Mediterranean echo JUNE

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1 NEWSLETTER JUNE 2012 Xxxxxx xxxx TUNA TAGGING NEAR LARACHE, MOROCCO, MAY TXEMA VEGA / WWf MEDITERRANEAN Mediterranean echo Newsletter of the WWF Mediterranean Initiative Issue 9 Generate a sea change in Mediterranean marine management Build a future for Mediterranean landscapes Equip Mediterranean ecosystems to adapt to climate change Secure Mediterranean water resources editorial: Missed opportunity for Mediterranean fisheries As the international body in charge of fisheries management in the Mediterranean the GFCM closed its meeting in Marrakech in May, we in the Mediterranean expressed our deep concern regarding the lack of strength of measures adopted. Although WWF welcomes the adoption of guidelines for the development of management plans to ensure the recovery of stocks at sustainable levels, we are very concerned that concrete scientific recommendations are still not being followed. Mediterranean exploited stocks are in an alarming situation. Out of 28 stocks assessed this year, 27 show a fishing pressure highly exceeding sustainable levels. As an example, fisheries of hake exceed the recommended level by up to 9 times. Scientists made very detailed recommendations but GFCM members failed to agree on key measures. Even an insufficient proposal to reduce fishing mortality by 20% failed to achieve the necessary support. Besides, despite the adoption of first measures to ban the removal of shark fins at sea and discard the carcass, mechanisms to ensure compliance are still missing. The state of emergency of Mediterranean fisheries requires immediate action. WWF will continue to support the ongoing reform of the GFCM to ensure it becomes a fully operational organization. Sergi Tudela, Head of WWF Mediterranean Fisheries Programme MIRCO CLAES / WWF MEDITERRANEAN A giant tuna is carefully lifted aboard for tagging, before being released. On the Med tuna trail in Morocco WWF Mediterranean Fisheries team spent 2 days in May tagging bluefin tuna near Larache, Morocco, in collaboration with ICCAT (the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas). Most of the tunas successfully tagged are considered giants as their lengths ranged from two to three metres (175 kg to kg respectively) which means that for the first time since tagging began in 2008 the team managed to tag animals that could be more than 25 years old. Twenty-six tags were deployed this year, in only 2 days, which is also a first. On the Med tuna trail gathers empirical information on the ecology of juvenile and adult Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea. The team looks forward to continuing tagging in the near future. gquilez@atw-wwf.org 1

2 Generate a sea change in Mediterranean marine management WWF Greece/M.Livanou NGOs to Ministry of Environment: Stop the mass deaths of cetaceans in the Ionian Sea WWF Greece and MΟm, together with Pelagos Cetacean Institute and Tethys Research Institute have sent a letter to the Greek Ministry of the Environment informing them of a massive stranding of Cuvier s beaked whales last November on the shores of Corfu and inviting them to take all necessary measures in order to avoid similar incidents in the future. Nine Cuvier beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris, cetaceans of medium size) were stranded at Corfu and two in Italy. A team of scientists from the project Thalassa together with specialized veterinarians immediately went to Corfu in order to perform a necropsy. According to the scientific conclusions of the necropsies, the most likely cause of this type of mass stranding would be the association with naval exercises in which anti-submarine active mid-frequency sonar is used. WWF Greece and partner NGOs aim to raise awareness and engage the broader public in the conservation of these mammals with the campaign Thalassa: Learn, Act, Protect. m.livanou@wwf.gr MedPAN South Project Capacity Building programme Sustainable fisheries and effective MPAs A series of initiatives on sustainable fishing in northern Tunisian MPAs have been organized recently by WWF, APAL, the General Directorate of Fishing and the fishery association. At a workshop in February, for the first time stakeholders had the opportunity to discuss their common difficulties in the management of the fishery sector in MPAs. Scientists, MPA and fisheries authorities, the coast guard and NGOs discussed challenges in implementing sustainable fishing practices. Following recommendations, a second meeting was organized to share with Tunisian practitioners and local fishermen key lessons learned on sustainable fishing from the Mediterranean. A consultation process has been launched with the local fishermen of Sidi Mechereg who live and work at the future MPA of Cap Negro-Cap Serrat. mgomei@wwfmedpo.org Sustainable tourism and fisheries The Cabrera National Park in the Balearic Islands (Spain) has been the focus of intense work in the MedPAN South project recently. First, the Conservation Director of the Park is working with a Turkish delegation from the General Directorate for Nature Asset Protection to develop a sustainable tourism monitoring programme. Then at the end of April stakeholders and management authorities of two Croatian MPAs, Telašçica and Lastovo Islands Nature Parks, visited Cabrera to learn about developing comanagement of tourism and fishing activities. The similarity of the marine environment, tourist pressure and fishing practices and traditions, and the social, cultural and economical setting between the hosting MPA and Croatian MPAs helped the understanding of the process of establishing co-management practices of fishing and tourism, said Zrinka Jakl from Croatian NGO Sunce, who organized the visit. Interaction with local fishermen, diving operators and park authorities gave us new insight into what we can do in Croatia stated Marko Frlan, diving center owner from Lastovo while Ivica Lesic, professional fisherman, changed his opinion on the effectiveness of notake zones: I was a strong opponent of new fishing regulations, but after talking with Cabrera fishermen I believe no-take zones might work in Croatian MPAs. mmabari@wwfmedpo.org 2

3 Generate a sea change in Mediterranean marine management Exchange visits are an integral part of the Capacity Building Programme of the MedPAN South Project. At the end of May the Miramare MPA near Trieste in Italy hosted a training visit for 2 delegations from Libya and Montenegro, organized by WWF Mediterranean and RAC/SPA. Participants were given an overview of management activities, took part in an interactive session in the Miramare visitor center, had the opportunity to look more closely at environmental education programmes and activities by following school groups and took part in monitoring activities on a boat in the MPA. Miramare is a laboratory of ideas, proposing innovative solutions - to environmental education, to legal issues and issues with fishermen - which are tested in the small MPA to then take them to other MPAs in the Mediterranean Marco Costantini m.costantini@wwf.it The Montenegrin and Libyan participants were selected by the MedPAN South Project (MSP) mentor for each country, who also took part in the exchange. Mentors exchange information and ideas and apply lessons learned at a national level. They monitor and adapt the capacity building programme to the needs of the region and contribute to creating a pool of regional instructors to ensure the sustainability of a long-term capacity building programme for MPA managers in the Mediterranean. Here below, the Montenegrin and Libyan mentors share their thoughts on this process. Having been a researcher since 1994, and progressing to my current position at the Marine Biology Research Centre in Tajura, I have accumulated a huge wealth of experience which it is important to share with my peers and with younger people working in marine conservation. Being a mentor is a great opportunity to do this. I ensure that participants benefit fully from each component of the MSP and I ensure that Libya benefits in the long term from their acquired knowledge and skills. Feeling and being part of a broad Mediterranean network is an excellent experience. MPAs are a new concept in Libya we have opened a door to a new and better way of working, and there is a feeling that we have started something important. A strong foundation has been created, to be built upon in a careful and methodical way, with planning and management. The revolution in Libya has brought change and improvement. Things will be better for conservation and nature protection with the move towards democracy and the ability to work more freely and consistently on projects within a clearly-defined legal framework. Hisham Ghmati, Director of Studies, Marine Biology Research Center, Tajura/Tripoli, Libya Being a mentor means working on two levels international and national. On an international level a mentor gains knowledge from a range of people and passes this knowledge along to others. I receive a lot of information and I channel this to the Montenegrins working in marine conservation. It is extremely useful and interesting to learn of experiences from other countries in the Mediterranean, the way that people adapt to the resources they have and what they manage to do with these. On a national level there is a lack of expertise in the field of marine conservation. Montenegro, with a population of only 600,000 people, lacks human capacity in general. Human resources are spread too thinly with too much to do. Being a mentor has added to the tools I have available for addressing environmental problems what is really lacking are the resources to be able to use these tools. Our priority is to address unsustainable development along the tiny stretch of Montenegrin coast. Twenty years ago Montenegro was declared an ecological state, in recognition of its wealth of natural resources. Greater investment of both financial and human resources is necessary to keep this wealth. The government is enthusiastic about EU accession, and this will mean accepting rules and regulations and investment in the environment. Vesna Macic, Institute of Marine Biology, Montenegro. 3

4 Build a future for Mediterranean landscapes Küre Mountains: Turkey s 1st and Europe s 13th PAN Park The Küre Mountains, identified by WWF as a forest hot spot in Turkey, has become the first PAN Park of the country as a result of efforts invested in effective protected area management and nature-based tourism since the establishment of the Küre Mountains National Park in PAN Parks, the European wilderness protection organisation, worked over several years with UNDP and WWF-Turkey to enhance the management practice of Küre Mountains National Park. Turkey has several key biodiversity areas, but Küre Mountains has its special position within the network of protected areas. It is a place where the protection of wilderness for future generations is combined with the wish to raise awareness about the natural values and beauties. This is done through careful visitor management. The PAN Parks Certificate confirms that Küre Mountains National Park is not only part of the few remaining pieces of Europe s wilderness, but its management has reached a high level of excellence. Zoltan Kun, Executive Director of the PAN Parks Foundation The inclusion of Küre Mountains National Park in the PAN Parks network is a significant achievement in the history of nature conservation in Turkey. This wouldn t have been possible without the collaboration of Park management throughout the process and the enthusiasm and commitment of local stakeholders towards PAN Parks goals. The presence of wilderness areas like Küre Mountains is not only important for the protection of biodiversity but also for humanity by increasing the resilience of ecosystems to climate change. The PAN Parks status will link Küre Mountains National Park to Europe through a network of well managed protected areas. Dr. Sedat Kalem, Conservation Director, WWF-Turkey PAN Parks: Küre Mountains National Park: skalem@wwf.org.tr Capacity building in Serbia and Montenegro An important project is about to draw to a close. Strengthening the Capacity of Governments and the Civil Sector in Serbia and in Montenegro to adapt to EU Nature Protection Acquis led by WWF with partners Green Home, Young Researchers of Serbia and Daphne has helped key government sectors in Serbia and in Montenegro to understand EU conservation policy. The project has focused on technical support for the implementation of the EU Habitat Directive in Montenegro, helped NGOs to create and maintain NGO networks to support Natura 2000 activities in both countries and brought information and knowledge from Brussels into the region. Two NGO networks that support Natura 2000 have been established and recognized by authorities (92 NGOs are members of those networks) and 200 nature conservationists took part in the expert exchanges organized within the project. astefan@wwfmedpo.org Interactive map of Natura 2000 In 2006 WWF Mediterranean started an ambitious project Europe s Living Heart to support the establishment of the environmental network Natura 2000 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In May one of the most significant outputs of the project was presented to the public the Natura 2000 interactive map. The map offers detailed information on species and habitats listed in the Habitat Directive and which are present in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The map is the result of a massive effort that engaged a variety of local and international experts and with the full involvement of national authorities. op&pc= c6214a fantonelli@wwfmedpo.org 4

5 Equip Mediterranean ecosystems to adapt to climate Xxxxxx change xxxx Earth Hour 2012 Highlights from countries throughout the region in Portugal 15,000 candles decorated the panda and the 60+ logos in Croatia 30 cities and towns switched off their lights for Earth Hour in Bosnia and Herzegovina the main event in Mostar included a candle installation with 100 pupils from 3 high schools in Morocco hundreds of people participated in the main ceremony in Rabat in Montenegro Green Home organized the main event in Podgorica with a rich music and cultural programme. cmenard@wwfmedpo.org Morocco This year six Moroccan cities were involved in Earth Hour. WWF held the main event in Rabat in partnership with Zakoura Education Foundation and the Association Ribat Al Ftah for Sustainable Development. There was a conference with opinion leaders on topics including sustainable development, renewable energy and youth mobilisation for the protection of the environment, followed by a candle installation and choir performance. Portugal In Lisbon a candle-lit parade ended in the Municipality Square in front of the City Hall with 15,000 candles to decorate the panda and the 60+ logos and a concert. Many other events were promoted by volunteers and companies: in Góis a local association organized a walk with lamps in the historic center, several restaurants and hotels organized candle-lit dinners, an Eco- School and the Lisbon Oceanarium also joined. This year 3 new ambassadors gave their voice to the Earth Hour cause, joining the 7 ambassadors from Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina involved 11 cities with 6 NGOs helping WWF with the organization in their cities. The main event in Mostar included a candle installation (with 100 pupils from 3 high-schools) and a concert. In Livno there was a huge candle performance and in other cities Zenica, Tuzla, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Bugojno, Pale, Široki brijeg, and Čapljina there were several smaller events. Croatia Thirty Croatian cities switched off their lights for Earth Hour In Dubrovnik 200 children shared a light and spread it like an Olympic torch; Zagreb hosted an unplugged concert with a choir, a fire juggler, comedians, drummers and dancers; in Rijeka two bands played in the castle above the old city. With major ambassadors supporting Earth Hour (the national basketball team, two famous singers, a TV personality and a fashion stylist) there was alot of media and public interest in the event. Montenegro Half of the cities and major towns in Montenegro were involved this year, including Podgorica, Golubovci, Cetinje, Niksic, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Ulcinj, Bar, Kotor and Budva, with activities coordinated by local NGOs. Green Home organized the main event in Podgorica with a rich music and cultural programme. There was also a moving performance with a group of students who pushed a huge ball (representing the Earth) sending the message that the planet s destiny is in our hands. The NGO Ozon organized an event and made a short documentary which they will show at Rio+20 which includes statements from citizens and what they expect from their delegation in Rio+20*. *On June world leaders will gather at Rio+20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil. 5 5

6 Secure Mediterranean water resources Hutovo Blato Day At the beginning of June WWF and Hutovo Blato Nature Park jointly organized the traditional Hutovo Blato Day. In addition to activities for the general public, including bicycle tours and boat excursions, WWF organized a conference Ecotourism in protected areas and screened the film Hutovo Blato - yesterday, today and tomorrow. In the light of hydropower development and the Upper Horizons project, which is threatening Hutovo Blato and the Neretva Delta, WWF demonstrated that Hutovo Blato Nature Park has one of the biggest potentials for ecotourism development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conservation of its exceptional beauty would be of more benefit to the local community than the contruction of new hydropower plants. The event was a great success in promoting Hutovo Blato, with more than 150 people participating and several major media organizations covering the event. zmateljak@wwfmedpo.org 1986 Panda symbol WWF - World Wide Fund for Nature WWF Registered Trademark Grabovica dam on Neretva river, Bosnia and Herzegovina. WWF and Transparency International to ensure greater integrity in energy projects in southeast Europe European energy companies are increasingly reaching out to southeastern European countries to either increase their energy production or address carbon emission offsets. Most of the investment and interest goes towards the development of new hydropower plants in countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Recently there have been several cases of large energy infrastructure projects which involved a correlation between a lack of sustainability and corruption. This is why Transparency International and WWF have teamed up to monitor these developments jointly. Together with local NGOs they will encourage and help governments to enforce European standards and directives and provide greater transparency when planning and carrying out big energy projects. aklauschen@wwfmedpo.org Freshwater Ecosystems in the Dinaric Arc WWF organized a kickoff workshop in May on the identification of the most important freshwater ecosystems in the Dinaric Arc, bringing together representatives of water and nature protection related institutions and NGOs from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro. The workshop addressed the problem of unsustainable hydropower development in the region through the identification of high biodiversity areas whose ecological status should not be allowed to deteriorate (according to the principles of the EU Water Framework Directive) due to unsustainable hydropower development. A publication with a map and descriptions of the most important freshwater ecosystems is planned for aklauschen@wwfmedpo.org Stay tuned for our next newsletter For more information croberts@wwfmedpo.org 6 Michel Gunther / WWF-Canon the mediterranean initiative june 2012 mediterranean.panda.org