot. Through the training given to CSOs by the RIT, they are now aware of the links between the new CEPF Investment Strategy (2017-2022) and their own national NBSAPs and targets, meaning conservation efforts can be targeted more effectively and sustainably.

 Inter-connected problems and solutions Successful conservation actions often involve a mixture of approaches, and so the Aichi Targets should not be considered or tackled in isolation. Species and sites are often threatened by a multitude of issues, so many CEPF grants consist of components dealing with different Targets e.g. where improvements in science and technology (Target 19) have led to advances in Protected Area management (Target 11). Complex political and socio-economic issues in the region create and intensify the problems faced, but the solutions don’t always have to be complex. CSOs are often creating simple and innovative ideas, which solve more than one problem. It’s important to ensure connectedness through networks, transboundary projects and multi-stakeholder approaches so lessons can be learned and best practices adopted, and CEPF has a role to facilitate this and ensure it happens.

 The central role of civil society The examples in this report demonstrate the importance of CSOs in carrying out conservation work on behalf of or in collaboration with national and local governmental bodies. A major theme present across all Targets is collaboration, with the delivery of successful CEPF projects highly dependent on the involvement of local organizations, communities and governments, with them being involved in the project design, implementation and benefiting from the project results. Although some targets cover aspects of capacity building, the need for building the capacity of civil society is overarching, especially in issues such as advocacy. Civil society often has the specialized knowledge and skills to tackle to the issues surrounding the Targets, but lack the jurisdiction, support and funding to follow it through. Donors and governments have an important role in enabling and empowering CSOs to take on this role.

Page 28 CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot

FURTHER INFORMATION Resources

More information about the CEPF grants and reports about the first investment phase can be found here:

 Reports: Mid-term Grantee Voices from the Med: Lessons learned and shared and Stakeholder Survey; and Final Assessment Report.

 CEPF Report: Update on the Impact on Biodiversity of the Mediterranean Portfolio

 Project database: All CEPF grants from Phase 1 click here.

 Find out more on the Storymap, website, Facebook and Twitter

Report written by Liz Smith, RIT Manager. For more information please email: [email protected]

BirdLife International - including its Middle East office and the BirdLife Partners DOPPS/BirdLife Slovenia and LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux, BirdLife in France) - is providing the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) for CEPF in the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot.

Page 29