TOGETHER Local solutions for nature conservation Lessons from the Mediterranean THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN: TOGETHER FOR NATURE

Stretching from Cape Verde to eastern Turkey, the Mediter- civil society, so local people and organisations can continue ranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot is identified as one of the to protect nature in the future. world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots – Earth’s most biologically rich, yet threatened, areas. But CEPF is more than just a funding provider for local conservation projects. Through our Regional Implementa- But this politically turbulent region is also special because of tion Team in the region, we have built up the smallest of civil its cultural diversity – necessitating a local approach to nature society organisations, and discovered surprising similarities conservation that benefits both people and biodiversity. and lessons when successfully connecting together even the most diverse cultures and countries. Imagine bee-eaters, cave salamanders, geckos, macaques, dragonflies, pelicans for a flavour of the faunal diversity the As well as celebrating five years of investment in the region, Mediterranean Basin harbours – many found only in the we are also sharing important learned lessons and best prac- region. Covering more than two million square kilometres, tices in conservation. This brochure aims to do both, and reveals this biodiversity hotspot is also ranked as the third-richest in some innovative project ideas to not only inspire future conser- the world in terms of its plant diversity. Yet rapid economic vationists in the region, but to link them up with the now-experi- development, an increasing human population, and 32% of enced grantees for working together in future projects. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, the world’s international tourists are creating unprecedented Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, pressures on its natural resources. Inside you will find incredible species, motivating stories, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the World Bank. complex threats, conservation successes and innovative Additional support in the Mediterranean Basin is provided by the MAVA Foundation. Nature is local. Impacts are felt locally. The Critical Ecosys- ideas. So embrace the cultural and biological diversity, con- tem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is tackling the threats to some nect, learn, continue to promote local conservation, and read A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. of the world’s most critical ecosystems by investing in local on to discover more.

LIZ SMITH Regional Implementation Team Manager for the CEPF Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot

This network is not just 93 civil society organisations supported by CEPF. It is also 93 organisations who work together more and more as a team to preserve the amazing biodiversity of this region.

Despite facing a lot of difficulties today and in the future, civil society organisations are finding inspiration in the work of their fellow CEPF partners from other countries in the hotspot.

PIERRE CARRET Grant Director CEPF 5

CONSERVATION OUTCOMES FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE HOTSPOT HIGHLIGHTS $10.9 MILLION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

INVESTING IN CIVIL SOCIETY 7 new Protected Areas established so far

90% 6-7 143,680 hectares of Protected OF ORGANISATIONS LOCAL SKADAR LAKE Areas expected WITHIN THE MED Montenegro, Albania 12-13 LEGEND 11 $10.9 million invested in the region KARST CAVE SYSTEMS policies, laws or Bosnia & Herzegovina, 16-17 regulations created so far 93 organisations funded Mediterranean countries Montenegro, Albania with CEPF-granted conservation projects ADRIATIC 106 grants awarded COASTLINE DALMATIAN PELICAN Albania 1,495,139 Pelecanus crispus hectares of Key $2 million extra leveraged Examples Biodiversity Areas with by civil society for conservation of best practices VU strengthened protection 12 developing countries funded OLM - Proteus anguinus 7 Page numbers VU conservation networks TACKLING THREATS LOCAL COMMUNITIES created so far Nature-based tourism All figures are in United States dollars 146 communities $2,111,097 benefited so far 19% $3,513,829 32% OTHER SPECIES BENEFITED 18-19 $2,109,092 19% SANTA LUZIA, RASO & BRANCO Cape Verde $3,234,479 EN EN 30% 8-9 BARBARY MACAQUE WHITE-HEADED DUCK KURIAT Macaca sylvanus Oxyura leucocephala ISLANDS CONSERVING AND STRENGTHENING Tunisia PROTECTING KEY SITES CIVIL SOCIETY CAPE VERDE SHEARWATER Calonectris edwardsii 14-15 EN EN MINIMISING THE MANAGING NEGATIVE EFFECTS FRESHWATER NT EHMEJ, OF COASTAL CATCHMENTS SARADA & BASKINTA 10-11 MED. MONK SEAL EGYPTIAN VULTURE DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLY Lebanon Monachus monachus Neophron percnopterus WADI MUJIB LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE RESERVE IUCN RED LIST SCALE Caretta caretta Jordan CR CR EN

EX CR EN ALGERIAN FIR NORTHERN BALD IBIS SOFAR IRIS Abies numidica Geronticus eremita Iris sofarana EXTINCT CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ENDANGERED EN NUBIAN IBEX Capra nubiana VU CR VU NT LC VU VULNERABLE NEAR LEAST LEBANESE CEDAR RASO LARK THREATENED CONCERN Cedrus libani Alauda razae

4 7 LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR NATURE CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

PELICAN PROBLEMS

SEASONAL FLOODING

Natural nesting sites for Dalmatian Pelican on The first generation of rafts was made mainly of Skadar Lake are mainly reed and peat islands that wood (3-4 year lifespan); the latest generation will are prone to flooding during spring storms – this be built from polypropylene pontoons (30 years is a major problem for the nesting success of such with limited maintenance). a small colony. The pelicans had no problem adjusting to the new plat- The project team created four manmade buoyant nesting forms. In large waves, the pelicans are hesitant to sit on the rafts, which, unlike terrestrial nests, are able to rise and fall bobbing rafts, but still nesting success is better than a terres- with the changing water level. trial nest which would be flooded at that time.

HUMAN DISTURBANCE MANAGEMENT

“Motivating people to protect a species is the most have been involved in discussions and a unanimous important task,” says Bjanka Prakljačić. “We humans decision was made to respect a 300 m no-approach are the ultimate problem solvers, so call on humans zone between December and July when pelicans when you have a problem.” are nesting. Zonation by anchoring of floating buoys was established. PROTECTING THE GENTLE GIANTS OF THE WETLANDS Several measures have been used to manage the dis- turbance of Dalmatian Pelican on Skadar Lake. The most Pelican hotline: violations are reported immediately, in Using nesting rafts and video monitoring to conserve bird breeding colonies important is remote video surveillance. Cameras have been response to which the national park authority sends out a installed on the nest rafts, powered by solar panels mounted ranger and a patrol boat. on the rafts. Videos and screen-shots from the colony are “With a wingspan of almost three metres and weighing over 10 kg, you can imagine that then sent via a GSM signal to a distant computer, avoiding the Pelican Day and Pelican Villages: the project is also devel- it would be like a small person standing next to you. Just without a voice for his rights.” need for long cables leading to the colony. Another impor- oping ecotourism on and around the lake, with information Bjanka Prakljačić tant factor in mitigating disturbance of the pelican’s colony centres, non-invasive boat tours and observation points. is control of the intentional and unintentional access to the Fishermen, who disturb the birds and compete for fish, can colony by local communities. Local stakeholders (fishermen, gain a financial benefit from the pelicans that will compen- national park rangers, policemen, tourist boat operators, etc.) sate for any loss of fishing income. OVERVIEW WHERE Skadar Lake, on the border Even one of the world’s largest birds is not immune from of Montenegro and Albania, Europe natural and human impacts on wetlands. Despite their size, Dalmatian Pelican are easily affected by human disturbance, NESTING SUCCESS A RECORD HIGH SINCE 1977 persecution, seasonal flooding and wetland changes, mean- ing they are listed by BirdLife International as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Skadar Lake harbours an important nesting colony that 2013 2015 has suffered an 80% population decrease since the 1970s. PROJECT STARTED 40 CHICKS FLEDGED This is an especially pressing conservation issue because the species is an ecological indicator for the health of the lake, KEY SPECIES an emblem of Skadar Lake National Park; and this work a Dalmatian Pelican 2014 2016 “flagship” example of wetland conservation. Pelecanus crispus (Vulnerable) A RECORD NUMBER OF 48 40 CHICKS FLEDGED. PELICAN CHICKS FLEDGED NUMBER OF DISTURBANCE A conservation project has utilised the power of participa- INCIDENTS CAN BE COUNTED tory planning to successfully protect the Dalmatian Pelican ON ONE HAND from threats and increase the colony’s population in Mon- tenegro, through a set of good management practices that have involved all local stakeholders. FUTURE The colony of “gentle giants” now nests on purpose-built "THE PEOPLE OF SKADAR LAKE SEE THE THRIVING DALMATIAN PELICANS rafts which are video-monitored 24 hours a day so threats AS THEIR NEIGHBOURS, FRIENDS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS." can be responded to immediately. Community outreach PROJECT PARTNERS Bjanka Prakljačić, Noé Conservation and encouragement of ecotourism opportunities sees Noé Conservation, Public Enterprise National Parks local people embracing all things pelican. With nesting Montenegro, the Natural History Museum of Montenegro, LINKS www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/pelican-hotline success increasing, the time of the pelican is coming again the Centre for Protection and Research of Birds YOUTUBE “Saving the huge Dalmatian Pelicans of Skadar Lake” to Skadar Lake. in Montenegro (CZIP), EuroNatur, Tour du Valat, and INCA CONTACT Bjanka Prakljačić | [email protected]

6 9 LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR NATURE CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

OUR ISLANDS: THE FACTS TAKING MATTERS INTO LOCAL HANDS

Despite being proposed to be part of a future Marine and › An invasive species eradication and litter clean-up cam- Coastal Protected Area, Kuriat Islands have no legal protection. paign, where 50% of people involved with the work were Whose responsibility is it to protect the area and its turtles? from the tourism and fishing sectors.

› The site is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environ- › The principle users of the site have been involved with ment and the Ministry of Agriculture; part of it is owned a system of mooring to prevent damage to the eco- by the Ministry of Equipment and the Ministry of Defence, system. and no conservation action happens. › The committee bought ecological nets for the fisher- › Civil society (Notre Grand Bleu, NGB) therefore took on men that could not afford them. As a result of turtle the responsibility to protect the turtles and the area. conservation awareness, fishermen are now aware of the importance of the Endangered turtles: the number › NGB formed the first ever co-managed committee for of turtles rescued by fishermen (rather than being sold nature conservation in Tunisia. This allows local coordination for meat on the black market) increased from 3 to 12 per of the site’s management without heavy bureaucratic steps. month in 2016.

› The committee is formed of 18 local stakeholders: private › Through the committee, fishermen now know about the sector including tourism operations and fishing, univer- Turtle Care Centre, and bring injured turtles for care and sity and research, civil society organisations, the military, release. government and a veterinary care centre. › The committee arranged for official restricted access TWO ISLANDS, ONE VOICE › A participatory approach: the committee meets regularly areas for turtle nesting. and has signed an official agreement to control the man- A single, united team of many local groups is best for conserving an important natural area agement of the area. › The military had 200 goats on the islands, which dam- aged the turtle nests and ecosystem. The committee for- › A capacity-building programme has been put in place mally requested to the Ministry of Defence to have them Rare marine plant formations, nesting migratory birds, two uninhabited islands with beautiful sandy beaches. to support the development of the small local organisa- removed to the mainland. One big voice spoke and the This might seem like a safe place for a rare species of turtle to nest, but Kuriat Islands in Tunisia are swamped tions, including training in administration and field work. Ministry agreed. every summer by thousands of tourists. Even local artisanal fishermen who frequent the islands can be unaware of their importance for the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta – the only place in Tunisia where this Endangered species nests, and the most important in the southern Mediterranean. Sea turtle populations are also devastated from bycatch in fishing nets, when they are then sold for meat. PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

Gather important site administration OVERVIEW WHERE Public site is owned by two or three authorities under one umbrella, led by Kuriat Islands, two islands 18 km off administrations, but no-one is actively an NGO. Call it the “Site Management Often in the Mediterranean, especially in North Africa and the coast of Monastir Bay, Tunisia involved in site protection. Committee.” All stakeholders working the Middle East, important sites for nature are the respon- together, led by civil society, is the best sibility of many different governmental departments or way to communicate and make requests. organisations. This can often result in inefficiencies. Instead of one person or a small group of people being held The protection of the site is often Gather all key local stakeholders accountable for the fate of, for example, a Key Biodiversity hindered by many heavily bureaucratic together under an agreement Area (KBA) or protected area, there can be shifts in blame steps, bouncing back and forth to supervise the Management and conservation is neglected. This has been the case for between different stakeholders. Committee plans – with clear actions. the Kuriat Islands, Tunisia. Involve all site users in conservation A local group of nature enthusiasts and local divers in Tuni- KEY SPECIES management through different sia, which evolved out of Arab Spring into a fully fledged Loggerhead Sea Turtle Local stakeholders don’t have a sense activities, so that they take ownership NGO called Notre Grand Bleu (“Our Big Blue”), took the Caretta caretta of pride in the area, or understand of their area and understand why problem into their own hands and found a solution. the threats they are causing to nature. to care for it.

They formed a committee of local stakeholders, who share their concerns at one table and get things done, act- FUTURE ing and requesting action from government as “one big “ENGAGING LOCALS IN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES GIVES THEM A SENSE OF BELONGING AND CREATES voice”. Local civil society is therefore a powerful force for COMMITMENT TO GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE. CO-MANAGEMENT LEADS TO CO-PROTECTION, the supervision and management of the protection of the AND WILL HOPEFULLY LEAD TO A COASTAL PROTECTED AREA.” area. This is also good for awareness amongst stakehold- Jamel Jrijer, Notre Grand Bleu ers such as fishermen and tourist operators, because local people get engaged with “their” site and are concerned for PROJECT PARTNERS LINKS www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/atlantic-mediterranean-turtle-conservation-overcoming-similar-challenges | www.notre-grand-bleu.com its conservation. Notre Grand Bleu, APAL, PIM, RAC/SPA CONTACT Jamel Jrijer | [email protected]

8 11 LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR NATURE CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

PROBLEMS

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

People living in poverty, Not enough space for livestock to graze, rely on their livestock for income. and producing feed degrades soil.

Buying imported dry fodder in the winter Important reserve is overgrazed, destroying is expensive, and price fluctuations impact on lives. rare flora and unbalancing ecosystem. GREEN FODDER Lack of water means lack of nutritional fodder People living with these pressures not aware New tech helps vulnerable villagers whilst protecting natural reserve so livestock unhealthy. of the environmental importance the reserve.

OVERVIEW WHAT IS GREEN FODDER TECHNOLOGY? SOLUTIONS

Small shrubs pepper an arid landscape of steep, sandy › FODDER Food given specifically to livestock, rather than › Hydroponic green fodder unit installed, which produces to the sheep farmers, and improving income and living mountain slopes, where water is scarce and the sandy soil foraging for themselves. fodder reliably throughout the year with very low run- conditions. barren. On the edge of the Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve in › GREEN FODDER Fresh green vegetation for livestock, ning costs. Jordan, people live a traditional pastoral lifestyle below the rich in minerals and protein, as opposed to the expensive › Fodder of high nutritional quality produced, allowing for poverty line. With livestock-keeping their main, or only, source dry feed that herders would have to buy and import when › The unit consumes minimal water, generates minimal increase numbers of livestock per family, so better pro- of income, the conditions mean the 8,000 villagers of Faqou they cannot produce fodder on their land. pollution, and saves soil degradation. duction of meat, milk and other products. struggle to give their sheep the nutrition they need. Their care › HYDROPONIC GREEN FODDER UNIT A method of grow- of their livestock leads to overgrazing in the Reserve, which ing green fodder in water without soil, using mineral nutri- › Green fodder production saves vertical space. › Grazing pressure on the reserve relieved, and minimal supports a surprising variety of plant species including rare ent solutions, and taking up little space as an indoor unit impact on biodiversity, as opposed to traditional fodder orchids, and several highly-adapted mammals including a stacks green fodder horizontally. Electricity for lights is › Workshops were held to ensure local people fully under- production. threatened large wild mountain goat, the Nubian Ibex. provided by solar panels on the roof of the unit. stood the benefits and were on board with the project, so sheep farmers bought this fodder. As well as promoting ‘community management’ of a new Imagine, then, a solution that allows people to grow cheap A pilot green fodder unit was installed by SDAR working resource, the project has also raised villagers’ awareness of fresh green feed for their livestock in just seven days, all year with the sheep farmers of Faqou’s Agricultural Coopera- › Ownership of the unit transferred to the local coop- Wadi Mujib and its unique nature, and the impacts of the dif- round. Is there an innovative agricultural solution that takes tive Association, and has proved very successful. The own- erative, so they sell green fodder at a price beneficial ferent choices they can make when feeding their livestock. little space, uses water efficiently, does not degrade the ership of the unit was transferred to the association, and, soil, uses no pesticides, improves food security, adjusts to despite difficult early stages where locals were hesitant climate change, improves people’s livelihoods and relieves to buy fodder produced by this new technology, sheep Pilot green fodder unit produces 0.5 ton of green fodder per round, sufficient to feed 200-220 pressure on nearby reserves so nature can flourish too? Yes, farmers continue to purchase the green fodder rather than goats using only 100 litres of water per month (recycled for a period of one month). it is called a ‘green fodder unit’. grazing on the reserve. It is estimated that this saves up to 10 hectares of grazing land on the reserve in the first year.

FUTURE WHERE PROJECT PARTNER KEY SPECIES “NOW PEOPLE REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FLORA AND FAUNA AROUND THEM, Faqou village and Sustainable Nubian Ibex AND WE SEE THIS TECHNOLOGY EXPANDING TO OTHER SENSITIVE AREAS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.” Wadi Mujib Biosphere Development Capra nubiana, Rami El-Akhras, SDAR Reserve, Jordan of Agricultural 43 rare plant species Resources (SDAR) LINKS www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/cepf-green-fodder-project-benefits-villagers-and-biosphere-reserve | www.usdwe.org CONTACT Rami El-Akhras | [email protected] | [email protected]

10 13 LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR NATURE CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

CRITICAL FACTS 1. ANIMALS AND PLANTS NATURALLY RELEASE THEIR DNA INTO WATER › Olm is a threatened species, evolutionary distinct and highly endemic to the region.

› The Dinaric Karst is the largest continuous karstland in Europe, a global hotspot of subterranean biodiversity.

› Cave species can be restricted to specific cave systems, and are hard to monitor by traditional means (trapping, visual observation) because of their inaccessibility. 2. TAKE WATER SAMPLE IN THE FIELD TO DETECT SIGNATURE eDNA › Groundwater extraction, river damming, and agricul- ture all pose new threats to species living in limestone karst systems.

› Species with little distribution data are not well protected by official legislations and the impact of new threats can- not be predicted.

› If the species can be detected, they can be protected. 3a. FOR DETECTING SPECIFIC SPECIES: eDNA › Olm has even become a flagship species for subterra- OUT OF THE CAVE nean fauna, and has helped draw attention to karst eco- › Test for presences of small signature DNA sequences system services and their value for human health. of your target species, e.g. olm. Finding and protecting hidden species: environmental DNA › Quickly obtain results in the field. › The public have also been involved in ‘olm rescues’, › Previous samples of the species needed. when they find them washed out of caves into the fields OR Amongst cold, dark caves of dripping stalagtites, there is a diverse community after floods. of highly-adapted subterranean species. A scientific breakthrough is helping 3b. FOR DETECTING ALL SPECIES: ensure they are monitored and protected in the future. eDNA METABARCODING NOVEL TECHNIQUES: eDNA › Use ‘Next Generation Sequencing’ techniques DISCOVERING THE PRESENCE OF HARD-TO-REACH which can process a large amount of DNA quickly OVERVIEW CREATURES: ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (eDNA) SAMPLING in the lab. SCB’s project was the first time eDNA sampling was used › Compare the results to a database (e.g. GenBank) to How do you find physical evidence of a rare species when Just because it is hidden, does not mean underground successfully to detect a subterranean organism, which they create an entire picture of the biodiversity in aquatic most of its habitat (the subterranean rivers of limestone biodiversity should be forgotten. did from easy-to-reach outflows of underground rivers. habitats. cave systems in the Balkans) is inaccessible to humans? The Olm is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and an indica- “human fish” is the largest cave animal in the world. Despite tor of water quality. The rare black olm, a distinct morph (and this, Proteus anguinus – a blind, entirely-aquatic salamander possibly even a separate species), is known to be restricted to commonly known as the olm, and endemic to the Dinaric a habitat of less that 30 km2 in S.E. Slovenia – a single pollu- Karst – is incredibly difficult to find. tion event or badly-planned quarry could wipe it out. UNDERSTANDING DISTRIBUTION

› eDNA techniques were used to find the first physical evi- › Number of known olm localities in Trebižat River & “NOT ONLY WOULD WE LOSE SUCH dence of olm in Montenegro. Hutovo Blato priority Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) doubled. AN EXTRAORDINARY AND UNIQUE ANIMAL, BUT THE PEOPLE OF THAT REGION WOULD PROTECTION LOSE THEIR ONLY SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER IN THE SAME MOMENT.” › Understanding its distribution has provided a strong argu- › This work has influenced the protection of three KBAs Gregor Aljančič ment for the full enforcement of legal protection for olm through proposals for EU Natura 2000 sites. in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and to help guide management. › Once the authorities are willing, eDNA sampling could › Evidence has been provided for appealing and advising form a basis for future monitoring schemes, from Bosnia the nature conservation authorities in Montenegro to & Herzegovina to Montenegro and Albania. start all necessary practical actions to protect olm.

WHERE PROJECT PARTNER KEY SPECIES CEPF-funded work Tular Cave Laboratory, “The Human Fish” FUTURE in cave systems of Društvo za jamsko Olm Proteus anguinus “THESE TECHNIQUES HAVE BROUGHT CHARISMATIC SUBTERRANEAN SPECIES INTO THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC FAME, Bosnia & Herzegovina, biologijo (Society (Vulnerable) AND ENGAGED SUPPORT TO PROTECT THEM FROM FUTURE THREATS.” Montenegro, Albania for Cave Biology, SCB) Gregor & Magdalena Aljančič, Tular Cave Laboratory, SCB

LINKS ow.ly/BByF306ev6h | www.tular.si CONTACT Gregor Aljančič | [email protected]

12 15 LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR NATURE CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

A MICRO-SOLUTION FOR BIG WINS IN LEBANON

GET THE SCIENCE

› Bring experts together to thoroughly collate and analyse › Based on the rarity and threat status of the plants iden- data on plant distribution and abundance. USJ organised tified, select priority Plant Micro-Reserves. Existing legal a comprehensive three-day workshop of experts, classify- framework and management philosophy of nature ing Lebanon’s plants according to IUCN’s Red List criteria. reserves can be adapted to smaller areas.

ENGAGE WITH LANDOWNERS TO PROTECT PLANT MICRO-RESERVES

PLANT MICRO-RESERVE PLANT MICRO-RESERVE PLANT MICRO-RESERVE EHMEJ BASKINTA SARADA 55 HECTARES 12 HECTARES 10 HECTARES

KEY SPECIES KEY SPECIES KEY SPECIES SOFAR IRIS ROUND-LEAVED SUNDEW NAZARETH IRIS Iris sofarana Drosera rotundifolia Iris bismarckiana Endangered Least Concern; rare nationally Endangered

GROWING HOPE FOR RARE PLANTS

Engaging with people to create Plant Micro-Reserves LAND OWNERSHIP LAND OWNERSHIP LAND OWNERSHIP PUBLIC (& PRIVATE) PRIVATE RELIGIOUS (CHRISTIAN) Waqf

“As scientists, we must gain knowledge about these plants and their threats, APPROACH APPROACH APPROACH but we also have another role: to spread awareness about the unique richness of the area, › Discussions with › Two years of discussions, › Linked messages and to build the skills of local people to manage and protect their plants.” municipality authority consultations and linking of Pope Francis about Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat, USJ › Invited landowners to meetings with local associations loss of biodiversity › Future scenarios explored › Convinced › Lots of discussions and site visits on importance of site › Explained uniqueness of Iris OUTCOMES TO DATE › Future scenarios explored OVERVIEW Official state protection as OUTCOMES TO DATE a “Natural Site”; and written OUTCOMES TO DATE Religious leader dedicated At shin-height on a mountainous pasture, large purple But these key sites are increasingly encroached as this agreements between municipality Landowner protected site, 1 million sq. metres for the petals fan out like butterflies taking flight: found only in already densely populated country urbanises and industri- and landowners to seek special considering it a “private botanical protection of this plant; and Lebanon, the Sofar Iris is as much beautiful as it is fragile. alises, with untold species disappearing before they are rec- permission and USJ involvement garden” open to scientists and demands Ministry of Environment With a unique geographical position between three conti- ognised or studied. if private land usage changes ‘curious public’, without the need to classify as a “Nature Reserve” nents and a dramatic mountainous landscape, Lebanon is threaten plants. for official state involvement. (the highest level of protection). a hotspot of endemism. For plants (2,600 different species How to protect these endemic plant “pockets” before it is in Lebanon with 12 percent of these endemic), the smallest too late? In Lebanon, they are often found outside national pocket of ideal conditions – humidity, altitude, tempera- nature reserves, meaning creating new protected areas is ture, etc. – can be a refuge for an entire species, often com- crucial. When plants occur on private lands, involvement of ADVICE FROM THE FIELD: GENERATING CONSERVATION SUPPORT AND STEWARDSHIP pletely unknown to people. local people is crucial. › When raising awareness, respect the fact that local but once enlightened they will do their job better knowledge has a long history, and that local people use than no other. natural resources in their daily lives. › Build “trustful” relationships: visit stakeholders very often, › Convince people that it is in their interest to protect these and try to help build their capacity instead of doing all the species. work yourselves. › Locals who are experts in their field may not neces- › “Teach them how to fish” instead of giving just the final sarily be aware of the importance of conservation, product.

WHERE PROJECT PARTNER KEY SPECIES Ehmej, University Sofar Iris Iris sofarana, FUTURE Sarada & Baskinta of Saint-Joseph, Round-leaved Sundew “THIS IS A NEW CONSERVATION APPROACH FOR THE MIDDLE EAST WHICH CAN BE REPLICATED in Lebanon Lebanon (USJ) Drosera rotundifolia, TO CONSERVE POCKETS OF HIGH ENDEMISM THAT FALL OUTSIDE NETWORKS OF PROTECTED AREAS.” Nazareth Iris Sharif Jbour, BirdLife/CEPF Middle East Iris bismarckiana LINKS www.birdlife.org/middle-east/news/growing-hope-plants-lebanon | www.usj.edu.lb CONTACT Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat | [email protected]

14 17 LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR NATURE CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

VISION COMMUNITY-DRIVEN NATURE-BASED TOURISM

APPROACH A “MICRO-GRANTS” SCHEME STARTS A CHAIN REACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH COMMUNITY “MICRO-PROJECTS”

EXAMPLE MICRO-PROJECTS MICRO-GRANTS

PILOT PLASTIC RECYCLING SYSTEM CONSERVATION TRAINING 8 Created at local school, involving Site monitoring, socio-economic local NGOs granted to implement “Recycling Day” when children bring research, questionnaires, data analysis, their own ideas (10% of project in waste from their homes and sell it to bird identification. budget), and also help distribute a recycling company – revenues rein- further calls for proposals vested in outdoor educational trips, NATURE TOURISM INFRA-STRUCTURE for micro-grants in the community. “LAND OF EAGLES AND CASTLES” books, etc. All three KBAs equipped with informa- tion boards, marked trails, birdwatching How to engage local communities in a vision of nature-based tourism TRADITIONAL FLAVOUR towers, and one new tourism office. 18 An eco-business employs 10 local people receive ‘fellowships’ women selling traditional food prod- BIRD GUIDE BOOK for on-the-job “Local communities are the ones with the strongest ties to the environments in which they live, ucts to tourists at KBA. Stall space very First ever complete field guide for Alba- conservation training. and success or fail in conservation often depends to a large extent on them.” competitive. nia’s 351 bird species created. Mirjan Topi HOME STAYS BOAT SERVICE 100s Ten existing local homes transformed Local “one man NGO” guide is set to hundreds of local people into tourist guesthouses near the bring birdwatchers to an inaccessible involved in different activities OVERVIEW entrances to KBAs. island, instead of hunting/fishing. over three years.

Albania: a magnificent landscape rich in wildlife and ancient PPNEA and BSPB have a vision for the sustainable develop- historical monuments. Yet, in a land not so rich econom- ment of this landscape, based around three Key Biodiversity ically, the Albanian coast is fast facing many threats from Areas (KBAs): imagine a coastline where people and nature unregulated tourism development. Much of Albania has live in harmony, where there is no litter, and local creative OVERALL BENEFITS a lack of waste disposal infrastructure and there is limited NGOs and communities protect nature because they value understanding amongst the people of other nature-related it and it brings them direct benefits from nature-based “eco” › A kick-start of sustainable development of the area by environmental awareness campaign themselves. issues including conservation, organic agriculture and sus- tourism. Welcome to the future ecotourism hotspot on the showing people the value of alternative livelihoods, with › Local NGOs help reach deep into the heart of commu- tainable tourism. There are funds for environmental work, Adriatic coast: “Land of Eagles and Castles”. the creation of new nature-friendly sustainable jobs. nities, especially to people who would never see micro- but they are hard to access locally by grass roots organisa- › Brand new in-depth socio-economic research on birds grants advertised on a website. tions and their effects not often felt by local people. How? An injection of environmentalism using micro-grants. has been carried out by community members. › Micro-grants given directly to community members › Local NGOs strengthened with funds that previously creates a sense of involvement, ownership and gen- they could not access due to language constraints and uine responsibility to guarantee the completion of lack of experience. “their” work. › Young people engaged who can continue to contribute › Local NGOs work better in their communities than larger in the future. NGOs, because they know the right people and have the › By using micro-grants to catalyse change, the overall connections. reach of the project is far greater, and more cost-effec- › Environment in much better condition – better for wild- WHERE PROJECT PARTNER KEY HABITAT tive, than it would be if PPNEA and BSPB had tried an life and for attracting ecotourists. Adriatic coastline, Association Three coastal Key Albania for the Protection Biodiversity Areas and Preservation (KBAs): 1. Vjosë-Nartë; FUTURE of Natural Environment 2. Vlora Bay, “NATURE-BASED TOURISM IS BRINGING REVENUE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, in Albania (PPNEA) Karaburun WHO ARE PROUD AND AWARE OF THEIR LOCAL NATURAL HERITAGE, AND ARE CHANGING THEIR ATTITUDES & Bulgarian Society & Çika Mountain; AND BEHAVIOR TOWARDS CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT.” for the Protection 3. Butrinti & Mirjan Topi, PPNEA of Birds (BSPB) surrounding area LINKS www.naturetouralbania.info CONTACT Mirjan Topi | [email protected]

16 19 LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR NATURE CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

DESERT ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS › Ensure you have meaningful and ISLAND enriching volunteer positions. › Give the volunteer programme an DEDICATION exciting name for advertising such as “Desert Island Turtle Camp”. › Have a very clear idea of what you want volunteers to do in what time. › Ensure everyone is fully aware about the local conditions they have signed boat up to endure. › Create certificates for volunteers, Mindelo and other bonus benefits and Calhau opportunities. Santa São Pedro Madeiral Luzia São Vicente

LEGEND Ilhéu Branco DESERT ISLAND RISKS São Vicente › Santa Luzia (5 hours) São Vicente › Raso (7 hours) Ilhéu Raso Inspiration to protect remote and difficult places Turtles NORTH Raso Lark “We do it for love. There are big challenges, like bringing all freshwater by boat, but we do it because otherwise the turtles, shearwaters and larks will disappear from here.” Shearwaters ATLANTIC Patricia Rendall-Rocha, Biosfera Giant Wall Gecko OCEAN “You have to be flexible, you have to know very well the environment in which you work. Fishermen 0 10 20 30 km So keep your minds open, keep your projects flexible because you will need to change something.” Volunteer conservation camp Tommy Melo, Biosfera 0 10 20 mi

OVERVIEW

Piercing sun, dry, rocky ground, and a solitary ex-military can- A VOLUNTEER FORCE vas tent ripped at the sides by strong Atlantic winds. In the only shade, dust sprays as sparrows can be seen scuffling for water With a lack of staff and the need to be present on the islands dripping from the tent’s fresh water barrel tap. This is the scene for 4 months a year, Biosfera and SPEA cannot run their lark, TEATIME WITH FISHERMEN on arrival on Raso, an islet too remote for permanent inhabi- seabird and turtle monitoring programmes without volun- tation, after seven hours of a sea-sickening boat ride. Not the teers. Generally, people (especially young) are excited to On these isolated islands with no rangers, no-one will “Every day, little steps,” says Tommy. “Now the fishermen place you’d expect to find the entire population of a Critically have the opportunity to visit adventurous places otherwise know if fishermen are killing turtles and seabirds. Biosfera work with us. They help us count the birds, build the turtle Endangered lark, let alone a small passionate team of conser- impossible to access, help amazing species, at the same time discovered they were poaching 15,000 shearwaters a year, hatchery, and adopt nests. It was a big, big change.” vationists there to protect it and other unique endemic species receive environmental education, and even help motivate as well as female turtles and their eggs. Once, Tommy from extinction. On a nearby island, Santa Luzia, a regular flow NGO staff too. There are benefits to recruiting volunteers camped out on Raso to protect shearwaters from poach- “Since we are here, they respect us and our work because of international volunteers come to brave isolation and early from local communities (especially those which previously ers, and when his food ran out, he risked shark-invested they see every day that we are walking, that it is difficult,” morning hikes to patrol and conserve a nearby island, Santa harmed nature, such as turtle/seabird poachers), and from waters to freedive for fish. Now, over tea in the fisher- explains Patricia. “They have established a relationship Luzia, for nesting loggerhead turtles and seabirds. abroad too (which helps spread messages beyond borders). men’s shelters on the island, they discuss the environment with us and the turtles and most now know from their together. hearts not to poach.”

WHERE PROJECT PARTNERS KEY SPECIES FUTURE Santa Luzia, Biosfera, SPEA Cape Verde Shearwater “OUR VISION IS A HUGE MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN CAPE VERDE THAT INCLUDES ALL THREE ISLANDS, Raso & Branco, (Portuguese Society Calonectris edwardsii WITH US AS A GOVERNMENT PARTNER AND THE LINK BETWEEN THEM AND THE FISHERMEN.” Cape Verde for the Protection (NT); Loggerhead Tommy Melo of Birds), RSPB Turtle Caretta caretta (Royal Society for (VU); Raso Lark Alauda LINKS www.birdlife.org/africa/news/winning-hearts-and-minds-cape-verde the Protection of Birds) razae (CR) YOUTUBE “Biosfera: Protecting the desert islands” CONTACT Tommy Melo | [email protected] • Pedro Geraldes | [email protected]

18 21

DIVERSE CULTURES, SAME COMMITMENT TO BIODIVERSITY Perspectives after five years of conservation in the Mediterranean

Political turmoil in the region caused some collateral damage to protected areas and threatened fauna and flora. It also showed us there was a lack of harmony between local people and conservation. Since we started in the hotspot, we have contributed to the 180 degree change of conservation from ‘protect by punishment’ to ‘protect by involving more local people and civil society organisations’.

Programme Officer Awatef Abiadh North Africa

At last, I feel now the Middle East is part of the Mediterranean. Despite our cultural, political, and language differences, it turns out everyone faces the same conservation challenges. CEPF has brought us all together for the first time. This legacy will bring a long lasting partnership between like-minded organisations to overcome the common challenges ahead.

Programme Officer Sharif Jbour Middle East

Conservation in the Balkans is often fighting not just for nature, but also a complex fight for human rights and against organised crime and high-level corruption. It is vital to ensure economic alternatives for local communities and ensure their involvement for any activities on the ground in the Mediterranean to be successful. This is why CEPF is so special.

Programme Officer Borut Rubinič Balkans

Grantees, Regional Implementation Team, CEPF Secretariat and stakeholders at the CEPF Mediterranean Mid-term Assessment in Ulcinj, Montenegro, 2015

20 EDITOR Shaun Hurrell TOGETHER FOR BIODIVERSITY

CONTRIBUTORS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Awatef Abiadh, Majd Abu Zaghlan, Luca Bonaccorsi, Alex Dale, Sharif Jbour, Irene Lorenzo, Borut Rubinič, Liz Smith

THANKS TO Gregor & Magdalena Aljančič, Claudia Azafzaf, Rami El-Akhras, Pedro Geraldes, Jamel Jrijer, Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat, Tommy Melo, Bjanka Prakljačić, Patricia Rendall-Rocha, Mirjan Topi GRANTEES

DESIGN Andrea Canfora

ISBN 978-0-946888-99-3

PHOTO CREDITS COVER PHOTO Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Kuriat Islands, Tunisia/Louis-Marie Préau BACK COVER PHOTO Promotion of wetlands for local development/Mahdi Abdelly PAGE 2 Flamingo ringing/Hichem Azafzaf/AAO, Boat on Lake Ohrid/Panagiota Kaltsa/PRESPA, Planting/Inanc Tekguc/Global Diversity Foundation (GDF), Plant workshop/University of Saint-Joseph PAGE 3 Bee-eaters/Javier Milla PAGE 4 Olm/Gregor Aljančič, Cape Verde Shearwater/Daniele Occhiato/Agami, Loggerhead Sea Turtle/CC-BY-2.0 PAGE 5 Dalmatian Pelican/ Bence Mate/Agami, Albania coastline/www.naturetouralbania.info, Sofar Iris/www.ehmej.org, Nubian Ibex/Zuhair Amr, Barbary macaque/Antoine Motte/CC-BY-SA 3.0, White-headed Duck/ Ivan Miksik, Mediterranean Monk Seal/P. Dendrinos/CC-BY-2.0, Egyptian Vulture/Markus Varesvuo/Agami, Algerian fir/Uspza, Northern Bald Ibis/David Monticelli/Agami, Lebanese Cedar/ CC-BY-SA 3.0, Raso Lark/Awatef Abiadh PAGE 6 Pelicans/A. Vizi, Natural History Museum of Montenegro PAGE 8 Turtle and people/Louis Marie Préau PAGE 10 Green fodder/Grandeur

Centro Euro-Mediterraneo Africa PAGE 12 Olm and boy/CC-BY-SA 3.0 PAGE 14 Iris and woman/Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat, Round-leaved Sundew/Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat PAGE 15 Sofar Iris/Magda Bou Dagher sui Cambiamenti Climatici Kharrat, Round-leaved Sundew/Henrik Larsson/Fotolia, Nazareth Iris/CC-BY-SA 3.0 PAGE 16 Llogara National Park Albania/zbulo.org, Key habitat/Borut Rubinič PAGE 18 Island/Liz Smith PAGE 19 Fishermen/Awatef Abiadh PAGE 20 Dragonfly/Dejan Kulijer/BIO.LOG Society, Lizard/Dejan Kulijer/BIO.LOG Society, Hand with plants/Inanc Tekguc/GDF, Donkeys/Inanc Tekguc/ GDF, Birdwatching/CZIP, Bridge/Al Shouf Cedar Society PAGE 21 CEPF Med mid-term meeting/Olivier Langrand, Awatef/Louis-Marie Préau, Sharif/Olivier Langrand, Borut/Liz Smith

RECOMMENDED CITATION Together: local solutions for nature conservation: lessons from the Mediterranean Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Nov 2016)

This material will be available and enhanced online at www.birdlife.org/cepf-med

CONTACT Regional Implementation Team Manager Liz Smith [email protected] North Africa Awatef Abiadh [email protected] Middle East Sharif Jbour [email protected] Balkans Borut Rubinič [email protected] Communications Shaun Hurrell [email protected]

MORE INFORMATION www.birdlife.org/cepf-med | www.cepf.net

@CEPFmed #CEPFmed CEPF.MED

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CEPF IS MORE THAN JUST A FUNDING PROVIDER

A dedicated Regional Implementation Team (RIT) (expert officers on the ground) guides funding to the most important areas and to even the smallest of organisations, helps build civil society in the region, and shares learned lessons and best practices such as those featured in this booklet.

In the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, the RIT is entrusted YOUTUBE to BirdLife International and its national Partners LPO and DOPPS “TOGETHER FOR BIODIVERSITY — CEPF MEDITERRANEAN”