The Mediterranean Echo WWF Mediterranean Initiative Newsletter a Partnership for the Mediterranean

School of Saupe (Boops salpa or Sarpa salpa), Tabarka coast, Tunisia. © Michel Gunther / WWF-Canon

the mediterranean echo WWF Mediterranean Initiative Newsletter A partnership for the Mediterranean

At the crossroads of three continents, the Mediterranean region is blessed Issue 2 \ July 2010 with a rich biodiversity and a diverse cultural heritage. At the same time, a series of major threats require urgent In this issue... action. While WWF has for many years sought to address these threats Natura 2000 in Serbia and Montenegro and conserve the biodiversity of the Business support for conservation priorities in Portugal region, this effort now takes on a more concerted form, bringing together Innovative water management in Morocco all the offices in the region in addition to the European The dam demolition campaign: unleashing rivers Policy Office and WWF International. The Mediterranean Negotiating with the hydropower sector in BiH Initiative reaches beyond the WWF network, seeking transformative change in the way governments, the Mediterranean Fisheries Regulation private sector and the public perceive the environment. Open and deep sea conservation Join us in this effort to work together for a more sustainable future for the Mediterranean. Is the UfM paving the way for sustainability? Demetres Karavellas, Chair of the Mediterranean Initiative Shareholder Group Natura 2000 in Serbia and Montenegro A current project led by WWF Mediterranean and What progress has been made so far? partner NGOs Young Researchers of Serbia and We have had expert exchange visits from Slovenia Green Home (Montenegro) aims to strengthen the and Croatia to both countries, with the participation capacity of government, expert institutions and NGOs of about 120 people from the various sectors that will in Montenegro and in Serbia for EU nature legislation be involved in the Natura 2000 process in the near (Natura 2000). Andrea Stefan, Biodiversity Policy future. We help them to understand the requirements Officer, gives a brief overview of the project to date: and responsibilities associated with EU accession.

What sort of activities are involved? What is the biggest challenge? We offer technical support for Habitat Directive Since there is available funding for infrastructure implementation in Montenegro; help NGOs to create in Serbia and in Montenegro, and appropriate and sustain networks that support Natura 2000 nature assessments do not tend to be made activities and help governments in both countries before construction, the greatest challenge of to understand EU nature conservation policy. the project is to prepare governments of both Obtaining the government’s trust and becoming countries to take the environment into account. a reliable partner are priorities for the project.

Local participation in Natura 2000 Keeping species and habitats in good condition is not necessarily incompatible with human activities, in fact many areas are dependant upon human activities for their management and survival. To present Natura 2000 as an opportunity for the sustainable development of local areas, WWF and SEO/BirdLife organised a workshop in May in Toledo, Spain. The Natura 2000 Network: a new opportunity for sustainable rural economy was attended by more than 140 participants from 10 European countries. Major national Natura 2000 stakeholders – hunters, farmers, fishermen, foresters – participated, along with local, regional, national and European authorities. Participants agreed on the need for greater participation of local people in the management of Natura 2000 sites. www.wwf.es/que_hacemos/especiesnuestras_soluciones/ red_natura_2000/

Partner NGO news Young Researchers of Serbia with partners WWF Mediterranean, Green Home from Montenegro and Sunce from Croatia are currently organizing NGO networks in Serbia and Montenegro. These networks will strengthen the capacity of NGOs for the protection of biodiversity and natural resources. The regional networks will focus on communications, education, lobbying and scientific research. An e-newsletter and a blog on Natura 2000 are being developed and will be launched in late July. The blog will give all network members the opportunity to “meet” and discuss topics related to Natura 2000 and the project.

Farmers and a cow, Coto Doñana National Park, Andalucia, Spain. © Jorge Sierra / WWF-Spain "Panda-hero" campaign Summer 2010 is here and the protection of our forests is everybody's business. WWF Greece has produced a communications campaign which shows how human negligence can result in dramatic disasters, unless....a Panda comes to the rescue. The "Panda-hero" appearing in Greek TV and radio commercials and print ads stops an irresponsible driver ready to throw his burning cigarette out of his car window, a worker using tools that create sparks, a farmer burning debris outdoors and a young couple having a BBQ in the countryside. The campaign is presented at www.wwf.gr/panda. Materials are available upon request.

Important Mediterranean forest areas WWF recently made available a database of Important Forest Areas in the Mediterranean as part of a joint project with IUCN Malaga and Plantlife International on Important Plant Areas of North Africa, the Middle East and Albania. The results of the project will form the basis of a publication due to be released in autumn, which will be an essential tool for prioritising conservation efforts in the Mediterranean. Area around the Guadiana River surrounded by Cork oak (Quercus suber) forests. Southwest Portugal. © Hartmut Jungius / WWF-Canon

Business support for conservation A strategy for Mediterranean forests priorities in Portugal One of the key goals of the WWF Mediterranean WWF Mediterranean activities in Portugal, and in Initiative is to build a future for Mediterranean particular the field project in the Guadiana basin, a landscapes. Towards this end WWF Forest Officers hotspot for biodiversity in Europe, have the renewed from France, Greece, Italy, Spain,Turkey and from support of The Coca-Cola Company. The Guadiana WWF Mediterranean met in Rome, Italy, to define a project, which focuses on forest restoration and water strategy for the conservation of Mediterranean forests. conservation, has entered its third year. The Coca- Using the WWF Standards of Conservation Project and Cola Company has also joined the IBFTN (Portuguese Programme Management methodology the participants and Spanish branch of the global forest and trade worked together on a common programme of action network - GFTN). The company has commited to that will see a working group developing joint projects, give priority to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) beginning immediately. The strategy drafted during products. Beverages marketed by the company, the workshop will be finalized in the coming months. the furniture in their offices and the paper used in their advertising products will bear the FSC label. Climate Adaptation in Konya Basin WWF Turkey’s Tomorrow Project held a Climate Adaptation roadshow in the Konya Basin in May, to share the outcomes of research into the impact of climate change on Turkey generally and on the Konya Basin in particular. The roadshow visited 6 districts in the Konya Basin, those areas that are extremely vulnerable to the possible effects of drought. More than 2,000 people participated in training courses and discussions, from local administration, public and private institutions, the agricultural sector, irrigation unions, farmers associations and local NGOs.

Increasing water efficiency in agriculture

WWF Turkey has begun a wetland conservation project on Lake Bafa to increase the efficiency of water use in agriculture with a pilot project on modern drip irrigation for thirsty crops (cotton and corn). The project also supports intensive training for farmers to increase their awareness of agricultural water use and wetland conservation. Grazing at Merja Zerga lagoon, Morocco, a bird sanctuary of international importance. © Toomas Kokovkin / WWF-Canon

The dam demolition campaign: Innovative water management unleashing rivers approach in Morocco

WWF Spain’s campaign 'Liberando Ríos' began WWF Mediterranean is seeking to develop a new in 2009 with a study that identified environmental approach to the sustainable management of resources problems and functional and conservation status of – Payment for Ecosystems Services (PES) – to ensure the 1,231 large dams and more than 7,000 identified the preservation of the ecosystem services provided obstacles in rivers in four watersheds. WWF Spain by the Sebou river basin in Morocco. A workshop held proposed the demolition of 85 obsolete dams and in Rabat in May was instrumental in developing ideas barriers which cause problems to the movement of for PES mechanisms in the Sebou basin which would water and fish or have a high negative impact on the protect the precious biodiversity of the Sebou upper environment. The WWF Spain campaign has been catchment lakes. Many participants from civil society successful so far. As a result of media interest in the to government, from many sectors including agriculture demolition of dams and barriers in rivers there has and tourism joined the workshop and reflected on been a substantial increase in demolition projects. areas and ideas for setting up PES schemes in the

A complete report is available in Spanish at: http://assets. region. If Morocco implements PES, it will be one of wwf.es/downloads/presas_informe_completo.pdf the first countries in the Mediterranean to do so.

More information at wwf.panda.org/mediterranean Negotiating with the hydropower sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Working on water issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina everyone has the opportunity to be heard in the search means dealing with the hydropower sector. WWF’s for a solution that is satisfactory to all”, said Zoran main objective in the country is to identify the water Mateljak, local coordinator of the WWF Mediterranean flows which should be maintained by dam operators in Freshwater programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina. order to guarantee the survival of important downstream wetlands. Amongst these wetlands is Hutovo Blato which, thanks to its outstanding biodiversity, ensures Conservation priorities for Balkan the purification of its water, prevents salinisation and rivers provides water to downstream areas as far as Croatia. WWF's approach to conservation is to identify priority In June 2010, meetings were organised with several areas for action. In this framework a workshop stakeholders including the national electricity company was organized in June in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Elektropriveda which uses hydropower to produce Herzegovina, by WWF Mediterranean and the WWF its energy, but has a high impact on the Neretva Dams Initiative. Thirty four participants from all over River's downstream area and Hutovo Blato. the world, many from the WWF network, gathered "Implementing solutions that would secure ecological to discuss methodologies which could be used to water flows and help the survival of Hutovo Blato identify priority areas for freshwater conservation and requires the commitment of people who often have enhance conservation planning at a large scale. A opposing interests. The key for WWF to succeed resource book on prioritising freshwater resources is to maintain constant dialogue and ensure that for conservation planning will soon be available.

A green Canton for Bosnia and Herzegovina In Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the town of Livno, is a remarkable natural feature – a massive 46,000ha flat limestone depression. Livanjsko Polje – one of the biggest seasonally flooded karst plateaux in the world – combines valuable wetlands, an important bird habitat, marsh, peat and grassland. It is also a rich agricultural area. WWF Mediterranean and partner Youth Centre Livno are working to create an Eco Canton, to support dynamic economic activities that are compatible with nature. Adopted by the authorities of Livno, the Eco Canton still needs to be adopted by the cantonal parliament. WWF and its partner coalition of local NGOs, the Partnership for the Environment, are running various events as well as a petition to push for the adoption of the project. "We are pleased with the positive response to our activities, making it clear that local people are aware of the problems this canton faces. Their signatures are a clear sign to the cantonal parliament that there is a demand for sustainability in future development of our Canton", said Mato Gotovac, local coordinator of the WWF Mediterranean Freshwater programme.

Livanjsko Polje Karst spring in Livno plain, Bosnia and Herzegovina. © Michel Gunther / WWF-Canon Thalassa Campaign: Learn, Act, Protect A key problem for the marine environment in Greece is the threat posed by human activities to all marine mammals inhabiting Greek waters. WWF Greece, together with MOm, the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the monk seal, are due to begin the Thalassa campaign to raise the awareness of the general public, children, educators, policy makers, local authorities, the navy and coast guard regarding marine mammals in Greece. The campaign aims to establish a more active and environmentally friendly attitude to the Greek marine environment and focuses on the importance of marine mammals for marine ecosystems, the imminent threats they face, and the conservation actions necessary to ensure their long-term viability. Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) pair swimming © Jacques Trotignon / WWF-Canon

Time to tighten screws on Further progress in Kaş Kekova Mediterranean Fisheries Regulation To strengthen the capacity of the various institutions In a new report, WWF has shed light on widespread responsible for Marine Protected Areas in Turkey a flouting of agreed fishing rules by Mediterranean EU training workshop was held in May in Kaş, Antalya. countries. WWF’s assessment of implementation by Organised within the framework of the MedPAN South EU Member States of the Mediterranean Fisheries project by WWF Turkey and WWF Mediterranean and Regulation – first proposed in 2003 and in place run by NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric since 2006 to set the basis for sustainable fisheries Administration) from the United States, the workshop management in the Mediterranean – shows poor brought together local fishermen and diving clubs as adaptation and compliance to the new agreed rules by well as representatives from relevant ministries and local Mediterranean countries France, Greece, Italy, Malta authorities. With the participation of all, key decisions and Spain. “This widespread failure to comply is a were made for the future management of the MPA. disappointment,” said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries During the one-week workshop participants focused on at WWF Mediterranean. “WWF’s report exposes the clear zoning issues for Marine Spatial Planning in Kaş Kekova lack of political will by Mediterranean EU Member States Specially Protected Area, achieving both technical to fulfil legal obligations they agreed to over 3 years ago and training results. The workshop was particularly to set fishing protected areas and adopt sustainable important in raising the profile of WWF’s work in Kaş fisheries management plans. What are they waiting with the Turkish Environmental Protection Agency for for? WWF calls on the European Commission to make Special Areas (EPASA), and with local stakeholders. a priority of defining implementation guidelines on the Mediterranean Fisheries Regulation – clearly establishing standardized delivery mechanisms that all Mediterranean EU Member States must be bound to follow.” More information at wwf.panda.org/mediterranean Open and deep sea conservation in the Mediterranean

The identification of ecologically and biologically waters has always been hampered by governance issues. significant areas, including habitats and their resources International cooperation at a regional level is in the pelagic, bathyal and abyssal zones, is among fundamental to the protection of such areas the priorities of the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan, and individual and bilateral national efforts can a crucial step towards the CBD target of establishing contribute to supporting this regional initiative. a representative network of Marine Protected Areas in The list of 13 priority conservation areas in the open and deep the Mediterranean by 2012. The UNEP MAP Regional Mediterranean Sea is available on the UNEP MAP web site www.unepmap.org. Activity Center for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/ SPA) held a meeting in Turkey in June at which all contracting countries agreed on the vital importance of Natura 2000 at sea open sea and deep sea areas for conservation. For the first time, 13 priority conservation areas were identified The network of 'Natura 2000 at sea' maritime sites around the Mediterranean based on scientific criteria took a step forward in the Mediterranean with a agreed on by the contracting countries. In this first phase, special seminar in June. It was an opportunity to WWF Mediterranean was much involved in analysing assess the proposals of seven coastal states for and reviewing the available scientific information. 'Natura 2000 at sea' sites and to identify their needs The 13 priority areas either lie beyond national jurisdiction in terms of habitats and species listed in the Annex and/or are spread across several national jurisdictions. of the EU Habitats Directive. WWF representatives In the past, the process of creating MPAs in international from France, Greece, Italy and Spain were present.

MedPAN North Project Funding for the MedPAN North Project was approved at the end of April by the European Union Programme Med. It is a three-year project (2010-2013) piloted by WWF France in partnership with MedPAN. It gathers 12 partners from 6 Mediterranean European countries to improve the effectiveness of MPA management in these countries, including marine Natura 2000 sites.

More information on MedPAN’s activities can be found at www.medpan.org.

Financial sustainability of MPAs A training course for Turkish officials on Sustainable Financing for MPAs was held in Ankara in June in the framework of the MedPAN South Project. The course presented a wide range of financing mechanisms that are in use for MPAs elsewhere in the world to discuss their relevance in Turkey. The course also introduced participants to the concept and application of ecosystems services and business planning principles for protected sites. Training materials are available upon request.

Bottom trawling is very damaging to fragile deep-sea habitats. © Erling Svensen / WWF Is the Union for the Mediterranean paving the way for sustainability? The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is a partnership been postponed because of increased political tensions programme bringing together the Member States of in the Middle East. For WWF, the UfM initiative is the European Union and Mediterranean countries a major opportunity that needs to be put back on to "work together to make the Mediterranean an track if regional dialogue, peace and stability are to area of peace, development and human and cultural be achieved. Increasing the focus of UfM regional exchanges." The UfM builds upon the achievements cooperation on areas of common concern such as of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and aims to sustainable development and the environment would increase co-ownership (two Co-Presidencies have serve this purpose. In June WWF launched a discussion been put in place) and to make relations more concrete paper "Is the Union for the Mediterranean paving the and visible to citizens (thus its focus on projects). The way for sustainability?", outlining the need to take UfM has extended the number of member countries to environmental cooperation to the next level to ensure 43, representing more than 756 million citizens. The that the main assets of the Mediterranean region and headquarters of its Secretariat opened in Barcelona its priceless natural capital are preserved. The paper in March. There are many uncertainties regarding is the result of a cooperative effort between the offices the future of the Union, however. The Heads of State which make up the WWF Mediterranean Initiative. Summit which was to take place in June 2010 has See www.wwf.es/presidencia_ue/unionmed and www.wwf.fr

Safe clean energy on virtual Heliosthana WWF's how-to guide for a safe clean energy future, based around the virtual Mediterranean island nation Heliosthana, was launched recently at the Spanish European Union presidency conference on the Mediterranean Solar Plan in Valencia. The Heliosthana guide outlines six basic steps taken on the imaginary Mediterranean island that are immediately applicable to most Mediterranean countries and provide the basis for an energy and economic transformation. Heliosthana describes a decade-long harmonious transition towards a sustainable energy system that respects people and the planet, while sustaining balanced economic and social development. www.wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?193188/ Safe-clean-energy-future-unfolds-on-virtual-Heliosthana

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