BEST III 5Th SC Meeting

Voluntary Scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas 5th BEST III Steering Committee meeting 19 October 2016 - European Commission Agenda – 5th BEST SC meeting BEST III activities in a nutshell

Lot 1: Setting up a  BEST working team (central team + 7 regional hubs)   BEST III Steering Committee and organise regular meetings   BEST platform for regular exchange between stakeholders  Preparing fundraising activities to leverage long-term funding  Developing a BEST investment strategy based on regional strategies Lot 2: Developing regional and sub-regional ecosystem profiles 

Timeline BEST III

Initial data Regional consultations on ecosystem profiles Dissemination of results collection (EPs) & regional investment strategies (RIS)

2014 2015 2016 2017

May Sept Sept June Dec Dec Website Regional Fundraising Final EPs Final RIS Fundraising Inception Strategy launch factsheets st strategy draft nd report 1 report 2 report Final SC st nd rd 4th SC 5th SC 6th SC 1 SC 2 SC 3 SC & report

BEST newsletter

Throughout the project time: • Regional information dissemination and outreach events • European and International information dissemination and outreach • Information sharing on the BEST website • Seeking new BEST partnerships BEST III Consortium Dashboard All tasks for year 3 in due progress BEST III Objectives

Objective 1 – BEST platform Establish a BEST platform to address the challenges and opportunities related to biodiversity and ecosystem services in EU Overseas entities

Objective 2 – BEST Financing Secure a long-term and sustainable funding for BEST Communication: weekly information sharing via social media and other networks

Objective 3 – Ecosystem Profiles (EPs) Knowledge on EU Overseas ecosystems is improved thanks to the development or regional and sub-regional ecosystem profiles BEST III Objectives Results of year 1 - 3 (2014 - 2016)

 Objective 1 – Setting up & facilitating the BEST interactive platform  Set up of BEST team and regional mobilization  Central coordination team & 7 regional hubs  Regional and political contact database – continuously updated  Communication & knowledge sharing  Elaboration of communication strategy & tools  Development of EC BEST website – regularly updated  Design and release of biannual BEST newsletter (3 issues)  BEST Fundraising Strategy  first version to be complemented with regional strategies

 Objective 2 – Securing long-term & sustainable financing for BEST  Communication: weekly information sharing via social media and other networks  Fundraising, outreach & donor mobilization – ongoing  Regular meetings with donors  Organization of donor roundtables & other fundraising events  Financing Strategy – ongoing  Political mobilization + contribution to set up of BEST Group

 Objective 3 – Development of regional Ecosystem Profiles (EPs)  Data collection & regional consultations  Final validated EP documents submitted  Preliminary regional investment strategies (RIS)  Valorisation of EP results – ongoing  Presentation to larger public (Brussels, Oct 2015)  Informing BEST 2.0 project proposal evaluations  Basis for ongoing consultations on RIS

Development of EC BEST website http://ec.europa.eu/be st + Regional factsheets (pdf on EC BEST website) Regional factsheets + BEST Projects factsheets (pdf on EC BEST website) BEST newsletters (pdf & e-book on EC BEST website) BEST regional ecosystem profiles (pdf on EC BEST website) + Executive summaries (pdf on EC BEST website) BEST regional investment strategies (preliminary)  BEST global fundraising strategy (first version)

Ecosystem profiles BEST newsletter

Fundraising Preliminary regional strategy investment strategies

Development of Regional Ecosystem Profiles (EPs) & Regional Investment Strategies (RIS)

Regions with existing CEPF EPs Regions without CEPF EPs Polynesia–Micronesia (May 2007, CEPF) Polar and Sub-polar regions Caribbean (Jan 2010, CEPF) South Atlantic region Mediterranean Basin (2010, CEPF) Amazonian region Madagascar & Indian Ocean Islands (May 2014, CEPF) New Caledonia (2011, CI)

 CEPF methodology adapted to BEST  BEST EP more than an update of existing CEPF EPs  2 documents: - EP: situational assessment & resulting priorities for action – provides basis for - RIS: investment needs, capacity & project portfolio BEST III Consortium progress

Regional updates Updates from the BEST CARIBBEAN hub

Romain RENOUX SPAW-RAC / RNSM Caribbean Hub

50 % of the European overseas entities worldwide are Caribbean

Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Montserrat, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint-Eustatius, Sint-Maarten, Saint-Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Barthélemy Caribbean Hub Stakeholder consultations

Caribbean Ecosystem Profile : 24-month extensive consultation process

More than 200 individual stakeholders and 23 regional and local workshops were experts from about 130 organizations : local organized in 2014/2015 by the Caribbean Hub governments, regional organizations, civil (chaired by Ministers and governors) society, private sector, research institutes

23 BEST dedicated workshop Dutch OCTs: 35 participants French ORs and OTs: 46 part. UK OTs: 62 participants

Photos by Amandine Vaslet Results

Photo © Stewart McPherson Caribbean Hub Ecosystem profile results

31 KBAs identified in the 6 Dutch OCTs = 3400 km2 + 12 ecological corridors

Bonaire - 6 Curaçao - 6 Aruba – 7 KBAs

NL - 6 OCTs -Aruba -Bonaire -Curaçao -St.Maarten -Saba -St.Eustatius St.Maarten – 5 KBAs Saba – 4 KBAs St.Eustatius – 3 KBAs Caribbean Hub Ecosystem profile results

37 KBAs identified in the 5 UK OTs = 2600 km2 + 20 ecological corridors British Virgin Islands – 7 KBAs Anguilla – 5 KBAs

UK - 5 OTs -Anguilla -Virgin Islands (BVI) -Turks and Caicos -Montserrat Montserrat – 6 KBAs -Cayman Islands

Turks & Caicos Isl. – 11 KBAs

Cayman Isl. – 8 KBAs

Caribbean Hub Ecosystem profile results

24 KBAs identified in the 4 French territories = 2050 km2 + 11 ecological corridors

St.Martin (OR) – 3 KBAs St.Barthélemy (OT) – 3 KBAs

FR - 1 OT & 3 ORs -St.Martin -St.Barthélemy -Guadeloupe -Martinique Martinique (OR) – 8 KBAs Guadeloupe (OR) – 10 KBAs Caribbean Hub Ecosystem profile results Priority areas for action Key conservation outcomes • 194 globally threatened species • 1071 endemic and restricted-range species • 92 identified KBAs (8,090 km2) - 42 terrestrial KBAs - 50 marine and coastal KBAs • 43 ecological corridors (2,720 km2)

Habitats & ecosystems • tropical rainforests • dry forests, shrublands and savannahs • cave systems • marine ecosystems (including coral reefs, seagrass beds, wetlands) 7 KBAs in Aruba • offshore islets • ponds or saltworks Caribbean Hub Ecosystem profile results Priority areas for action A prioritization process discussed with local actors and based on : biodiversity/ ecosystem/ effective protection/threat criteria

51 very high priority KBAs for investment

51 Priority KBAs

7 Strategic directions and 18 investment priorities

1. Improve protection and management of the 51 priority KBAs and 43 ecological corridors 2. Restore degraded ecosystems and improve ecosystem resilience within priority sites 3. Support the implementation of AIS control and eradication actions 4. Value ecosystem services by promoting sustainable activities and nature based solution to climate change adaptation 5. Support and strengthen local organizations by building capacity and promoting sustainable alliances 6. Promote and support connectivity conservation actions within the Caribbean ecological corridors 7. Improve scientific knowledge on biodiversity and ecological connectivity Map of the migration patterns of sea turtles tracked in 2013 from Bonaire island (Stapleton et al. 2013, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire Caribbean Hub Regional investment strategy Preliminary results

Funding needs estimate

Number of Total amount proposals Targeted EU requested in € (EU submitted - territories and co-funding) eligible Best 2.0 medium grant 14 submitted 5 UKOT, 6 NL, St 5.7 million 7,4 million € call (up to 400k€) 10 eligible Barthélemy Best 2.0 small grant St Barth, request call (up to 100k€)* Montserrat, TCI, 21 submitted Cayman Islands, 1.7 million 2,4 million € 14 eligible *Concept note stage Anguilla, 6 NL budget islands

The number, the high-level of demand and the quality of the projects’ proposals have clearly demonstrated the need for funding directed to projects aimed at protecting EU Overseas biodiversity. To date, funding for protecting the biodiversity of ORs and OCTs remains insufficient. Caribbean Hub

Conclusions/Recommendations

 Investment gap of at least 5 million € for projects submitted under the BEST Initiative - investment opportunity

 7 strategic directions and 18 investment priorities have been defined to guide investment in the most efficient way.  51 KBAs and 43 ecological corridors are targeted as very high priority areas for actions.

 Taking into account the high degree of ecological connectivity between islands in the Caribbean region and their similar environmental issues a Caribbean wide perspective is needed. In this regard, bridging EU Best investment with the oncoming CEPF investment in the region is key.

Caribbean Hub Stakeholder feedback

POSITIVE Stakeholder involvement • Local buy-in from highest level as several BEST workshops were chaired > 200 experts/stakeholders by high level representatives: 130 organisations Minister of Environment from Montserrat 23 local/regional workshops Governors of St Marteen and Saba for the Dutch Antilles Senator from St Martin • EP outcomes (biodiversity priorities & KBAs) used by Dutch authorities to feed into biodiversity strategy for the Dutch Antilles • BEST workshops gathered various stakeholders: local governments, research institutes, private sector, civil society organisations, regional or international NGOs - building a common understanding on biodiversity issues and building the foundation for future alliances • International, scientific and standardized methodology used during the EP process was found relevant and of high interest to compare issues on biodiversity and ecosystems in different territories LIMITATIONS • Potential underestimation of important biodiversity issues as a result of knowledge gaps for some areas, especially marine – need to review and update the EP every 5/10 years 23 BEST workshops • EP work initiated by the EC makes only sense if EU money is allocated to Dutch OCTs: 35 participants fund conservation projects on the ground in identified and mapped KBAs French ORs and OTs: 46 part. UK OTs: 62 participants or ecological corridors and in line with thematic priorities Caribbean hub team

BEST III BEST 2.0

Amandine VASLET Romain RENOUX Sandrine PIVARD Julie BELMONT

BEST III BEST III & BEST BEST III & BEST 2.0 BEST 2.0 Officer Ecosystem Profile 2.0 Coordinator Manager Expert

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] RNSM – Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin SPAW – Regional Activity Center http://reservenaturelle-saint-martin.com/ http://www.car-spaw-rac.org/ Updates from the BEST PACIFIC hub

Anne CAILLAUD UICN France Results

Pitcairn 20 stakeholders/ experts involved French Polynesia 4 consultations >200 stakeholders/ experts involved 4 workshops 20 consultations

New Caledonia 41 stakeholders/experts involved 1 workshops 4 consultations Wallis & Futuna 20 stakeholders/experts involved 1 workshops 4 consultations Photo © Carole Mart Pacific Hub Ecosystem profile results

Key conservation outcomes • > 8000 endemic species • > 1100 globally threatened species • 97 identified KBAs - 63 terrestrial KBAs Pitcairn - 15 marine KBAs 4 priority KBAs (terrestrial) - 30 terrestrial and marine KBAs 67 Priority KBAs French Polynesia 25 priority KBAs 4 terrestrial KBAs in Pitcairn French Futuna & Alofi Polynesia 25 New Caledonia New 26 priority KBAs Pitcairn Uvea 4 Caledonia (terrestrial) Wallis & 26 Wallis & Futuna Futuna 12 priority KBAs 12 7 terrestrial KBAs 5 marine KBASs

4 coastal candidate KBAs + 1 marine candidate KBAs Pacific – Wallis & Futuna Ecosystem profile results

Example of terrestrial KBA in Wallis and Futuna: ALOFI island

• Alofi : inhabited, more preserved than Wallis or Futuna • KBA size: 2375 ha (entire island) • Covered 55% by dense forest • Traditional chiefdom, land owned by some families living in Futuna island • Distance from Futuna: 1.7 km (a little sea channel)

> 30 endemic species known Most of Wallis & Futuna’s endemic species are found on Alofi (molluscs, reptiles, plants…) but no or little inventories for certain species or genus. Threats: • Forest loss due to traditional agriculture (people from Futuna work on their land) • Invasive species (no biosecurity controls). Protected areas: 0

Pacific – New Caledonia Ecosystem profile results

Example of terrestrial KBA in New Caledonia : Do Nyi KBA

• KBA size: 160,000 ha - widest terrestrial KBA in NC • Mostly covered by savannah, dry forest and dense forest • Ecosystem services: • Important stock of freshwater (geology+forest) • Good carbon stock (>12,000t of C)

19 plants + 1 reptile (threatened) are found nowhere else in the world but in this KBA Includes 5 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Threats: • Invasive species (wild pigs, deer, fire ants) • Habitat fragmentation due to fires • Mining Protected areas: 2 (representing 4800 ha of the KBA)

Pacific – French Polynesia Ecosystem profile results

Example of terrestrial KBA – Tahiti Site of Aorai, Orohena & Pito Hiti

4 terrestrial KBAs in Pitcairn • Highest spots on Tahiti • Important forest habitats with high level of threatened/protected endemic species (plants, endemic birds, snails) • Unique site with subalpine vegetation accessible to the public (> 1500m). • Threats: • Invasive alien species • Litter • Erosion • Bushfires

Pacific – French Polynesia Ecosystem profile results

Example of marine KBA – Fakarava Tuamotu archipelago Atolls of Aratika, Fakarava, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro & Toau

• High reef diversity • Threatened species of fish • Fish aggregation sites (groupers) • Manta rays, sharks incl. hammerheads • Important resting site for frigatbirds • Important nesting site for turtles • Main pressures: • Tourism • Fisheries • Marine Area Management Plan (PGEM) exists for the area Pacific – Pitcairn Ecosystem profile results

Example of mixed KBA – Ducie Island, Pitcairn

• Pristine ecosystem • Easternmost atoll in the Indo-Pacific region • Exceptional coral cover (56%) for this latitude • Important Bird Area (IBA) - 90% of the world’s Murphy’s Petrels (>200,000 breeding pairs) nest on Ducie • Proposed Ramsar Site • Part of newly designated MPA East Pacific Ecosystem profile results

Thematic conservation priorities – French Polynesia

1. Invasive alien species management 2. Restoration and conservation of natural habitats 3. Communication and awareness raising on biodiversity conservation Moorea Island 4. Building capacity among the community 5. Support protected area management efforts 6. Designate new effectively managed protected areas 7. Sustainable development 8. Increase the state of knowledge to enable informed conservation decisions

Hotel in a lagoon of French Polynesia Thematic conservation priorities – Pitcairn 1. Invasive alien species management 2. Erosion control 3. Sustainable development (tourism) 4. Improved management of exceptional natural sites

East Beach of Henderson, Pitcairn West Pacific Ecosystem profile results

Thematic conservation priorities 1. Fight against Invasive Alien Species 2. Restoration and conservation of natural habitats 3. Communication and sensitisation on importance of biodiversity and its conservation 4. Strengthening of the local capacity (civil society) 5. Support to the management of protected areas 6. Creation of protected areas and strengthening its management 7. Promotion of sustainable use of natural resources for economic purposes 8. Raising awareness and increase knowledge about the conservation priorities

Ilet and reefs – Wallis Dry forest – New Caledonia Ouvea’s lagoon – New Caledonia Pacific Investment strategy – first results

Estimation of funding

FP Pitcairn WF NC Total biodiversity 8 240 988 € N/A 4,800,000 € 40,000,000 € investment – past 5 for « environment » (only 30% related to years biodiversity) Total budget for 5,159,556 € 1,656,467 € 5,500,00 € 10,000,000 € proposed projects for (low the next 5 years estimation)

Capacity in the region Territory Existing capacity New Caledonia Good on both terrestrial and marine Wallis & Futuna Limited French Polynesia Good particularly for marine but limited resources among NGOs Pitcairn Poor, mainly external Pacific Investment strategy – first results

Preliminary results for Wallis and Futuna

Conservation of threatened species (globally or locally)  All Ecosystems included / all KBAs / ecological corridors on Wallis and Pointe Vele included  Existing funding & activities :Inventories, specific studies on endemic species (sponges, freshwater fishes, sea cucumber…)  Proposed activities / projects  Improve knowledge on endemic flora, reptiles, molluscs, birds and insects Conservation of the local species (pépinière, ex-situ, seeds bank, tree nursery)  Revision of the taxonomy for endemic plants  Begin new Red list evaluations for the endemic species at least  Study on marine turtles  Strengthen the network for species survey and management

Regional Investment Strategy (RIS) Preliminary results Conservation of threatened species (globally or locally) – Study (for the first time) the frequentation of marine turtles on Wallis islets and the potential threats they are facing. Timeline: 2 years Estimated budget required: 25 000 euros Geographic scope: 3 coastal KBAs on Wallis island, with a particular focus on the islets in these KBAs Objectives: Have a better understanding of the turtle frequentation and asses the number of marine turtles breeding in Wallis islets, manage the potential threats and implement a management plan for marine turtles and their nesting sites Expected results: Turtles are monitored and their nesting sites are managed

Preliminary results for Pacific Project idea – French Polynesia Project: Supporting local governments to implement a management tool for coastal and marine areas targeted by regulations for sustainable use (i.e. regulated fisheries areas)

Priority theme: #1 Support management efforts for KBAs Timeline: 2 years Estimated budget required: 55 000 euros KBAs targeted: All KBAs concerned by the regulation

Objectives: To help local government implement fisheries regulations in terms of monitoring, communication and compliance Expected results: Fisheries are managed sustainably Potential implementers: Local governments, Ministries, French MPA Agency

Pacific Hub

Preliminary results for Pacific Project idea – Pitcairn

Project: Implementing Organic Agricultural Practices (GOAP) and organic certification on Pitcairn Island.

Priority theme: #3 Sustainable Development Timeline: 9 months Estimated budget required: 80 200 euros KBA targeted: Pitcairn Island

Objectives: Increasing the organic matter content in the soil and biodiversity in the gardens, increase production in a sustainable way on the one hand and control pest and diseases on the othe hand, certify the island Expected results: Sustainable development of agricultural sector Potential implementer: Pitcairn Islands/UK government

Pacific Hub

Pacific hub Contact

Jean Anne Jean-Christophe Selma KAPE CAILLAUD LEFEUVRE HAOUET BEST III East BEST III BEST III West BEST III Pacific Hub Regional Pacific Hub West Pacific Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator EP intern [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

French committee of IUCN Conservation International (CI) www.uicn.fr http://www.conservation.org

Updates from the BEST INDIAN OCEAN hub

Anne CAILLAUD UICN France Results

Stakeholder involvement • ca. 150 stakeholders/experts • 7 workshops/consultations • > 50 one-on-one meetings

Photo © Stéphanie Lége Indian Ocean Ecosystem profile results

Key conservation outcomes BIOT 22 KBAs • 175 globally threatened species 2 Scattered Islands • 98 identified KBAs (37,262 km ) 9 KBAs - 52 terrestrial KBAs - 30 marine KBAs - 16 terrestrial and marine KBAs

Mayotte 26 KBAs La Réunion 41 KBAs

1 example of KBA for Mayotte: Majimbini Forest

• Name means “the taros forest” (edible root) • KBA size: 769 ha (above mediane surface for regional KBAs) • 35 trigger species, most of which threatened endemic plants, and a few forest birds • Public land (local/national forest)

• Important biodiversity : greatest no. of trigger species for Mayotte KBAs • Located above Mayotte’s largest urban zone inducing strong pressures (slash & burn farming, illegal logging, house-building & cattle grazing) • Public land (local/national) but difficulties to enforce law. Does not have a reserve status yet

1 example of KBA for La Réunion: La Réunion National Park

• National Park since 2008 • KBA size: 105,749 ha (largest KBA in La Réunion) • 115 trigger species, most of which threatened endemic plants, and a few forest birds • Mostly public land with a mix of local/national forest

• The area represents the core of the Park, there is a buffer zone surrounding, including many towns • This KBA encompass most of the island’s terrestrial biodiversity (esp. plants), its biggest natural feature, thanks to exceptional diversity of habitats (0 to 3000 m of altitude • A UNESCO natural world heritage site (since 2010)

Thematic conservation priorities 1. Control invasive species 2. Designate new protected areas and improve the management of existing ones 3. Improve the protection of important habitats and restore degraded sites Mayotte, 2 reef manta rays 4. Conserve threatened species Mayotte, fisher 5. Improve the state of knowledge on flora and fauna 6. Raise awareness on biodiversity among the community 7. Integrate conservation considerations in public policies 8. Promote ecologically sustainable development

Mayotte, youth trained to marine biodiversity

La Réunion, St Pierre & Mountains BIOT, atoll & reef La Réunion, Mafate Regional Investment Strategy (RIS) Preliminary results – Indian Ocean Region

Priority 1: Invasive alien species control  Priority in all 4 territories  Current ongoing funding insufficient to respond to increasingly spread-out issue, particularly in Mayotte

 Examples of proposed projects: Mid-altitude forest invaded in La Réunion  Develop a roadmap and prioritize actions and areas for control actions (Mayotte, BIOT) Involve a wider range of stakeholders and raise awareness throughout all sectors concerned by the issue (customs, importers)  Strengthen biosecurity regulations.  Implement control actions on the ground(with various means according to species) Black rat on Tromelin, îles éparses

Indian Ocean hub Preliminary results for Indian Ocean

Priority 1: Fight against invasive alien species  Priority concerning all the 4 entities of the Indian Ocean, essentially a terrestrial problem in the region.  Existing on-going funding in La Réunion from local government, state and bits from EU structural funds (ERDF, EAFRD), but decreasing whereas problem is spreading  Very few funds in Mayotte, isolated initiatives and funds in Mid-altitude forest invaded in La Réunion Scattered Islands and BIOT

Black rat on Tromelin, îles éparses

Indian Ocean hub Preliminary results for Indian Ocean Project ideas Priority 1: Fight against invasive alien species  Examples of proposed activities: - Develop a roadmap and prioritize actions and areas for fight Mayotte, BIOT - Involve a wider range of stakeholders and educate on the problem (customs, importers) – Mayotte, Réunion Mid-altitude forest invaded in La Réunion

- Working groups to develop new legislations so as to prevent new entries, new spreads, etc. – All territories

- Actual fight on the field (with various means according to species)

Black rat on Tromelin, îles éparses

Indian Ocean hub Indian Ocean Investment strategy – first results

Capacity in the region

Territory Existing capacity La Réunion Good, particularly on terrestrial matters Mayotte Poor Scattered Islands Good, centralised BIOT Good, centralised (marine) Pacific & Indian Ocean Stakeholder feedback

THE GOOD… •  Good comparative exercise throughout EU overseas territories •  Made stakeholders feel part of a ‘EU overseas’ team •  Stakeholders applauded being the focus of

interest for biodiversity funding from the EU (critically

needed) TAAF

THE BAD… •  Method sometimes ill-adapted (e.g. large reef systems, migratory species, seamounts…) •  In some territories, this exercise was perceived

as adding an unnecessary ‘extra layer’ of complexity La Réunion

THE UGLY?? •  Some begrudged the exercise as funding ‘diversion’. Mayotte Anne Tanguy Yohann CAILLAUD NICOLAS LEGRAVERANT BEST III BEST III BEST III Indian Ocean Indian Ocean Indian Ocean Coordinator Expert Intern

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

IUCN French Committee www.uicn.fr

Francisco Wallenstein & José Azevedo Fundo Regional para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FRCT) Results

Photo © Madeira Nature Park Macaronesian Hub Ecosystem Profile Priority areas for action

Key conservation outcomes • 650 threatened species • 194 identified KBAs (16,245 km2) - 5,408 km2 terrestrial KBAs - 10,837 km2 marine KBAs • 1 ecological corridor

46 Priority KBAs

KBAs for Madeira- Madeira and Porto Santo Islands. Macaronesian Hub Ecosystem Profile Priority areas for action

Thematic conservation priorities

1. Baseline data collection & species threat assessment 2. Biodiversity Databanks 3. Invasive Alien Species control and eradication 4. Conservation and recovery plans for native species © Jose_Ortiz 5. Creation of Plant Micro-Reserves in areas of severely fragmented habitats 6. Mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services 7. Information and environmental awareness campaigns 8. Priority conservation actions addressing specific taxonomic groups and taxa Macaronesian Hub Ecosystem Profile Priority KBAs

Example of terrestrial KBA – Azores Example of mixed KBA – Madeira Pico Alto – Santa Maria Island Selvagens Islands

SEL1

Plutonia angulosa (© António Frias Martins Leptaxis minor (© Pedro Cardoso) Argyranthemum thalassophilum (© Parque Natural da Madeira)

Tarentola bischoffi (© Vanessa Gil)

2 KBA size: 1 km2 KBA size: 1,246 km 2 Protection status: partially covered by (3 km terrestrial, rest marine) legislation Protection status: totally covered by 1 protected area, legislation 14 threatened species, 3 exclusive 1 protected area, 2 Natura 2000 sites 2 IBAs 8 threatened species, 4 exclusive Macaronesian Hub Ecosystem Profile Priority KBAs

Example of terrestrial KBA – Canary Example of mixed KBA – Madeira Islands Network of MPAs – Porto Santo Island San Cristoval de La Laguna – Tenerife PSA2 Island

PSA4

PSA2

Parmacella tenerifensis (© Salvador de la Cruz) Ilheu de Baixo (© João Máximo)

KBA size: 5 km2 KBA size: 27 km2 (2 km2 terrestrial) Protection status: little Protection status: fully covered 1 IBA 1 protected area 2 threatened species, 1 exclusive 1 Natura 2000 site 1 IBA 24 threatened species, 1 exclusive Macaronesian Hub Regional Investment Strategy Preliminary results

BEST priority area 1 – AZORES BEST priority area 2 – CANARIES BEST priority area 3 – MADEIRA

 Ecosystems / KBAs / ecological corridors included  Existing funding & activities  Proposed activities / projects Macaronesian Hub Regional Investment Strategy Preliminary results

Project ideas BEST priority area 1 - AZORES Ecological indicators of climate change in forests ecosystems Timeline: 3 years

Estimated budget required: 150.000€

Geographic scope: KBAs of Terceira Island (Azores)

Objectives: To identify a set of ecological indicators of climate change in forests through a multi-level evaluation of the ecosystems’ responses to rising temperatures and changing rain patterns.

Expected results: Generate field data to predict the consequences of climate change, its impacts on ecosystem services and how these can be addressed by decision makers; Start long-term monitoring of climate changes in the Azores. Macaronesian Hub Regional Investment Strategy Preliminary results

Project ideas BEST priority area 1 - MADEIRA Timeline: 2 years Sensor Network for Madeira Birds Estimated budget required: 120.000€

Geographic scope: Madeira archipelago – extendable to other

Objectives: To develop a sensor for tracking environmental parameters of seabirds

Expected results: To increase understanding of these birds’ ecology. Macaronesian Hub Regional Investment Strategy Preliminary results

Project ideas BEST priority area 1 - CANARIES Microplastic pollution study and its incorporation into marine food webs

Timeline: 3 years

Estimated budget required: 150.000€

Geographic scope: Marine area of Canary Islands, but applicable elsewhere

Objectives: Sampling and preparation. Describe the impact of marine microplastics in the Macaronesia area. Identification and quantification of microplastics, development and application. Applied characterization of microplastics in biotic systems under regard of eco toxicological aspects

Expected results: Macaronesian Hub Stakeholder feedback

Stakeholder involvement 123 stakeholders/experts 6 workshops 8 outreach presentations Political mobilization

EP RIS • Comprehensive scope of • Funding expectations conservation needs • Simple funding • Clarity of stakeholder mechanism involvement process • Species-focused • Confidentiality concerns methodologies • Low responsiveness Contacts

José AZEVEDO Francisco WALLENSTEIN BEST III Macaronesia BEST III Coordinator Macaronesia Expert

[email protected] [email protected] http://www.azores.gov.pt/Gra/BEST_III_Macaronesia/ Updates from the BEST AMAZONIAN hub

Laurent KELLE WWF Results

Photo © Guillaume Feuillet, PA French Guiana / Amazonian hub Ecosystem Profile Results

Thematic conservation priorities • 67 globally and locally threatened species • 36 endemic and restricted-range species • 100 identified KBAs (21,000 km2) - 96 terrestrial KBAs + 4 potential marine KBA s + 2 potential Key Ecosystem Services Areas 61 Priority KBAs AMAZONIAN Hub Ecosystem profile results Priority areas for action

Thematic conservation priorities 1. Management of marine priority KBA 2. Climate change and coastal erosion monitoring 3. Maintain and value of traditional knowledge and heritage associated with biodiversity and natural sites 4. Conciliation between economic activities and natural environment 5. Fight against invasive species, improved knowledge and supervision of wildlife collection 6. Promotion of sustainable and integrated use of biodiversity, valuing ecosystem services 7. Connectivity between natural priority areas, and site restoration 8. Environmental education and involvement of communities in biodiversity 9. Regional cooperation

Source : GEPOG association Source : GEPOG association AMAZONIAN Hub Regional Investment Strategy Preliminary Results

BEST priority area n*1: Management of marine priority KBA  West marine KBA: formalisation of traditional fisheries activities (Maritime Affairs, Amana NR, Awala Yalimapo town council, regional fisheries committee): 20K€.  West marine KBA: Mitigation of illegal fisheries’ impact (Maritime Affairs, Amana NR, DEAL): 150K€. Proposed activities / projects  Study on the disappearance of saw-fishes (historical trends, potential reasons, impact on traditional uses), and monitoring of current presence. 30K€.  Study on the role of this KBA (and associated coastline) as a shrimp nursery  Promotion of integrated, community-based tourism (marine turtles, birds). 30K€.