Photo: IUCN-Med
Training in the preparation and implementation of Species Conservation Strategies in three Maghreb countries
BACKGROUND
At Mediterranean level, the latest edition of the IUCN Red List (2008) shows that approximately 19% of Mediterranean known species are endangered and 1% is already extinct at regional level. In this situation, the design and implementation of strategies for species conservation become essential. Species Conservation Strategies are useful tools to assess the conservation status of species and their habitats, and define conservation priorities. A Species Conservation Strategy allows the ecological knowledge gained about a species to be collated and conservation actions listed in a clear manner. They synthesise data and information, and translate them into appropriate conservation recommendations. They are designed to assist decision-makers responsible for allocating resources and authorizing activities.
SITUATION
A main difficulty in Maghreb countries is the lack of experience, training and capacities for the design and implementation of Species Conservation Strategies for threatened species. The present project will try to address these shortcomings.
IUCN-Med's Role
With this project IUCN-Med seeks to promote the sharing of know-how and experience for the preparation of Species Conservation Strategies and for the implementation of appropriate conservation measures for threatened species in Mediterranean countries. In a first stage, this project will cover the Maghreb countries (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). Furthermore, this need for training, capacity building and information exchange was recognized as a key issue during the IUCN North Africa Members Forum, held in Rabat, Morocco on October 2011.
OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS
- To improve the know-how of wildlife managers and relevant stakeholders on methodologies, preparation and implementation of Species Conservation Strategies for selected species, or group of species.
- To share experience and improve regional cooperation for wildlife conservation management.
- To enhance communication and information exchange on species threats and distribution among stakeholders and target rural populations.
- To contribute to biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean region, particularly in North African countries.
- To provide support and training for all relevant stakeholders that can participate in the design and implementation of species conservation measures.
- To define a common framework of action and focus for a wide range of players at a regional scale in order to succeed in the implementation of conservation recommendations.
- To provide sound capacity for species conservation and management in the region.
- To carry out pilot demonstration action on the ground, with the preparation of two species action plans.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
- The adoption of a common methodology for the elaboration of species conservation strategies in the Mediterranean region.
- Training of regional and local conservation managers in the design and implementation of conservation strategies for threatened species.
- Elaboration of action plans for threatened species and preparation for their implementation with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.
- Publication of a guidance document on design and implementation of species conservation strategies for North African threatened species.
PARTNERS
- IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (Project coordination)
- IUCN SSC / Sub-Committee for Species Conservation Planning
- Public Institutions from partner countries:
- Algeria: Direction de la Conservation de la Diversité Biologique, du Milieu Naturel, des Aires Protégées, du Littoral et des Changements Climatique, Ministère de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de l’Environnement; Direction Générale des Forêts, Ministère de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural
- Morocco: Haut Commissariat des Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte contre la Désertification
- Tunisia: Direction Générale de l’Environnement et de la Qualité de la Vie, Ministère de l’Environnement
DURATION
March 2012 – March 2015
DONOR
The Mava Foundation, Junta de Andalucía, and Organismo Autónomo de Parques Nacionales and Fundación Biodiversidad from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Spain provides financial support for this project.
More information: medspecies@iucn.org
IUCN-Med receives support from the Ministry of Environment of the Junta de Andalucia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment in Spain, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
