Improving the Management of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas

National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE 14 MCPA2 PROJECT – ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES The MCPA2 o Combating marine Project is closing its litter campaign, as a 3rd year of very serios threats to IN THIS ISSUE: implementation, the NMP K-S.

and it is time to o International

provide an insight consultancy has

of what has been shared important ideas

MCPA2 Project – achieved and the next goals and challenges. with the RAPA administration and all other Achievements and A. Strengthen and Complete the Model of tourism sector stakeholders, discussing main Challenges______1 Practice for MCPAs in understandings of on-the-water A.1. Strengthen Regional Administration of sustainable tourism, exchanging views on Protected Areas (RAPA) capacities for better tourism activities in Vlora region and potential Monitoring of physical & controlling and management development of sustainable tourism sector. chemical parameters__ 2 o Strengthen RAPA Vlorë patrolling capacities, o SWOT analysis for the Vlora region provided a enabling provision & operation of a new laconic picture of the destination’s assets and speedboat for surveying MPA K-S. shortcomings and revealed the opportunities Unusual destinations of o Maintain the Anchoring and Signaling buoys, and challenges it faces. autumn______2 providing also assistance to Inter-institutional o The Manual on Ecotourism in MPAs provided Maritime Operations Centre and Naval Force. forms of environmental best practices currently o Provision of a diving course for RAPA used by ecotourism operators. The Code of Llogara National Park monitoring staff and students & professors of Conduct was developed and shared with RAPA. Day______3 Vlora University, Department of Biology. A.4. Fishery Sector o Undertake water quality monitoring activities The main findings from the analyses and (physical and chemical parameters). assessment phase, capacities & impacts, were Main trails in Karaburun o 5 promotional professional video documentaries closely attended in roundtables organized and were Peninsula______3 for celebrating the 10th anniversary of the park. flag-shipped through development and publication o Capacity building tools for RAPA staff (e- of relevant guides/handbook. learning platform, training on performance B. Strengthen Governance-based Institutional Waste management in assessment instruments (METT and FSS) Capacity and Management Committee NMP K-S______4 o Gender issues in Protected Areas, pinpointing Institutional governance capacities for the the main approaches of women role and management of the Park is strengthened and the involvements on MPA management activities Management Committee is supported together with Marine mosaics under A.2. Support functionality of the Visitor’s Center the technical secretariat RAPA Vlorë. threat______4 o Assistance to Radhima Visitor Center – C. Strengthen and apply the NMP K-S Model involvement of Junior Experts and media, o Continuation of national and international

information collection, processing and consultancies Climate changes and NMP dissemination, education & communication, etc. engagement. K-S______5 o The Sea Turtle o Follow up and

Rehabilitation provision of

Your Voice, Your Center jointly recommendations to Choice______5 operated and implement more coordinated with integrated activities at Visitors approaches of the How you can help protect Center in Radhima. assessment methods & technologies. our oceans______6 o Visibility, branding, o The GIS reporting is finalized, and all ArcGIS awareness and education means (14 electronic package is delivered with the data from NMP newsletters prepared and issued to partners and K-S monitoring protocols. related stakeholders). The info-point at the o A series of webinars on scientific research and Visitor Center is maintained and enriched with experience exchange were conducted. pertinent touristic and environment information. A.3. Tourism and Eco-Certification Project response to the COVID 19 pandemic o The analysis of visitors’ number data during the impacts into ongoing partnerships and stakeholder This edition is prepared last 3 years shows that is 2020 there is a involvements was focused on anticipating activities by decrease of 71%. Almost the entire tourist flow and adopting to likewise forms of in Vlora Bay had as destination the sea and, accomplishments; specific relevant activities were UNDP Project on primarily the NMP K-S. Promotion of the new identified and implemented according to COVID Marine and Coastal trail “The Breeze of 2 Seas”. country protocol (specific guidance by UNDP on Protected Areas o Integration of marine management travel and movement restriction). actions with sustainable ecotourism approaches © 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 MONITORING OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN VLORA BAY

Every month, the marine waters UNDP project team inside and around together with the NMP K-S. The Regional monitoring is Administration of focused on Protected Areas measuring the Vlorë carries out the values of several monitoring of the physical and physical and chemical chemical parameters in Vlora parameters such Bay with specific focus on the National Marine as (pH, temperature, salinity, electrical Park Karaburun-Sazan (NMP K-S), where it is conductivity, TDS, TSS, DO, etc.) at the samples taken the majority of samples (13 out of 17 in taken in the area, as very important indicators of total). The remaining four sampling points are water quality. These parameters may vary due to located in Vlora Bay. different natural and anthropogenic processes. They can be used to determine the impact of groundwater and riverine water on the state of aquatic

The main objective of the monitoring is to provide ecosystems, and sometimes can be used to identify a clear picture of the environmental situation the source of water pollution. Changes in these through the assessment of pollution degree of the parameters can be harmful to aquatic organisms.

UNUSUAL DESTINATIONS OF AUTUMN

The National Marine as a Park Karaburun- communication Sazan (NMP K-S) is station for all one of the most sailors, while visited destinations the Bay of during the summer English was a season, thanks to destination for the attractions it the English provides. Since army in 1943- sunny days prevail 1944 and is the pearl of this tour. Following on, even during the only 40 minutes hiking, you will find the Cave of autumn months, English, another there is not only natural wonder natural beauty in its with millions of bays but also history, with historical traces of the years old Roman period or before Christ. Such are Grama stalactites and Bay as well as the Cave and Bay of English, which stalagmites, are located in the western part of the Peninsula. which has served It will only take three hours by boat to learn as an office for about them and history. Grama Bay used to serve the British mission during World War II.

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 2 LLOGARA NATIONAL PARK DAY Promoting nature and through trails Llogara other trails in the park you have the opportunity National to enjoy the variety of relieve formations and Park was biodiversity. You can also enjoy the beauty of the proclaimed Lightning Violet (Viola acrocheraunensis) which is on one of the park’s endemic plants, as well as many November other endemic plants. In Llogara Park you have the 21, 1966. opportunity to carry out one of the main activities The park is such as camping, which gives you the pleasure to characterized by a large variety of relieve enjoy nature and fresh air. Llogara National Park is formations, landscapes, vegetation, wild mammals one of the and birds, and as such it serves as an important most attraction for Vlora Region. On the 54th beautiful anniversary of the proclamation as a National parks in Park, the Visitor Center hosted the promotion of our the latest trail "Breeze of two seas". This is a country, trail where it is best shown that the sea and where you mountain become one and this natural wonder is have space found only in Llogara Park. Along this trail as in all for many outdoor activities.

MAIN TRAILS IN KARABURUN PENINSULA Karaburun Peninsula Some of the main trails are: is the place where - The Adriatic Trail, starting from Pashaliman tourism finds the base to Cape of Gjuhëza. This trail is considered right terrain to special as it provides the opportunity to be develop throughout accessed by bike. all year’s seasons. - Duk Gjoni Cave Trail, starting from Orikumi Even after the lagoon to Duk Gjoni Cave, the latter being summer season this classified as Natural Monument. place offers - Brisani Bay Trail, starting from Marmiro church pleasant surprises to Brisani beach. for anyone visiting - Dafina Bay Trail, this trail requires also it. The variety of transport by sea from Radhima Visitor Center to trails where natural elements such as , the second Ragusa, then crosses Ravena to and geological formations intertwine with Dafina Bay. historical and cultural elements such as bunkers, - "Breeze of two seas" is the newest trail that churches and mosques, are a precious asset of has been added to Karaburun Peninsula. Starting Karaburun Peninsula. There are trails with a from Cape of Gjuhëza - Maja e Kores - Ravena – variety of difficulties, which gives them the Spring of Dedëhila – Thanasi Peak and ends at opportunity to be accessed by different age- . This is a high difficulty trail with a groups. Some of these trails are of high length of 53.47 km in mountainous terrain. difficulty, which requires physical preparation, equipment and assistance from local guides. Most of the trails are equipped with information boards and vertical signage along the entire route followed by visitors.

Detailed information on all trails can be obtained at Visitor Centers in Radhima and Llogara, independently via maps or through the wikiloc application. For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 3 WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NATIONAL MARINE PARK KARABURUN-SAZAN Waste Chairman of the Management Committee for management is Protected Areas and Tourism, in cooperation with one of the most RAPA Vlorë, held a meeting with several frequently institutions and administrators of tour boats ships identified and operating in the area of Karaburun Peninsula and encountered Sazani Island. Another cleaning action will be problems in the carried out shortly; also waste containers will be area of placed in the area. This action aims not only Karaburun Peninsula and Sazani Island. The cleaning Karaburun Peninsula and Sazani Island, increased number of tour boats, small boats and but also bringing to the attention of visitors and the overcrowding by domestic and foreign tourists tour operators brings, after each summer season, an overflowing the need for of Karaburun and Sazan beaches with various having a wastes. Indeed, cleaning and awareness activities responsible have been undertaken by the Regional behavior by Administration of Protected Areas (RAPA) Vlorë bringing back or other institutions, but this cannot be achieved the wastes that without an inter-institutional cooperation and they generate private businesses operating in the area. In this in the area, in order to preserve this treasure of frame, the Prefect of Vlora Region, in the role of Albanian nature. MARINE MOSAICS UNDER THREAT! Corals are animal regenerate, but if temperatures stay high for a creatures which in long time, corals are destined to die. the larval stage are very small, As a result of climate changes, accompanied by almost at the size temperature variations, coral bleaching is of a sand grain. happening more and more. This phenomenon is During this stage affecting many places, including the National they live floating Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan (NMP K-S). Data in open waters for about 30 days until they find a received from park’s partners regarding the substrate to fix themselves. Once fixed, the larva extent of coral bleaching phenomenon in the develops to form a polyp similar to an upside-down marine park area, show that this phenomenon is jellyfish, where are placed and multiplied several repeated more and more each year. algae called zooxanthellae. These algae provide A range of activities of anthropogenic origin food to the polyp as well as give it the colors contribute to climate changes, thus endangering variety. The polyp grows and multiplies; several coral reefs. Taking measures to minimize the hundreds of polyps form a colony which is known effects of climate changes and adapting an as the coral. environmentally friendly lifestyle are seen as key Corals are very delicate creatures and very ways for coral conservation. For some time now, a sensitive to changes, mainly to temperature. If number of physical and chemical parameters have the water temperature rises by only a few been measured and degrees the corals are stressed and the studied in NMP K- zooxanthellae leave; consequently, the corals lose S, including their main source of food and color. This temperature as one phenomenon is known as coral bleaching. Mass of the main bleaching of corals can occur when the sea stays parameters, in warm for a long time and a large area of corals is order to study the affected. If the temperatures return to normal changes amplitude values within a short period of time, the corals can and the factors affecting them.

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 4 CLIMATE CHANGES AND NATIONAL MARINE PARK KARABURUN-SAZAN Climate change is a term used to describe a world average. Over the last two decades the sea variation in climate that is “attributed directly or level has risen by 6 cm and sea water acidity has indirectly to human activity, that alters the significantly increased. Recent accelerated climate composition of the global atmosphere, and that is change has exacerbated existing environmental observed over several decades or longer”. This problems in the Mediterranean Basin that are phenomenon recently represents the biggest caused by the combination of changes in land use, environmental problem affecting the entire world. increasing pollution and declining biodiversity. Accompanied by changes of temperatures, rainfall For five broad and interconnected impact domains regime, seasons cycle, droughts, floods, habitat (water, ecosystems, food, health and security), loss, etc., the climate changes have led to a current change and future scenarios consistently number of environmental and economic crisis. point to significant and increasing risks during the coming decades. Every region of the world is Average temperatures in the Mediterranean affected differently by this phenomenon, but region, Albania included, have increased by 1.4oC everyone should have the same approach for since the pre-industrial era, 0.4oC more than the providing solutions to this problem.

Recently, in YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE order to Submit your reduce the ideas and impacts of become part of climate the park with changes your along the contribution! shores of the National Marine Park Join us by sharing ideas for Karaburun-Sazan, in the frame of The activities and MedFUND project, the Regional events, as part of the initiative to make better use of the Administration of Protected Areas Vlorë park! All welcome! and the Flag Association planted 250 bay laurel and holly oak seedlings, as an Your ideas and suggestions can be submitted by e-mail to initiative to [email protected] or to the following addresses: reduce the amount of Regional Administration of Protected Areas Vlorë greenhouse gases “Andrea Varfi” Street, 9401 in atmosphere Vlorë, Albania and restore the habitat of these Visitors Center Radhimë species in Dafina Cape of Rameci, National Road SH8 Bay. Radhimë, Vlorë, Albania

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 5 HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT OUR OCEANS A healthy ocean means other words, buy locally whenever possible. healthy humans. We Furthermore, make a conscious effort to eat lower depend on the ocean for on the seafood chain. Seaweed and bivalves are the such fundamental gold standard: “Oysters help clean the water they conditions of life as live in.” climate regulation, food, and even oxygen, but our The Most Common Waste in the Oceans misuse of single-use plastics is harming our Ocean Conservancy and Surfriders during their waterways, killing marine life and releasing toxic activity for regular coastal cleanups declare that chemicals into the environment. since 2017 all top-10 most commonly found marine litter items were made of plastic. However, scientists believe we can turn this around. They believe in humans’ incredible ability to adapt, Cigarette butts, which find solutions, and use social media as a tool for have plastic filters, are good: “Humans are innately connected to nature, and the single most littered by harming it, we’re only harming ourselves.” Despite plastic item in the world. the undeniable power of Mother Nature, our oceans During their 2018 annual are vulnerable and it’s in our power to keep them cleanup, the Ocean Conservancy collected over 5.7 clean and healthy. million of them. Straws came in at number three, with nearly 3.7 million. Also, it is found a What’s at Stake: Our considerable amount of fishing gear that has been Lives and Livelihoods lost or abandoned at sea. Many people aren’t aware of how big a role the Ghost fishing’ debris is a ocean plays in regulating major problem locally, our climate. The changes entangling large animals we’re seeing - intensified hurricanes, rising sea and killing commercially levels, and melting sea ice - are evidence of how valuable fish. The fishing closely the ocean and climate are connected. What’s community is becoming more, 3 billion people rely on seafood as their more conscientious too. They’re especially taking primary source of protein! care for collecting plastic bags floating at sea and endanger animals. On the other hand, we should be aware how environmentally catastrophic seafood can be when it But, now we see tons of comes from the wrong place. Illegal, unreported, and Personal Protective unregulated fishing plagues our world’s oceans, Equipment, which we undermining conservation efforts and pushing never saw before COVID species to the brink of extinction. pandemics.

But the issue is not What We Can Do to Protect Our Oceans confined to the open We all believe that there are still many ways people seas. Aquaculture is can get involved. While ocean conservation is a global the fastest-growing issue, we should focus our efforts locally. We should food production look at clean and sustainable oceans from the industry in the world. perspective of your hometown. All rivers lead to the Although half of all seafood we eat comes from oceans, so it’s possible and important that everyone farms, as much as 30% of it is mislabeled — not to is engaged in protecting clean waterways. We should mention that shrimp farming in Asia destroys critical do our citizens’ duty, no matter where we live, mangrove habitat and pollutes groundwater. harness the power of the digital world and shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. But there are ways we can support sustainable Source: https://earth911.com/inspire/ Edited by: Skerdilajd Anagnosti seafood. “Know the person who caught your fish.” In MCPA2 Project Consultant

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 6

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 7