Presentation at UNDP-ACT. Nicosia, 04 May 2010

Transcription

1 Presentation at UNDP-ACT Nicosia, 04 May

2 Framework and role of the LIFE program LIFE is the EU s financial instrument supporting environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the EU.. 2

3 Project location: Four sites within NATURA 2000 areas Duration: Start: 01/01/10 End: 30/06/13 BUDGET INFO: Total amount: ,00 % EC Co-funding: 69,17 % PROJECT IMPLEMENTORS: Coordinating Beneficiary: Department of Environment (MANRE) Associated Beneficiaries: Frederick University, University of Athens, Department of Forests (MANRE), FEEOC, UNDP-ACT 3

4 Improve the conservation status of four (4) priority plant species that are found in NATURA 2000 sites: *Arabis kennedyae, *Astragalus macrocarpus ssp. lefkarensis, *Centaurea akamantis *Ophrys kotschyi 4

5 Improve the conservation status of two (2) priority habitat types of Cyprus that are found in NATURA 2000 sites: *9590 Cedrus brevifolia forests (Cedrosetum brevifoliae), *9390 Scrub and low forest vegetation of Quercus alnifolia 5

6 Establishment, monitoring and management of a network of five Plant Micro-Reserves (PMRs). The Plant Micro-Reserves (PMRs) approach: It envisages the monitoring and conservation of small land plots of great value in terms of plant richness, endemism and rarity It has been successfully adopted in other EU countries (i.e. Spain, Slovenia, Greece, Bulgaria). 6

7 A pilot project which adopted the PMR approach in Cyprus ( ) Partners: Frederick University, Nature Conservation Unit Institute of Earth, Ocean, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences (IEOAES) AKTI - Project and Research Centre 7

8 In situ conservation activities: Establishment, monitoring and management of 5 Plant Micro-Reserves Ex situ conservation: Botanical gardens and seed bank Public participation and awareness

9 Public participation and awareness Conservation efforts are more likely to be sustainable if local communities are actively involved in planning and decision-making processes. Local people who live in areas of conservation importance often have substantial environmental knowledge, which could be extremely valuable during the design of conservation measures. Local people are often ignored and are being informed only after major decisions are taken (by experts). 9

10 Public participation and awareness The project seeks the input of local people in nearby communities, through: Interviews with local authorities/stakeholders gathering local knowledge on the targeted species/habitats/locations. Participatory rural appraisals and local workshops Approval of the boundaries of the PMRs by the local communities Participation of representatives of the nearby communities in the stakeholders board (it focuses on the information campaign and the relations with the local people and groups of interest). Contribution of schools and other local groups to the implementation of selected conservation activities. 10

11 Public participation and awareness Other awareness activities: Production of information material (Leaflets, posters, newsletters, notice boards at the nearby areas, CDs, DVDs) Media coverage Youth competition. Tourism workshop Organisation of a bicommunal workshop, where Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot experts will get informed about the project and will explore ways of establishing cooperation for expanding the concept of the project to the northern part of Cyprus. 11

12 Provides the UNDP Vet Lab. Will host the Bicommunal Conference on PMRs. Facilitates the participation of TC colleagues in the project so that they become familiarized with the PMR approach and able to expand this concept to the northern part of Cyprus (creation of an island-wide network of PMRs). A representative of UNDP-ACT participates in the project Stakeholders Board (meetings once a year).

13 Thank you for your attention