Improving the Management of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas

National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE 7

The future of fisheries – Marine Protected Areas – a new way forward IN THIS ISSUE: Nowadays there are is, without doubt, the only way to preserve certain recognized several reefs, coral heads, and associated fauna. issues which bear upon It is not a lack of science and scientific data that the marine fisheries: (1) Editorial – The future of prevents undertaking the first step; rather it is a lack of declining yields fisheries______1 political will and, perhaps, timid souls at the worldwide, (2) too management helm. We live in times when one’s neck nd many fishers pursuing 2 meeting of PAs must be extended if ever we are to manage effectively, too few fish, (3) an Mgmt. Committee_____1 the largesse of the marine world. The MPAs have ever growing market for seafoods, and (4) a seeming been demonstrated in many ways to work and their Social Good Summit___2 inability for scientists, managers, and politicians to do use must be initiated if we are to conserve fish stocks, much to stop several downward trends. Concerns are endangered species, diversity and habitat stability. Mini-grants for CSOs - expressed in national and local press and other VC Radhimë strategy__ 3 publications, as well as in almost all meetings, The MPAs may ultimately be linked to other schemes

conferences and scientific discussions in this regard. Visitors at NMP K-S___4 such as “corridors” and artificial reefs or islands, new tools and pathways to provide “bridges” so that stock They all suggest something in common: “Marine progeny and genes may disseminate or flow from one Bio-GIS Masterplan___ 5 Protected Areas (MPAs) will enhance biodiversity and MPA to another, or from an MPA to an unmanaged fish stocks”. On-the-water tourism__ 5 area. These methods have been tested and found MPAs provide opportunities for reproduction and functional in breaking down the natural and man-made Monitoring indicators in recruitment of Living Marine Resources (LMRs). The barriers, to the dispersal of stocks and their progeny. NMP K-S______6 habitat of an MPA is not subjected to physical As for future damages by fishing gear, or the noise, movements, and Workshop with artisanal research, the MPAs shadows resulting from docks, piers, vessel traffic, or fishermen______6 protected for long transects. The MPAs in estuaries and coastal zones periods will allow can preclude dredging, filling, dock construction, Summer school______6 us to assess change pollution, and other physical damages so common in as it occurs with Info & News______7 many coastal areas. Such areas may then develop long-term cycles more robust stocks, capable of dissemination to other, (millennia) and Quotes______8 unprotected areas. In many cases, the MPAs are shorter-term, man- designed to protect diversity and endangered species. induced change. MPAs will be another “island tool” to Evidence is increasing beyond mere intuition that aid in the verification of evolutionary change. They

coastal aquatic habitats subject to ecosystem planning may also be the one best way to deal with marine This edition is prepared by and protection are more robust, and characterized by pollution and physical degradation. greater species diversity, sometimes including UNDP Project on Marine endangered species. Use of the protected marine area © UNDP Project Team and Coastal Protected Areas 2nd MEETING OF PROTECTED AREAS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The Prefect of Vlora INCA presented the projects that it is implementing in NP Llogara held the 2nd meeting and PL Vjosa-Narta. Interventions for fire protection, identification of the Protected of endemic species habitats and plan for drafting the “Code of Areas Management Conduct” in the PAs were identified. Committee for Vlora The meeting discussions were focused at: Region. In the meeting were 1. Drafting a plan of joint measures for controlling the National presented the Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan (NMP K-S) activities implemented during the 6-month working period of 2. Drafting the Code of Regional Administration of Protected Areas Vlorë and how were Conduct for Tourist Boats in addressed the problems encountered during the touristic season. NMP K-S. 3. Acquaintance with the UNDP MCPA II Project Manager, Ms. Violeta Zuna, as well as the proposals for revision of the two experts, Mr. Simone Modugno and Mr. Andrian Vaso, management plan of Vjosa- involved by the project, presented the findings and proposals for Narta Protected Landscape, future efforts related to biodiversity monitoring indicators and within the framework of the process, as well as socio-economic aspects of PAs in general, and ACAP project expertise. NMP K-S, in particular. © UNDP Project Team

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 1 SOCIAL GOOD SUMMIT ON ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

UNDP Resident The latest Representative analysis shows in that if we act Limya Eltayeb, now, we can students and reduce carbon representatives emissions within of civil society 12 years and became part of hold the increase the activities in the global organized in the average framework of the Social Good Summit held in Vlora. temperature to well below 2°C and even, as asked by the latest science, to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The activities aimed at putting climate change at the center of attention and calling for the involvement of the entire Albanian government committed and is preparing to reduce society and the need to take action on climate change in carbon-dioxide emission by 2030 aiming at reviewing the order for Albania to fulfill the obligations of the Paris development of various sectors of economy and determine Agreement. the de-carbonizing as a new way of growth in line with 2030 global agenda and Sustainable Development Goals - During the activities was highlighted the cooperation SDGs. between UNDP, local authorities, national and international development UNDP Albania partners for has made environmental available the protection expertise and through the convening preservation of power to bring healthy, partners and productive and stakeholders on sustainable board for long ecosystems. term solutions to sustainable development and nature protection, applied Human-induced global warming has already reached about technologies for renewable energy sources and energy 1°C more (2018) compared to pre-industrial periods (1850- efficiency, waste and hazardous waste rehabilitation and 1900). The last four years were the hottest years. Sea levels recycling promotion. are rising, coral reefs are crumbling, and the impact of climate change on health through air pollution, heat waves Social Good Summit is held annually during the Sustainable and lower food security is becoming increasingly evident. Development Goals Week and in parallel with the opening of the UN General Assembly session in September. Albania will be one of the most affected countries in Europe by climate change. Extreme atmospheric events and The event was organized in cooperation with the Regional phenomena Administration of Protected Areas in Vlora. such as dense rainfall, prolonged drought periods, but also the rise of the level, are expected to be among the core consequences, impacting water resources, energy, agriculture, tourism, health. @PNUDSHQIPERI

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 2 MINIGRANTS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT THE FUNCTIONING OF RADHIMA VISITORS CENTER Increasing youth engagement to promote the cultural sustainability of Sazan Island The project was implemented by The project’s implemented Thinking, Planning, Acting Center activities were: (TPA). The main scope was raising effective management of MPA K-S,  Training of the students especially Sazani Island. The by TPA center on expected results were: MPA, Legislation and Management Plan of a) Improving of information service on cultural, historical, NMP K-S, and historical and touristic value of Sazani Island. sportive and natural attractions offered by Vlora municipality.  Visit at the NMP K-S and stop in Sazani Island. Exploring the b) Raising and promoting island and get coordination with structures and familiar with its main actors of policy making, in historical and synergy with local general plan and cultural values. tourism strategy of 2017-2020.  Preparation of c) Promoting local formalizations of promotional video of professional touristic guider in the Sazani Island. The future. video was launched at the Social Good Summit event. Bio fest, promoting typical local products of the National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan The project was implemented by  Meetings with local farmers and “Greening 2000”organization. The agencies of Vlora. The data main scope was the promotion of gathered will be part of the local agriculture and farming products brochure and electronic database. of NMP K-S. The expected results  The electronic database for local were: products with general data on Orikum Administrative Unit, number of local farms and a) Preparing of a promoting and informative electronic brochure farmers, number and type of for local products cultivated/farmed species, etc. b) Preparation of an electronic  Participation at the fair database for local products organized during the “Social c) Organization of a fair for the Good Summit 2019” event in presentation and promotion of local Vlora. Local producer presented products. seasonal local products like: cultivated pine seedling, olive The project’s implemented activities were: oil, tea and spices, fruits, wine, agriculture products etc. Radhima, a tourist destination to be explored The project was implemented  Visit to Radhima Visitor Center (VC), and get information by “Hasan Mëhilli” School, about the area’s beauties. Organize a one-day boat tour at the Dukat i Ri and “Rakip NMP K-S. Make drawings and photos. Kryeziu” School, Fier. The  Promoting the VC. Everyone is main goal was the promotion trying to do something well, but of Radhima for its touristic doing something with passion, was and natural values. The the message the students of "Rakip expected results were: Kryeziu" gave to citizens of Fieri after they visited Radhima VC. a) Educative information for 50 students on NMP K-S and  Fish menu to promote sustainable Radhima Visitor Center (VC). consumption. After the visit at b) Exploring Radhima and NMP K-S and share experiences via Responsible Fishermen Association, social media. the children organized an inner c) Awareness raising and information of students about fishery context on fish recipes and choose 3 sector and sea turtle conservation. of them to further distribute and d) Prepare informative and PR materials (picture, banners and promote through their media tools. leaflet) on the natural and touristic values of the park.  A group of 20 students participated in the fair organized for the “Social Good Summit 2019”. They actively took part in The project’s implemented activities were: painting, bicycle, chess and basketball context.

The above-mentioned activities are supported by a UNDP grant under the "Implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Visitors Center Rradhimë" program, which is managed and implemented by Milieukontakt Albania

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 3 VISITORS AT NATIONAL MARINE PARK KARABURUN-SAZAN The National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan (NMP K-S) continues The detailed information regarding the number of visitors per each to be a highly preferred touristic destination for Albanian and month, boat and nationality can be found at RAPA Vlore. We are foreign visitors. This is also demonstrated by the high number of presenting below comparative data on the number of visitors for tourists that visited the park during 2019, especially the summer each month during 2018-2019. season, as well as the number of tour boat that provide this service. Number of Visitors in NMP K-S for Jan-Sep (2018-2019) It is worth noting that the data collection was made possible Month through the active participation of UNDP Junior Experts, who Year were very helpful in registering the number of tourists and Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep TOTAL providing useful information to them. 2018 0 0 30 146 4020 6803 13578 38723 3241 66541 2019 0 80 226 612 2444 7532 16951 40671 6041 74557 This article provides a comparative analysis on several statistical aspects, mainly related to number of tour boats and visitors. The comparison is made with 2018 (January-September), which Number of Visitors in NMP K-S for January-September corresponds to the starting period of visitors’ data registering. 2018 2019 74557 Based on the analysis, some conclusions are presented. 66541

Number of Tour Boats Operators per Year 40671 The table provides updated information 38723 on the number and names of tour boats

16951 13578 7532 4020 6803 6041 2444 3241 0 0 0 80 30 226 146 612 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep TOTAL

Conclusions and Recommendations

 The tendency for tourist boats operations in the NMP K-S has been increased significantly during 2019. This trend is primarily related to the diversification of tourist services and that operate in Vlora, who organize touristic tours at the NMP K-S, since there is a huge gap in this aspect, it may be seen as a as well as their starting year of operation. The associated graphic lucrative way, but, at the same time, it can cause a collapse in shows the number of operating boats for the period 2013-2019. the carrying capacity of the NMP K-S and its degradation.

Routes  The mid-term goal is for Park Structures to play the role of 12 The auditor for the renewal of licenses for tourist boats that visit statistical 10 the Park, on the basis of performance criteria and cooperation data show 8 with Park Authority (RAPA Vlorë) based on their behavior, that the navigation rules, biodiversity conservation, promotion of 6 tour boats MPA during the trip, active participation in collaborative No. of boats follow 4 meetings and better integration with other institutions. four main 2 routes, as  While there is not currently reported any issue related to the 0 depicted in Radhime -Sazani Vlora Port-Sazani Vlora Port-Karaburun Orikum-Karaburun limited number of anchoring areas, this may became an issue Island-Karaburun Island-Karaburun Penisula Penisula-Sazani the figure. Penisula Penisula Island that needs to be addressed in the future. The anchoring buoys

already installed in NMP K-S provide additional anchoring Anchoring area capacity to be used during peak season.

Currently, the 7  The statistical analysis demonstrates that the number of tour boats 6 visitors during 2019 is increased by 8016 visitors or 12% more anchor in five 5 than 2018. Furthermore, there is an exponentially higher areas 4 visitors’ demand during August, and indeed this has to be compared to 3 No. of boats managed both through good planning, and diversification of two in 2018. 2 the offer, i.e. providing other recreational activities in addition The data 1 to the ones performed so far. shows that 0 the most used Zhapovel Shen Vasil Shen Jan Dhim Sazan  It is important for Park Structures to perform a thorough study Kushta anchoring on the carrying capacity of the NMP and provide this as a area is Shen Vasili, where anchor 6 out of 16 boats. The figure guide document for other institutions/authorities, when it presents these data visually. comes for taking decisions related to NMP usage for visit and other recreational activities. Good planning and management Number of Visitors per Month is imperative in order to keep the number of visitors within the The collection of statistical data on the number of tourists/visitors carrying capacity, especially during the ‘peak’ months, such as that have visited the MPA K-S began in January 2019, while the August. first visitors arrived in February. © UNDP Project Team For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 4 BIO-GIS MASTER PLAN

The UNDP MCPA II Project is of actual and future projection on territory (both on developing and planning to environment and economic level), of every decision taken apply a BIO-GIS Master Plan about the MPAs, representing an important tool to increase nature multidisciplinary tool of integrated analysis, and even, a protection and manage significant input to the socio-economic development of the economic values of MPA. biodiversity, addressing the big The GIS consultancy, in cooperation with the other gap on standardized biodiversity and affiliated expert team, are developing an quantitative data on marine GIS-overlay analysis & statistical analysis (generalized and species in Albania. The biotic then MPA benthic marine landscape dataset, the total component of the master plan number of habitats and their expansion, etc.) will be very useful in underlining the ecological The undertaken efforts will enable calculation of the effects of ecosystem fragmentation, the sustainable Biodiversity Value / Synthetic Biodiversity Indexes through management of resources in harmony with natural the calculation dynamisms and the evaluation of related problems. of the economic value of The expected results from the BIO GIS MP of the K-S biodiversity and MPA could allow knowing and evaluating the buffer effect thereafter of both direct and indirect economic benefits coming from developing a the activities planned or actually taking place in the MPA. technical- This way, BIO GIS Master plan becomes a very useful tool administrative to better plan and manage the K-S MPA and future new tool, very MPAs along Albanian coasts. necessary for introducing and management of blue business /economy. It is very interesting to realize a digital cartographic instrument able to show at every level of stakeholders a sort © UNDP Project Team

“ON-THE-WATER TOURISM”

The ecological, actors responsible for implementing, monitoring, cultural, historical, developing the respective bylaws, planning, coordination traditional and with regional administrations and tourism organizations at artistic richness of the national, regional and local level. MPA K-S could The rationale is to contribute on mainstreaming marine obviously serve as ecosystem protection & conservation into the tourism a product ready to sector, to further improve management of NMP K-S and be communicated enable schemas that promote rational and eco-efficient use in international of resources, as steps towards an integrated environmental markets for high management system. The expectation is to enable value added sustainable tourism, generating positive engagement of tourism operators in Vlora into sustainable economic impacts and benefits to the local population, and feasible actions. through green tourism and improvement of private sector initiatives. On the other side it provides a strong potential Thus the end products will be know-how & best for various types of conservation activities integrating both management practices (BMP) for on-the-water tourism, tourism and education. with emphases on promotion and However, it is to highlight the risk linked to un-sustained operation of tour tourism development, causing as a direct consequence a boats and sustainable decline in environment quality, artificial modification of ecotourism coastlines and threat to marine ecosystems. initiatives, enabling In this regard, the UNDP MCPA II Project has undertaken their implementation and is developing an initiative on the analysis of the actual and ensuring legal and institutional situation in the tourism sector, and on sustainability over that bases, introducing necessary adjustments and changes time. that encourage on-the-water tourism and eco-tourism management schemas, with involvement of all concerned © UNDP Project Team

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 5 DEFINING AND OPTIMIZATION OF MONITORING INDICATORS IN NMP KARABURUN-SAZAN

Identifying and using The UNDP MCPA II Project was invited and became part of the right indicators for this event, sharing with the participants some of the key the monitoring of NMP findings of the process for assessing deficiencies in the Karaburun-Sazan is a management and conservation of MPA habitats. Emphasis was very important element given on the proposed monitoring indicators in the NMP K-S for an effective (reports, protocols, examples), based on the MPA's ecological management. status. As such, were underlined Posidonia oceanica, Cystoseira monitoring, artificial barriers to marine habitat Choosing the most protection and improvement such as biocolonization (safe suitable indicators was growth of fish populations the aim of the workshop realized within the frame of the and protection of project “Supporting the Management of National Marine Park Posedonia) and obstacles to Karaburun-Sazan”, supported by Association pour le illegal fishing, physical- financement durable des AMP de Méditerranée (MedFUND) chemical monitoring, financed by French Fund For Global Environment (FFEM). transects location, The workshop was realized in collaboration with the Regional sampling along transects, Administration of Protected Area Vlorë, national and local bi-weekly (or even partners, such as: Vlora Region Prefect, representatives of monthly) water analyzes, UNDPAlbania, international and national experts, biology monk seals, sea turtles, etc. professors, etc. © UNDP Project Team WORKSHOP WITH ARTISANAL FISHERY GROUPS

UNDP MCPA Phase II The invitees and the project experts shared discussion and project organized an presentation on general aspects of fisheries and legal situation workshop with artisanal in Albania pertinent to marine ecosystems conservation, fishery groups in Vlora fisheries sector and on 6th September 2019. impact on the marine The workshop followed environment, artisanal the main findings of the fisheries and the situation consultant report on in Vlora Bay, mutual Impacts Assessment reliance of fisheries from Fishery Activities sector with MPA as well of the MPA Karaburun-Sazan and addressed the most relevant as steps to the future issues such as artisanal fishing practices taking place in Vlora improved co- Bay, its development to protect marine ecosystems, Illegal, management. Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, co-management © UNDP Project Team and increasing production value. SUMMER SCHOOL

During the first week of Llogara, as well the natural resources of these parks. August, the Ministry of The event, which was supported by the UNDP Project on Tourism and Enhancing the Financial Sustainability of Protected Areas, Environment conducted funded by GEF, was concluded with the issuance of a one-week summer certificates and concrete opportunities for student involvement school in Dhërmi with through internships near the most important institutions in nationwide selected dealing with environmental issues as well as studying students. The main scholarships. focus was on the topic of marine pollution, as The projects developed an increasing concern. by students and selected by the professors will be The selected students together with a group of professors from implemented and University of Tirana worked for one week to prepare and monitored by the propose innovative ideas for the prevention of marine Ministry of Tourism and pollution. The training was accompanied with concrete Environment. outreach and awareness activities on the site. During the visit, the students were also familiarized with the Visitors Centers of National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan and National Park © UNDP Project Team

For questions or to subscribe to the newsletter, please write to us at: [email protected] or visit www.karaburunsazanmpa.com | Page 6 INFO & NEWS – Activities of RAPA Vlorë Information Source: RAPA Vlorë On September Experience In the frame of 20, Céline exchange activities capacity building, Damery, from within the RAPA Vlorë staff the twinning program participated in a 5- Conservatoire, between the MPA day training, held in and Joan Mayol, Karaburun-Sazan Zakinthos, , Vice-President of PIM NGO, went in and the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve on "Design and implementation of Tirana and Vlora to exchange with are on-going, with the presence of monitoring activities for assessing the Albanian partners (Coastal Agency, Prefect of Vlora, in the capacity of the ecological effects and fisheries in marine NAPA/RAPA, Flag Pine NGO, UNDP Chairman of the Protected Areas protected areas". Program for Coastal and Marine Management Committee and the RAPA Protected Areas, French Embassy) on Vlorë staff. The training purpose was related to ongoing projects, and identify monitoring and enhancing the efficiency cooperation activities to be developed in The program is managed by RAC/SPA of artisanal fisheries in marine protected 2020 in the and financed areas and border framework of by the Italian areas and at the COGITO project Ministry for same time (supported by the Environment guaranteeing the FFEM), notably on and Protection socio-economic Sazani Island, of Land&Sea. benefits to the NMP K-S and Cape Rodoni site. fishermen community. Reporting of cases Approximately 800 When visiting the of sea turtle kg of waste NMP K-S you will presence in our collected is the definitely get waters has been output of one day beautiful memories! increased more and voluntary clean-up Please be careful more in recent action at for not leaving years. At the same time, has been also Karaburuni!!! your wastes behind!!! increased the number of turtles injured or It is unacceptable that in only 80 m2 of stacked in fishermen's nets. An average 2  700 kg wastes at an area of 180 m in one of Karaburuni's natural beaches the number of 12 sea turtles are treated the small beaches from Shën Jani Bay youngsters of smilealbania and RAPA annually at the Turtle First Aid Center in up Shën Vasili Cape. Vlorëa staff collected approximately 220 Radhima.  100 kg underwater wastes inside kg of waste!!!! Haxhi Ali Cave and next to the pier in With the support of the ACAP project Shën Vasili. The activity is part and the assistance of WWF several of a coordinated actions have been The action is a action between taken to increase hopeful signal of institutions and the capacity of the positive impact local associations, RAPA Vlorë for the that cooperation for addressing this treatment of this brings to the important issue arising from irresponsible species. protection of our national assets!!! behaviour of visitors in the park. On September 5th, The Visitors Karaburuni, a students of Center of NMP mysterious Geology from the K-S is the only peninsula yet to be University of Pisa, center of its kind discovered! Italy, visited the dedicated to Visitor Center of environmental The staff of the NMP Karaburun-Sazan in Radhima. The education on the marine environment. prestigious objective of the visit was to get Discovery Channel acquainted with the geological values of CERCI Association recently conducted television during this area and the an information shootings for impact that the activity on the exploring the particular importance of unique nature and geomorphology of differential waste history of the the area has on its treatment and its Inglizi Bay and biodiversity. impact on the Cave. marine ecosystem.

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