Mediterranean

Biodiversity Knowledge and Action

With its rich biodiversity and its high levels of anthropogenic change, the Mediterranean region is a key hotspot for species, and a priority for conservation. To be able to implement solutions to biodiversity loss, solutions require the involvement from multiple groups, from governments, the private sector, education and members civil society.

 

The Mediterranean Basin: the Second-largest Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

The region stretches across more than 30 states, including major terrestrial habitats such as forests, maquis, garrigue, pasture, wetlands, coastal areas and transitional areas to desert zones. The long history of human occupation in the region, with close interrelations between its flora, major landscapes and human activities have molded and changed the fauna and flora over several thousands of years. However, the hotspot is now subject to rapid anthropogenic change from a range of drivers, including population growth and economic development.

Current focus priorities

The IUCN Mediterranean Biodiversity Knowledge and Action Programme working line includes species conservation planning, building conservation capacity, and influencing economic sectors to ensure that biodiversity is well managed in their practices.

1. Biodiversity Standards & Indicators

  

2. Conservation Action

 

IUCN-Med is looking for PARTNERSHIPS to build alliances, fund and implement projects on:

 

1.  Mitigating Invasive Alien Species impacts in Mediterranean region

2.  Mainstreaming critical freshwater biodiversity data into Mediterranean river basins management

3.  Developing Conservation plans for imperiled marine (sharks, rays, corals), and terrestrial (raptors) species.

For those interested, please send a message to Catherine Numa with the subject line: Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation

 

Projects

life_invasaqua_project_cover Photo: Life Invasaqua

 

 

 

 

 

LIFE INVASAQUA           

The LIFE INVASAQUA focuses on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on the Iberian Peninsula. According to IUCN, IAS are the second most common threat associated with species extinction.

See website here.

e-faunalert app image Photo: IUCN-Med

 

 

 

 

 

Reducing human-induced mortality of priority species 

This project aims to conserve priority species such as migratory birds, raptors, and vultures while addressing human activity that threatens priority species. 

See project here.

gemwet_initiative_project Photo: GEMWET initiative

The GEMWET Initiative 

GEMWET, coordinated by WWF North Africa focuses on the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands with high ecological value. The objective is to contribute to the economic, socio-cultural and ecological development of the Ghar El Melh, area through the establishment of available resources and good management practices.

See project here.

monk_seal_project_cover Photo: IUCN-Med

 

 

 

 

 

     Mediterranean Monk Seal

This project aims to improve the knowledge of the population of the Mediterranean Monk Seal (currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List) at the eastern Mediterranean, monitoring their populations. 

See project here.

Learn More

With a compelling design, the following infographic pieces provide a glance at the situation of almost 6000 species that have been assessed in the region as of November 2018, detailing which species are threatened, where and why. The downloadable poster also introduces a promising first step to stop their decline.   

Learn more in our informative poster here.

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