IUCN South-Eastern European e-Bulletin
Issue 11 • December 2006
Editorial
Dear Readers,
As the year 2006 draws to a close, we are pleased to present the 11th issue of the IUCN South-Eastern European e-Bulletin.
Intending to keep you informed about all that is going on in the region, we wish you much pleasure in reading the news and
proceedings of many projects and activities that take place - some of the topics that were mentioned before were followed
up, in order to provide you with new information. Many activities and projects were newly implemented in the region in these
last months, and we are happy to say, that the motivation for working in the field of nature conservation is as high as ever.
The news and events cover a broad variety of themes and topics. Many thanks to all of you who have contributed with
articles and pictures. The guidelines for submitting articles for the IUCN SEE e-bulletin can be found on the last page of
this issue.
In the name of the whole team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2007!
With warm regards,
Katharina and Aleksandra
IUCN Programme Office for South-Eastern Europe
Programme Office for South Eastern Europe
IUCN SEE – New Staff
On December 1st 2006, L‘ubomira Vavrová joined IUCN SEE team by replacing
Maja Zitkovic as the new Project Manager. She holds an M.Sc. in Environmental
Sciences and Nature Conservation.
Previously, for almost 5 years, she worked as a zoologist in the State Nature Con-
servancy of the Slovak Republic in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. Zoology, books and
sports are part of her hobbies.
We welcome L‘ubomira in the IUCN SEE team!
IUCN Membership
The 66th Council Meeting, which was held in Gland, IUCN Headquarters on 6-8 November
2006, admitted 27 new members. Therefore the membership stands at a total of 1,043
members from 147 countries spread across IUCN’s 8 statutory regions, with: 83 states,
110 government agencies, 736 national NGOs, 82 international NGOs and 32 affiliates.
Members that have been admitted during the pe-
riod 2005-2006 have stated knowledge sharing
(41%), networking (39%) and influence (11%) as
their main reasons for joining IUCN.
L‘ubomira Vavrová is the new IUCN focal point
for Membership issues in South Eastern Euro-
pe. You may contact her for more information on
Lubomira.Vavrova@iucn.org.
On the world wide web you will also find the
IUCN Members Portal with regularly updated
information http://www.iucn.org/members/por-
tal.htm or contact Ursula Hiltbrunner, Mem-
bership Relations and IUCN Governance on
ursula.hiltbrunner@iucn.org.
Content
NEWS
1 Nature Reserve Ezerani, Heaven for the Birds
2 Feeding Ground for Vultures Is Ready in Central Balkan National Park
3 Ratification of Carpathian Convention
4 Countdown 2010: Development of Eco Villages Network
5 1001 Ponds – Stories of Life
6 Rats exterminated in important colony of Eleonora’s falcon
7 Successful first translocation of Brown Bear
8 Carnivore Research is Progressing
9 New International Masters Programme
10 Pelister Mountain Conservation Project - a natural resource management initiative funded by the Swiss
Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), has been completed at the end of 2006
11 Saving the river Dobra
12 Designing the peninsula
13 New Green Belt Website
14 Papuk Nature Park
15 Lastovo Archipelago – 11th Nature Park in Croatia
16 Seizure of killed birds on the Croatian Border
17 Ten years of Donauauen National Park celebrated with guests from all central Danubian countries
18 Call for Student Applications
19 Stara planina
20 Albania and Greece cooperate for Lake Micro Prespa
EVENTS
21 Balkans Peace Park Meeting
22 European Members Meeting in Barcelona
23 9th regular meeting for the Transboundary Prespa Park in Albania
24 SGF project workshop
25 Conservation Efforts In Turkey Gaining Momentum
26 Wise Management of Middle Danube Floodplains
27 National Workshop on National Red Data Books in Turkey: Current Status and Future Action
28 9th European Day of Parks in Europe’s protected areas
FUNDING
29 Cross Border Cooperation Croatia
PUBLICATIONS
30 Integrated River Basin Management
31 Endangered Species and Habitat Types in the Slovenian Sea
News
1 Nature Reserve Ezerani, Heaven for the Birds
Macedonia: On 28th of July 1996, the law for the first strict nature reserve
„Ezerani“ located on the northern shore of Prespa Lake, between the villages
Sir Han and Asamati, was published in the Off. Gazette of the Republic of
Macedonia, nr. 37/96.
The total area of the reserve is 2.137 hectares. Within this area there are 105
species of aquatic birds, such as White pelican (Pelecanus crispus), Dal-
matian pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), Pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax
pygmeus), Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) and other relevant rare species
which can be found and seen everyday. In 1997, the government of the Re-
public of Macedonia transferred the task of protecting of the Ornithologi-
cal Reserve Ezerani to the Bird Study and Protection Society of Macedonia
(BSPSM).
BSPSM, with the help of the Environmental Fund of Macedonia, USAID and
the British embassy, made an effort to reconstruct and equip the first in-
formation center for a protected area in Macedonia, which is in the village
Asamati, on the same border with the reserve. This information center now
gives all kind of information to visitors of the reserve, and additionally it ser-
ves as a place where domestic and international explorers can stay, as well
as a biological research center. Members of BSPSM organise seminars there
every year for sustainable agriculture - and the building is frequently visited
by student groups from the region and from abroad. In the past few years, with the support of the Norway embassy, BSPSM
upgraded the infrastructure of the reserve by installling infrastructure, such as entrance gates, a bird watching tower and
road-signs, and by improving the road network through the reserve. For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Sci. Bran-
ko Micevski, brankom@ukim.edu.mk
2 Feeding Ground for Vultures Is Ready in Central Balkan National Park
Bulgaria: The feeding ground encircled by electric fence is made according
to the instructions of the veterinary service - and therefore limits access to
the food set out for vultures in this place for bears, wolves and foxes. The
localities selection was based on an analysis on the causes of extinction
of this species in the territory and an assessment of the potential regions
suitable for reintroduction. The surveys were made by specialists from the
Committee on Reintroduction as part of an action plan for reintroducing and
protecting vultures on the Balkan Peninsula. The plan was developed by
leading European nature conservation organisations and it combined the ac-
tivities for protecting the highly threatened four vulture species in the Balkans
- bearded, griffon, Egyptian and monk. The constructed facility is part of a
joint project between the park’s directorate and the Birds of Prey Protection
Society for the reintroduction of griffon vulture as a nesting species in the
area of Central Balkan National Park. The project was supported by the National Trust Eco-Fund and implements the Agree-
ment Memorandum signed between the Ministry of Environment and Waters and the Consortium of NGOs for conservation
of vultures in Europe.
While being heavily populated with griffon vultures in the past, the park nowadays still offers preserved habitats, large areas
and sound protection. There are reports about the appearance of single ranging griffon vultures, but the main reason for
their short sojourn in the park is the lack of enough suitable food resources. By developing a ground designated for artificial
feeding, it is expected that wild griffon vultures will be attracted permanently, and that this will increase the chances for con-
stituting a nesting colony in the park. The next step of the project will then be the building of an aviary in the region and the
delivery of birds for artificial breeding. More information will be available from Diana Terzieva from the Central Balkan National
Park Directorate, did@centralbalkan.bg, and on www.centralbalkannationalpark.org.
3 Ratification of Carpathian Convention
Romania: It is a great pleasure to inform you, on behalf of the Romanian Focal Point of the Carpathian Conventi-
on, that the ratification Law (389/19.10.2006) of the Carpathian Convention has been published in the Official Journal
(No.879/27.10.2006) of Romania.
For more information please contact UNEP Vienna ISCC, Nikoleta Tvrda (Ms.), Team Assistant at the United Nations Envi-
ronment Programme, e-mail: nikoleta.tvrda@unvienna.org or visit the website www.carpathianconvention.org.
4 Countdown 2010: Development of
Eco Villages Network
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro:
Financed by the Austrian Development Co-
operation (ADC), the Project „Countdown
2010: Development of Eco Villages Network
in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Mon-
tenegro“ is focusing on the principles of in-
tegrated conservation of biodiversity and its natural resources in order to achieve sustainable economic development of
village communities. It is planned to carry out investigations on the territory of villages regarding their potentials and needs
focusing on ecotourism, organic agriculture, gathering of forest fruits, herbs and mushrooms, preservation and development
of old handicrafts and traditions as well as branding of local products and their placement to the market in the country and
abroad.
After more than a decade of crisis in the region, this is the first time that non governmental organizations from Montenegro,
Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are starting a cooperation in the field of conservation and sustainable development upon
their own initiative. By responding to many challenges and problems of unsustainable development practices the region is
facing, the NGOs wish to use this project and the exchange of information and experiences in order to stop negative popu-
lation and economical trends and to find possibilities for the survival of villages and for the enhancing the quality of life in
these communities.
The Centre for Cultural and Information Development „Most“ from Žabljak will be implementing the project activities for Mon-
tenegro in the Durmitor region starting from the village of Podgora, and then spreading to the communities of Tepca, Duzi
and Crkvicko polje. It is planned to work on the process of creating and spreading the Eco Villages Network in Montenegro.
The project partner for B&H is the NGO „Request“ from Tuzla, which is active on a state level, with the main goals of nature
conservation, promotion of cultural and historical values and principles of sustainable development. The project will be imp-
lemented in Vranica mountain, at the Prokoško Jezero Lake, which is being threatened by extreme pressure on the mountain
ecosystems, illegal development, exploitation of berries and a growing number of visitors. Serbia is being represented by the
NGO Centre for Development of Democracy and Youth „Sunčani vrhovi“, and the project activities will be carried out within
the borders of Kopaonik National park, in four villages belonging to the municipality of Brus.
In cooperation with its partners, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) will be implementing this project within the framework
of its strategy for South East Europe „Conservation Without Frontiers“ and the goals of the European Programme „Count-
down 2010 – Halt the Loss of Biodiversity“. The project is financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), accor-
ding to its main goals of environment conservation and poverty reduction. The activities are being monitored by ADAgency
units in Sarajevo, Podgorica and Belgrade, and the implementation period is planned from October 2006 until September
2008, after which the project will be handed over to the villages for the sake of continuous implementation of the develop-
ment programme on their own and ensurance of the sustainability of this project.
For more information, please contact Munever Salihovi, munever@request.ba, Sinisa Stevovic, hitss@cg.yu, Milan Radulovic,
milancer2003@yahoo.co.nz, or Joerg Lohmann, Joerg.Lohmann@iucn.org.
5 1001 Ponds – 1001 Stories of Life
Slovenia: On karstic terrain, all rainwater flows underground, and the lack
of surface water in the coastal region of Slovenia has in the past led to
the creation of a dense network of water containers called ponds. These
were used to guarantee water supply to households as drinking water, for
washing, watering the animals, for irrigation and for the production of ice.
Today, as waterworks have been built and animal husbandry is in decline,
the ponds – ranging from a few to tens of metres in diameter – are gradually
losing their initial importance and are being abandoned. Ponds, however,
are proving to be increasingly important for the environment, since in these
dry areas they are the only habitat for several plants and animals that need
still waters for their survival.
In order to preserve these networks of ponds, the Institute of the Republic
of Slovenia for Nature Conservation started carrying out a project entitled
“1001 Ponds - 1001 Stories of Life” together with its Italian partners within the cross-border cooperation programme In-
terreg IIIA Slovenia - Italy in 2005. The project‘s priorities comprise the census of the existing ponds and life forms therein,
education – mainly of children – on the importance of ponds and the renovation of abandoned ponds with the aim of re-
establishing the ecological network.
We have organised training courses for teachers and pond guardians, so that they are now able to care for the ponds in
their respective areas. We are organising various workshops to introduce the life in the ponds to the children and we are
trying to stimulate their reflection on the importance of ponds by organising writing, drawing and photographic competiti-
ons. We are helping the local population to rebuild their ponds and, consequently, to regain confidence in the environmen-
tal institutions. You will find further details on the project on the website www.zrsvn.si/1001kal.
6 Rats exterminated in important colony of Eleonora’s falcon
Greece: As part of the Eleonora’s LIFE project, the Hellenic Ornithological
Society (HOS - BirdLife in Greece) and the RSPB are trialling some pilot
management measures in Eleonora’s falcon and audouin’s gull breeding
colonies to enhance breeding habitat quality and species breeding out-
put. One of the main factors affecting breeding output in these species is
rat predation on eggs and nestlings (up to 30% of egg and nestling losses
in some colonies).
After carrying out an assessment of the rat predation problem and the
feasibility of the implementation of an effective rodent extermination pro-
ject, HOS and the RSPB decided to trial out a rat control experiment (the
first ever in Greece) on the Lagofytonisia islands (15ha), comprising three
small islands Kasidhis, Lachanou and Polemika (see map below), located
in the protected area of the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, Northern
Sporades. The islands had a good population of brown rat, but are rarely
visited by people, as there is no landing-pier. The distance to the next
bigger island is 500m.
The trial used 150kg of Brodifacoum-based BRODIRAC. Reptiles and invertebrates are not susceptible to this slow-acting
anticoagulant rodenticide. Due to its action, rats generally die in their borrows, therefore not posing risk of poisoning to rap-
tors and scavengers that might feed on live rats or their corpses. Poisoned rats pose no danger to aerial feeding Eleonora’s
falcons, and no victims of primary or secondary poisoning have been observed among the other bird species.
Poison was disposed by hand in March 2005, before the arrival of the falcons from their winter quarters, while a number of
bait stations were established throughout the island for monitoring the presence of the rodents. Rats were still present in the
first two weeks of monitoring following the poisoning campaign, but then no more evidence of their occurrence was found.
Today, 18 months later, there is still no evidence of any rat presence on the island, so the trial eradication attempt was decla-
red successful, and the islets declared rat-free.
The immediate conservation gains are tremendous – the islets breeding population of shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), yellow-
legged gull (Larus cachinnans) and Eleonora’s falcon did not suffer any egg or nestling losses due to rat predation. A second
rat eradication trial is now underway in Kastronisia off the northern coast of Skiathos in the Northern Sporades, an islet which
hosts a considerable colony (48 pairs) of Eleonora’s Falcon. A comprehensive site identification analysis for further rat eradi-
cation trails covering the whole Aeagean is being prepared. This will cover both the feasibility and conservation gains of such
an action across the thousands of Greeks islets and islands in the Aegean, and will result in a prioritized list for further rat
control action. This project also resulted in a considerable transfer of know-how on rat eradication to other Greek partners,
as detailed guidance material on rat eradication methods and operations was prepared. For information please contact Jose
Tavares, RSPB country programmes officer for Turkey, Greece and Portugal, on jose.tavares@rspb.org.uk.
7 Successful first translocation of Brown Bear
Serbia: One individual of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) was captured on Sunday, October
29th 2006 within the National Park “Tara”, at the locality Gorušica on the feeding place
for bears. A two-year-old male named Djura was caught into an Aldrich foot snare and
within hoursit was transported to the mountain Južni Kučaj in Eastern Serbia. This is
the first Brown Bear translocated from NP “Tara” within the project “Increase in viabi-
lity and population recovery of Brown Bear Ursus arctos in northeastern Serbia”.
The project was initiated, enabled and supported by the Directorate for Environment
Conservation (Ministry of Science and Environment Conservation of Republic of Ser-
bia), Directorate for Forests (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Industry of Mladjan Zivanovic
Republic of Serbia), Public Enterprise „Srbijašume“ and National Park “Tara“.
The immediate realization of the project by the Biology Faculty (University in Belgrade)
included bringing together expert participants and forming the Serbian bear translo-
cation team.
The capture was done according to plan and did not hurt the animal in any way. Af-
ter the trapping, Djura the bear was anesthetized with a sedating gun, followed by a
detailed checkout of physical condition and health and measuring of morphological Mladjan Zivanovic
characters. Djura weighed 103 kg, and could be said to be in a particularly fine phy-
sical condition.
The bear was transported in a specially made metal cage. At 4:40pm Djura was re-
leased at the locality Valkaluci-Nekudovo, which is managed by the PE “Srbijašume”,
where four new feeding places for bears and other animals were established within
this project.
Milan Paunovič, MSc., senior curator of the Natural History Museum, Biological Dept.,
milan.paunovic@nhmbeo.org.yu or milannhmbeo@yahoo.com.
Branko Karapandza
8 Carnivore Research is Progressing
Turkey: Historically, there has been very limited infor-
mation on carnivores of Turkey. The first scientific field
study on carnivores was the one conducted by IUCN
Species Survival Commission Wolf, Cat and Hyaena
Specialist Groups member Ozgun Emre Can in 2000
on grey wolves. Since then there has been a growing
research interest on carnivores of Turkey. A group of
graduate students of biology and foresters are now
conducting camera trapping surveys in selected areas of Turkey to gather data on the ecology of carnivores and their prey.
Camera trapping surveys lead by Ozgun Emre Can have so far focused on wolf, brown bear, wild cat and their prey species
in selected sites distributed in North West and North East parts of Turkey. Surveys not only reveal the status of carnivores in
selected areas but also provide a training opportunity for biologists and foresters.
For more information, contact Ozgun Emre Can at emre.can@bozayi.org.
9 New International Masters Programme
Sarajevo, Belgrade: The Forest policy and economics education and research project (FOPER), coordinated by the Euro-
pean Forest Institute (EFI), aims at strengthening the capacity of modern forest policy and economics education, training and
research in the Western Balkans region. FOPER will work towards a permanent training program in the region, consisting of
both an international MSc, a course on forest policy and economics, as well as continuous training for professionals already
working on these issues. In addition to this, FOPER will support science-policy interface in forestry.
In the context of the EFI project on FOPER, a new International Master’s Programme has been launched. The teaching will
start in March 2007 in the Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo and will later continue in Faculty of Forestry, University
of Belgrade.
The future vision of the FOPER Professional Training programme, through the Re-
search Forest Institutes, is that each country in the region – in addition to professio-
nal training in other forestry fields - establishes a sustainable basis and institutional
structure for continuous adult education in the field of forest policy and economics.
This should serve entities of public administration that deal with forest related issu-
es, as well as employers and professionals in the forest sector. This process should
create measurable impacts to work performance of the trained persons with increa-
sed skills and knowledge. The conservation of biodiversity and amenity values, e.g.
will be one of the topic in FOPER program.
More information can be found on www.efi.fi/projects/foper.
10 Pelister Mountain Conservation Project completed
Macedonia: Throughout the three-year project, a pioneer approach has been promoted to address natural resource ma-
nagement in the Pelister region (Southwest Macedonia). The major project outputs include participatory development of a
management plan for Pelister National Park, the first of its kind in Macedonia, and a strategy for sustainable management of
a commercial model species (Rosa canina) as basis for further participatory resource assessments.
In parallel, improved practices for sustainable use of non timber forest products and development of ecotourism have been
supported through trainings and small grants for the communities. A regional label for Pelister products has been set up,
while a new organisation, established to manage the label, aims at enhancing collaboration between different stakeholders.
From 2007 onwards, the implementation of the management plan will be supported by SDC, while the new regional organisa-
tion will continue to develop local initiatives. Natura Nova – a new consulting company established by the Project team that
builds on the experience accumulated in the frame of the project – will provide its technical advice with the support of Pro
Natura – Friends of the Earth Switzerland. The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
For more information plese contact Marija Spirovska, Pelister Mountain Conservation Project, marija.spirovska@pmcp.org.mk.
11 Saving the river Dobra
Croatia: The river Dobra is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers in Croatia. It springs in Gorski kotar and after
35 km submerges underground. Nine kilometers further it reappears as the Lower Dobra. This part of river is famous for its
numerous rapids and waterfalls which make it the best whitewater rafting location in Croatia. Also it is one of the few habitats
of many endangered species, such as the Danube salmon (Hucho hucho) and endemic fish soufie (Leuciscus souffia). A lot
of birds that nest by the river and mammals like otter (Lutra lutra) are included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species.
Unfortunately, the Dobra is now threatened by a hydropower plant! The constructioan of this power plant will raise the water
level and flood the whole canyon of the Lower Dobra, which will surely deteriorate the ecosystem of the river. In spite of the
fact that the EIA for this project was made 20 year ago, construction has already started. This construction is contradicting
the Bern convention, the Habitats and Birds directives and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The NGO Green Action
has contacted competent authorities for mentioned conventions, European Parliament and Community, organised meetings
and excursions with the media and is hoping to get help from you as well! For more information please contact: Tamara Kirin
or Irma Popovic, Green Action, irma@zelena-akcija.hr, www.zelena-akcija.hr.
12 Designing the peninsula
Montenegro: This project creates a vision for the future environmen-
tally and culturally healthy evolution of the Luštica peninsula, a very
potent and unique site along the Adriatic coast in Montenegro.
While acknowledging the contemporary and increasingly important
need for ecological incentives in designing, planning and management
of our environments, the work utilizes a holistic ecosystems approach
as a methodological tool to ravel the site’s inherent organizational and
operational complexities. Imagined and embodied in a Natural and
Cultural Heritage Park, the development vision is fundamentally driven
by the idea of the immortality and destiny of a place, often referred to
as the sense of a place.
The focus of the project is embedded in the search, discovery and
eventual safeguarding and enhancement of Luštica’s genius loci,
thereby ensuring its ecological and economical sustainability, and
the overall health of its reconciled natural and cultural communities.
By proposing a resolution for existing problems and fostering intrinsic
potentials of the site, the thesis offers a new paradigm for developing
our environments wherein the spirit of a place plays a quintessential
role in defining their very identity and meaning. For more information
please contact Sasa Cvetkovic, University of Waterloo, B.E.S. M.Arch.,
scvetkov@uwaterloo.ca.
13 New Green Belt Website
Funded by BfN and established in cooperation with UNITgraphics in Novi Sad, the pages are now open for
public. The idea of a website that would represent a network of all partners and projects involved with the
Green Belt was taken up by the graphic designer in a very structured arrangement.
The project with its vision and key information is set out neatly in the basic pages that are now accessible.
An opening page leads straight to the description of the initiative, the route of the Green Belt, the structure
of the organisation and the Programme of Work. Links and addresses are to be found in a database. Addi-
tionally, all issues of the newsletter can be downloaded from an archive.
The heart of the website will be the pages that describe the regions, the sites and the projects implemented
along the Green Belt from Finland down to Turkey and Greece. These pages now stand at disposal for all
of you to inform and present your organisations, your projects and
important Green Belt sites.
Please contact Katharina Diehl at the IUCN Green Belt office in Hun-
gary for any information you might need on katharina.diehl@iucn.org
or visit the website on www.europeangreenbelt.org.
14 Papuk Nature Park
Croatia: With the financial help of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Cro-
atia, Papuk Nature Park and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic Croatia
carried out the project “Guidelines for birds’ friendly management of forest
in the Papuk Nature Park”.
Nature Park Papuk spreads over 33 600 ha of forests and covers the Papuk
and Krndija Mountains in north-eastern part of Croatia. The biological diver-
sity - especially in forests birds - is particularly affected by intensive timber
harvesting and the disappearance of old forests with its large amount of
dead wood. Never the less, Papuk Nature Park area still supports nationally
important populations of forest birds such as honey buzzard, stock dove,
grey-headed woodpecker, black woodpecker and white-collared flycatcher. The most important bird areas in Papuk NP are old
beech forests with characteristics of primeval natural forest and old beech and fir forests that are isolated breeding area of several
mountain bird species in Croatia.
On December 4th 2006 the round table was organized and it was concluded that for the conservation of birds and the
forest biodiversity, larger areas of old forests should be excluded from the management, and also that a larger amount of
dead wood should exist in all economically important, managed forest. Protection of forest biodiversity is possible through
permanent cooperation of Croatian Forests Ltd, a company for forest and woodland management, and Papuk Nature Park,
bearing in mind the need for protection of rare and endangered species and sustainable use of forest resources. All project
results are published in the project booklet. For more information please contact Mrs. Vlatka Dumbovic, Papuk Nature Park,
kontakt@pp-papuk.hr; www.pp-papuk.hr.
15 Lastovo Archipelago – 11th Nature Park in Croatia
Croatia: According to the Protected Natural Values Register of the Ministry
of Culture of the Republic of Croatia a total of 444 parts of nature are pro-
tected under 8 categories. At the moment there is no area protected under
the category of a regional park. Protected areas of Croatia cover 532,063.35
hectares, i.e. 6.07 per cent of the total area of Croatia or 9.40 per cent of the
mainland area of Croatia.
Certain areas of outstanding value for the biological and landscape diversity
of the Republic of Croatia enjoy international legal protection. The Plitvice
Lakes National Park has been included in the UNESCO World Natural Heri-
tage List. The Ramsar List of the Convention on Wetlands contains Kopački
rit and Lonjsko polje Nature Parks as wetland habitats of international impor-
tance, the Crna mlaka fishponds as a special ornithological reserve and the
Lower Neretva. The Velebit Mountain belongs to the UNESCO world network
of biosphere reserves.
On the 29th of September 2006, the Croatian Parliament voted out a new marine protected area in the Republic of Croatia
– the Nature park “Lastovo archipelago”. The archipelago is the 11th Nature Park in the Republic of Croatia. Total area is
195,83 km2, 52,71 km2 are islands and 143,12 km2 is marine area. The Nature Park icludes 44 islands, cliffs and reefs. The
biggest islands in this area are Lastovo and Sušac.
The area is one of the most preserved marine areas in the Adriatic. Therefore, due to
high preservation characteristics, it is of national and international importance, with a
pronounced landscape, educational, cultural, historical and touristic values, together
with biological and landscape biodiversity, including sea and sea bottom.
The Government of the Republic of Croatia will constitute a public institution within 6
months, that will take care on the management of the Nature Park “Lastovo Archipelago”.
For more information, please contact Marina Mlakar, PhD, Department for Marine and
Environmental Research in Zagreb at the Rudjer Boskovic Institute, mlakar@irb.hr.
Zrinka Jakl
In 2003, WWF and SUNCE declared this area as on of the priority areas for the conservation of the Mediterranean biodiversity.
Intensive advocacy activities over last few years and collaboration on all levels insured local support necessary for the initia-
tion of political process of the declaration of protected area. The park has been established due to its values, such as diverse
landscape, rich marine biodiversity, rare and endemic plant and animal species, rich Holm oak forests but also archeological
findings and rich cultural heritage.
Before the declaration of “Lastovo archipelago” protected sea surface of the Republic of Croatia without this protected area
counted for only 0.07% of sea territory. This new protected sight will significantly contribute to the conservation of the Adriatic
and in general Mediterranean biodiversity. The next challenge for the park is to develop management scheme that will allow
efficient conservation and economic development of local community.
For additional information please contact Zrinka Jakl, Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development
SUNCE, Croatia, info@sunce-st.org or visit the website on www.sunce-st.org.
As an additional information on Lastovo, we were provided with an abstract on migrating Honeybuzzards on Lastovo (pu-
blished as: Lastovo - a new bottleneck site for the migratory Honey Buzzards Pernis apivorus? In: Acrocephalus 22 (108):
163 – 165, 2001):
Between August 22nd 2001 and September 3rd 2001, 221 migrating Ho-
ney Buzzards were observed on the island of Lastovo, Croatia. This
relatively large number of birds at the beginning of the autumn mig-
ration indicates a migration route from the coast of Dalmatia to Italy.
Lastovo is an ideal stepping stone for raptors crossing the Adriatic Sea
and should be protected as proposed by the Croatian Programme for
Physical Planning. Further studies are needed to clarify the importance
of this flyway.
Since the first alarming reports in the 1970s on the magnitude of annual General map of raptor migration in the Mediterranean
bird killing in the Mediterranean countries, a lot of attention has been paid (BIJLSMA 1987). The circleindicates the new migration corridor
to several hotspots. The identification of bottleneck sites was important between the Dalmatian coast via Lastovo to Italy.
to estimate the impacts and to provide measures for their protection. For Croatia, information on migrating raptors is still poor,
and only little is known about the impact of hunting on migrants. The preservation of the stop-over sites along the 5,780 km
long Croatian coastline is an important goal of the country’s environmental policy. With its 415 m high mountain “Hum”, Las-
tovo is an ideal site for the raptors to gain height before covering some 100 km long distance across the sea to Italy. Further
information on the number and phenology of migrating birds on Lastovo would be important to clarify the importance of the
island. For more information, please contact Martin Schneider-Jacoby, Martin.Schneider-Jacoby@euronatur.org.
16 Seizure of killed birds on the Croatian Border
Croatia: On December 6th 2006, customs officers at Karasovici border crossing
near Dubrovnik on the state border between Croatia and Montenegro found 856
specimens of killed birds hidden in the car of an Italian citizen. The birds were
packed in 30 plastic bags and weighed 27,5 kg. Nature Protection Inspection, with
the help of experts from the Ornithological Institute of the Croatian Academy of
Sciences and Arts, determined that the birds belong to four species: Carduelis car-
duelis (Goldfinch), Anthus pratensis (Meadow Pipit), Gallinago gallinago (Common
Snipe) and Motacilla alba (Pied Wagtail) - all strictly protected according to the
Nature Protection Act in Croatia. The determination of species was successfully
and promptly done, based only on the pictures the customs officer took and sent
by e-mail to the Inspection.
The birds were seized and the offender was held under custody. It was determined
that he was planning to carry the birds, that were apparently killed in Albania across
Montenegro and Croatia into Italy. He was fined 2700 € for breaking custom law,
2000 € for smuggling protected bird species and 540 € for carrying undeclared
hunting ammunition. After court ruling the offender was set free, but his passport
was retained until he pays the fine.
This case is just the most recent out of many seizures this year of live or killed
animals being smuggled mostly by foreign hunters in or from Croatia. It is a good
example of successful cooperation amongst all governmental institutions working
together on preventing illegal transboundary transport of protected species. For
more information, contact Ms Zrinka Domazetovic, Ministry of Culture, Nature Pro-
tection Directorate, zrinka.domazetovic@min-kulture.hr, www.min-kulture.hr.
17 Ten years of Donauauen National Park celebrated with guests from all central Danubian countries
Austria: The Danube Floodplain (Donauauen) National Park was established in
1996 along the only free-flowing stretch of this river in Austria, spanning Vienna
and Bratislava, following the strong protests against a planned hydro power station
and dam at Hainburg, which threatened to completely destroy all habitats of critical
importance at the national and international level. Since then this national park
comprising functional alluvial ecosystems has become regional leader in wetland
conservation.
The celebration of the 10th anniversary of this national park took place in the small
picturesque village Orth an der Donau, where the headquarters of the national park
is situated. The park director Carl Manzano welcomed all guests, especially the
ones coming from the countries along the middle Danube and representing pro-
tected areas: Croatia (Kopacki Rit nature Park), Serbia (Gornje Podunavlje Special
Nature Reserve), Hungary (Danube-Drava National Park) and Slovakia.
The full-day celebration took place in the medieval castle in Orth. Each guest-country presented its traditional food, handworks, traditio-
nal music and a presentation of one protected area. Serbian participants came from Gornje Podunavlje Reserve (handworks from Backi
Monostor and traditional food from Backi Breg) and Koviljsko-Petrovaradinski Rit (Brankovo Kolo tamburica orchestra). More information
at www.donauauen.at, Marko Tucakov mtucakov@eunet.yu and Sonja Badjura vilinsonja@gmail.com.
18 Call for Student Applications
Erasmus Programme: We would like to draw your attention to two Erasmus Mundus MSc programmes that may be of in-
terest to students at your own institution or at institutions within your professional network. Both programmes are two-year
integrated Masters Courses in Forestry but with a different profile:
SUFONAMA (Sustainable Forest and Nature Management): The overall objective is to qualify graduates to deal with the chal-
lenges of modern natural resources management in Europe and other temperate regions, that is, sustainable management
of forests and nature areas in an integrated landscape context.
SUTROFOR (Sustainable Tropical Forestry): The overall objective is to qualify graduates to deal with the challenges in
contemporary tropical forestry, that is, sustainable tropical forestry management is becoming increasingly complex due to
improved knowledge and a growing demand for products and services.
Full descriptions of the two Erasmus Mundus MSc programmes, inclusive of application procedure and forms, are found on:
www.sufonama.net and www.sutrofor.net. There are fifty scholarships available: each of EUR 42,000 (EUR 21,000 annually
for two years). Application deadline for non-EU students is 1 February 2007, for EU students 17 August 2007.
Dr. Carsten Smith Olsen and Dr. Niels Strange, Director of SUTROFOR and Director of SUFONAMA
The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
Danish Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning
Rolighedsvej 23, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
19 Stara planina
Serbia: Within the framework of the project ”Raising Awareness about Biodi-
versity and Sustainable Community Development in the Stara Planina Area”
several activities were carried out in November.
The Institute for Conservation of Serbia organised a workshop as part of an
“Eco Edu” education programme for teachers with the aim to introduce them
to the latest achievements in nature conservation. The programme also aims
to instruct them in methods and skills to present these findings to school chil-
dren in a way that would encourage them to become active participants in the
overall conservation effort.
Another training in community-based participatory planning in protected areas, was held in Gamzigradska Banja. The training
was carried out by experts from Quebec-Labrador Foundation/Atlantic Center for the Environment and it was designed for
teams of participants representing each of the four principle Serbian communities in the Stara planina region, as well as for
one team from the Stara planina region of Bulgaria. Participants were particularly positive about the participatory format of
the workshop, the team-based exercises and the dialogue and discussion.
Children and youths were given a chance to participate in a competition “How do I see Mt. Stara planina” (through my camera
or my drawing) with awards given to best photos and drawings. The aim of this event was to motivate children to establish a
close relation with nature and its heritage. The best photos and drawings are being published as postcards of the Mt. Stara
Planina.
At the same time, the first experimental planting of gentian (Gentiana lutea)
seedlings in the Stara Planina region was carried out. The seedlings of this en-
dangered medicinal species were produced by the Sinisa Stankovic Research
Institute. The aim of the project is to protect and conserve gentian in the Na-
ture Park, and to enable the revitalisation of its original population.
This project is being implemented by IUCN - the World Conservation Union
in cooperation with the Regional Environmental Center (REC), funded by the
Norwegian government (NORAD). For more information, please contact Duska
Dimovic, duska@natureprotection.org.yu.
20 Albania and Greece cooperate for Lake Micro Prespa
Greece/Albania: The first joint scientific and technical study concerning Lake
Micro Prespa (shared between Albania and Greece) and river Devolli (Albania)
was recently completed. The study focused on the interaction between the
two water systems, which were artificially connected in the mid ‘70s, so that
water from the lake could be used for irrigation purposes in Albania.
The project was vital, since water integrated management on a river basin level
forms one of the main objectives of the transboundary Prespa Park (Albania,
Greece, FYR of Macedonia). Findings showed that the diversion has adversely
affected the ecology of the southern end of Micro Prespa in Albania. If it con-
tinues to operate, the consequences could be catastrophic for the sensitive
ornithofauna of this lake of international importance.
Meetings between expert scientists and the competent water authorities in the two countries revealed a common under-
standing of the problem and a joint will for environmentally acceptable alternative solutions. The explicit decision of the
Albanian Administration not to use the Lake as a storage reservoir in the future is also very encouraging. The adoption of a
sustainable development model for the area, which will determine future water needs and integrate environmental concerns
into all sectors, and also will enable the inhabitants to benefit from wise water management, seems to be the only right solu-
tion on a long-term basis.
The project was carried out by the Greek NGO Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) and the Albanian NGO Protection
and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), with co-funding by the Hellenic Aid Agency (Greek Ministry
of Foreign Affairs) and WWF-Greece. For more information please contact Mrs. Daphne Mantziou, SPP, d.mantziou@wwf.gr,
and Mr. Spase Shumka, PPNEA, sprespa@yahoo.co.uk.
Events
21 Balkans Peace Park Meeting
Plav, Montenegro, 14 October 2006: BPPP UK Committee Chair Antonia
Young and her assistant Abbey Radis most recently attended a Balkans Peace
Park Coalition Meeting, which took place in Plav, Montenegro, on the 14th of
October. This was a preparatory meeting for their upcoming 15th of November
Regional Conference in Prishtina, Kosova: Balkans Peace Park: Strategic
Cooperation between Civil Society, Local Authorities and International
Institutions.
Thus, the aim of the meeting in Plav was to organise and share the tasks and
responsibilities among the NGOs for this regional BPP conference. The very
successful and productive meeting was organized by the ERA Group, a BPP
Coalition Kosovar Partner NGO, and included 21 attendees, with fairly equal
attendance from all three regions.
Fatos Lajci
The BPP Coalition member NGOs present at the meeting were “Triton” (MN), “ERA Group” (KS), BPPP
UK Committee, “Hajla” (MN), HRID (MN), Alpet Shqiptare (Kos-UNMIK), Environmental Center “Valbona” (AL), Information
Center for BPP (AL), Aquila (Kos-UNMIK), and New Community (AL).
Please see the website www.balkanspeacepark.org for more information or contact: a.t.i.young@bradford.ac.uk.
22 European Members Meeting in Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain, 18-21 October 2006: Towards 2010 and beyond, a
vision for European Nature, has taken place in Barcelona from 18-21 Octo-
ber. More than 200 delegates from 37 national governments, the European
Commission, five UN organizations, 88 NGOs, private companies, the IUCN
Secretariat and Expert Commissions discussed the next IUCN Programme
2009-2012. They had the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas
for a new vision for European Nature and to participate in a wide range of
working groups and training sessions on fundraising, policy advocacy and
media work.
Protected areas in Europe
The first day of the Members Meeting was dedicated to Protected Areas in
Europe and aimed to act as a forum for the World Commission on Protected
Areas (WCPA) Commission members to discuss topics such as the IUCN
Global and European Programmes on Protected Areas, Natura 2000, IUCN
Categories, World Heritage Plans for Europe and linking National Committees and WCPA.
Plenary Sessions
During the plenary sessions of the pan-European Members Meeting, Ladislav Miko, Director Nature Directorate European Com-
mission, Aldo Cosentino, Director General for Nature Protection Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea and Protection of Italy,
Mark Held, Secretary General European Outdoor Group, Bill Jackson, Director IUCN Global Programme, Graham Bennett, Director
Syzygy, Andrew Terry, Scientific Advisor IUCN Regional Office for Europe, Patrick Worms, Aspect Public Relations, Sebastian Win-
kler, Head Countdown 2010 and Tamás Marghescu, Director IUCN Regional Office for Europe, contributed by sharing their vision
and experience on nature in Europe.
Working Groups
During the second day of the Meeting the participants were divided into a number of different working groups where they had the
opportunity to discuss and share ideas and experiences on a number of different themes: a vision for nature in Europe beyond 2010,
key elements of the IUCN European Programme 2009-2012, Europe at the World Conservation Congress 2008, new models for
financing nature conservation and communication solutions for nature and biodiversity.
For more information please contact Chantal van Ham on Chantal.VanHam@iucn.org.
23 9th regular meeting for the Transboundary Prespa Park in Albania
Korcha, Albania, 20-21 November 2007: The Prespa Park Coordination
Committee held its ninth regular meeting on the 20th and 21st November in
Korcha, Albania. Apart from the committee members, various international
stakeholders attended the meeting and were informed about the local and
transboundary activities, which took place during 2006, aiming at the conser-
vation and sustainable development of the Prespa Park basin.
One of the main discussions during the meeting focused on an analysis of the
content and the organisational structure of the five-year transboundary proj-
ect carried out under the title “Integrated ecosystem management in the Pre-
spa Lakes basin of Albania, FYR-Macedonia and Greece”. The project will be
funded by the GEF – Global Environment Facility and other international and
national donors with a total budget of approx. $14 million, and its implementa-
tion is expected to start at the beginning of 2007.
Furthermore, two important trilateral side workshops took place during the first day of the meeting. The first one concerned
the water management of the Prespa region, and was carried out under participation of representatives of the water services
of the three countries sharing the basin. The participants agreed on the necessity for the appointment of a trilateral technical
working group on water issues as well as the establishment of a transboundary monitoring system for the waters of the basin.
The second side meeting concerned the spatial planning in the Prespa basin and was realised with the participation of repre-
sentatives of the relevant authorities of the three countries. The discussion involved the legal framework and the methodology
of the spatial plans under preparation for the basin at the national level. The participants agreed to exchange the relevant
terms of reference and to organize an expert meeting among the study teams to consider further coordination.
For more information please contact the Prespa Park Secretariat, at the Society for the Protection of Prespa, spp@line.gr.
24 SGF project workshop
Bardaca Wetlands, Northern Bosnia & Herzegovina, 24-25 November
2006: In the framework of the Ramsar SGF project “restoration and rehabilita-
tion of the Wetland Region Bardaca” a workshop was held on the 24th and 25th
of November in the middle of the Bardaca area, where the Sava river forms
the border between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia. This is a mosaic of
near natural Sava flood plain areas with diverse habitat structures and the
swallow fish ponds which are covering about one quarter of the Bardaca core
area. About 35 representatives from governmental, university and local institu-
tions as well as NGOs and individual land-owners participated in the two days
event.
The main target of the SGF project is the designation of the area as Ramsar site and to elaborate a draft management plan,
including also the development of materials for education and public awareness work. The workshop was focussing on the
first both aspects, while launching a booklet about Bardaca in Serbian and English language as well as a documentary video.
Presentations and working group sessions led to future action points and a final site visit to gain a better understanding of
landscape patterns, water regime and land-use-practices. More detailed information about the project can be found in English
and Serbian language at http://www.bardacadzaba.com.
25 Conservation Efforts In Turkey Gaining Momentum
Ankara, Turkey, 30 November-1 December 2006: The Turkish GEF-2
Project Team held a meeting on the participatory planning process implement-
ed in four demonstration sites representing different biogeographic zones of
the country. The meeting took place in the headquarters of the Ministry of En-
vironment and Forestry in Ankara. A guest speaker, the Director of the Central
Balkan National Park, Bulgaria also attended the meeting and gave a speech
on the Bulgarian planning experience.
The representatives of the project units located in the areas have given de-
tailed information about the participatory planning process and presented
draft management plans to the audience comprising mainly of the Ministry officials as targeted. The small grants programme,
which has proved to be an effective tool in gaining support of the local people has been discussed in the meeting as well. The
feedback given in the general discussion session has been largely positive.
The final management plans of the four areas are to be issued in the first months of next year and executed after approval by
the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. These plans would be the first participatory management
plans and an exemplary model to build an effective Protected Area System in the country, that holds a remarkable biodiver-
sity, including 75 percent of all plant species occurring in Europe and 3300 endemic species as well as being part of a major
flyway for millions of migratory birds. For more informatin please contact akalin.orhan@gmail.com.
26 Wise Management of Middle Danube Floodplains
Sombor, Serbia, 7-8 December 2006: Within the WWF’s project of promot-
ing ecotourism as a tool for improving nature management in Serbia, a man-
agement planning workshop was held in Sombor on 7 and 8 December 2006.
It was a successful attempt for a gathering of all key stakeholders in the area
of the Serbian Gornje Podunavlje reserve - giving them an opportunity to learn
and participate in the discussion on how to manage this area. Except Vojvo-
dinasume PE, who manage the reserve, representatives of local councils, mu-
nicipalities of Sombor and Apatin, activists of local NGOs, provincial and state
conservation authorities, Volunteer’s Center of Vojvodina as well as managers
of protected wetlands in Vojvodina participated in the discussion.
After presentations of WWF activities in Serbia, Dr. Christian Baumgartner (NP Donauauen, Austria) gave an extensive in-
troduction in management planning process and presented the management plan of this Austrian National Park which is
a strong leader in floodplain conservation in the region. Ivan Darko Grlica presented the problems in the Drava wetlands
conservation, as well as in the recent efforts in habitat mapping and restoration. Duska Dimovic gave an overview of the
biosphere reserve nomination process, having in mind that Gornje Podunavlje is included in plans for establishing a Dan-
ube-Drava-Mura biosphere reserve. Biljana Panjnovic presented the reserve itself, after which a management planning was
simulated. Participants spent the following day in Backi Monostor, a key village in the area.
The management planning requires a serious participatory process. Vojvodinasume was strongly encouraged to support all
the stakeholders to be included in it actively. WWF will be the main catalyst in this important step. More information from
Marko Tucakov, project coordinator mtucakov@eunet.yu.
27 National Workshop on National Red Data Books in Turkey: Current Status and Future Action
Ankara, Turkey, 7-8 December: The IUCN Turkish National Committee organized
a workshop to decide on the process of producing “National Red Data Books in
Turkey” with the financial and technical support of IUCN Centre for Mediterranean
Cooperation. The workshop, coordinated by TEMA Foundation in partnership with
the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry, gathered around 100 participants.
Experts from the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry, academics, NGO
representatives and IUCN representatives gathered to present the current status of
the national red data books, to discuss the process for finalizing, maintaining and
updating red data books of Turkey.
Participants discussed on the topic of “how national red data books can assist
in implementing national policies on nature conservation”. The workshop conclu-
sion comprised the plan to establish working groups on taxonomic classes, and a
steering committee to lead the process. Experts discussed on how to manage and
update the data on red list species, and how existing biodiversity databases can be
incorporated into this process. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry was pres-
ent in all the discussions.
The workshop has significantly contributed for creating a consensus on the process
and initiated the preparation of many national red lists in close future. More informa-
tion on the meeting is available from Yesim Erkan, Workshop Coordinator, TEMA
Foundation, yesime@tema.org.tr.
28 9th European Day of Parks in Europe’s protected areas
EUROPARC, 24 May 2007: The EUROPARC Federation invites parks across Europe to take part in the 9th European Day
of Parks on and around 24 May 2007. The theme is „Living Working Landscapes“ and the requirements for sustainable de-
velopment in and around protected areas. Parks are invited to interpret the theme as they wish. Events and activities could
be held on the themes related to people living and communities in protected areas, the economic benefits of protected
areas for rural communities, as well as the environmental value of landscape conservation.
EUROPARC will further promote the pan-European focus of this initiative by providing a complete
overview of events organised by EUROPARC members. We would therefore be very pleased if you
could register your activities on the 2007 European Day of Parks calendar on www.europarc.org/in-
ternational/data/edp.htm. This international initiative was launched to promote the aims and work
of national parks, nature parks, biosphere reserves and Natura 2000 sites. In 2006, more than 350
events were organised by protected areas, government authorities and non-governmental organisa-
tions in 18 European countries to mark the occasion on and around 24 May, a date chosen to com-
memorate the designation of Europe‘s first nine national parks in Sweden on 24 May 1909.
For more information please visit the Europarc website on www.europarc.org or contact Sindy Bublitz,
s.bublitz@europarc.org.
Funding
29 Cross Border Cooperation Croatia
• Title of the Call: CARDS - PHARE - Business related infrastructure, Sup-
port
to civil society organisations and Cross-Border Co-operation in Croatia
• Funds: CARDS PHARE
• Areas: Tourism, SME Policy, Environment, Enlargement, Economy-Finances,
Local development
• Summary : 3 calls for proposals launched by the Ministry of Finance in Croatia
for projects the fields of business related infrastructure, support to civil society
organisations and cross-border co-operation
• Deadlines for submission : 06 February 2006
• Who can apply: Universities, Universities, Development NGOs, Federations,
Unions, Research centres, Local and Regional authorities, Associations,
Agencies, Chambers
• Regions concerned: Croatia, EU Member States, Espace economic Euro-
péen, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, The former Yugoslav Repu-
blic of Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkey
Call 1: Business-related infrastructure Grant Scheme
• Modernisation/extension of infrastructure essential to
business development (e.g. access roads to tourism sites, business incubators, industrial zones, etc)
• Development of existing business incubators, business centres, industrial parks, etc.
• Develop. of communal infrastructure related to tourism (water, wastewater, electricity, social and cultural centres, etc
• Development of tourist infrastructure
• Development of the infrastructural base for research, technology and innovation for business (including testing laborato
ries, cluster-based R&D facilities and training institutions, etc.)
• Development of multi-user Information and Communications Technology infrastructure
• Training and technical assistance to maximise the effective use of the new infrastructure and ensure, where feasible, that
the long-term sustainability is achieved
Documents
http://cfcu.mfin.hr/tenderYYY/PHARE_2005.htm
Call 2: Cross-border cooperation
• Promote economic and social development in the Croatian regions and foster greater cross-border cooperation with regi
ons in B&H, Serbia, Montenegro
• Enhance the capacity of local stakeholders to manage border region development in coop. with partners across the border
• Increase business competitiveness in the cross-border area through establishment of cooperation with cross border part-
ners and social inclusion of marginalised groups through implementation of tailor made actions for specific target groups:
women, unemployed, refugees, minorities
• Support sustainable joint management of natural resources and cultural heritage through projects which decrease the ne-
gative impacts of human activity on environment, protect valuable natural and cultural heritage and foster cross-border
areas cooperation in environmental protection and culture
Documents
http://cfcu.mfin.hr/tenderYYY/CARDS_2004.htm
Call 3: Support to civil society organisations active in the field of environment protection and sust. development
• Support civil society development by sustaining and reinforcing democratisation process in compliance with the Copenha-
gen criteria and improve environmental protection in Croatia, according to EU principles and legislation
• Support NGOs active in the field of environment in their contribution to the harmonisation of Croatian environmental
legislation with the Acquis Communautaire, strengthening of its implementation, introducing of EU environmental
standards, improvement of environmental monitoring, facilitating public participation process in the decision making and
increasing public awareness
• Develop and implement activities that contribute to solving environmental problems and/or improving environmental
quality and/or contributing to environmental awareness
• Develop partnership between civil and public sector and to increase public participation in environmental decision-making
processes
Documents
http://cfcu.mfin.hr/tenderYYY/CARDS_2004.htm
Contacting details
Ministry of Finance - Republic of Croatia, Central Finance and Contract Unit (CFCU)
Katanciceva 5, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
grants.cfcu@mfin.hr
Publications
30 Integrated River Basin Management
Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) is widely accepted as the most promising ap-
proach to solve the global freshwater crisis. IRBM rests on the principle that naturally func-
tioning river basin ecosystems, including accompanying wetland and groundwater systems,
are the source of freshwater. Therefore, management of river basins must include maintaining
ecosystem functioning as a paramount goal. To pursue this goal, IRBM brings together all
river basins’ relevant parties that impact or benefit from the freshwater ecosystem to reach an
agreement able to satisfy their needs as well as those of the freshwater ecosystem.
To promote a better understanding of the IRBM process within the Mediterranean context,
WWF Mediterranean Programme (WWF MedPO) has published the handbook “Integrated Ri-
ver Basin Management - Guidelines for the Mediterranean”. The handbook gives a snapshot
of IRBM founding pillars and mechanisms, and the various ways in which it adapted to local
conditions; a few case studies on river basins where the IRBM process is being implemented
are described. An Annex on how to set up a short training course on IRBM and a CD-Rom
with background material are also included. WWF MedPO´s wish for this publication is to
contribute towards the vision of IRBM as standard practice in the conservation of freshwater
in the Mediterranean.
For further information, please, contact Raffaele Mancini rmancini@atw-wwf.org.
31 Endangered Species and Habitat Types in the Slovenian Sea
The Institute of the Republic of Slovenia published the book »Endangered
Species and Habitat Types in the Slovenian Sea« (authors: L. Lipej, R. Turk, T.
Makovec). The release of the book is one result of the successful cooperation
between the International Cooperation Office of the Principality of Monaco
and the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation.
The book is a marine Red List for the Slovenian sea, differing from the »clas-
sical« red lists only in the fact that apart from plant and animal species it
includes the rare and endangered habitat types, with a thorough description
of their status, assessment of their distribution and threats, and a survey of
bibliographical sources.
The introductory part of the book is dedicated to the Mediterranean Sea, the
Adriatic and finally the Slovenian sea. For the last, the authors state that it is
very important in terms of biodiversity, in spite of its small size, shallowness and intensive urbanisation. The main part of the
book is represented by the description of endangered species and habitat types. The authors based their work on the stand-
points adopted in view of biodiversity conservation by the contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention. The lists have
been given added value by the photographs and illustrations that clearly show the endangered species and habitats in our
sea. The book ends with the legal framework concerning biodiversity conservation. A short overview is given on numerous
international documents that are dealing with the protection of endangered species and habitat types and with sustainable
use of resources. Special emphasis is given to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocol on Specially protected Areas and
biological diversity in the Mediterranean.
According to the authors the book should be taken as an expedient in the planning of various activities in the sea and on the
coast and should above all contribute to the preservation and improvement of the conditions in Slovenian waters and in the
entire Gulf of Trieste, both from the aspect of biodiversity and sustainable use of resour-
ces – for the present generation and generations to come.
For more information please contact Mag. Robert Turk, univ. dipl. biol. at the Institute of
the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation.
email: robert.turk@zrsvn.si or website www.zrsvn.si
Guidelines for contributing to the IUCN SEE e-bulletin
IUCN welcomes articles in which you report on the activities related to transboundary cooperation in protected areas
and biodiversity conservation. Please report on the status of your projects and actions, as well as events that you
attended. You are welcome to announce new meetings and workshops and briefly report on new publications and
announce funding opportunities.
The articles should be 150-250 words in length. Please note this as the interest to distribute news articles through the
bulletin is extremely high and we are trying to secure space for all of you to contribute. Therefore, please be short.
The editor keeps the right to shorten and modify the text if necessary.
Please send a photo to accompany your article if appropriate and indicate your email and/or web-link for further
reference.
Thanks for taking these guidelines into consideration!
All contributions should be sent to Aleksandra Nesic, aleksandra.nesic@iucn.org.
ROfE‘s Structure ROfE in Belgrade
Regional Office for Europe (ROfE) is a branch of The Programme Office for South-Eastern Europe
World Conservation Union (IUCN) global network. We
along with offices and commissions around the world Dr. Ivana Ribara 91
link back to the President, Director General and Council 11070 Belgrade
of IUCN. Serbia and Montenegro
Tel: +381 11 2272-411
For a history of IUCN and an explanation of the global Fax: +381 11 2272-531
structure please visit www.iucn.org. ROfE is compri- Email: aleksandra.nesic@iucn.org
sed of four IUCN offices located in Brussels, Warsaw,
Belgrade and Moscow. The head officein Brussels, is Edited by Katharina Diehl
a meeting point where the IUCN Programme Office for Email: katharina.diehl@iucn.org
Central Europe in Warsaw, The IUCN Programme Office
for the Commonwealth of Independent States in Mos-
cow and the IUCN Programme Office for South-Eas-
tern Europe in Belgrade can disseminate information
and strategies. Together as ROfE we strive to meet our
goals for a sustainable Europe by utilizing local experti-
se and the strength of the global IUCN network.