Annual Report 2012 Editorial

Dear Friends of EuroNatur,

Do you remember the media hype that surroun- tected areas as part of the European Green ded the alleged prediction of an apocalypse at Belt. This annual report showcases a selection the end of last year? A misinterpretation of the of projects in this area. The year 2012 also Mayan calendar had led some to predict the marked the completion of yet another step end of mankind to come to pass on December towards the long-term protection of the uni- 21, 2012. As was to be expected, the self-styled que river and alluvial landscapes in the border prophets got it wrong and the world did not regions connecting Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, end. However, given the ongoing destruction Croatia and Serbia. On July 11, 2012, UNESCO of our natural resource base on which all life officially recognized the Croatian-Hungarian depends one might well ask whether we are section of the planned Mura-Drava-Danube headed for a major catastrophe. The loss of Transboundary Biosphere Reserve spanning biodiversity continues unabated, there is still five countries. no sign of a binding climate change conven- tion, and day-in day-out valuable natural and Dr. Martin Schneider-Jacoby was one of the cultural landscapes are being sacrificed for major driving forces behind these welcome infrastructure developments. developments. In the mid-1990s he developed the vision of a transboundary biosphere reser- But there are also encouraging examples. Since ve in cooperation with conservationists from its establishment in 1987, in the European Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Serbia, Year of the Environment, EuroNatur has made and since then he had worked tirelessly towards much progress for nature conservation. On its realization. On August 15, 2012 Dr. Martin June 5, 2012 EuroNatur celebrated the 25th Schneider-Jacoby, a project leader at EuroNatur anniversary of its establishment. At the celeb- for many years, died at the age of 56 after a rations in Berlin the organization was able to brief severe illness. His death has taken from us look back on many successful projects. Euro- a man of extraordinary commitment for nature Natur contributed, for example, to achieving conservation who had an ability shared by few the designation of several national parks and to ignite a spark of enthusiasm in others, fuelled other protected areas within the Balkan Green by his own passion. Even though at times he Belt, such as the Danube-Drava National Park had to try and overcome the most tenacious in the Hungarian-Croatian border region, or resistance, he never gave up. Together with our the Albanian Shebenik-Jablanica National Park. partners we will continue his life’s work and act These successes have been achieved together with determination to preserve Europe’s natural with our local partners, but they are also due treasures for future generations. We hope to to no small part to our donors, supporters and continue having you by our side. sponsors without whose help we could not have realized these projects. I would like to take this I trust that you will find inspiration in reading opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude this report. to you all for your support. Yours sincerely,

In 2012 we have continued to work for the further consolidation of the network of pro- Christel Schroeder

2 Annual Report 2012 EuroNatur – Nature conservation without borders

EuroNatur, the European Nature Heritage Fund, lives up to its name: There are virtually no other organisations that focus their project activities on transboundary conservation in Europe as strongly as we do. This European focus is enshrined in EuroNatur’s Statutes which set out the organisation’s commitments to include the “implementation of and support for nature conservation projects in Europe aiming at the protection, maintenance and reintroduction of fauna and flora in the wild”. We see it as our core task to overcome the many national borders in Europe in a positive manner and to enable nature conservation efforts at the level of the European continent.

What are the particularly distinct features of EuroNatur’s work?

Transboundary protection of wild fauna: EuroNatur engages in protection measures for species of wild fauna such as wolves, bears, lynx, Mediterranean monk seals, migratory birds and their habitats in Europe. In this context, EuroNatur’s projects focus on the “Balkan Green Belt”.

Large-scale protected areas in outstanding landscapes: We safeguard large-scale, intact natural landscapes and ecologically valuable cultural landscapes in Europe.

We don’t shoot from the hip but we’re in it for the long haul: EuroNatur fosters long- term relationships and works on lasting successes rather than leaving important regions to their own devices on foot of implementing short-term projects.

Capacity building: We primarily work with regional partner organisations on site and provide advanced training for our partners in the EuroNatur project areas to enable them to effectively protect nature in their own regions.

Conservation WITH people: We promote sustainable development in rural areas and offer functioning examples of regional development in harmony with nature. This helps us to win over local people as partners to achieve our conservation objectives.

Presence both in the political arena and at the practical level: EuroNatur is an advocate of European nature in Brussels. We fight for a reorientation of the European agricultural policy to render it more favourable both in economic and environmental terms. And we fight for a conservation policy that opens up future prospects for both people and nature. Moreover, we campaign for the actual implementation of planned measures for the protection of European natural heritage.

Networks for nature: EuroNatur does not only engage in establishing an ecological network of the most important ecosystems in Europe but also brings together scientists, partners in conservation, farmers, politicians and business people from various countries, thus establishing transboundary communication and understanding.

Annual Report 2012 3 Organization & structure

A Foundation to protect Europe’s nature EuroNatur is a non-profit foundation es- tablished in 1987 by Friends of the Earth Germany (Bund für Umwelt- und Naturschutz Deutschland, BUND), the German Federation for Nature Conservation (Naturschutzbund Deutschland, NABU) and German Environ- mental Aid (Deutsche Umwelthilfe, DUH). It is headquartered in Radolfzell. EuroNatur is legally, organizationally and financially Chairman of the Board of Trustees attends independent, autonomous and non-partisan. the meetings of the Presiding Committee in The latest exemption notice (Freistellungs- an advisory capacity. bescheid) was issued by the tax authority in Singen on January 28, 2013. Salaried staff team in charge of operative implementation Presiding Committee provides strategic The full-time salaried management team orientation consisting of the Executive Director and the New members of the Presiding Committee are Director of Conservation Policy is in charge proposed by existing members and elected to of and responsible for the organization’s the Committee by majority vote. The President operative work. The European Nature Heri- is elected from among the members of the tage Fund maintains two offices in Germany Presiding Committee. In 2012 EuroNatur’s with a total of 20 members of staff. Central Presiding Committee had five voting members, functions such as managing donors, book- all of whom served in a voluntary capa- keeping, general administration and public city. Their duties include determining the relations work are based in Radolfzell at Lake organization’s strategic orientation, appro- Constance, as are most of the project ma- ving annual budgets, and approving the nagement activities. The conservation policy annual accounts. The Presiding Committee office is based in Rheinbach near Bonn. oversees the work of the Executive Director and the Director of Conservation Policy. EuroNatur Service GmbH More than fifteen years ago, the European Board of Trustees serves as an advisory Nature Heritage Fund established a wholly committee owned subsidiary, the EuroNatur Service EuroNatur’s Presiding Committee can nom- GmbH, a limited company. This small but inate persons to the Board of Trustees who efficient service provider publishes and support the organization’s concerns. In 2012 markets landscape and wildlife calendars EuroNatur’s Board of Trustees had seventeen and guidebooks on EuroNatur’s project re- members, all of whom served in a voluntary gions as well as a wide range of reference capacity. They support EuroNatur in three books and exclusive items. Additionally the areas: technical advice, especially with re- EuroNatur Service GmbH has specialized spect to access to funding; public relations on layout and mail order services which it work; establishing the organization and provides to the European Nature Heritage its work more firmly within society. The Fund and other clients.

4 Annual Report 2012 Important project areas

4 3 2

20 5 6 1

7 17 15 8 18 10 14 16 9 11 12 13

19 map: Katharina Grund, Kerstin Sauer Kerstin Grund, Katharina map:

1 Cantabrian Mountains 9 Bojana-Buna and Lake Skutari 17 Kotel 2 Senne 10 Albanian Alps 18 Sakar 3 Brandenburg 11 Korab Mountains & National Park Mavrovo 19 Tilos 4 Narew 12 Jablanica-Shebenik Mountains 20 Carpathian Mountains 5 Mura-Drava 13 Illinska-Plakenska Mountains 6 Sava floodplains 14 Shar Mountains European Green Belt 7 Livanjsko Polje 15 Dragoman 8 Neretva-Delta 16 Smolyan

Annual Report 2012 5 European Green Belt

One would have to search far and wide to come across another such dynamic river landscape with extensive alluvial forests, gravel and sand banks as can be found at the confluence of the Mura and Drava rivers. This river landscape hosts many rare species of flora and fauna and is a key com- ponent of the European Green Belt. photo: Dubravko Lesar

6 Annual Report 2012 European Green Belt

European Green Belt – Conservation unites

The European Green Belt is a unique ecological network and a symbol of transboundary cooperation: 12,500 kilometres in length, the European Green Belt winds its way right through the continent following the route of the former Iron Curtain. EuroNatur partakes in the trans-European initiative working for the preservation and development of the existing protected areas and semi-natural landscapes in the European Green Belt with a view to form them a core of the ecological network.

A powerful movement for the European UNESCO Biosphere Reserve within Green Belt reach Network for the Balkan lynx In September 2011, EuroNatur and the On July 11, 2012, UNESCO officially recog- The protected area network for the Balkan BUND Green Belt Project Office (Regional nized the Croatian-Hungarian section of lynx is growing, too. The species’ coverage Coordinator Green Belt Central Europe) the planned Mura-Drava-Danube Trans- largely matches the course of the Balkan commenced a three-year project aimed at boundary Biosphere Reserve spanning five Green Belt between Albania and Macedonia advancing the initiative into an effective countries (Map 5. x, No. 5). For EuroNatur and between Albania, Montenegro and Ko- movement for the protection of the Eu- and its partners this achievement marked sovo. Together with its partners, EuroNatur ropean Green Belt. One of the important the completion of yet another step towards works on reconnecting this shy predator’s milestones on this path was the 6th Pan- the long-term protection of the unique river habitats to facilitate exchange between dis- European Greenbelt Conference held on and alluvial landscapes in the border re- persed populations. Amongst the particular June 28-30, 2012 in Mavrovo, Macedonia. gions connecting Austria, Croatia, Hungary, successes was the designation in December The participants laid important foundations Serbia and Slovenia. This recognition of the 2011 of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park in for bringing together the growing number important areas in Hungary and Croatia since Albania (Map p. 5, No. 11) – a decision for of actors along the European Green Belt, July 2012 means that the lion’s share of the which EuroNatur and its partners in close for strengthening political support, and for planned Transboundary Biosphere Reserve cooperation with the Albanian Environment ensuring sufficient funding for the coordi- spanning five countries is now under inter- Ministry had laid the foundations. Moreover, nation of the overall initiative. national protection. Furthermore, a study in late 2012 the parliament of the Republic

Partner: BUND Green Belt Project Office was conducted, recording and analysing of Kosovo decided to enlarge the existing Funding: German Federal Agency for Nature relevant measures to restoring ecological Shar National Park by adding a key section. Conservation with funds provided by the Federal Environment Ministry functions in already damaged watercourses This “Dragaš” section closes the gap between and their adjacent ecosystems. Despite these the Shar National Park, the Korab-Koritnik successes, the ecological value of the areas Nature Park and the Mavrovo National Park Balkan Green Belt – A growing network along the Drava, Mura and Danube rivers has respectively (Map p. 5, No. 11), the latter of protected areas not been fully secured as Slovenia, Croatia, representing the main range of the Balkan EuroNatur has been the official coordinator Hungary and Serbia continue to plan large- lynx (please refer to the Chapter “Lynx in of conservation activities along the Balkan scale river engineering measures (please refer Europe”).

Green Belt, the southernmost section of the to the Chapters “Europe’s rivers at risk” and Partners: Protection and Preservation of Natural European Green Belt, since 2004. EuroNatur, “Migratory birds”). Environment in Albania (PPNEA), Macedonian Eco- logical Society (MES), Carnivore Ecology and Wild- together with its partners, works for the Project Partner: WWF Austria life Management (KORA) creation of a coherent ecological network Funding: Mava Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors and Funding: Mava Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors sponsors spanning the entire Balkan Peninsula. In 2012, EuroNatur moved yet another step closer to achieving this objective.

Annual Report 2012 7 European Green Belt

You only protect what you understand and care about: Youngsters planting trees in the Shar Mountains.

Bringing people on board Another important corridor connecting two lynx habitats is the Illinska-Plakenska mountain range (Map p. 5, No. 13). A range of small-scale projects for ecological regional development helped to gain the support of the local communities. Private individuals, teachers and other participants submitted 39 project ideas by the end of 2011 as part of a competition. Seven of them were selected for implementation by September 2012. These small-scale projects included, for example, the development of information material and a website showcasing the special features of the landscapes in this mountain region, and school trips as well as other environmental education measures allowing children and youngsters to familiarize themselves with the special characteristics of their regional natural heritage. At this point, a majority of the local people support the proposed designation of Ilinska-Plakenska, at least in part, as a protected area.

The small-scale project support programme was also well received on the Macedonian side of the Šar Mountains. In February 2012 an expert advisory board comprised of staff members from EuroNatur, the environmental foundation Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) and the partner organisations involved selected 20 project ideas from amongst the 47 applications received which included environmental education and green tourism projects. Nine of the projects were already successfully implemented during 2012. In May 2012 for example pupils planted 100 photo: Ajdin Neziri

8 Annual Report 2012 European Green Belt

Creating and maintaining habitats Forest regeneration in the Korab moun- Sustainable forest management in tain range Smolyan young trees in one day in a valley which has A project in the Korab mountain range in In contrast to Staraveci, the Bulgarian been strongly affected by erosion. A website Albania (Map p. 5, No. 10) similarly strives Smolyan region (Map p. 5, No. 16) is home containing an extensive range of information to actively involve people in the region in to ecologically valuable forest communities. on the flora, fauna, geology and history of lynx conservation. The long-term objective is Therefore, it is not surprising that a number of the Šar Mountains has also been set up and to restore the Balkan lynx’ original habitats Natura 2000 sites have been notified in this a walking trail has been marked, making the through natural forest regeneration. The region which borders on Greece. However, area more attractive for responsible nature- Staraveci village has set aside 50 hectares forest use is based on management plans based tourism. of land with the long-term aim of recreating many of which are not in keeping with the rich mixed forest species which will provide Natura 2000 site management objectives. In the Albanian Shebenik-Jablanica National habitat not only for lynx but also a range of To remedy this situation, EuroNatur and its Park (Map p. 5, No. 12), EuroNatur and its other species of fauna and flora. In return, Bulgarian project partner Green Balkans have partners similarly followed the well-proven the community receives a support payment initiated a project which is to demonstrate approach of supporting local communities of EUR 5000 per year. In 2012 the villagers sustainable forest use methods and develop in sustainable development endeavours used the funds to build a 200 m3 water practical examples. In close cooperation in their region. Seven small-scale projects reservoir higher up in the mountains. The with the local forestry authority and all the were supported here during the course of object of this new livestock watering point is regional stakeholders, model management 2012. Project topics ranged from the pro- to encourage herders to move their livestock plans were drawn up for two of the Natura pagation of honeybee colonies to writing up to the alpine pasture rather than letting 2000 sites, integrating the Natura 2000 ob- a legal commentary on Albanian hunting them graze in the strongly degenerated forest jectives. Moreover, six representatives of the legislation setting out the legal provisions in zone, a practice that is harmful to the forest. regional and local forestry authorities were a comprehensible manner for hunters. Again These measures are evidently successful: The given the opportunity to gather practical the objective here was to demonstrate to the area was set aside in 2010 and in the summer ideas and inspiration for sustainable forest local people the range of economic prospects of 2012 it was already densely covered with management in Natura 2000 sites on a study arising from the protection of the natural hazel scrub two to three meters in height. trip to the Black Forest region in September

treasures in their home region and thus to Partner: Protection and Preservation of Natural 2012 which was coordinated by EuroNatur. A win them over as partners in conservation Environment in Albania (PPNEA) further important aim of the project was to Funding: Mava Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors who will help to protect the Balkan lynx and and sponsors bring all the different stakeholders together. its habitats. An citizens’ action group was formed which

Partners: Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), is actively involved in the management of a Protection and Preservation of Natural Environ- selected Natura 2000 site. ment in Albania (PPNEA) Funding: Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, Mava Partner: Green Balkans Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors Funding: German Federal Environment Agency and German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funds provided by the Federal Environment Ministry, EuroNatur’s donors

Annual Report 2012 9 Europe’s rivers

Two hydropower plants threaten the unique natural assets of the Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia. photo: Gabriel Schwaderer

10 Annual Report 2012 Europe’s rivers

A general assault on Europe’s river landscapes

The multitude and diversity of natural, intact river landscapes in south-eastern Europe is surpassed nowhere in Europe. The uncontrolled expansion of hydropower, however, threatens these valuable life lines of nature.

First aid for the Blue Heart of Europe In May 2012, EuroNatur and the Austrian an international protest which has yielded a In June 2012 a call for tender was put out conservation organisation Riverwatch pu- first result: The commencement of construc- for detailed plans for the section between blished two studies which for the first time tion which had been planned for April 2012 Sisak and Brcko. The tender made no ref- examined and confirmed the ecological has been halted for the time being. But the erence whatsoever to the requirements of significance of the Balkan rivers. According northern section of the national park is also the European Water Framework Directive or to these studies, almost one third of Balkan under threat: In the “Lukovo Pole” high alti- the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. rivers are still in pristine condition and hardly tude valley, ELEM is planning on constructing Moreover, the call for tender did not consider altered by human activity. In Albania and a 70 meter high hydroelectric dam in a tribu- the fact that at the time of its publication Montenegro the proportion of pristine rivers tary of the Radika river as well as a system of legal proceedings were underway against is even as high as two thirds. The level of canals capturing all the streams in the wes- the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) biological diversity in these river landscapes tern catchment area of the Radika river and for the project and therefore the EIA was is equally significant: they host, for example, diverting their flow into the reservoir. A World not yet legally binding. EuroNatur’s partner more than half of all endangered European Bank loan is scheduled for this project but organisation HDZPP had taken these procee- freshwater mollusc species and 28 percent has not yet been officially approved. In late dings in 2010 after numerous flaws in terms of all endangered European freshwater fish June 2012 ELEM nonetheless commenced of both methodology and content had been species. But the “Blue Heart of Europe” initial construction works in the area. In turn, found in the EIA. Similarly, an independent is under attack as there are plans for the EuroNatur and its partners engaged in an expert assessment commissioned by the EU construction of hydropower plants on almost intensive lobbying and PR campaign, exerting Commission in 2012 strongly criticised the all Balkan rivers. Investigations by EuroNatur pressure on the Macedonian government and quality of the EIA. and Riverwatch have shown that there are on decision-makers in the World Bank and plans for 573 large-scale power plants in the ERDB to halt the projects. At the same The upgrading of the Sava river is a piece in addition to a network of countless small time, EuroNatur also informed representati- the puzzle of the Croatian hydraulic engi- hydropower systems. ves of the EU Commission and the European neering lobby’s vision to connect the rivers Parliament about the volatile situation in the Danube and Sava and the Adriatic Sea to EuroNatur and its partners are working hard Mavrovo National Park and the dangerous create one huge Danube-Sava-Adriatic canal. to save the “Blue Heart of Europe” from proliferation of planned hydropower plants Another plan that was aggressively pursued destruction. In 2012, as in 2011, the focus in the Balkan region as a whole. in 2012, the construction of a canal between was on the Mavrovo National Park (Map p. 5, Partner: Riverwatch (formerly ECA Watch) the Vukovar river port on the Danube and the No. 11) where the Macedonian electricity Funding: Mava Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors Sava, dovetails with the upgrading of the supplier ELEM is planning on constructing Sava river. Both these developments would two very large power plants. Plans for the The sword of Damocles hanging over the have a dramatic impact on the hydrologic southern section of the protected area en- Sava river balance of the Sava river. The existence visage a hydropower plant providing up to In Croatia, the government and water ma- of the alluvial vegetation and associated 70 Megawatt, to be funded by the European nagement authorities have pressed ahead habitats is already under threat as floods in Bank for Reconstruction and Development with large-scale river engineering measures the Sava floodplains occur less regularly and (EBDR). When these plans became public in in 2012 with a view to permitting navigation at lesser intensity than required to maintain late 2011, EuroNatur and its partners started by larger vessels throughout the year. these ecosystems. If unfavourable weather

Annual Report 2012 11 Europe’s rivers

The extensive reedbeds in the Krapje Dol Sava oxbow lake are perfect nesting sites for spoonbills and herons. photo: Kerstin Sauer photo: Kerstin

12 Annual Report 2012 Europe’s rivers

Europe’s Amazon under threat conditions are added into the equation, dra- The year 2012 marked the completion of yet an expert report commissioned by the EU matic impacts on the resident populations another step towards the establishment of Commission which found that the environ- of flora and fauna can arise. In the Spring a transboundary biosphere reserve spanning mental impact assessments for construction of 2012 for example, low water levels in the five countries and protecting the riverscapes projects in Croatia, including the EIA for the Krapje Dol Sava oxbow lake in the Lonjsko of the Mura, Drava and Danube (Map p. 5, controversial projects along the rivers Mura, Polje Nature Park (Map p. 5, No. 6) resulted No. 5; please also refer to p. 7). However, Drava and Danube, were of insufficient qua- in a complete lack of breeding success in these precious areas are not yet safe despite lity. The EU Commission has requested that the resident Spoonbill colony (please also the governments of the countries bordering Croatia significantly improves the quality refer to p. 25). these rivers advocating strict protection of their environmental impact assessments. measures, at least in part. The “Amazon of The EU Commission’s critical comments have In September 2012, EuroNatur and its part- Europe” is under threat from channelization, already yielded a first success for conserva- ners HDZPP and DOPPS published a position gravel extraction and new hydropower plants. tion efforts: In November 2012 the Croatian paper critically examining the course of Croatia for example has plans to channelize a Environment Ministry decided to drop plans action taken by the authorities in charge of 53 km section of the Danube along the Croa- to channelize the Drava-Mura confluence. the upgrading of the Sava river. The paper tian-Serbian border for navigation purposes. was presented to relevant representatives These developments would also impact on the So there have been some success but much of the EU Commission and to the interna- Kopački Rit Nature Park and thus the core remains to be done in order to safeguard these tional Sava Commission, the latter being in zone of the future 5-Country Mura-Drava- unique river landscapes. Another disaster is charge of developing a management plan Danube Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. looming at the river Mura in Slovenia: there for the river. In February 2012, the WWF with support are plans for a chain of eight power plants

Partners: Croatian Society for Bird and Nature from EuroNatur started a petition for the to be constructed between Spielfeld (Styria, Protection (HDZPP) and BirdLife Slovenia (DOPPS), protection of the valuable wetland habitats. Austria) and the Slovenian-Croatian border. Lonjsko Polje Nature Park Funding: EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors On March 23, 2012, World Water Day, the EuroNatur and its partners will continue with conservationists presented more than 20,000 their targeted lobbying and PR work to put signatures to Mirela Holy, Croatia’s Minister pressure on decision-makers, with a view to for Environment and Nature Protection. preventing these destructive developments.

Partners: WWF, Drava League When Croatia signed the EU Accession Treaty Funding: Mava Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors and in October 2011, the country also took on sponsors the commitment of protecting its valuable natural areas. The planned river engineering measures, however, do not only contravene this commitment but they are also at odds with the EU objective of halting biodiversity loss in Europe. This was also evident from

Annual Report 2012 13 Europe’s large mammals

Bear-proof beehives in western Cantabrian Mountains.

Brown bears in Europe

Spain’s Wild West The brown bear population in the western Cantabrian Mountains (Map p. 5, No. 1) con- tinues to increase. In 2012, twelve females with cubs were recorded in the areas in which EuroNatur’s partner organization Fapas is active. On average each of those females had given birth to two cubs, a litter size sig- nificantly larger than that recorded about a decade ago. Moreover, more and more cubs survive their critical second year of life, resul- ting in the bear population increasing in both numbers and distribution. For the first time in many years, bears were recorded in the Taja valley, a valley connecting three important bear areas that are separated by a mountain ridge. Bears have also been recorded north of the areas in which Fapas is active, near the sea, where they had not been seen for more than 100 years. Fapas’ activities, as supported by EuroNatur, have played a critical role in these positive developments.

The fight against poaching is absolutely key. In 2012, Fapas expanded their arsenal by ma- king increased use of camera traps in addition to their regular ranger patrols in close coope- ration with SEPRONA, the Nature Protection Service, an arm of the Spanish Civil Guard. The camera traps allow for the monitoring of remote areas. Not only does their presence act as a deterrent but they have also resulted in the capture of two poachers in the western photo: Kerstin Sauer

14 Annual Report 2012 Europe’s large mammals

Where the wild things are in Europe

Wolves, brown bears and lynx are the epitome of European wilderness. Their protection and the protection of their habitats is amongst EuroNatur’s key initiatives. In the marine sphere the organization focuses on the last remaining Mediterranean monk seals.

Romania: Anti-bear sentiment Cantabrian mountain region. Nonetheless, The situation in the eastern Cantabrian EuroNatur’s Romanian partner organization one bear fell victim to poachers in August Mountains continues to be very critical. Milvus has been studying the bear popula- 2012 when it got caught in a poachers’ snare While genetic analysis of faecal samples tions in the area of the planned motorway and died from its injuries. By the time it was has shown that there are exchanges bet- between Targu Mures and Lasi since 2011. The found it was too late. ween the western and eastern bear popula- aim of the study is to examine the impacts tions, poaching is a massive problem. In the the motorway is likely to have on the bears. Another important prerequisite for the Redes Natural Park for example not a single Monitoring continued in 2012. Based on population increase has been an improved bear was recorded in 2012. There are so few the study’s results, Milvus has called for the food supply for the bears. In Teverga’s main bears in the eastern enclave that even using designation of three additional Natura 2000 valley, one of the most important bear areas, camera traps they are hard to record. In its sites for the protection of brown bears in Fapas sited a further seven pollination stati- anniversary year 2012, EuroNatur initiated Romania, a quest that has not yet been met ons with a total of 300 additional beehives a special fundraising campaign to help with success. A parallel focus was on PR work, that are now available to the bears. Camera with targeted measures against poaching as public debate in 2012 was characterized by traps placed near the hives also provide under the slogan of “Rettet Spaniens letzte deeply divisive reporting for months, stirring important data on the bears’ distribution. Bären!“ (Save Spain’s last remaining bears; up anti-bear sentiment. Milvus reacted by Such data are essential for their effective please refer to p. 28). Thanks to the donati- addressing the existing misunderstandings protection. The year 2012 also saw the ons received, Fapas will be able to buy not in the course of around ten radio and te- completion of a database, named “Ursus”, in just one but a number of fincas. One of the levision appearances. The organization also which all of the observation data gathered rural properties the organization plans to organized numerous information events, over the past 15 years are logged. “Ursus” is purchase is located in an important bear primarily in schools and universities, and used an indispensable tool, not least for drawing area in the eastern Cantabrian Mountains. the media to highlight the urgent problem up submissions on developments impacting Buying the fincas helps protect bears from of wild animals kept illegally in Romania. on bear areas. For example, a major forestry poachers. It allows Fapas to create targeted The latter topic came up in connection with project was to be implemented in Teverga refuge areas, especially for females with the Romanian police with assistance from in 2012. With the aid of “Ursus”, Fapas was cubs, and to increase their presence of Milvus being able to confiscate two illegally able to show that this project would have a rangers. held bear cubs. significant adverse impact on the resident Partner: Fondo para la Protección de los Animales Partner: Milvus bears. To date Fapas’ intervention has been Salvajes (Fapas) Funding: EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors Funding: EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors able to halt this project.

Annual Report 2012 15 Europe’s large mammals

Sabina Nowak and her colleague Robert W. Myslajek of EuroNatur’s partner organization WILK examine wolves‘ faeces. photo: Claus Schenk / CAPRICORNFILM

16 Annual Report 2012 Europe’s large mammals

Wolves in Europe

Bulgaria: Every cloud has a silver lining After more than 50 years of continuous population development. Wolves also appear partners continued to work on mitigating this persecution, at last there has been a major to be slowly established in the west of the situation. Their work included, for example, success for the protection of wolves in Bul- country: The number of packs in western the provision of assistance to Environmental garia. Thanks to a long and arduous process Poland and close to the German border has Impact Assessments of the Polish road of persuasion, January 2012 was marked by increased further from the 2011 level. Re- construction programme for 2010 - 2015 and an unexpected breakthrough: The Bulgarian searchers recorded four new packs and two ensuring that negative impacts of construc- forestry authority agreed to a nationwide, new breeding pairs marking their territories. tion works on wildlife corridors are minimized. three-month closed season during the period In August 2012 the total number of wolves In recent years, acceptance of ecoducts has of the wolves’ whelping and rearing of the in this region was estimated at 100 - 110 increased considerably in Poland. In the young, even though the authority had long individuals. autumn of 2012 increased costs for the been firmly opposed to such a move. This implementation of ecoducts and vegetated decision paved the way for the adoption In 2012 Wilk made a critical contribution to overpasses as part of a construction segment of a wolf management plan for Bulgaria, combating poaching in Poland. One of their of the A2 motorway between Poznań and an important step in light of the fact that achievements, resulting from persistent lob- Święcko prompted a heated public discussion Bulgaria’s wolf populations are under a lot bying, was an amendment to Poland’s conser- in which the effectiveness of such measures of pressure. In 2008, EuroNatur and its Bul- vation legislation which now requires forestry was questioned and calls for a considerable garian partner BWS had begun the difficult authorities, hunting associations and other reduction in their implementation in the but important process of drawing up a wolf public bodies to notify to the environmental future were voiced. However, comprehensive management plan for Bulgaria with the aim authorities any killings of protected species. monitoring was able to rebut the allegations of giving the country’s wolves greater legal In addition, a process for recording and mo- and once again clearly confirmed that both protection. In order to generate broad-based nitoring mortality and causes of mortality in wolves and their potential prey use ecoducts support for this move, all the stakeholders Poland’s large predators was developed which with great frequency. – from the Ministry of the Environment to is already being used by some of the regional Partners: Mammal Research Institute in Bialowieza the forestry authorities, hunters, universities authorities. In western Poland, in 2012 Wilk (MRI), Association for Nature “Wolf” (Wilk), Polish and conservation organizations – had been also focused on diffusing conflicts between conservation NGO “Workshop for all Beings” Funding: Lappat Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors involved from the outset. livestock owners and wolves by introducing and sponsors, Elisabeth Seifert-Becker’s endowment herd/flock protection measures such as fund for the protection of wolves in memory of Partner: Balkani Wildlife Society (BWS) Viktoria Neumann, Emilie and Franz Seifert Funding: EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors fladry (flagged fencing) and electric fencing and by supporting livestock owners and re- Poland: Things are looking up presentatives of the regional environmental The comprehensive package of measures for authorities in dealing with this issue. the protection of wolves in Poland is begin- ning to pay off. In all of the forest regions of Apart from poaching, other threats to north-eastern, eastern and southern Poland Poland’s wolves include intensive land use, in which wolves were recorded in recent transport routes and settlements all of which years, researchers have again found evidence fragment their migration routes and habitats. of their presence, indicating steady positive In 2012, all three of EuroNatur’s Polish project

Annual Report 2012 17 Europe’s large mammals

A camera trap caught this photo of a Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) in Albania.

Lynx in Europe

Tracking the Balkan lynx The protection of the last Balkan lynx and their habitats was again given special em- phasis in 2012. Numerous field studies were carried out in order to contribute to the body of knowledge on the Balkan lynx and to be able to protect the species more effectively. Camera traps yielded the first images of lynx in Albania’s Shebenik-Jablanica National Park (Map p. 5, No. 12). In the Macedonian mountain range across the border the first images had already been obtained in 2010. Moreover, researchers managed to trap two individuals in cage traps in Macedonia in 2012, allowing them to take blood and fur samples for genetic analysis. Both individuals, named “Riste” and “Martin” were radio-col- lared with GPS collars. Since then the two males have continuously provided valuable data on their locations, allowing resear- chers to deduct information on the species’ ecology. It has been confirmed, for example, that roe deer are indeed the lynx’s preferred prey. Therefore, good cooperation with local hunters is vital as they are important partners in the effective control of poaching which in turn is key to the recovery of the populations of game species. New findings on the size of the lynx’ territories are also hugely important. The male “Riste”, for example, was shown to have a home range of approximately 435 square kilometres, an area greater than the whole of Munich and much more sizeable than had previously been thought. photo MES SCOPES/SNF

18 Annual Report 2012 Europe’s large mammals

Code Red New experts on Balkan lynx Lynx in Poland Based on these new data the previous po- For the comprehensive protection of the Balkan The Polish national lynx census was continu- pulation estimated of 100 individuals had to lynx, the network of experts in conservation ed in 2012 with support from EuroNatur. In all be revised downwards to at most 40 Balkan management in the Balkans must urgently be of the forest regions of north-eastern, eastern lynx. This population is much too small to be broadened. In Albania and Macedonia, experts and southern Poland in which lynx had been stable. In other words, the situation of the have already been trained and are working for recorded in recent years, researchers have Balkan lynx is even more critical than had EuroNatur’s partner organizations PPNEA and once again found evidence of their presence. been anticipated and effective protected MES. In Montenegro and Kosovo however, the In contrast to the wolves, however, the lynx areas must be much larger than had been necessary expertise is still lacking. To remedy population in Poland does not appear to be considered. In October 2012 these results the situation, a training project was started expanding its range. Habitat modelling has were for the first time presented to an expert in 2012. The first training workshop was shown that at present lynx only occupy little audience at the Congress of Macedonian held in October 2012 in Vevčani, Macedonia. more than 10 percent of the areas suitable Ecologists in Ohrid. The present range of the Participants included NGO representatives for the species. This is considered to be due Balkan lynx is largely congruent with the from four countries, renowned lynx experts to the high degree of habitat fragmentation sections of the Balkan Green Belt following active in the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, and resulting from settlements, roads and inten- the Albanian-Macedonian border and the representatives of universities and of one of sive agricultural land use. border between Albania, Montenegro and the hunting associations. The constitution Kosovo. The long-term objective in this of this assembly highlighted the project’s Based on the 2012 lynx monitoring data region is to create a coherent ecological international significance and resulted in high from Bialowieza (bordering Belarus) future network of protected areas to facilitate ex- motivation on the part of the participants. population trends have been modelled. The change between dispersed populations and The MES and PPNEA lynx experts spent two model clearly demonstrated that the lynx in prevent individuals from becoming isolated. days passing on the necessary field skills to Poland face an even higher risk of extinction We have every reason to believe that this their colleagues from Montenegro and Kosovo than the neighbouring populations in Estonia, can be achieved. There is evidence to show – anything from handling camera traps to in- Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. Measures are that at least in their core range, i.e. in the terview techniques needed to consult with the urgently needed to halt this gradual but no Mavrovo National Park (Map p. 5, No. 11), local people on where to potentially find lynx less dramatic decline.

lynx are breeding. Moreover, the network tracks. Another significant component of the Partner: Mammal Research Institute in Bialowieza of protected areas is growing, too. In 2012 training workshop involved discussions on how (MRI) Funding: EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors EuroNatur and its partners have continued to secure further designations of protected to lobby intensively at the political level and areas. Three more trainings of this nature will work closely with the local people, and much be held by October 2013. The trained-up Koso- progress has been made (please refer to the vars and Montenegrins will then contribute to chapter on the European Green Belt). plugging the major knowledge gaps regarding the Balkan lynx in their home countries.

Partners: Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management (KORA), Albania: Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), Macedonia: Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), Montenegro: Center for Protection and Research of Birds (CZIP), Kosovo: Environmentally Responsible Action (ERA) Group, conservation NGO “Finch“ Funding: German Federal Agency for Nature Conserva- tion (BfN) with funds provided by the Federal Environ- ment Ministry (BMU), EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors Annual Report 2012 19 Europe’s large mammals

A ranger patrols the no-fishing zone at the “Costa de las Focas”. photo: CBD-Habitat

20 Annual Report 2012 Europe’s large mammals

The last of their kind: Protecting the Mediterranean Monk Seal

Hope at Cabo Blanco Threats remain The last major surviving colony of Mediter- Due to the many years of disturbance by ranean Monk Seals is not in fact located in humans, most Mediterranean Monk Seals the Mediterranean Sea but at Cabo Blanco, continue to prefer inaccessible caves for a peninsula on the Mauritanian Atlantic rearing their pups rather than open beaches. coast. Thanks to the persistent efforts by the Especially in years where there are heavy CBD-Habitat conservation foundation, which storms this habit can be very dangerous for receives support from EuroNatur, the popu- the pups as storm surges can easily wash lation has developed favourably. In 2012, the them out of the caves, resulting in their death number of births reached a new high of 63 by drowning. The year 2012 was a year of since surveys began in 2000. This also means frequent storms resulting in increased pup that the upward trend observed since 2006 mortality. The caves used by the colony for is continuing. Disturbances from fishermen rearing their young continued to be moni- and shell collectors were at acceptable levels tored using surveillance cameras. With the in 2012, as in the previous year. Apart from aid of video recordings it has been possible efficient patrolling by rangers this is largely to identify more than 50 female seals with due to good cooperation with local fishermen pups. who in 2001 had agreed to the designation of a no-fishing zone (“Costa de las Focas”) along While disturbance by coastal fishers at Cabo the four-mile coastal stretch on which the Blanco has become rare, illegal industrial- Mediterranean monk seals rear their young. scale fishing close to the protection zone The fishermen abide by and largely comply for the Mediterranean monk seals remains with this restriction. Those that breached a major threat. Fishing trawlers repeatedly the zone were largely fishermen who were approached the coast in 2012 and travelled not based in Cabo Blanco’s harbours and inside the forbidden 12-mile coastal waters. who therefore were not familiar with the As soon as such breaches were noticed, no-fishing policy in the reserve. As a result of CBD Habitat informed the Moroccan fishery regular ranger patrols, landward disturbances authorities and called for increased patrols from shell collectors and longline fishers have in the area. also been reduced to a minimum. In 2012 the “Costa de las Focas“ was on average patrolled Despite the apparently positive development of twice daily between January and December. the Cabo Blanco population it is still too early to give the “all clear”. The situation of the Medi- terranean Monk Seal remains precarious.

Partners: CBD Habitat, OceanCare Funding: OceanCare, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors

Annual Report 2012 21 Migratory birds

The wetlands of the eastern Adriatic are of major importance for the European roller (Coracias garrulus). photo: Alfred Limbrunner

22 Annual Report 2012 Migratory birds

Migratory birds – Between heaven and earth

The protection of migratory birds on their long journeys across national borders is one of EuroNatur’s core tasks. Bird hunting and ongoing habitat destruction keep presenting us with new challenges.

Protecting migratory birds on the Eastern Adriatic Illegal bird hunting – A long-running controversy Twice every year, millions of birds migrate In 2012 the Neretva Delta in Bosnia-Herzego- along the Montenegrin coast. Normally the along the Eastern Adriatic as they move vina and the Buna Delta in Albania (Map p. lagoon which has been modified for salt between breeding and wintering grounds. 5, No. 8 and No. 9) were distinct bird hunting production is practically swarming with Notably waterfowl from northern and eastern hotspots. EuroNatur has already been conduc- poachers. Not so in 2012, when EuroNatur’s Europe are focused on the Adriatic Flyway ting regular surveys in these areas since 2004. partner CZIP regularly patrolled the salt flats which stretches from the Balkans and the Over the past six years the number of Garganey during February and March as well as during Adriatic Sea all the way to Africa. In 2012, wintering in the Buna Delta has declined from the following hunting season from October EuroNatur continued its campaign to safe- more than 800 to a mere 18 birds. The Hutovo onwards and consistently acted on infringe- guard the most important resting areas and Blato Nature Park in the Neretva Delta has ments of hunting legislation. The measures breeding grounds for migratory birds. Bird seen a similarly alarming decline. Up to 50,000 were successful, with significant reductions hunting and the destruction of wetlands are migratory birds used to find shelter here over in both the number of poachers present and amongst the greatest threats to migratory the winter but in the winters of 2011 and 2012 the number of birds killed compared to birds in south-eastern Europe. only 10,000 birds were recorded. Poaching is previous years. clearly to blame for it. Karst poljes – Little known natural treasures Bird hunting in the European Union The karst poljes of the Dinarides are amongst In early 2012 the situation briefly improved Illegal bird hunting, illegal capture, inter- the most important bird resting places along after the EuroNatur’s Bosnian partner organi- national smuggling and the poisoning of the Adriatic Flyway. One of them is the world’s zation Nase Ptice had sent a report produced by birds are problems not only encountered largest and regularly flooded Livanjsko polje the German public broadcaster ARD on the ille- in the Balkans but they are a major issue (Map p. 5, No. 7). The Dinaric karst poljes of gal killing of birds in the Hutovo Blato Nature right across Europe. In late 2012 the EU Bosnia-Herzegovina, are in a particularly fa- Park to all relevant authorities, which resulted Commission published a study which for vourable condition. However, these areas have in several raids. This had an immediate positive the first time allows for a more detailed as yet no lobby and no official provisions on impact: In January 2012 almost 10,000 birds assessment of the situation. EuroNatur was their side that could prevent adverse impacts were recorded on the nature park’s lakes, three one of the experts involved in compiling the on these natural and cultural landscapes. times more than the following year. These data study, the results of which are alarming: Moreover, for the longest time there were no clearly demonstrate the area’s potential for While all 27 EU Member States have trans- baseline data whatsoever. biodiversity protection. Renewed infringements posed the EU Birds Directive into national of hunting laws during the course of the year law, the large number of derogations al- Since 2011 EuroNatur has lobbied for the karst showed that reliable controls are indispensable lowing for deviations from the Directive’s poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to help to Hutovo Blato’s long-term protection. provisions at regional and national levels them obtaining an adequate protective status. is of concern. Moreover, implementation To this end, the ecological inventory of the karst The example of the Ulcinj salt flats in the is lacking in many of the Member States. poljes was continued in 2012. These crucial Bojana Delta (Map p. 5, No. 9) demonst- The creation of increased awareness would data are needed to be able to apply important rates the effectiveness of a regular ranger be a significant step forward. Moreover, international conventions such as the Ramsar presence in Eastern Adriatic bird hunting the counterproductive derogations must Convention, and to prepare the country for the areas. These salt flats are the most im- be abolished. A comprehensive package of application of EU environmental directives. portant resting areas for migratory birds measures should also include economic,

Annual Report 2012 23 Migratory birds

In northern Spain, Fapas strategically place artificial nest platforms and fake hatching ospreys with a view to encouraging the species to breed in Asturia.

social and political aspects. Cooperation between hunting associations and conserva- tion organizations is particularly important, as is improved cooperation between the police and the judiciary. Economic strategies for the alternative valorization of wild birds would also be useful.

Bird lovers, not bird hunters Ornithological tourism holds a great promi- se for the Eastern Adriatic coast. In 2012, EuroNatur has continued contributing to the responsible future utilization of eco- logically important areas as part of the Adriatic Flyway. EuroNatur has, for example, supported the Hutovo Blato Nature Park in establishing green tourism infrastructure. A guide to the birds of Hutovo Blato was developed and first meetings with the local hunting associations were held with a view to promoting greater ecological conscious- ness amongst the hunters. In the Albanian part of the Bojana-Buna Delta, design work on 50 information plates has commenced. They are to provide future visitors with greater insights into the delta’s ecosystem and species richness. photo: Fapas

24 Annual Report 2012 Migratory birds

Sava river floodplains – No Are ospreys making a come- offspring for the Spoonbills back in Spain? A last-minute rescue? Existing plans to develop the Ulcinj salt flats For the Spoonbill colony of the Krapje Dol Intense persecution led to the disappearance for mass tourism are anything but sustainab- Sava oxbow lake in the Lonjsko Polje Nature of the osprey from northern Spain’s Atlantic le. A change in the area’s spatial development Park (Map p. 5, No. 6), one of the largest coast a long time ago. In 2011, Fapas with plan has enabled the owner of the salt flats to colonies in Central Europe, 2012 was a very support from EuroNatur started a project use the important resting area for migratory bad year. Unfavourable weather conditions aimed at encouraging osprey to once again birds as development land. In late 2011 the led to the oxbow lake falling dry which in breed in Asturias’ estuaries and lagoons. Ulcinj salt flats were to be auctioned off for turn resulted in a complete lack of breeding To this end, Fapas strategically placed an more than 250 million Euro. In April 2012, as success in the resident Spoonbill colony. additional eleven artificial nest platforms a result of massive national and internatio- Several attempts to flood the oxbow lake and improved two existing ones. They also nal pressure, the Montenegrin government failed. Due to the low water levels, wild boar placed fake hatching ospreys on the plat- decided to reverse the change to the spatial and golden jackals accessed the Krapje Dol, forms in order to attract other individuals. development plan. The Ministry in charge causing high levels of disturbance to herons These measures have begun to bear fruit: recommended the area to be designated as and Spoonbills which resulted in complete One additional osprey wintered in the Ria Eo an IUCN Category III Natural monument. reproductive failure in 2012 on this site. As estuary and passing individuals spent more Now it is up to the Ulcinj municipality to a response, representatives of the nature time than usual in the areas in which the translate the national provisions into their park and regional administrations jointly de- artificial platforms had been sited. Similar own land use plan. Moreover, the spatial veloped strategies to protect the Spoonbill measures were implemented on the nearby development plan explicitly calls for the colony if water levels fall too low again in French coast, equally resulting in markedly continuation of the traditional practice of the future. Apart from the protection of the longer stays by ospreys during the spring salt production at the site as a sustainable Spoonbill colony, EuroNatur’s utmost prio- and autumn migrations compared to pre- form of management. However, it is as yet rity in 2012 was given to fighting against vious years. too early to give the “all clear”. The actual salt the planned river engineering measures for Partner: Fondo para la Protección de los Animales ponds for example were not given protective navigation purposes on the as yet natural Salvajes (Fapas) Funding: EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors status and may yet be developed. Similarly, river Sava (please refer to p. 11). the plan to auction off the salt flats has not Partner: Lonjsko Polje Nature Park been completely discarded. Funding: Zurich Zoo, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors Bird protection projects along the Eastern Adriatic:

Partners: Slovenia: BirdLife Slovenia (DOPPS); Croatia: Croatian Society for Bird and Nature Protection (HDZPP), Baobab, Association for Bi- ological Research BIOM; Bosnia-Herzegovina: Ornithological Society Nase Ptice; Serbia: Bird Pro- tection and Study Society of Vojvodina (BSPSV), Natura; Montenegro: Center for Protection and Re- search of Birds of Montenegro (CZIP), Ulcinj Salina, Natural History Museum of Montenegro, Skutari Lake National Park; Albania: Association for Protec- tion of Aquatic Wildlife of Albania (APAWA) Funding: Mava Foundation, Ludwig Raue Memorial Fund, Lufthansa German Airlines, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors

Annual Report 2012 25 Agricultural & energy policy

“I fought like a lion!” Dagi Kieffer, pictured here with EuroNatur President Christel Schröder, received the 2012 EuroNatur Award for decades of commitment to advancing organic farming and the protection of our natural resources. photo: Peter Schmenger photo: Peter

26 Annual Report 2012 Agricultural & energy policy

En route to the turnaround in agricultural and energy policy

Europe’s biodiversity cannot be conserved in protected areas alone. EuroNatur strives for agriculturally used land to once again host valuable habitats for the benefit of both wildlife and people.

EU Agricultural Policy Reform: Intensive debate on greening Pioneer in organic farming

The negotiations on the design of the future Partners: Local groups of Friends of the Earth Ger- One of the pioneering advocates of better EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) many (BUND) and of the conservation foundation farming practices is Mrs. Dagi Kieffer. On Bund Naturschutz (BN), the family farmers’ associa- entered their climax in 2012. EU Agricul- tion Arbeitsgemeinschaft Bäuerliche Landwirtschaft October 10, 2012 EuroNatur honoured the ture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos’ proposal (AbL) and other associations engaged in environmen- committed organic farming pioneer for tal protection, nature conservation, farming, develop- to more strongly link the billions in direct ment policy, consumer protection and animal welfare. her lifetime achievements by presenting payments to farmers to clearly defined envi- For details see www.euronatur.org/Agrarpolitik. her with the 2012 EuroNatur Award. Mrs. Funding: Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND), ronmental measures (termed the “greening”) EuroNatur’s donors, and the German Federal Agency Kieffer and her husband are the founders of for Nature Conservation with funds provided by the gave rise to particularly heated exchanges. Federal Environment Ministry the Stiftung Ökologie & Landbau (Ecology & To Europe’s farming lobby and their political Farming Foundation), a crucial contribution representatives the greening proposals have An Alliance for the Alps to establishing an awareness of the links been a thorn in their side from the outset. In 2012 EuroNatur in its struggle for a turna- between farming and nature conservation in Several serious attempts were made to round in agricultural policy placed a strong public perception and to generating practical weaken the criteria for greening measu- emphasis on stronger and more targeted sup- examples of sustainable management. res beyond recognition. In early 2012 for port for mountain farming. Together with its example, German Agriculture Minister Ilse partners in the German and Austrian Alpine Plate, trough and tank served from the Aigner initiated a proposal, which was then region EuroNatur established the “Alliance one field tabled by her Luxemburg colleague in the for Agriculture and Nature Conservation EuroNatur’s project on mixed cropping and Council of Ministers, to severely weaken in the Alps” in the autumn of 2011, an in- energy generation from oilseed crops in the greening measures. Further attempts to itiative supported by the Mava Foundation. north-eastern Poland is consciously designed undermine Commissioner Ciolos’ plans were Approximately twenty farmers’ associations to showcase a radical alternative to high-tech undertaken over time. EuroNatur as part of a and conservation associations partake in farming. Feed crops for livestock and oilseed broad alliance of associations engaged in in- this initiative. It is the associations’ aim to crops for energy generation are grown on the tensive lobbying and PR activities to thwart establish ecologically compatible farming same field. The oilseed crops are pressed in these attempts and aimed at influencing the practices in the Alps. EuroNatur in coopera- small mills and the oils are marketed in the reform process with a view to a greener and tion with its partner organisations drew up region. Since early 2012, as part of a support socially more agreeable agricultural policy. a position paper in 2012 to serve as a basis programme run by the German Federal Ministry In their negotiations in Bonn and Brussels as for this endeavour. In this position paper for Economic Affairs, EuroNatur has also been well as in numerous publications, EuroNatur the associations’ analyse and evaluate the working on promoting the use of cold-pressed impressed on the decision-makers the need EU Commissions’ legislative proposals and vegetable oils as tractor fuel in Germany. To for a change in direction in the CAP and suggest concrete amendments to improve this end, a range of commercial enterprises and tabled concrete proposals for changes to on the current text. institutions in the vegetable oil sector as well as be made. Moreover, EuroNatur’s agricultural conservation organisations have come together policy expert Lutz Ribbe gave numerous Partners: Conservation foundation Bund Natur- in a network coordinated by EuroNatur. They are schutz in Bayern (BN), the family farmers’ associa- presentations on agricultural policy reform, tion Arbeitsgemeinschaft Bäuerliche Landwirtschaft now actively working together to advance stra- (AbL) and other associations engaged in farming providing extensive educational outreach at and conservation. For details see www.euronatur. tegies for decentralized, sustainable utilization the regional level. org/Agrarpolitik of vegetable oil fuels in Germany. Funding: Mava Foundation Partners: Bundesverband Dezentraler Ölmühlen und Pflanzenöltechnik e.V. (Federal association of de- centralized oil mills) and other stakeholders in the sector. For details see www.agrarantrieb.de Förderung: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs Annual Report 2012 27 Public relations Economic situation

Public relations: EuroNatur in the media and beyond

In 2012 EuroNatur has continued to inform the wider public on the need to protect Europe’s natural treasures.

EuroNatur – Celebrating 25 years The year 2012 was marked by EuroNatur were publicized in the EuroNatur magazine German-language magazine “natur” for their celebrating the 25th anniversary of its and on the foundation’s website and targeted “action of the month” section in their March establishment. Celebrations commenced specific issues such as saving Spain’s last brown issue. In the same issue, the monthly column with the publication of a commemorative bears, combating bird hunting in Montenegrin dealing with examples of outrageous damage to edition of its German language quarterly wetlands, protecting the “Blue Heart of Euro- nature was devoted to the planned auctioning “EuroNatur-Magazin”. This edition high- pe” – the riverscapes of the Balkan peninsula, off of the Ulcinj salt flats (for more information lighted the areas in which EuroNatur and creating nesting sites for the European please refer to the chapter on “Migratory birds has, since its establishment, achieved roller at the Ulcinj‘s salt flats in Montenegro. – between heaven and earth”). important success for nature conserva- Almost all of the fundraising campaigns met tion in Europe. It showcased EuroNatur’s their target in 2012. The media also covered Natural treasures at the Tollwood Festival supporters, portrayed how the organiza- a number of EuroNatur topics in conjunction More than 500 photographers in 31 countries tion has evolved over the years and also with the celebration of the 25th anniversary. participated in the 2012 international photo- described “trouble spots” that urgently Radio shows and the regional press in particular graphy competition entitled “Europe’s Natural need to be addressed and outlined the published a range of interviews, image galleries Treasures 2012” which had been organized by focus of the Fund’s work in the future. On and articles. The interviews included a parti- EuroNatur in cooperation with German Lufthansa, June 5, 2012, World Environment Day, a cularly detailed conversation with EuroNatur’s the “natur” magazine and the NaturVision celebration was held in Berlin at the “ca- Executive Director Gabriel Schwaderer as part film festival. From November 27 to December pital studio” of the public-service German of the SWR1 (Southwest Broadcasting) radio 23, 2012 visitors to the Tollwood Festival in television broadcaster ZDF. Around 150 channel’s “Leute” (“People”) series. Munich could marvel at the twelve winning guests were present, representing politics, photographs and 20 other outstanding images the media, the business world, nature Bird hunting and the ‘Blue Heart’ at an exhibition. The Tollwood winter festival conservation, and civil society. Some of The issue of bird hunting was picked up several attracted approximately 680,000 people. The EuroNatur’s long-standing project part- times by the media in 2012. It is very important winning photographs were also showcased on ners gave the guests a first-hand account to focus international public attention on this the GEO magazine website. of how nature conservation in Europe is issue. In January 2012, the national weekly put into practice. It was evident that the newspaper “Die Zeit” reported on the positive EuroNatur’s moving pictures founders’ ambitious idea of engaging in impact resulting from earlier media reports on At the occasion of its 25th birthday, EuroNatur transboundary conservation has yielded bird hunting in the Hutovo Blato Nature Park in produced an image film as well as two short many tangible results. Throughout the Bosnia and Herzegovina (please refer to p. 23) films providing insights into the organizations’ anniversary year, visitors to the EuroNatur A media trip organized by EuroNatur in October mode of operation as well as selected projects. website were taken on a journey through 2012 which highlighted the problem of bird The short film “Gemeinsam für Polens grüne time, the “EuroNatur-Zeitreise”: On each hunting on the Balkans resulted in a widespread Lunge” (Together for the Green Lungs of 25th day of the month image galleries and media response. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Poland; www.euronatur.org/Narew) explains videos were uploaded allowing visitors to Zeitung, Frankfurter Rundschau, Berliner what cheese-making has got to do with con- take a virtual trip to different EuroNatur Zeitung and Südkurier, all major newspapers, servation and how reedbeds can be used to projects. These “time travel” uploads were published comprehensive and detailed reports. generate energy, while the short film entitled linked to a competition; the answers to Moreover, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung “Den Wölfen auf der Spur” (Tracking Wolves, the competition questions were published also published a report on the ongoing destruc- www.euronatur.org/wolf) describes the suc- on December 25, 2012. In addition, a tion of the Balkan Peninsula’s river landscapes, cess EuroNatur’s partner organization Wilk has number of fundraising campaigns were the “Blue Heart of Europe” (please refer to p. 11), achieved for the protection of wolves in Poland held during the anniversary year. These a pressing issue that was also picked up by the so far and explains the challenges faced by the conservationists in their daily work.

28 Annual Report 2012 Economic situation

Economic situation in the 2012 financial year

Donors provide the financial footing In 2012 EuroNatur’s regular donors, sponsors Central Institute for Social Issues), this is an Revenue reserves have hardly changed com- and legacy donors continued to provide the acceptable share of total expenditure to be pared to the previous year and stand at EUR financial footing for our conservation work spent on general PR work, advertising and 922k. The European Nature Heritage Fund’s in Europe as well as for political lobbying and administration. Nearly 73%, i.e. almost three statement of its financial position shows that environmental education. EuroNatur also con- quarters of the total expenditure were used for recent years have not only brought success in tinued to receive substantial financial support project work. Compared to the previous year, the organization’s conservation endeavours from private foundations as well as from the there has even been a nominal increase of EUR but have also been economically successful. public sector, most notably from the German 483k in expenditure on projects. Over the past five years, total assets and Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature equity increased by EUR 1,590k and EUR Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Federal 2012 financial year concluded with 1,579k respectively. These results show that Environment Agency (UBA), the German Fe- balanced accounts financially the European Nature Heritage deral Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), The European Nature Heritage Fund conclu- Fund is on solid ground and has been able the environmental foundation Deutsche Bun- ded the 2012 financial year with a balanced to significantly improve its asset base over desstiftung Umwelt, the MAVA Foundation, result. EUR 21k were withdrawn from pro- the past few years. and Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND). ject-specific reserves for site protection in Additionally, EuroNatur’s work was financially Brandenburg. Revenue from bequests and Wills and testaments for European nature supported by certain commercial enterprises endowments in the order of EUR 2k was ad- A further strengthening of the foundation’s the utilities company Gelsenwasser, Biele- ded to the Fund’s capital stock and EUR 20k asset base is of great importance for feld public utilities, German Lufthansa, and were transferred to revenue reserves. EuroNatur’s independence and performance Cemex. as a successful advocate for nature in Euro- Explanatory notes regarding the financial pe. The increase in the foundation’s capital The European Nature Heritage Fund’s revenue statement creates planning certainty and independence. was significantly lower in 2012 (-EUR 485k) Compared to the previous year, there was Endowments and requests therefore provide compared to 2011. On the positive side, do- only a small change in the European Nature immensely valuable support to us and are a nations increased in 2012 (+EUR 57k). Third- Heritage Fund’s total assets (+EUR 17k) great sign of confidence, confidence that we party grants also saw a very large increase which now stand at EUR 3,898k. At the end of endeavour to honour with our commitment. (+EUR 602k). In contrast, there was virtually the financial year, non-current assets (fixed In 2012 we transferred all endowments and no change in revenue from fines and portfolio assets) stood at EUR 1,606k, whereas the yields from bequests to the foundation’s management. There was a decline in revenue foundation’s capital stood at EUR 2,261k. This capital. The strengthened financial position from sponsorships (-EUR 35k) and other discrepancy between non-current assets and of the European Nature Heritage Fund has operating income (-EUR 24k). Following the the foundation’s capital is due to imminent had a positive impact in the 2012 financial significant increase in revenue from bequests redistributions. It is expected that by the end year. We expect that revenues from portfolio and endowments to EUR 1,092k in the previous of 2013 the foundation’s capital and the fixed management will continue to increase in year, these fell back to EUR 2k in 2012. Funding assets will be largely at par. Compared to the coming years. for the development of ecologically important previous year, equity has increased by EUR 9k woodland sites in Brandenburg (EUR 21k) was to a total of EUR 3,183k. Bequests and legacies in 2012 drawn in full from project-specific reserves. Ruth Erika Gisela Wagener, Bochum Current assets at the end of the 2012 finan- Expenditure on advertising, general PR work cial year stood at EUR 2,291k; primarily these and administration saw a small nominal were liquid funds and securities. Accounts increase (+EUR 52k). However, their overall receivable to the value of EUR 791k are all share in total expenditure dropped to appro- considered recoverable and are due within ximately 27 %. According to the DZI (German the next twelve months.

Annual Report 2012 29 Economic situation

Dependent foundations and named funds Working together for Europe’s nature In 2012 EuroNatur managed four dependent Ludwig Raue Memorial Fund EuroNatur’s success in nature conservation foundations and one earmarked named fund. Lappat Foundation in Europe in 2012 were made possible by the A new addition in 2012 was the “Dr. Manfred Wetland Foundation for Froggy & Friends regular donors, sponsors and legacy donors und Gudrun Keim-Stiftung” with current Dr. Manfred & Gudrun Keim Foundation as well as the providers of grants and by our assets in the order of EUR 2 million which Elisabeth Seifert-Becker’s endowment fund commercial sponsors, all of whom helped us was established by will and bequeathed to for the protection of wolves in memory of in so many ways. We are most grateful for EuroNatur. In the reporting year, revenue Viktoria Neumann, Emilie and Franz Seifert your support! from dependent foundations continued to primarily benefit EuroNatur projects.

Statement of financial position as at 31.12.2012

Assets 2012 2011

‘‘ 000 € ‘‘ 000 €

A. Fixed assets 1.606 1.682 I. Intangible assets + tangible assets 71 97 II. Financial assets 1.535 1.585 B. Current assets 2.291 2.198 I. Stocks 14 12 II. Accounts receivable and other assets 791 607 III. Liquid funds, short-term securities 1.486 1.579 C. Deferred items 1 1 Total 3.898 3.881

Liabilities 2012 2011

‘‘ 000 € ‘‘ 000 €

A. Equity 3.183 3.174 I. Foundation‘s capital 2.261 2.251 Core capital 77 77 Endowments 2.184 2.174 II. Revenue reserves 922 923 B. Provisions 97 87 C. Liabilities 618 620 D. Deferrals 0 0 Total 3.898 3.881

30 Annual Report 2012 Economic situation Profit and Loss Statement for 2012

Revenue according to classification of DZI 2012 2011 ‘‘ 000 € % ‘‘ 000 € % Cash donations 863 37,05 798 28,29 Donations in kind 13 0,56 21 0,74 Bequests 2 0,09 1.092 38,71 Fines 18 0,77 18 0,64

Subtotal (This figure represents total donations) 896 1.929

Government grants 481 20,65 262 9,29 Grants from other organizations 629 27,01 416 14,75 Nonprofit tax-exempt commercial activity 170 7,30 19 0,67 Interest and capital gains 96 4,12 67 2,38 Other revenue 57 2,45 128 4,53

Total revenue 2.329 100 2.821 100 Withdrawals from revenue reserves 21 14 2.350 2.835

Expenditure according to classification of DZI 2012 2011 ‘‘ 000 € % ‘‘ 000 € % Expenditure on project aid Staff-related expenditure 508 21,82 376 20,97 Administrative and other expenditure 937 40,25 618 34,47 Expenditure on project monitoring and assistance Staff-related expenditure 170 7,30 144 8,03 Administrative and other expenditure 16 0,69 18 1,00 Expenditure on campaigns, education, public awareness Staff-related expenditure 43 1,85 36 2,01 Administrative and other expenditure 13 0,56 12 0,67 Expenditure on advertising and general PR work Staff-related expenditure 136 5,84 118 6,58 Administrative and other expenditure 206 8,85 151 8,42 Expenditure on portfolio management 14 0,60 76 4,24 Expenditure on administration Staff-related expenditure 222 9,54 189 10,54 Administrative and other expenditure 63 2,70 55 3,07

Total expenditure 2.328 100 1.793 100

Transfers to the Fund‘s capital stock 2 750 Transfers to revenue reserves 20 292 2.350 2.835

Annual Report 2012 31 Risks Transparency

Dealing with risk

Risks – correct assessment and effective response For a non-profit foundation, EuroNatur’s and eastern Europe, powerful non-profit and approximately 12 % of overall expenditure on financial resources are relatively slim. The independent conservation organizations are administration. We invested a further 15 % in organization is urgently dependent on do- few and far between. The lack of competent advertising and general PR work. Advertising nations and third-party grants in order to and trustworthy partners limits our options. It alone only accounted for 7 % while 8 % were discharge its mandate as an advocate of is for this reason, that EuroNatur also invests spent on general PR work. nature in Europe. The manner in which these in the systematic development of civil society grants and donations are passed on to partner in southern and eastern Europe. EuroNatur’s Inefficiencies and ineffectiveness in organisations in the east and south of Europe project work is always predicated on coo- project work is a sensitive issue, one that is predicated on peration with a local partner organization. We regularly scrutinize our internal pro- a very good network of long-term contacts. If there is no such partner organization in cesses which allows us to continuously Moreover, a multi-level control system is a particular region, it is reason enough for increase our efficiency. We also analyze essential for the correct assessment of risks EuroNatur not to engage. the work of our partner organizations and and an effective response to them. work with them to find solutions to increase Misappropriation of funds by employees their efficiency. Our partners’ statements Potential risks and the measures we take of expenditure are checked by the project to avert them We have self-imposed strict rules on bud- liaison person for content and by the ac- getary control. Payment orders are always counting department for financial accuracy. Financial and economic crises subject to the “Two-man rule”. Target- All statements of expenditure are submitted The global financial and economic crisis performance comparisons are carried out to the managing directors prior to funds which began in 2008 , the impacts of which on a monthly basis. being paid out. are still being felt, has shown once again that our lives’ economic circumstances Administrative costs can change swiftly and dramatically. The We are constantly working on keeping our European Nature Heritage Fund invests its administrative costs as low as possible. None- equity capital in low-risk funds, taking into theless, an organization of our size, which account ethical and environmental criteria. does not only have a supportive but also Moreover, reserves are built up in order to be an operative role, can not be efficiently run able to even out fluctuations in revenues. without a certain amount of administrative expenditure. As our project support and Lack of competent and trustworthy partner implementation is focused not on Germany organizations but on other European countries, we are The European Nature Heritage Fund has not also subject to more stringent requirements opted for a Europe-wide network of offices with respect to the drafting of contracts and with full-time employees, thus eliminating verification of expenditure declared. This also the administrative expenditure such a net- results in administrative expenditure. The work would incur. We are primarily concerned calculation of expenditure on administration, with cooperating with existing conservation advertising and general PR work is based on organizations that are well connected in a procedure agreed with the DZI (German their local areas and are successful in their Central Institute for Social Issues). In 2012 endeavours. In many countries of southern the European Nature Heritage Fund spent

32 Annual Report 2012 Transparency

Transparency and sustainability are amongst EuroNatur’s important tenets

EuroNatur was again awarded the DZI Capital investment based on environ- Seal of Approval mental and ethical criteria In 2012, the European Nature Heritage Fund The European Nature Heritage Fund’s foun- EuroNatur magazine as well as topical was again awarded the DZI (German Central dation capital now amounts to significantly project reports containing comprehensive Institute for Social Issues) Seal of Approval more than EUR 2 million. Therefore, baseline information on current developments in the which certifies that EuroNatur uses funds specifications for portfolio management are projects. In 2012, EuroNatur commissioned prudently, is reputable in its solicitation of continuously gaining in importance. In 2012, the company SAZ Dialog AG to win back as donations, and keeps the proportion of funds EuroNatur’s Presiding Committee adopted financial supporters of EuroNatur’s project spent on administration at acceptable levels. portfolio management standards. In keeping work former donors who lost touch with the with the organization’s philosophy, invest- organization. Transparency International ment decisions are based on environmental EuroNatur is also a member of Transparency and ethical criteria. Targeted project support International. Signatories to the initiative In 2012, EuroNatur’s projects focused on the voluntarily commit to publishing ten System of remuneration following areas: Agricultural policy, biodiver- particular items of information about their EuroNatur’s employees are assigned at five sity policy and energy policy in Europe as well organization on their website. These include different functional levels, in addition to the as, implementation of pilot projects, projects i.a. their statutes, the names of essential management team. These five levels are Admi- aimed at the protection of the European decision-makers, and information on how nistration I and II, Divisional management, and Green Belt and the further development of they are funded, how they use their funding, Project management I and II. Remuneration the European Green Belt Initiative, projects and their personnel structure. bands have been set for each of the levels, ex- aimed at protecting migratory birds and tending 20 % either side of the mid-point. The their habitats, projects aimed at protecting Auditing mid-points for the Administration I and Project Europe’s rivers, and large mammal conserva- In 2012, EuroNatur once again voluntarily Management II remuneration bands are EUR tion projects. Expenditure on these priorities submitted to an audit of its annual accounts 32k and EUR 49k per annum respectively. in 2012 was as follows: by an auditor. The auditing and tax accoun- ting firm WISTA AG audited the European The three highest annual remuneration packages Agricultural policy, biodiversity policy, energy policy 600 T€ Nature Heritage Fund’s 2012 annual accounts are received by the Executive Director, the European Green Belt 495 T€ in accordance with Par. 317 of the German Director of Conservation Policy and the Head of Protection of migratory birds 255 T€ Commercial Code (HGB) and in accordance Finance and Accounting. Extrapolated to full- Protection of rivers in Europe 80 T€ with the accepted standards for the review of time posts these three positions receive a total Protection of large mammals in Europe 118 T€ financial statements (IDW PS 201) as set out of approximately EUR 215k. Without exception by the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany all members of the Presiding Committee and The projects described in this annual report refer (IDW) and endorsed the accounts with an the Board of Trustees act in a voluntary capa- to the priorities listed above. The funding volu- unqualified audit certificate. An extract from city and only receive reimbursements for cost mes given above were spent on these projects’ the audit certificate states the following: incurred, but no expense allowances. implementation. The European Nature Heritage Fund also supported and implemented other “We have audited the annual financial statements, Advertising and donor information projects and initiatives. However, a more detailed consisting of the balance sheet, statement of Six times a year the European Nature Herita- description of these projects is beyond the scope income, and notes, and including the accounting ge Fund sends out information to its donors of this annual report. and the management report of EuroNatur to keep them in touch with ongoing projects – Stiftung Europäisches Naturerbe, Radolfzell, for and request support for concrete endeavours. the fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, In addition, regular supporters receive the 2012. […] Our audit did not lead to any objections.” June 7, 2013, WISTA AG, Mannheim.

Annual Report 2012 33 Impact monitoring One of the most important tenets of and non-governmental sources), EuroNatur ments to activities or even objectives. In order EuroNatur’s work is the efficient deployment reports back in detail to the financial backers. to receive grants from EuroNatur, applicants of funds entrusted to us by our donors and Impact monitoring already begins at the stages must present cohesive project designs in by the organisations (both governmental and of project development and project applica- keeping with the principles set out above. The non-governmental) that support our work. tion. EuroNatur develops projects based on partner organization’s reports are subject to Systematic planning and comprehensive comprehensive situational analysis and needs comprehensive evaluation by EuroNatur and impact monitoring are preconditions to the assessments. Together with our partners we our project managers regularly visit the project efficient use of funds. formulate the overall objectives and prepare areas to discuss the projects’ progress. project applications. These can only attract The European Nature Heritage Fund takes both funding if the objectives are clearly set out and Both positive developments and difficulties a supportive and an operative role. For pro- if activities are proposed that serve to meet arising are assessed in a systematic fashion in jects undertaken by EuroNatur in cooperation these objectives. Evidence of the use of funds order to allow for procedural adjustments to with its partner organizations, and which in must include comprehensive evaluations of be made and to learn lessons for the future. most instances are in receipt of third-party the achievement of set objectives as well as Progress reports document project develop- financial support (from both governmental rationales for potential changes in or adjust- ment up to the point of their completion.

Outlook

While you are reading our 2012 Annual Report we continue to work very hard to protect Europe’s natural treasures. Below we will describe some of the additional key issues we are planning to focus on in 2013:

Conservation policy: Species and site protection: Public relations work: The European agricultural policy continues EuroNatur has set itself the task of protecting The European Nature Heritage Fund’s public to be at the centre of EuroNatur’s work Europe’s most important natural and cultural relations work has two main objectives: on conservation policy. With a view to landscapes as well as the most highly endan- To comprehensively inform our donors and strengthening biodiversity protection in gered species. Over the past 25 years we have the wider public about EuroNatur’s work Europe, we will also strongly focus on the made much progress in this respect. in nature conservation, and to raise the linkages between climate protection and organization’s public profile. In 2013 both nature conservation including the related In 2013 one of our priorities will be the of these objectives continue to be at the top increasing competition for land. protection of migratory birds. In many of of the agenda. the EU Member States, the implementation Another core objective for 2013, to be of the EU Birds Directive leaves much to be Administration: achieved in cooperation with our local desired. In 2013 we will delve deeper into Our administration provides the foundations partners, is to stop the most damaging large- this issue, identify potential partners and that support all of the organization’s sub- scale projects in the EuroNatur project areas. begin the necessary political work. The suc- stantive work. We always seek to optimize These include first and foremost the massive cessful further development of the European administrative workflows with a view to onslaught of the hydraulic engineering lobby Green Belt Initiative is another one of our achieving cost reductions. on the Balkan rivers. work priorities.

34 Annual Report 2012 Presiding Committee: Conservation needs action – and money! President: Christel Schroeder Members of the Presiding Committee: Lorenz Graf, Dr. Thomas Griese, Our successful work is built on targeted strategies, efficient Jörg Nitsch, Prof. Dr. Hubert Weiger methods, sound knowledge, rich practical experience, and respectable partner organizations in the project regions. But Executive Director: existing opportunities translate into concrete measures only Gabriel Schwaderer, Radolfzell with the help of our donors.

Director of Conservation Policy: Donations to registered charities such as EuroNatur are Lutz Ribbe, Rheinbach tax-deductible. Please help us help Europe’s nature and wildlife. Imprint: EuroNatur European Nature Heritage Fund

Konstanzer Str. 22, 78315 Radolfzell Donations: Phone +49 (0)7732/92 72 0 account 8182005 Fax +49 (0)7732/92 72 22 bank code 370 205 00 Internet: www.euronatur.org Bank für Sozialwirtschaft Köln E-Mail: [email protected] IBAN DE42 3702 0500 0008 1820 05 www.facebook.com/euronatur SWIFT/BIC BFSWDE33

Editors: Katharina Grund, Angie Rother, Gabriel Schwaderer Please spread the word and help us find new supporters Translation: for EuroNatur! Ute Bohnsack, Email: [email protected] www.euronatur.org

Photo credits: Cover and p. 2 - 4: Kerstin Sauer - lily grass (Anthericum) The DZI (German Central Institute for Social Graphic design: Issues) seal of approval certifies that EuroNatur Kerstin Sauer; EuroNatur Service GmbH is serious, transparent and uses donations IOSSN 0945-148X wisely and effectively.

Printing: Fischer Druck GmbH & Co. KG, printed on 100% recycling paper (Recymago)

Annual Report 2012 35 Donations: EuroNatur Bank für Sozialwirtschaft Köln account 8182005 bank code 370 205 00

IBAN DE42 3702 0500 0008 1820 05 SWIFT/BIC BFSWDE33

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