Project Newsletter no 1, January 2014
Land of Eagles and Castles: Pilot Sustainable Tourism Model for the Albanian Adriatic Coastline ........... 2 23 years in action: An overview of PPNEA efforts to protect coastal areas in Albania. .............................. 3 A Glance to the Project Partner: Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds (BSPB) ................................... 4 I come from Narta ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Creating Project’s Local Institutional and Professional Network ................................................................. 7 World Day of Tourism 2013 ......................................................................................................................... 8 Participatory Workshop in the Key Biodiversity Area of Narta Lagoon ...................................................... 9 Saving Egyptian vulture in Albania ............................................................................................................ 10 Saving the last natural flowing river in Albania ......................................................................................... 11
Released by PPNEA Address: Rr. Vangjush Furrxhi, pall 16, shk 1, ap 10 - 1001 Tirana, Albania, e-mail: contact@ppnea.org, web: www.ppnea.org 1
Land of Eagles and Castles: Pilot Sustainable Tourism Model for the Albanian Adriatic Coastline Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) in partnership with Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds (BSPB) being granted by Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) are implementing the project “Land of Eagles and Castles: Pilot Sustainable Tourism Model for the Albanian Adriatic Coastline”. “The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Development, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation”. The aim of this project is to deliver a model for establishing community-driven, naturebased tourism in three of the eight Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) that have been identified along the Albanian coastline. These KBAs are: (i) Narta Lagoon and surrounding area; (ii) Vlora Bay- Karaburun Peninsula-Çika Mountain; and (iii) Butrinti and surrounding area. These areas stretch along the southern Albanian coastline and shelter unique biodiversity in rich variety and high abundance. The selected area represents an important “crossroads of dispersal” for the flora of the Balkan region. The specific objectives of the project are to: Establish sound scientific basis for informed biodiversity intervention; Promote the participation of local stakeholders for effective nature
protection and socio-economic development actions Develop ecotourism in the three KBAs Raise capacities of local stakeholders for nature protection and socio-economic benefits coming from this Encourage economically viable sustainable local livelihoods; Create ownership over project results to guarantee their long-term sustainability;
Building capacities and raising awareness of local stakeholders about the importance and profits coming from the biodiversity components, and encouraging sustainable livelihood activities through providing real examples will directly decrease disturbance, will assure indirect long term conservation of the flagship species within the project KBAs and will decrease the degradation and loss of natural habitats. Prepared by Mirjan TOPI, PPNEA 2
23 years in action: An overview of PPNEA efforts to protect coastal areas in Albania Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) is a nongovernmental environmental organization that operates nationwide. PPNEA is the first Albanian environmental organization founded in 1991. It emerged in a period of turmoil and socio-economic change in the country and the wider region - a time where environmental issues were looked down upon and given marginal priority in governing and policy issues. PPNEA provided strong technical support to the government for the development and implementation of programmes which led to the creation of several protected areas in Albania. On the other hand, the organization’s role has been crucial for Albania's accession to: i) Convention of Migratory Species - CMS; ii) Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas - ASCOBANS; iii) Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds - AEWA; and iv) Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats - EuroBats. Two decades after its creation the organization possesses vast experience in nature and biodiversity conservation, in environmental education and in promotion of a more sustainable livelihood. The work of PPNEA on the protection of coastal areas and species conservation goes back to the very start of its operations. It all began with several massive campaigns aimed at removing waste from the seaside and by raising awareness on the protection of marine species and waterfowl. At that time in order to support the field actions two local branches were opened, PPNEA-
Shkoder to safeguard the Shkodra Lake and Buna Delta and PPNEA- Vlora to preserve Vlora bay, Karavasta and Narta Lagoons. This initial phase has been followed with concrete action to protect Karavasta lagoon which is one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea and it is an important migratory bird area of the Adriatic Flyway. The dedicated work and the long lobbying process led to the designation of Karavasta lagoon as a Ramsar site of international importance and imposed the government to grant to the area the status of Divjake Karavasta National Park. The coastal conservation work continued by protecting flagship species like the Curly Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) and by implementing different studies on habitat and species, monitoring for heavy metal contamination, developing eco-touristic capacities, etc. Coastal area protection and conservation aspects will continue to be main priorities of PPNEA in years to come in order to assure an integrated coastal zone management which will lead to an improved protection of breeding habitats for littoral zone species. Prepared by Kujtim MERSINI, PPNEA
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A Glance to the Project Partner: Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds (BSPB) In the BSPB we work for the conservation of wild birds, the areas important for them and their habitats. We defend the right of existence of wildlife and thus we contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources and the well-being of mankind too. In BSPB we work for the people too: we defend the public interest and everybody’s right to a preserved nature and a healthy environment. The BSPB is one of the few nongovernmental organizations with actual membership and a developed, functioning network across Bulgaria. Membership is voluntary. The structure of the BSPB functions in different parts of the country and depends on the support of its members – granted at least through their membership fee. Our members come from all ages and fields of interest; they are united by their love of nature and wild birds as well as by their willingness to change their lives for the better. The BSPB is a part of BirdLife International – a global nature conservation organization, founded in 1922; BirdLife International is a network of partnering organizations in over 100 countries with over 2.6 million members and 10 million supporters worldwide.
BSPB works for the conservation of wild birds, the areas important for them and their habitats, together with the conservation of biodiversity as a whole, thus contributing for the sustainable use of natural resources and the well-being of mankind too.
Our vision is of a world where humans recognize the equal right of existence and favorable environment for all biological species; a world where the use of natural resources is inseparably tied to taking measures to secure their natural recovery; a world where all human communities have equal rights to the use of natural resources and to the nature services. Prepared by Stoyan NIKOLOV, BSPB
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Natural and Cultural values of “Vjosë-Nartë” Protected Area The Protected Landscape Vjosë-Nartë, situated in the northern part of Vlora city represents a very important site for biodiversity conservation and tourism development, not only for the region of Vlora but for the whole country. This area is rich in water and littoral habitats and includes various landscape features such as; sandy dunes, salt marshes, shrub covered hills, pine forests, islands, and wetlands. The area of Narta is rich in flora and fauna. Its high biodiversity is very important because many plant species of the Red Book of Albania are found there The Natural ecosystem of Narta can be seen as an essential part of Europe’s natural vegetation heritage. In the Narta lagoon there so far are reported 32 species of mollusks, 39 species of fish, 9 species of amphibians and 26 species of reptiles. In regard to birds, the area of Narta is listed as the second most important site for water birds in Albania. About 80 bird species have been recorded in this area. Ducks (Anas sp.) and coot (Fulica atra) are the most abundant. The lagoon is known as the main wintering site in Albania for many birds. In Narta it is present also Pelicanus crispus. From the total number of 74 mammal species registered in Albania, about 32 species are reported to be present in the area of “Vjosë-Nartë” The area offers good opportunities for ecotourism. In this area and around it there are different historical sites like: Zverneci island (Narta lagoon) where the Saint Mary
Monastery (13th-14th century AC) is situated.The monastery is known for its mural pictures and wooden sculpts, which depict flowers and different animals. Now this church has been restored and is used as a cult place; In Narta village there is an archaeological site with the ancient settlement of Aulona (not excavated yet); In this area passes ancient Via Egnatia, linking the South of Illyrian coast with the east. The city was also known as Triport and its remnants date back to the 5th century BC, as do the ancient ruins of the city of Spinarica. Triporti antique ruins are situated in the west of Narta lagoon, near the Zverneci village. Treporti has been an important harbour which connected the town with other antique places, such as Aulona, Oriku and Amantia. According to 12th century documents, Spinarica was a Mediterranean town of the Adriatic. Narta is a magnificent place and we should all have the generosity to preserve it for future generations, therefore giving the chance to future generations to have the same pleasure that we feel now and previous generations have felt when being there. Pergatiti Niko DUMANI, PPNEV
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I come from Narta Five km from the city of Vlora there is a magic place, born not from earth and stone but strangely from the salt. It might be impossible to believe such a claim; however Narta is the child of salt, born and raised from it. As was justly nicknamed by one of our nation’s greatest writers Jakov Xoxa, Narta is “The flower of salt”. To whoever is visiting Narta for the first time, it may seem strangely quaint. In a period where times goes by with lightning speed, trying to change everything, Narta is the ultimate rebel, unshakable in the efforts to maintain traditions of times gone by. If you pass by its cobblestoned streets, it is most probable that you will come across our grandmothers dressed in traditional costume, sitting on the perch examining the straight lines of our embroidering. We will surely invite you in, offering you our well known hospitality. If you do come, please do so in spring. Spring in Narta is synonymous to heady scents of flowers, of vines being trimmed and houses painted in the snow-white of lime. There is a buzz of activities as we prepare for Easter. If you can’t visit in spring, do not be discouraged, summer will come soon enough, bringing in the air the scents of geranium and the flavours of jams and marmalades. Actually, you can come anytime in Narta, we don’t disappoint.
not partial to it, there is Narta’s wine, renowned for its rich flavour and luscious taste. In winter, we do not sit idly by and wait for it to pass; there are olives to harvest and delicious olive oil to make. I feel blessed to have had the good fortune to be born in such a magical place. I was raised among the traditions of Narta, simultaneously adapting to a fast paced lifestyle and devotedly conserving what identifies us as “Narqot”. There is an old saying for Narta that i would like to share with you: “make sure to safe Nafora (Narta) from giant flames appearing from endless barrels of brandy and manifold bellows of oil, because even Kasaba (Vlora) is glowed, Nafora may restore it but if Nafora is burned, Kasaba is powerless it raise again.”
Prepared by Ina NASTO, UV Adapted in English by Ina ÇAMI
In autumn, the lagoon spreads around the heady aroma of distilled raki prepared in the courtyards of our own homes, or if you are 6
Creating Project’s Local Institutional and Professional Network Promoting nature conservation and sustainable development is challenging especially in developing countries where natural resources are in many cases the only means of livelihoods for local communities. In this particular context, the collaboration with local stakeholders is of crucial importance for achieving the above mentioned objectives.
Local stakeholders are above all the key source of information about environmental and socio-economic problems characterizing the surroundings where they live and for sure, they should feel part of the planning and development processes happening in their place. We believe, this is the best way of planning and assuring the sustainability of the development process at local level. In Albania, the collaboration and participation strategies among stakeholders are unfortunately not at the right level so far, thus letting considerable space for duplication, inefficiency, failure and even adverse impacts for many initiatives and projects. Promoting collaboration and participation of local key stakeholders in the development process, is one of the core objectives of the project “Land of Eagles and Castles”. For this, and for assuring a successful implementation of the project we carried out introductory meetings in relevant local institutions in all three Key Biodiversity Areas where the project is focused.
municipalities, communes, NGOs and other key stakeholders. We started the meetings in the KBA of Narta Lagoon, where we were welcomed from the Mayor of Novosele Commune, and then we had meetings in Qender commune, prefecture of Vlora, Municipality of Vlora, University of Vlora, Municipality of Orikum, different NGOs. Afterwards meetings continued in the KBA of Butrinti, where we have been welcomed from the mayors of communes “Xarre”, “Aliko” and “Ksamil”, Municipality of Saranda, National Park Butrinti Authorities, local NGOs and intellectuals of the area. It was pleasant to hear the congratulations, comments, and commitment for support and collaboration of local stakeholders that actually constitute the project’s local institutional and professional network.
Prepared by Mirjan TOPI and Oresta Saliaj, PPNEA
Along this meetings tourney we were pleased to introduce the project and discuss about it with representatives from many local institutions such as Universities, 7
World Day of Tourism 2013 The 27th of September is known as the international day of tourism, this year with a special focus on water resources. In the frame of this important date the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with National Tourism Agency and Municipality of Divjaka organized a special event which took place in the Lagoon of Karavasta. The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism Ms. Eglantina Gjermeni, Minsiter of Environment Mr. Lefter Koka, regional deputy Mr. Erjon Braçe, Ambassadors, representatives from Civil Society Organizations and local community members. The Divjake–Karavasta National Park was chosen as an example of good management and conservation achievement. Quoting the minister of environment it serves also as an excellent representation of a successful collaboration between central and local governments, with local communities”.
Eco-tourism is widely considered as one of the best strategies enabling nature conservation and sustainable management of the protected areas in particular. Believing on this, PPNEA has augmented its efforts to implement such approach, through its recent project "Land of Eagles and Castles: Pilot Sustainable Model for the Albanian Adriatic Coastline” and other initiatives.
Prepared by Ina ÇAMI, PPNEA
The minister of tourism expressed the new government’s aim in building a "green economy” and making ecotourism the engine to achieve this goal. Ecotourism is seen as a sustainable alternative livelihood strategy generating income and conserving nature in the meantime. Mr. Erjon Braçe, highlighted the importance of tourism, and other traditional activities such as sustainable agriculture and sustainable fishing for the development of the area. After speeches held by high governmental officers, participants were guided for a small walk in the area. This activity got finalized by an exhibition of local agricultural and fishing products and traditional dishes.
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Participatory Workshop in the Key Biodiversity Area of Narta Lagoon PPNEA organized on 15th November 2013 the first participatory workshop in the Key Biodiversity Area of Narta Lagoon. This event is part of a CEPF granted project “Land of Eagles and Castles�. The workshop gathered more than 30 key stakeholders representing different local and regional governmental institutions such as: commune Qender, commune Novosele, Prefecture of Vlore, Directory of Forest Services Vlore, Regional Fishing Agency, Regional Environment Agency etc. Representatives, coming from University of Vlora, different nongovernmental organizations, elders, tourism agents, intellectuals of the area and other key stakeholders. Through this workshop the stakeholders were introduced with the details of the project and concepts on socio-economic benefits coming from nature conservation and sustainable tourism development. In addition a session of data gathering through rapid appraisal of local knowledge took place using participatory methods. Through this session stakeholders identified and listed the main touristic units in the area of Narta, including here eco-tourism elements, cultural objects and traditions.
challenges of tourism development in the protected area of Narta Lagoon. Among the most sensitive environmental problems listed were the: management of solid wastes and waste water, uncontrolled construction, the illegal forest cutting and the uncontrolled hunting and fishing. As regards to the development challenges, stakeholders prioritized the faint and inefficient coordination among central and local governmental institutions and other stakeholders, by stating that the local tourism strategies are in many cases not compatible with the national development tourism strategy. Participants showed high level of involvement and expressed their commitment to give continuous contribution to achieve the project objectives. The activity has also advertised and followed by local media
Prepared by Oresta SALIAJ, PPNEA
Moreover a plenary discussion took place to identify and list the main environmental problems being present in the area, the main socio-economic problems, and the 9
Saving Egyptian vulture in Albania The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is an Indo-African species. It is distributed widely across areas in the Indian and the Arabian Peninsulas, the vast steppes of Central Asia, the open hills of South Europe and the hot sands of Africa. Its’ global population is estimated at 21 00067 000 individuals. There are less than 80 pairs on the whole Balkans, from those 8 pairs have been so far observed in Albania (data coming from the 2013 season monitoring) making the Egyptian vulture, one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in the country. An Egyptian vulture consumes carcasses, garbage and feces so they play a very important role in the removal and recycling of organic waste. They also have an economic importance for humans because they serve as a natural regulator of diseases and epidemics. Human activity changes the environment and poses many threats to the survival of this bird. Some of these threats are: disturbance, poisoning, electrocution, reduced food availability, threats along the migration routes and habitat change. These are some of the known threats so far, however there is a huge need to further investigate and learn about the mortality causes of the Egyptian vulture. On such purpose a very important contribution it is giving the LIFE+ project "The Return of the Neophron" managed by the "Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds” (BSPB) in partnership with "Hellenic Ornithological Society” (HOS), "World Wildlife Fund-Greece” (WWF), and "Royal Society for the Protection of Birds” (RSPB).
The project partner in Albania is Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA). On the frame of this project satellite transmitters are installed in Egyptian vulture juveniles and adults from the Balkan population, which will enable the understanding of bird migratory routs and further the mortality causes. This year in Albania, for the first time has been tagged an Egyptian vulture juvenile. The tagged juvenile was nicknamed "Mashkullora” and is the only chick fetched from one pair breeding in the region of Gjirokastra, which is one of the main Egyptian vulture territories in southern Albania. The population of Egyptian vulture in Albania is distributed mainly on the southern part of the country, in the regions of Gjirokastara and Vlora, however few territories have been observed also in the north. Presence of Egyptian vulture has been reported also in the cliffs of Karaburun peninsula which is situated inside one of the KBAs und the focus of the project “Land of Eagles and Castles”. Prepared by Oresta Saliaj, PPNEA
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Saving the last natural flowing river in Albania Vjosa River is the second biggest river system in Albania, forming a flowing length of 272 km and draining an area of 6,700 km². It sources from the Pindus Mountains in Greece and discharges in the Adriatic Sea in Albania, area which is proclaimed as protected landscape “Vjose-Nartë”. Vjosa River valley represents a biodiversity hotspot in Albania. It creates ideal aquatic habitats for Otters (Lutra lutra) and various migratory fish species such as the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla Anguilla), sub-endemic fish species Ohrid loach (Cobitis ohridana) and Pindus stone loach (Oxynoemacheilus pindus).
far the only river which is still "not sacrificed" for the sake of energy production. In addition, the project aims to promote the sustainable use of such natural resources by the means of sustainable livelihoods and tourism. Prepared by Olsi Nika, PPNEA
Vjosa is the only river in Albania that so far flows uninterrupted from hydropower dams. However attempts and plans exist to construct a number of eight hydropower plants in the cascade of Vjosa. The first and the largest hydropower dam is planned to be constructed in the village Kaludh, close to the Greek border. Below Kaludh, three smaller dams are planned to be constructed in the localities of Badëlonjë, Përmet and Këlcyrë, two more large damns in the localities of Kalivaç and Dragot, and two smaller ones in Poçem and Selenicë. Such plans would have a catastrophic impact for the natural flora, fauna and landscape of the river Vjosa, for this reason EuroNatur and RiverWatch in collaboration with PPNEA, and other local NGO-s have started the implementation of the "The Blue Heart Campaign" project. The project aims to prevent the destruction of rivers across the Balkans, and in Albania is particularly focused to prevent the construction of hydropower plants in Vjosa River, that is so 11