BEST 2.0 Updates

BEST 2.0 Update

9th EU Overseas Roundtable 09/02/2017 BEST 2.0 Overview

• Grant-making facility • Targeting the 25 EU Overseas Countries and Territories located in 5 regions • Objective: to promote the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of ecosystem services, including ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, as a basis for sustainable development in OCTs • 4 calls for proposals launched to date:

Type of call for Regions Targeted proposals 2015 2016 Indian Ocean Caribbean Small grant Polar/Sub-polar Pacific South Atlantic Indian Ocean Caribbean Medium grant Polar/Sub-polar Pacific South Atlantic 2016 Calls for Proposals

Small Grants (launched April 2016)

Medium Grants (launched May 2016) Another Positive Response!

Small Grant Call Medium Grant Call

Indicative Financial Envelope: Indicative Financial Envelope: 1,800,000 1,200,000

69 Eligible Concept Notes 16 Eligible Proposals Requesting > 5.8 million euros Requesting > 5.2 million euros

More than 3x the indicative More than 4x the indicative financial envelope financial envelope

35 Eligible Full Proposals Requesting > 2.6 million euros Support to Applicants

Provided by the BEST 2.0 Secretariat and Regional Hubs

1. Regional Capacity Building Workshops 2. Remote Support by Email and Phone

Topics: • Ensuring Policy Relevance • Logical Frameworks • Budgets • Cost Eligibility • Etc.

Positive Feedback BEST 2.0 Grant Portfolio

Caribbean: 16 Projects Indian Ocean: 4 Projects Pacific: 15 Projects

South Atlantic: 5 Projects

Polar/Subpolar: 3 Projects

BEST 2.0 Grant Portfolio 43 Projects

Lead Organisations 3 18 2 2 22 6 19 9 3 2 Marine Projects Terrestrial Projects Coastal and Mixed Projects

Local NGO/CSO Local SME 6 Municipality/Local Government Territorial Government Department/Service 37 EU Member State Organisation Organisation based in the region of an Uninhabited Territory Regional Organisation Single Territorial Projects Regional Projects International Organisation Progress on the ground (1)

Project: Restoration of Peak Dale’s St Helena Gumwood Forest Location: Saint Helena

• Using the “Bradley Method” technique to guide work to control invasive plant species • 2x 50m2 rabbit-proof fenced compartments have been setup • Control of rats using poisoned bait has been completed • Planting has commenced in in 3x 100m2 restoration planting areas Progress on the ground (2)

Project: Trails and interpretation improvements in the Peaks National Park, St Helena Location: Saint Helena

The upgrading of the trails is approximately 50% complete (Total planned = 242 metres of boardwalk; 393 metres of stairs; 32m2 lookouts) Progress on the ground (3)

Project: BIOT Environmental Interpretation and Education Project Location: British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)

2 forest trail routes on Diego Garcia have been cleared and woodchip pathways have been laid Progress on the ground (4)

Project: RESCQ: Restoration of Ecosystem Services and Coral reef Quality Locations: Sint Maarten, St. Eustatius, Saba, Turks and Caicos

• Coral ladders nurseries have been established in each of the 4 territories  St. Eustatius - 5  Sint Maarten – 5  Saba – 2  Turks and Caicos – 5 • Very low mortality of coral fragments to date

Coral ladder nurseries in Turks and Caicos (left) and Sint Maarten (right) Progress on the ground (5)

Project: Securing pockets of paradise in the Caribbean Locations: British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos

Workshop on advancing alien invasive species management in the Caribbean UKOTs – October 2016 7 key recommendations for UK and UK Overseas Territory Governments which included: • Develop National Alien Invasive Species Plans • Develop National Biosecurity Plans • Invest in biosecurity capacity training • Consider firearm exemptions for conservation • Improve coordination between the various actors • Include long-term public consultation and awareness raising • Develop an Caribbean Invasive Alien Species Strategic Framework Progress on the ground (6)

Project: Protect and Restore the Dry Forest of the Coast of New Caledonia Location: New Caledonia

• 1st restoration site – more than 5330 seedlings of dry forest tree species were planted. • Very low mortality rate (~2.3%) • 4.8 km of protective fencing has been constructed Progress on the ground (7)

Project: Saving the Two Most Threatened Birds of French Polynesia from Extinction Location: French Polynesia

Tahiti Monarch • Currently only 58 breeding adults (26 couples) • Thanks partly to the work funded by BEST the future is looking brighter. • 13 chicks survived in 2016 – the most in the history of efforts to protect the species. New Projects Funded by BEST 2.0 2016 Small Grant (SG) Call for Proposals

Caribbean: 12 SG Projects

Pacific: 11 SG Projects Small Grant Projects Themes Caribbean Region

Terrestrial Habitat Restoration and Management

Lionfish Control Terrestrial Protected Area Creation

Lesser Antillean Coral Reef Monitoring Iguana Conservation

Coral Reef Restoration Watershed Restoration

Establishing Native Plant Bat Conservation Nurseries Small Grant Projects Selected by the EC to be Funded - Caribbean

Title Territory(ies) Combining local ecological knowledge and ciguatera analysis to rule lionfish St Barthélemy toxicity and edibility and catalyze infestation control Enacting a new regional recovery plan for the Lesser Antillean iguana: an Anguilla, St Barthélemy, St Endangered ecological keystone species Eustatius Management of invasive lionfish hotspots: conservation of biodiversity on Bermuda mesophotic coral ecosystems in Bermuda Understanding the East Caicos KBA 's Corals and coast : A key to safeguarding Turks and Caicos TCI's future North Saba National Park Phase 1 Saba Restoration of Key Biodiversity Areas of St. Maarten (plant) Sint Maarten Capacity building and increased financing for long term monitoring programmes Turks and Caicos for coral reefs in the Turks and Caicos Islands Scaling-up efforts to rehabilitate threatened coral communities using recruits Curaçao reared from wild-caught gametes Watershed & biodiversity conservation on Bonaire Bonaire Improving the management of the invasive lionfish, Pterois volitans, by Cayman Islands determining movement patterns and depth preference Best of Bats! Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten A nursery for endemics and key native species Montserrat Project: Scaling-up efforts to rehabilitate threatened coral communities using recruits reared from wild-caught gametes Location: Curaçao Project lead: Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI)

Aim of the project: To contribute to the persistence and recovery of coral reef ecosystems by refining a technique for ‘reseeding’ degraded reefs across large spatial scales using sexually produced coral offspring ex situ that are settled on tiles. A prototype tile that has been developed by CARMABI will improved and optimized by evaluating alternative materials and designs and testing them in the field using various coral species and under different environmental scenarios (on reef sites of different health status). The aim is to make outplanting more efficient and financially sustainable enabling larger scale coral reef restoration.

Location: Anguilla, St. Barthélemy, St. Eustatius Project lead: Anguilla National Trust Partners: Agence Territoriale de l’Environnement de St. Barthélemy; St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA)

Aim of the project: To support the conservation of the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima by: 1. Creating a sub-regional framework for species recovery & conservation; 2. Adding to existing regional population data for the species; 3. Reintroducing I. delicatissima to Prickly Pear East, Anguilla; 4. Implementing standardised bio-security measures targeting the common green iguana; 5. Increasing sub-regional expertise in I. delicatissima conservation; 6. Building national and sub-regional awareness and support. Project: Capacity building and increased financing for long term monitoring programmes for coral reefs in the Turks and Caicos Islands Location: Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI)

Project lead: Coöperatie Wolfs Company U.A.

Aim of the project: To contribute to the enhanced the management and conservation of coral reef ecosystems in TCI: • Building support from key stakeholders for financing and long-term monitoring of coral reefs; • Increasing the capacity of DECR and civil society partners in the monitoring of coral reefs and using sound scientific findings to guide decision making and investment; • Identifying long-term revenue streams for monitoring and assessing their feasibility; • Identifying suitable indicators for environmental ‘return on investment’. Project: North Saba National Park, Phase 1

Location: Saba

Project lead: Public Entity of Saba Partners: Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF); Saba Archaeological Center (SABARC)

Aim of the project: To safeguard the biodiversity and archaeology of the northern and central part of the Island of Saba by preparing the draft legislation to establish the northern part of the island as a National Park and to appoint SCF as the managing organization. Draft legislation for species protection, a management plan, and draft management agreement for the entire National Park will be developed. The potential for the sustainable use of the park area by upgrading the tourist value and accessibility of a small part of the area (Mary’s Point) will be assessed. Project: Understanding the East Caicos KBA's corals and coast : A key to safeguarding TCI's future

Location: Turks and Caicos Islands

Project lead: Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) Partners: SWA Environmental

Aim of the project: To address the current lack of management and monitoring policy and improve long-term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services within East Caicos’ coral reef ecosystems through the development of conservation zones and management and monitoring protocols. The selection of conservation zone classifications will be based on multi-criteria evaluation involving quantitative and qualitative assessment based on Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Caribbean methods. Conservation zone classifications and management and monitoring protocols will be agreed via workshops with the TCI management authority (DECR) and local stakeholders. Project: Watershed & biodiversity conservation on Bonaire

Location: Bonaire

Project lead: Echo Foundation

Aims of the project: To protect and restore a threatened dry forest habitat by establishing an extensive protected area around a site called Rooi Sangu, which exhibits high biodiversity. Fencing will be used to exclude herbivores and the area will be restored through the deliberate reintroduction of specific native tree and plant species that are absent or under- represented. A series of trails will be established to make the area accessible to the public and panels will raise awareness of the value of the area. Project: Best of Bats!

Location: Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten

Project lead: Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance

Aims of the project: To increase population sizes and contribute to the improved conservation status of bats on Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten by increasing the amount of roosting and nesting sites on the islands. An integral part of the project is the implementation of an education and outreach programme aimed at schools and the general population of the islands based on messages about the importance of bats for nature conservation and ecosystem integrity. Project: A nursery for endemics and key native species

Location: Montserrat

Project lead: Montserrat National Trust

© Stewart McPhearson Aim of the project: To construct and operationalize a nursery to propagate plants of special ecological value. Three species that are effective for dry forest restoration will be propagated and replanted in an effort to restore patches of this ecosystem that are at high risk of being destroyed and are important for endemic animal species. A number of events will be organised to raise awareness among the island’s population of the plant species, their uniqueness, and the threats they face. © James Millet Project: Management of invasive lionfish hotspots: conservation of biodiversity on mesophotic coral ecosystems in Bermuda

Location: Bermuda Project lead: Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Aim of the project: Invasive lionfish have established populations throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic Ocean threatening native populations of economically and ecologically important fish species. This project aims to demonstrate that targeted removal of invasive lionfish will reduce the pressure on local fish populations, resulting in the preservation of localized reef fish diversity. In addition it will promote the creation of a sustainable lionfish fishery through provision of lionfish to local restaurants followed by surveys to determine market demand. Project: Improving the management of the invasive lionfish, Pterois volitans, by determining movement patterns and depth preference

Location: Cayman Islands

Project lead: Central Caribbean Marine Institute

Aim of the project: To improve the conservation of coral reefs in the Caribbean by enhancing the management strategy for the invasive red lionfish, Pterois volitans, and thereby limiting its deleterious ecological and economic impacts. It aims to increase the understanding of movement patterns of lionfish to inform its management and improve the effectiveness of site selection for targeted removal efforts. A principal output from this project will be the creation of a publicly accessible database and map of the lionfish population in Little Cayman. Project: Restoration of Key Biodiversity Areas of St. Maarten (plant)

Location: Sint Maarten

Project lead: EPIC St Maarten

Aim of the project: The project will restore coastal and terrestrial biodiversity by planting native tree species at ecologically degraded sites - two terrestrial and one coastal wetland - on St. Maarten. After restoration, the saplings will be cared for and monitored. A citizen-science initiative will integrate student volunteers who can learn valuable skills and knowledge regarding botany, restoration ecology, and conservation issues. Long-term care of the sites will be formalized through written agreements with appropriate stakeholders. Project: Combining local ecological knowledge and ciguatera analysis to rule lionfish toxicity and edibility and catalyze infestation control

Location: Saint-Barthélemy

Project lead: Agence Territoriale de l'Environnement de Saint-Barthélemy

Aim of the project: A previous ciguatera analysis found that 50% of lionfish in Saint-Barthélemy’s waters contained ciguatoxins, however the study was hardly representative and didn’t take into account local ecological knowledge. This project will test the local ecological knowledge on ciguatera through a participatory, and hence pertinent, sampling scenario for chemical toxicity analysis to answer the question regarding lionfish edibility. The results will be used to elaborate a lionfish control strategy for Saint-Barthélemy. Small Grant Project Themes Pacific Region

Education & Awareness Raising

Conservation of Palms Terrestrial Habitat Restoration and Conifers

Protection of IAS Control (rats) Endangered Flora

Mangroves Conservation Niau Kingfisher Conservation

Watershed Protection Forest Conservation

Sustainable Water Management Small Grant Projects Selected by the EC to be Funded - Pacific

Title Territory Biodiversité et gestion durable de l’environnement marin et côtier et des ressources Wallis and Futuna associées dans le contexte du changement climatique à Wallis et Futuna Renforcement des mesures et outils de conservation des palmiers et conifères menacés New Caledonia des forêts humides et des maquis de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Gestion innovante et durable de l’eau : optimisation du fonctionnement des périmètres New Caledonia irrigués agricoles (Aqualone) Renforcement des capacités locales pour la protection du patrimoine naturel terrestre de French Polynesia Rimatara Hei Moana, Les Sentinelles de L'Ocean French Polynesia Conservation des vestiges de forêts naturelles du plateau de Maraeti’a, vallée de la French Polynesia Punaruu, Tahiti Renforcement du réseau d’adduction d’eau potable (AEP) de la commune de Houailou par New Caledonia le maintien des services éco-systémiques en amont des captages d’eau Gestion durable des forêts de Wallis et Futuna Wallis and Futuna Conservation du Martin-chasseur de Niau, en danger critique d’extinction, par la French Polynesia communauté locale Sauvegarde de la flore menacée de l'atoll de Anaa et définition de zones prioritaires de conservation basées sur la flore et la malacofaune sur les atolls soulevés de Anaa et Niau French Polynesia aux Tuamotu Tukemaragai: restauration écologique des petites îles du Sud-Est des Gambier French Polynesia Project: Tukemaragai: ecological restoration of small Southeast Gambier Islands

Location: French Polynesia Project lead: Commune des Gambier

Aim of the project: To restore the habitats and birdlife of 3 islands of Gambier (Unami, Kamaka and Makaroa) and contribute to the conservation of endangered plants and soil restoration, as the islands are the victims of erosion due to overgrazing and invasive plants. The project will establish a nursery for native and endemic forest species that are particularly suited to harsh environmental conditions of the target sites, and then plant and care for the seedlings. It will also install sound devices and create artificial burrows for breeding seabirds in order to encourage the return of some especially rare and endangered species. Project: Conservation of the natural forest remnants of Maraeti'a Plateau, Punaruu Valley, Tahiti

Location: French Polynesia

Project lead: Te rau atiati a tau a hiti noatu

Aim of the project: To control the rat population of the Punaruu Valley and reduce their impact on endemic and indigenous plant species caused by the consumption of fruits and seeds affecting recruitment, and attacks on young seedlings. It will combine chemical control, through the use of rat poison, and physical control through the deployment of traps to reduce the risk of resistance to the poison. The abundance of rats will be monitored so that the methods used can be adapted accordingly.

Location: Wallis and Futuna

Project lead: Service de l'Agriculture de Wallis et Futuna

Aim of the project: The project will promote the conservation of forest biodiversity and the management and sustainable use of forest ecosystems in Wallis through four main results: the completion of an inventory of forests and its uses in Wallis; the definition of conservation measures with the local population; the establishment of a pilot © Jean Christophe Lefeuvre action for forest rehabilitation; and drafting a management plan and a forest policy. Project: Conservation of the critically endangered Niau Kingfisher by the local community

Location: French Polynesia

Project lead: Association Vaitamae Partners: Societe D’Ornithologie de Polynesie - Manu

Aim of the project: To increase the population and thereby improve the conservation status of the critically endangered Niau Kingfisher, which exists only on the Niau Atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago. It will address the threats to the species and involve the local community. The project has four main actions: • Reducing risk of predation by cats • Monitoring the demographic parameters of the species • Incorporating measure to protect the Niau Kingfisher in agricultural practices • Evaluating the conservation actions and sharing of the lessons learnt Project: Innovative and sustainable water management: optimizing agricultural irrigation

Location: New Caledonia

Project lead: AQUALONE

Partners: Chambre d’Agriculture de Nouvelle Calédonie

Aims of the project: The lack of fresh water is a significant problem in New Caledonia, therefore the sustainable management of this resource is vital, particularly in the face of climate change. The project aims to demonstrate an innovative irrigation technology to increase agricultural production whilst saving water resources. It will trial the technology at three pilot sites and develop a replicable business model for its adoption.

Location: Wallis and Futuna

Project lead: Service Environnement Wallis et Futuna Partners: Fédération des associations pour la protection de l’environnement Haofaki te Ulufenua

Aim of the project: To contribute to the sustainable management of mangroves on the island of Wallis through three interlinked activities: a inventory to improve the knowledge of mangroves; the establishment of a pilot nursery and rehabilitation of mangroves; and awareness raising among the general public of the importance of preserving these ecosystems and the implementation of a © Selma Haouet legal framework for the protection of mangroves. Project: Strengthening local capacity for the protection of the terrestrial natural heritage of Rimatara

Location: French Polynesia

Project lead: Association Rimaura

Aim of the project: Rimatara has two endemic bird species, the Kuhl's lorikeet and the Rimatara reed warbler, and has one of the last two uninhabited islands of French Polynesia that is free of the black rat. Both species are classified as Critically Endangered. The project will strengthen the capacity of the local population to protect the terrestrial natural heritage of Rimatara. It will strengthen the protection of the island from invasion by the black rat through training provided to the team that inspects incoming goods, including those arriving by plane. It will also implement a number of awareness raising activities. Project: Hei Mona the Ocean Sentinel

Location: French Polynesia

Project lead: Association Te Mana O Te Moana

© Carole Martinez © Magali Verducci Aim of the project: This educative and awareness raising project will involve the public and schools in the observation and protection of threatened species and marine ecosystems in French Polynesia through three emblematic groups: turtles, marine mammals and coral reefs. It will provide all interested Polynesian inhabitants with the skills and the tools to become actively involved in observing and collecting data on the marine environment and will strengthen knowledge of the natural heritage and human and climatic pressures. Various tools will be developed in the format of an educational kit.

Location: New Caledonia

Project lead: Noé

Aim of the project: Half of the conifers and a quarter of palms present in New Caledonia are in danger of extinction according to the IUCN Red List with bush fires, mining and invasive species constituting the main threats. This project comprises three axes: • the implementation of measures and tools for in situ and ex situ conservation of the project’s target species; • the creation and dissemination of recognition tools in the fight against the illegal trafficking of species targeted by the project; • public communication and awareness raising. Project: Saving the endangered flora of the raised Anaa atoll and the definition of priority areas for conservation based on the flora and fauna

Location: French Polynesia

Project lead: Association Pu Tahi Haga no Ganaa

Aim of the project: This project aims to save endangered flora of the Anaa atoll through a combination of in situ and ex situ management. • Conduct a census & threat assessment and collect plant material to establish a nursery. • Preparing for the reintroduction of a species of dove known to be an important disseminator of many plants with fleshy fruits • Define priority conservation areas and identify concrete conservation actions • Public awareness raising Project: Strengthening the drinking water supply system of the commune of Houailou by maintaining the ecosystem services of the upstream water catchment

Location: New Caledonia

Project lead: Mairie de Houailou

Aim of the project: To protect and manage the upstream catchment which provides drinking water for the commune of Houailou through reforestation of part of the catchment and implementing measures to protect the area such as fencing, barriers etc. and ensure that it can continue to provide vital ecosystem services. New Projects Funded by BEST 2.0 2016 Medium Grant (MG) Call for Proposals

Indian Ocean: 1 MG Project

South Atlantic: 1 MG Project

Polar/Sub-Polar: 2 MG Projects Medium Grant Projects Selected by the EC to be Funded South Atlantic

Title Territory An ecological assessment of Ascension Island’s shallow- Ascension Island water seamounts as candidate Marine Protected Areas Indian Ocean Title Territory COPRA, Conservation et gestion intégrée des herbiers de Scattered phanérogames marines du parc naturel marin des Glorieuses et Islands rôle fonctionnel pour les populations de tortues marines

Polar/Sub-polar Title Territory

Sustainable fishing in the Arctic: Can the harvest of Greenland’s biggest Greenland export be compatible with the conservation of benthic ecosystems? Where are they now? Right whales in the South Georgia marine South Georgia ecosystem Medium Grant Project Theme South Atlantic Region

Pelagic Ecological Assessment and MPA Planning Project: An ecological assessment of Ascension Island’s shallow-water seamounts as candidate Marine Protected Areas

Location: Ascension

Project lead: Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Department (AIDCFD)

Aim of the project: To undertake the first detailed ecological studies of Ascension Island’s three shallow-water seamounts to inform the need for their inclusion in a large-scale pelagic Marine Protected Area that is planned for the Territory. Progress towards this goal is already well advanced in inshore areas; however, there remains a severe shortage of information relating to Ascension’s offshore pelagic ecosystem. The current project will mark a significant step towards closing this knowledge gap and will substantially strengthen the evidence-base for offshore marine reserves in

Seagrass Conservation and Management Project: COPRA: Conservation and integrated management of phanerogam seagrass meadows in the Glorieuses Marine Nature Park and their functional role for marine turtle populations

Location: Scattered Islands (TAAF), Glorieuses Islands

Project lead: Agence des Aires Marines Protégées

Aims of the project: Implemented on the archipelago of Glorieuses on the Geyser bank, areas covered by the Glorieuses Marine Nature Park (PNMG) created in 2012 this project aims to: 1. Increase knowledge of the seagrass habitats and their functional role for marine turtles; 2. Establish a regional seagrass monitoring network; 3. Strengthen the conservation and management of these ecosystems through specific measures to strengthen the PNMG management plan. Medium Grant Project Themes Polar/Sub-polar Region

Sustainable Fisheries

Right Whale Conservation Project: Sustainable fishing in the Arctic: Can the harvest of Greenland’s biggest export be compatible with the conservation of benthic ecosystems?

Location: Greenland Project lead: Zoological Society of London Partner: Sustainable Fisheries Greenland Aim of the project: Sustainable management of fisheries is priority for Greenland, particularly in the face Photographic surveys will be used to climate change. document benthic habitats in West Greenland with the observations and information collected, along with analytical interpretations, used to develop and evaluate management plans for the sustainable use of marine resources. Engagement of fishermen, children, industry, and public with the issue of conservation value of Greenland’s benthic habitats and the need for their sustainable management is © Claire-Sophie Azam © Stewart McPherson another important aspect of the project. Project: Where are they now? Right whales in the South Georgia marine ecosystem

Location: South Georgia

Project lead: British Antarctic Survey Partner: University Court of the University of St Andrews

Aim of the project: To develop the first baseline survey of right whales in South Georgia waters spanning their period of peak occurrence in summer months. The survey will investigate their prey sources, habitat use in relation to the krill fishing within the sustainable- use South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area, genetic diversity, population connectivity with calving areas and health status. The project will deliver a series of key conservation and management related outcomes. Further Information

Further information on the funded projects can be found on the BEST 2.0 Portal and the EC BEST website

PowerPoint Presentation Factsheets

https://portals.iucn.org/best/

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/best 2017 Call for Proposals

Small Grant call for proposals

Targeting all 5 regions:

To be launched in Spring 2017

Full details of the call will be made available on the BEST Portal: https://portals.iucn.org/best/