IUCN SEE e-Bulletin Issue 23 · March 2010

IUCN South-Eastern European e-Bulletin

Photo: IUCN/B.Erg, NP Durmitor Dear Readers, We are presenting you the 23rd issue of IUCN South-Eastern European e-Bulletin that gathers information from the first quarter of 2010 enriched with recently published funding opportunities. We thank you for contributing to this issue and for your continuous interest and support of this publication. Please note that the bulletin is available online at www.iucn.org/southeasterneurope, while guidelines for sub- mitting articles can be found at the last page of this issue. Hoping that you will find this issue as informative as usually, We wish you a pleasant reading!

With best regards, IUCN Programme Office for South-Eastern Europe IUCN SEE e-Bulletin Issue 23 · March 2010

NEWS & EVENTS t 1. Cave preserving in Natura 2000 Site

2. Cross border Partnership for the Delta en 3. Earth Hour 2010 t n 4. Finnish support to Western Balkans continues o 5. Capacity building and nature conservation along the South Eastern European Green Belt c 6. The Ural Owl in returns to the Biosphere-Reserve “Wienerwald” 7. Cross- border actions steer the Tara- Drina-Region future 8. Restoration of Bulgarian Natura 2000 habitats 9. Lower exceeds green corridor targets 10. An international agreement for the Transboundary Prespa Park 11. Sediment Management Protocol to the Framework Agreement on the River Basin (FASRB) 12. White Storks nesting platforms in Nature Park Goricko 13. Bringing together all stakeholders of the Shkodra region 14. Countdown 2010 hits 1,000! 15. More Dalmatian Pelicans than ever in Prespa 16. Danube River Basin Management Plan endorsed 17. Green Konjuh, today and tomorrow 18. Mapping of sea grass meadows of the Albanian coast

IN THE FOCUS: Saving the Balkan lynx

PUBLICATIONS & COMMUNICATION 1. Ecosia – green internet search 2. Species of the Day

TRAININGS & SEMINARS – ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. People and Nature: the future of the Dinaric Arc 2. English Language for Environmentalists training 3. Summer programme in the proposed Balkans Peace Park in the area of Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna Mountain

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 1. Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), Component II Cross-Border Cooperation Programme FYR of Macedonia - Albania 2. LIFE+ 2010 3. Development of GHG projections guidelines 4. Natura 2000 Promotion 5. Monitoring of the implementation and enforcement of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulations

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1. Cave preserving in Natura 2000 Site S T

Romania: Speleological Association Exploratorii, IUCN member, will be in charge of the Technical Management of the Life+ project Preserving Management of the Habitat 8310 from Semenic – Cheile Carasului Natura 2000 Site in the course of three years, 2009 – 2011. Project is implemented by the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection

Timisoara and objective is the rehabilitation of NEWS & EVEN

Photo: ASE/B.Badescu Photo: habitat’s morphology, through waste collection and preservation of birth and feeding areas of 11 chiropters species. The Action plan was elaborated and waste containers set. Coming activities include documentary movies filming, field work monitoring and raising public awareness on the issue.

For more details, please contact Bogdan Badescu, Technical manager, ASE at [email protected] or Gabriela Lambrino, Project manager, ARPMT at [email protected] or visit: www.salvatililiecii.ro. Photo: ASE/M.Suru Photo:

2. Cross border Partnership for the Neretva Delta

Bosnia and . The meeting for the Neretva Delta held in March 2010 in Capljina gathered participants from universities, national institutions, local NGO’s and private enterprises from and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Event resulted in a common vision for sustainable development of the region and signed

Photo: representatives of the NGO’s and WWF, by WWF by WWF, and representatives of the NGO’s Photo: transboundary partnership, serving as common basis for further actions. The agreement was signed by two local NGOs: Ekoloska Udruga Lepa Nasa Capljina and Modrozelena, Metkovic. Meeting participants identified these two NGOs as leaders for sustainable development of the Neretva Delta in both countries. The meeting was organized within the project Environment for People in the Dinaric Arc project, implemented by IUCN, WWF MedPO and SNV and funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The aim of the project is a sustainable development of rural communities on the basis of conservation of biological diversity and traditional landscapes in transboundary protected areas of the Dinaric Arc.

For further information please contact Emira Mesanovic, WWF at [email protected].

4 3. Earth Hour 2010

Serbia: During the Earth Hour, on Saturday, 27 March 2010 at 8:30 PM, individuals, businesses, governments and communities turned their lights off for one hour and showed their support for action on climate change. The event started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. This year 126 countries and territories, over 4,000 cities, towns and municipalities and hundreds of millions of people across the globe took part in delivering a powerful action for a healthier planet. WWF Danube Carpathian Program has ‘recruited’ inventor Nikola Tesla, one of the fathers of electricity, as an Earth Hour Ambassador. Tesla was one of the most important contributors to the birth of commercial electricity and is a national icon in Serbia. Over 40 cities, towns and municipalities across Serbia were plunged into darkness for Earth Hour. Eco Musketeers- group of school kids collected messages sent by elementary school pupils wishing to protect our planet and remind authorities about it. During the Earth Hour childrens’ messages were handed over to city of Belgrade authorities, as a public call to authorities to take action. Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative. Once again, Earth Hour was owned by the people of the planet.

For further information please contact Duska Dimovic, WWF Danube - Carpathian Program at [email protected] or visit www.panda.org/serbia

4. Finnish support to Western Balkans continues

The ENVSEC (Environment and Security) initiative’s programme “Transforming Risks into Cooperation in South Eastern Europe” was launched in the end of 2009. Finland is at the moment the largest donor of ENVSEC, which is a joint initiative of UNDP, UNEP, OSCE, UNECE, REC and NATO (associated member). The overall goal of the ENVSEC programme in South Eastern Europe is to contribute to the reduction of environment and security risks, and to the increased cooperation around these issues in the region. The preparatory phase of UNDP’s project for sustainable development in the Dragash municipality in southwestern Kosovo (UN1244) is coming to an end by this summer. Finland financed the preparatory phase and has indicated readiness to support also the project’s implementation phase in 2010-2013. Finland is continuously supporting the following regional programmes promoting biodiversity conservation and transboundary cooperation in the Western Balkans: IUCN’s (International Union for Conservation of Nature) project “Environment for People in the Dinaric Arc”, ECNC’s (European Centre for Nature Conservation) project “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Local Sustainable Development in the Western Balkans”, and REC’s (Regional Environmental Centre) project “Education for Sustainable Development in the Drina River Basin”. For further information please contact Laura Hassinen, Unit for EU Enlargement and Western Balkans, MFA Finland at [email protected]

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5. Capacity building and nature conservation along the South S

Eastern European Green Belt T

FYR of Macedonia: IUCN and its partner organizations – DEM Macedonia, REC Kosovo and REC Albania organized a training workshop in February 2010, which brought together representatives of public administration, border police, customs, NGOs and international

organizations from the project region. Training NEWS & EVEN focused on issues related to management and financing of protected areas, illegal wildlife trade, Photo: IUCN/T.Pezold Photo: wildlife monitoring and on providing for better surveillance of the border areas through civil-military cooperation. Moreover the event served as a platform for exchange of experiences and plans related to cross-border nature conservation initiatives in the region. In the second phase of the project (July 2010), a group of selected participants will take part in a study tour to transboundary protected area between Germany and Czech Republic.

The project reinforces the cross-border cooperation of actors involved in the trilateral border region of Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia. High mountain areas show an outstanding diversity of plant species, while the region is one of the last remaining retreats of large European carnivores, such as bear, wolf and lynx. It is being implemented in close cooperation with BfN (German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation) and is funded by German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety through The Federal Environment Agency.

For more information, please contact Tomasz Pezold, IUCN SEE, at [email protected]

For the purpose of this article the name Kosovo has been used to refer to the territory under the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, established in 1999 by the UN Security Council resolution 1244; and the name Macedonia has been used to refer to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

6. The Ural Owl in returns to the Biosphere-Reserve “Wienerwald”

Austria: The objective of The reintroduction of the Ural owl (Strix uralensis) project is to build up a stable population of this large owl in the forests of Austria. With the re-establishment of a population in the Alps, this one will be an essential connection between the populations in Southern (Slovenia, Italy) and Northern Europe (Germany, Czech Republic). Individuals moving between these areas will ensure the gen flow - thus the sustainable survival of this rare owl might be assured.

6 The designation of protected areas and the gradual introduction of sustainable forestry have improved the habitat conditions for the Ural owl in Austria. Therefore international experts suggested to assure the connectivity between the fragmented populations. The Biosphere-Reserve “Wienerwald” and the wilderness area “Dürrenstein” where chosen as sites for the release. They offer ecologically valuable forest areas and therefore optimal conditions for the survival of the newcomers. 13 Ural owls were successfully released in the Biosphere-Reserve “Wienerwald. The project is carried out in cooperation of the Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the Biosphere-Reserve “Wienerwald” and the Austrian Federal Forests (ÖBf). The program is supported by the federal state of Lower Austria. It is managed by a team of scientists under the

Photo: Zupanc Photo: supervision of the ornithologist Richard Zink. For more information please visit Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald, www.bpww.at/natur or Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, www.habichtskauz.at

7. Cross- border actions steer the Tara- Drina-Region future

Serbia: Possibilities of cooperation between the Tara National Park (Serbia) and the Drina region (BiH) were the main topic this spring in the NP Tara for thirty representatives of nature conservation institutions, local governments, tourism organizations,

Photo: IUCN Archive IUCN Photo: local NGOs, and forest departments. The joint goal was set: decision on actions to push further the sustainable development of the region, and the common goal a biosphere reserve establishment.

This meeting was organized as part of the Environment for People in the Dinaric Arc-project, a joint project of IUCN, WWF MedPO and SNV and funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The aim of the project is a sustainable development of rural communities on the basis of conservation of biological diversity and traditional landscapes in transboundary protected areas of the Dinaric Arc.

For further information please contact Emira Mesanovic, WWF at [email protected].

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8. Restoration of Bulgarian Natura 2000 habitats S T

Bulgaria: WWF and the State Forestry Agency in Bulgaria embarked a new project which will improve the conservation status of 10 Sites of Community Importance managed by the State Forestry Agency. Through conservation and restoration of 11 riparian and habitats, the sites, which are of considerable national and European significance, will be preserved.

NEWS & EVEN The preservation of the area – a total of 21,000 Photo: WWF/M.Gunther Photo: hectares - will be ensured through the development of specialized facilities such as fences, grilles, bridges and tourist spots, and through removal of anthropogenic waste from close to 100 ha. Alien species in some areas will be removed as a result of restoration activities. Other areas will be restored by planting local trees and shrubs.

“In Bulgaria we have very limited experience in managing and restoring riparian and wetland natural habitats”, said Katerina Rakovska, Protected Areas Officer at WWF’s Danube-Carpathian Programme. “This is a pilot project which we are very much hoping will help us create, demonstrate and promote good practices in conservation and restoration of this type of Natura 2000 habitats”, she added.

Another important objective is creating awareness and better understanding of Natura 2000 among specialized audiences and the wider public. This is a LIFE project funded by the EU.

For further information please contact Olga Apostolova, WWF Danube - Carpathian Program at [email protected]

9. Lower Danube exceeds green corridor targets

A decade after four governments agreed to work together to establish a “green corridor” along the entire length of the Lower Danube River, Europe’s most ambitious wetland protection and restoration programme is well ahead of targets for creating protected areas.

The Lower Danube Green Corridor Declaration, signed by environment

Photo: A.Ivanov Photo: ministers of Bulgaria, Romania,

8 Ukraine and Moldova in 2000, pledged to boost protection for 775,000 ha of existing protected areas and bring another 160,000 ha under protection along the river’s final 1000 kilometres. However, the level of achievement was much higher with some 1.4 million ha has been brought under protection to the benefit of some of Europe’s most outstanding wildlife and in enhancing water security, flood control and recreational opportunities for the area’s 29 million people.

“The Lower Danube Green Corridor was and still is the most ambitious wetland protection and restoration initiative in Europe,” said Andreas Beckmann, director of WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme. “We are looking forward to more ambitious targets for the next phase of developing the green corridor – and hopefully to celebrate again that the river is better protected than we had expected.”

For further information please contact Olga Apostolova, WWF Danube - Carpathian Program at [email protected]

10. An international agreement for the Transboundary Prespa Park

Transboundary Prespa Park was established in 2000, under the Ramsar Convention, by joint Declaration of Prime Ministers of Greece, Albania and the FYR of Macedonia, following the proposal of the NGOs Society for the Protection of Prespa and WWF Greece. Ten years later, on 2 February 2010, the international agreement was signed between the Ministers of Environment of the three countries and the EU

Photo:L.Nikolaou Commissioner for the Environment.

In the framework of this agreement, three countries are legally bound to establish permanent structures of cooperation in order to develop a common strategy and to implement measures for the protection of the natural environment and the human activities in the area, such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism and infrastructure. Furthermore, the agreement sets water issues as a priority, by identifying the elaboration of an integrated water management plan for the basin, as one of the main objectives of the cooperation. This agreement gives the formal institutionalization to the cross-border cooperation. The President of the Society for the Protection of Prespa, Mr. Thymio Papayannis stated: “The official agreement that was signed, [...] is of particular importance. It puts solid and permanent basis for closer cooperation for the benefit of the inhabitants of the area and its natural and cultural legacy.”

For further information please contact Marianna Vlassi, Society for the Protection of Prespa at [email protected]

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11. Sediment Management Protocol to the Framework S

Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB) T

Sediment is essential, integral and dynamic component of river basins. Parties to the FASRB (BA, HR, RS and SI) have agreed to develop the Protocol on Sediment Management in order to ensure sustainable sediment management in the Sava River Basin, by respecting natural processes and water regime. The Parties have recognized

the sediment as an important natural asset with high socio-economic and environmental value NEWS & EVEN which comprises: information value (the possibilities to enjoy natural beauty and landscape), trading sediment value, regulation value (supportive feature of the eco-system) and bequest value (preservation of all natural assets for future generations).

The Parties shall adopt the Sava River Basin Sediment Management Plan, which is to be harmonized with the Sava River Basin Management Plan. The Parties will also have to develop the Dredging Programmes on yearly basis. All Parties will be mutually informed on the planned dredging locations and the quantities of the dredged material through the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC). Text of the protocol which has been developed by the ISRBC Secretariat and its experts groups is awaiting adoption by the ISRBC and, thereof, will be delivered to the Parties for final harmonization. The Protocol reaffirms the need for promotion of cooperation among the Parties and of sustainable sediment management solutions, which carefully balance the socio-economic and environmental values in the Sava River Basin. Without sustainable sediment management, a good ecological status or good ecological potential of surface waters, and good chemical status of groundwater can not be reached!

For further information please contact Samo Groselj, International Sava River Basin Commission at [email protected].

12. White Storks nesting platforms in Nature Park Goricko

Slovenia: Although the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Slovenia is among the most recognizable, popular and researched bird species, its abundance is carried out in systematic population census only since the 1999. So the members of DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia have discovered that the nest occupying pairs of white stork and fledged young in Nature Park Goricko is stagnating or even declining, while in most other parts of Europe the number is growing. In 2009, 17 White Stork’s nests were counted within Nature Park Goricko and altogether, 16 young were fledged. One year ago there were 19 young and ten years ago 25. The proportion of meadows, where storks find their food, in ten years has decreased significantly, while the share of corn fields is growing. The last White Stork population census showed that some nests started to decay due

10 to heavy rains and storms in 2009. Unfortunately, the majority of nests are found on platforms which are too small or even on the electric wires. Therefore the parts which hang over the platforms are falling down, sometimes with the young.

In order to help the storks to build and maintain the nests, the Public Institute Nature Park Goricko, Vista Photo: Gregor Domanjko Photo: Institute from Murska Sobota and State Institute for Nature Conservation in Slovenia decided to build five suitable nesting platforms for the White Storks. Accompanied by staff of Elektro Maribor Company and its hydraulic track cranes we set it on to the existing electric pole in Ropoča, Domanjševci, Motovilci, Šalamenci and Kobilje.

For more information, please contact Gregor Domanjko, Nature park Goricko at gregor.domanjko@ goricko.info or visit www.park-goricko.org.

13. Bringing together all stakeholders of the Lake Shkodra region

Albania: With the overall goal to help solving environmental issues, ensure water resources protection and strengthen institutional cooperation between Albania and Montenegro, the Regional Environmental Center Albania is implementing cross- border project “Bringing together all stakeholders of the Lake Shkodra region”. The project aims to increase the recognition and understanding of the RAMSAR principles and international regulations related to wetland conservation and sustainable use of shared Albanian-Montenegrin water resources. In this context, REC is organizing an international stakeholders’ conference on 5 June 2010 in Shkodra city. This conference brings together high representatives from the government and RAMSAR Administrative Authorities form Albania, Montenegro and other neighbouring countries involving academic institutions, management institutions, researches, NGOs, local authorities as well as community representatives from both Albania and Montenegro.

For more information, please contact Djana Bejko, REC Albania at [email protected] or visit: http://albania.rec.org/Projects/Biodiversiteti/lake-conference.html

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14. Countdown 2010 hits 1,000! S T

Brussels: Celebrations took place in February at the Regional Office for Pan-Europe of IUCN when Countdown 2010 welcomed its 1000th partner Eurogypsum, right at the beginning of the International Year of Biodiversity.

In just five years, the Countdown 2010 network – hosted bythe IUCN – has grown rapidly. In its first days, the network comprised

of only a handful of organizations which were already active in helping protect our environment. NEWS & EVEN But thanks to the efforts of the small team at the time, the Countdown 2010 message reached audiences outside the traditional environment community. Businesses, local and regional authorities, museums, academic institutions and many more have joined the network from all over Europe and since 2007 also from other parts of the world (South America, Southern Africa and Asia).

The Countdown 2010 initiative has gained recognition in Europe as the largest multistakeholder network dedicated to the 2010 Biodiversity Target. 1,000 partners highlight once more the success of the initiative.

For more information, please contact Liza Drius, IUCN Regional Office for Pan-Europe at liza.drius@ iucn.org or visit http://www.countdown2010.net/

15. More Dalmatian Pelicans than ever in Prespa

The Prespa , between Greece, Albania and the FYR of Macedonia (FYROM), are recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because of their pelican colonies. In 2009, more than 1400 pairs of Dalmatian Pelicans Pelecanus crispu bred on the colonies on the Greek side of the lakes. The Natura 2000 site there has received an effective conservation management in the last few years. “This is a historical maximum for this globally threatened species, and it represents more than 20% of its world population”, says Myrsini Malakou, the director of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP).

The SPP, a local conservation organisation that has as founding and supporting members both the Hellenic Ornithological Society

Photo: Doug Janson Photo: (HOS, BirdLife in Greece) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB, BirdLife in the UK), has recently concluded a EU-funded LIFE project aimed at managing the water levels of the Mikri Prespa lake, implementing active habitat management measures and therefore maximising their benefit for breeding birds. Partly as a result, the significant

12 wetland birds breeding colonies in Prespa have prospered. “Last year we also saw White Pelicans Pelecanus onocrotalus reaching 525 breeding pairs, another historical maximum. Little Egrets Egretta garzetta reached 125 breeding pairs – one of highest figures ever, while this year Great White Egrets Casmerodius alba broke another record, with 75-80 pairs nesting in the marshes- this proves that by managing the habitats for birds, we can bring them back and increase their populations”, continued Malakou.

“Pelicans and other birds were persecuted and killed in Prespa in a not too distant past – so the present situation is a powerful example of what legislation and conservation investment can achieve in a relatively short period of time”, said José Tavares, the RSPB officer for Greece.

For more information please contact Jose Tavares, Country Programmes Officer for Turkey, Portugal and Greece at the RSPB at [email protected]

16. Danube River Basin Management Plan endorsed

Ministers and high-level representatives responsible for water management from the Danube Basin countries: Austria, , Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine and the European Commission endorsed the Danube River Basin Management Plan in Photo: ICPDR Archive ICPDR Photo: Vienna, Austria on 19 February 2010. The Danube River Basin Management Plan outlines concrete measures to be implemented by the year 2015 to improve the environmental condition of the Danube and its tributaries. These include the reduction of organic and nutrient pollution stemming from settlements and agriculture, stopping negative effects of man-made changes to the river, for example through the construction of fish- passes, the introduction of phosphate-free detergents in all markets and effective risk management of accidental pollution. Measures to protect and reconnect will also be taken. The plan addresses key requirements of the European Union Water Framework Directive.

For more information please contact Jasmine Bachmann, ICPDR Secretariat at UNOV at jasmine. [email protected] or visit http://www.icpdr.org/icpdr-pages/mm2010.htm and http://www. icpdr.org/icpdr-pages/danube_rbm_plan_ready.htm

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17. Green Konjuh, today and tomorrow S T

Bosnia and Herzegovina: NGO Request has started another project this year in the area of Konjuh Mountain near Tuzla. Its goal is to raise awareness of the local people about the importance of the mountain and to start the decision making process to declare this part a Nature Park. The campaign will last for two years and is part of “Capacity building and networking among environmental NGOs and youth in South Eastern Europe with FOEI experience” project. Financial support came mainly from Croatian NGO „Zelena

Akcija“ and grants were provided for public advocacy campaigns on local or national level. NEWS & EVEN Konjuh mountain has a strategic importance for the surrounding municipalities because of its richness in clean water, woods and different animal and herbal species as well as for the cultural heritage. In order to help the preservation of this richness for future generations NGO Request will organize a series of activities such as press conferences, public debates, trips to the nature (hiking and cycling), lectures for school children and other actions.

For more information please contact NVO Request at [email protected]

18. Mapping of sea grass meadows of the Albanian coast

Albania: Until now quite poor knowledge on Posidonia oceanica in Albania will be drastically improved through the project “Protection of Posidonia oceanica habitats in Albania”. It aims to conduct the mapping of marine habitats along the Albanian coast, delivering maps, database GIS, and scientific information on the meadows. Project will provide the training necessary for the correct use of mentioned outputs that will represent basic tools for the management of coastal zones and for the protection of marine environment. In addition, the project aims to identify, among fisherman and other inhabitants of coastal areas, the “natural protectors” of Posidonia oceanica. These people, properly supported, could facilitate the application of the law in the field of conservation (bottom-up approach). The project is implemented by Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania and GAO – Cooperazione Internazionale, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment of Albania, University of Tirana (Faculty of Natural Sciences), Nautilus (Cooperative Company - Italy), ISSD - International School for Scientific diving (University of Pisa), GEF/SGP (Albania), etc. The project has also supported the organization and implementation of a programme of events in order to raise awareness of protection of coastal sensitive habitats and integrated coastal zone management.

For more information please contact Genti Kromidha, Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania at [email protected] or visit www.inca-al.org/posidonia

14 Saving the Balkan lynx

CUS The Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx martinoi) is not only a very beautiful and fascinating creature, but also

O one of the rarest subspecies of the Eurasian lynx. With an estimated number of less than 100 individuals it is the most threatened autochthonous lynx population in Europe and – according to IUCN Red List criteria – critically endangered. Its key distribution areas are situated in the border HE F

T regions of Albania and Macedonia. In order to secure its survival, the four NGOs EuroNatur, KORA, the Macedonian Ecological Society IN (MES) and the Society for the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) started the “Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme” (BLRP) in June 2006. After completing phase one of the project in September 2009, the project partners look back on the achievements so far and the challenges ahead.

Based on the results of a 2 years project funded by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), running from 2005 to 2006, the main goals in the BLRP were to generate detailed baseline information on ecology, distribution and abundance of the Balkan lynx, to designate trans-border protected areas, to establish national expertise in wildlife research and management and to raise public awareness towards the importance of protecting the

Photo: BLRP Archive BLRP Photo: Balkan lynx pictured by means of camera-trap near Mavrovo NP in March 2008. Bibaj, Balkan lynx and conserving its habitat.

The field work in Macedonia and Albania was coordinated by KORA and included a baseline survey and lynx monitoring. Especially the results from the camera-trap survey in the Mavrovo National Park were encouraging. They indicated an abundance of Balkan lynx similar to other lynx populations (e.g. the Swiss Jura population). However, outside this core area, lynx abundance seems to be very weak. Based on the existing knowledge and applying a participative approach inviting all interest groups, a conservation strategy and action plans were developed, which will serve as a road map for the recovery and long-term conservation of the Balkan lynx.

Within the programme, EuroNatur coordinated the preparatory work for proclaiming the natural habitat of the Balkan lynx as protected areas. In May 2008 the efforts of EuroNatur and its partners were rewarded by the proclamation of the Shebenik-

Photo: BLRP Archive BLRP Photo: Albania Capacity building for young researches from Alps) and Macedonia (during a course in the Swiss was one of the main topics within first phase Recovery Programme. Balkan Lynx Jablanica National Park in Albania. The acceptance of the

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measures taken was gained by involving locals from the very beginning and initiating small projects which

created alternative sources of income without negative CUS

impacts on nature and environment. O

During the project, several junior researchers have been trained in wildlife ecology and management as well as HE F T in protected area management. They now form a very

promising and enthusiastic group of young scientists IN Photo: BLRP Archive BLRP Photo: Albanian part of Jablanica mountain the In May 2008, as well Shebenik mountain were proclaimed the decision In Macedonia (see picture), national park. although all papers are prepared and is still pending, handed in. who will be able to implement the newly gained knowledge and pass it on to other colleagues.

Within a short time span, the BLRP was able to raise awareness about the situation of the Balkan lynx in Albania and Macedonia and to improve the knowledge of the animal and the protective status of its habitat. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to do. Therefore, all partners will continue to work on further improving the situation for the Balkan lynx.

The BLRP was financially supported by the MAVA Foundation pour la Nature.

For more information, please contact Annette Spangenberg, EuroNatur, at annette.spangenberg@ euronatur.org

16 1. Ecosia – green internet search N O I

T Ecosia is an eco-friendly Internet search engine backed by Yahoo, Bing and the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF). It basically works like any other search engine but, unlike others, Ecosia gives at least 80% of its advertising revenue to a rainforest protection program run by the WWF. This is how Ecosia users save about two square meters of rainforest with every search they do – without paying anything. Furthermore, all Ecosia

MMUNICA servers run on green electricity, so they do not cause any CO2 emissions. By using Ecosia, you can O turn your web searches green.

For more information please visit: http://ecosia.org/how.php NS & C O I

T 2. Species of the Day

To raise awareness during 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, IUCN launched a special online feature called Species of the Day. Every day a different species representing the diverse range of animal and plant life is

PUBLICA highlighted in a button on the IUCN homepage and other websites.

Now, iGoogle is offering IUCN’s Species of the Day to its tens of millions of users around the globe. What this means is that anyone can add this feature to their personal iGoogle page with a click of a button.

Taking action is simple. Just follow this link: http://www.google.ch/ig/adde?hl=fr&moduleurl=http:// sotd-gadget.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/sotdGadget.xml&source=imag

Species of the Day is a joint project of the IUCN Species Programme and the Species Survival Commission (SSC), and is made possible through the support of UNEP and ARKive.

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1. People and Nature: the future of the Dinaric Arc S T

Bosnia and Herzegovina: International Conference on Transboundary Cooperation ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE A Western Balkans Environment & Development in the Dinaric Arc, 29 June-1 July 2010, will in the Dinaric Arc Cooperation Programme present assessments’ findings for 6 cross- border areas in the Dinaric Arc region (NP UNCEMEN Plitvicka jezera-NP , NP Durmitor-NP O Sutjeska, NP Tara- Drina, Neretva delta, Mountain Dinara, and Prokletije/Bjeshkët e Namuna).and outline concrete steps to be taken to improve peoples’ well being while preserving their environment.

Diversity, both cultural and natural, is what makes the Dinaric Arc region so special. Stronger cooperation across borders and shared actions will ensure the future of this diversity. In order to achieve this, six pilot sites were targeted and assessments conducted. Findings will be presented at the Conference opening the floor for discussion about the future development at the regional level.

The International Conference on Transboundary Cooperation in the Dinaric Arc is organized by IUCN, WFF and SNV, and the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At local level the conference will be hosted by the Municipality of Capljina and NGO “Lijepa nasa” and counts with the financial support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. For more information please contact Aleksandra Nesic, IUCN SEE at [email protected] or visit http://www.dinaricarc.net/. RAININGS & SEMINARS – ANN T

2. English Language for Environmentalists training

1 – 6 August 2010. Losehill Hall, Peak District National Park, UK. Invites experts working in landscape, habitat and protected area conservation outside of the UK who wish to improve their English language skills. The course will provide opportunities to practise English in a variety of technical contexts, as well as individual tuition in language skills. For more information please email [email protected] or visit http://www. peakdistrict.gov.uk/index/losehill.htm

18 3. Summer programme in the proposed Balkans Peace Park in the area of Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna mountain

International Peace Park Expeditions utilizes experiential peacebuilding, field-based academic programs, and professional field trainings situated in International Peace Parks to develop leadership and collaboration, and apply theory and practice within a cross-discipline network of students, professors and practitioners. Working holistically with a multi-level approach with youth from the region, professionals from the region and around the globe, and academic students, IPPE seeks to have a positive cross-border, cooperative approach to conservation and development challenges in the proposed peace park region between Albania, Kosovo (UN1244) and Montenegro. In the Summer of 2010 the following three programs will be offered: 1. Academic: 2-21 August 2010 (http://www. peaceparkexpeditions.com/index.html ) 2. Professional: 8-9 July 2010 (http://www. peaceparkexpeditions.com/pdf/ippe_ professionaltraining2010.pdf) 3. Experiental Peacebuilding: 19-25 July 2010 (http://www.peaceparkexpeditions. com/experiential-peacebuilding-twalters.pdf) Photo: International Peace Park Expeditions Archive International Peace Park Expeditions Photo: For more information please contact Todd Walters, International Peace Park Expeditions at todd@ peaceparkexpeditions.com

19 IUCN SEE e-Bulletin Issue 23 · March 2010

1. Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), Component

II Cross-Border Cooperation Programme FYR of Macedonia - IES

Albania T

Issued by: European Commission UNI T Deadline: 19 July 2010 R Who can apply: Applicants must be local/regional authorities, country/regional agencies, NGOs O or non-profit organizations, Chambers of Commerce, public agencies or organizations, public

enterprises and be established in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, a Member PP

State of the European Union, other IPA beneficiary country, a country that is a beneficiary of the O European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, or a Member State of the European Economic Area.

Amount available: Global budget: 3 525 000 euro; Amount awarded per project: 20 000 to 200 000 euro; between 20% and 85% of the total eligible costs. FUNDING

Objectives: - promote sustainable development in the cross-border area between the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania; support the establishment of joint actions and strategies aiming at protecting and valorising the natural resources of the region; foster sustainable economic development of the region.

To download all related documents, click here

For further information, contact the contracting authority: Joint Technical Secretariat Cross-Border Programme FYR of Macedonia-Albania “XV-ti Korpus” 6330 Struga, FTR of Macedonia, E-mail: [email protected]

2. LIFE+ 2010

Issued by: European Commission Deadline: 1 September 2010 Who can apply: public and/or private bodies, actors and institutions registered in the Member States of the European Union. Amount available: Overall budget for project action grants: EUR 243 243 603. Amount awarded per project: up to 50% of eligible costs, max.75% for LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity.

Objectives: - Component 1: LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity supports projects that contribute to the implementation of the EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives and to the EU’s goal of halting the loss of biodiversity.

20 Component 2: LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance supports technological projects that offer significant environmental benefits, for example process or efficiency improvements; supports projects that improve the implementation of EU environmental legislation, that build the environmental policy knowledge base, and that develop environmental information sources through monitoring (including forest monitoring). Component 3: LIFE+ Information and Communication: to disseminate information and raise awareness on environmental issues, including forest fire prevention; to provide support for accompanying measures, such as information, communication actions and campaigns, conferences and training.

To download all related documents, click here

For further information, contact the relevant national authorities: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ life/contact/nationalcontact/index.htm

3. Development of GHG projections guidelines

Issued by: European Commission Deadline: 5 July 2010 Amount available: Maximum budget: 350 000 EUR Objective: The contract’s main objectives are:

1. Further improve comparability as well as consistency, completeness and accuracy of Member States’ greenhouse gas projections. 2. Improvement of indicators to be used for development of projections of the GHG emissions. 3. Preparation of tiered guidelines for projections to support Member States in their biennial reporting.

The tender announcement can be found here Invitation to tender Tender specifications

For further information, contact the contracting authority: European Commission, Directorate-General for Climate Action, SRD.2 — Finance, BU-5 00/169, 1049 Brussels, BELGIUM E-mail: [email protected]

21 IUCN SEE e-Bulletin Issue 23 · March 2010

4. Natura 2000 Promotion IES

Issued by: European Commission, DG Environment T Deadline: 6 August 2010

Amount available: Maximum allocation: 200 000 EUR UNI T R Objective: To define actions supporting the implementation of EU Biodiversity Policy and the 2020 O target and strategy, by increasing awareness, understanding and support among stakeholders

and the public of the Natura 2000 network as a means for their further involvement in biodiversity PP

protection. O This call for tender covers a scoping study and the development of a Communication Strategy on Natura 2000, including the definition of detailed communication objectives, key messages, target audiences, framework and components of the communications strategy. The current call for tender should focus in particular on the Natura 2000 network and on means to make it known, understood, recognized and supported among stakeholders and the interested general public. FUNDING The tender announcement can be found here Invitation to tender Tender specifications

For further information, contact the contracting authority: European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment, ENV.SRD.2 — Finance, BU-5 00/122 Attn: Markets Team, 1049 Brussels, BELGIUM [email protected]

5. Monitoring of the implementation and enforcement of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulations

Issued by: European Commission, DG Environment Deadline: 4 August 2010 Amount available: Maximum allocation: 350 000 EUR Objective: Provide support to the European Commission in monitoring the implementation and enforcement of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulations (Regulations (EC) 338/97 and (EC) 865/2006) and in carrying out the specific tasks required of it by the Regulations and assist the Member States in carrying out some of the tasks required of them by the Regulations. The tender announcement can be found here Invitation to tender Tender specifications

For further information, contact the contracting authority: European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment, SRD.2 — Finance, BU-5 00/169 1049 Brussels, BELGIUM [email protected]

22 Guidelines for contributing to the IUCN SEE e-bulletin

IUCN welcomes articles in which you report on the activities related to transboundary cooperation in protected areas and biodiversity conservation. Please inform the public on the status of your projects and actions, as well as events that you attended. You are welcome to announce new meetings and workshops and briefly report on new publications and announce funding opportunities. Please send a photo to accompany your article if appropriate and indicate your email and/or weblink for further reference.

The articles should be 150-250 words in length. Please note this as the interest to distribute news articles through the bulletin is extremely high and we are trying to secure space for all of you to contribute. You are responsible for any content that you post or transmit. The editors reserve the right to shorten and modify the text if necessary.

Thanks for taking these guidelines into consideration!

All contributions should be sent to Aleksandra Nesic, [email protected].

ROfE‘s Structure

Regional Office for Pan-Europe (ROfE) is a Regional Office of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Along with offices and commissions around the world, it links back to the President, Director General and Council of IUCN. For IUCN a history of IUCN and an explanation of the global structure please visit www.iucn.org. Programme Office for South-Eastern Europe ROfE is comprised of four IUCN offices located in Brussels, Belgrade, Tbilisi and Moscow. The head office in Brussels, Dr. Ivana Ribara 91 is a meeting point where the Programme Office for the 11070 Belgrade Southern Caucasus, The IUCN Programme Office for the Serbia Commonwealth of Independent States in Moscow and Tel: +381 11 2272-411 the IUCN Programme Office for South-Eastern Europe Fax: +381 11 2272-531 in Belgrade can disseminate information and strategies. Email: [email protected] Together as ROfE we strive to meet our goals for a sustainable www.iucn.org/southeasterneurope Europe by utilizing local expertise and the strength of the global IUCN network. Edited by IUCN SEE

The IUCN SEE Bulletin contains third party articles. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN and the responsibility of the content of the published articles is held by the authors.

Whilst the IUCN Programme Office for South-Eastern Europe has used reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information provided in the newsletter is accurate, it reserves the right to make corrections and does not warrant that it is accurate or complete. The IUCN Programme Office for South-Eastern Europe accepts no liability for any errors, misprints or omissions herein (whether negligent or otherwise). The designation of geographical entities in this newsletter, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the definition of its frontiers or boundaries.

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