SPECIAL FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT

Unsustainable farming is challenging the survival of Mediterranean dung beetles, IUCN study says

According to a new report from IUCN, dung beetles are facing major losses of suitable habitats due to the decline of traditional livestock farming practices and the abandonment of rural environments, as well as chemical contamination of dung by veterinary medical products.

The first IUCN Red List assessment of Mediterranean dung beetles, released today, compiles the results from an assessment of 200 dung beetle taxa, of which 150 are endemic to the region.

This publication states that 20 percent of the species assessed are threatened with extinction, including 21 endemic species.

Both overgrazing, which compacts the soil and changes vegetation structure, and livestock abandonment – which reduces the quantity of trophic resources - are considered to be among the biggest threats for Mediterranean dung beetles. Indeed, the decline of cultural practices such as transhumance throughout Europe is likely to increase the pressure on dung beetles.

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The Mediterranean: Mare Plasticum

First national census of diurnal cliff-nesting raptors in Morocco

Core support to the activities of the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation is provided by the
Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Junta de Andalucia and the MAVA Foundation.

MEET launches its first online training to develop Ecotourism in protected areas

The free training modules aim to build the capacities of staff in protected areas, as well as of other relevant stakeholders from the Conservation and Tourism sectors (tourism boards, tour operators, sustainable tourism associations). Visit the training modules and register on www.conservationtraining.org.

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Algeria and Morocco acknowledge biodiversity in Cultural Parks, Biosphere & Hunting reserves

Algeria makes a big step towards Aichi target 11 by recognizing five Cultural Parks as “Other Effective Conservation Measures” (OECMs). The designated land will grow by 1 Million Km2. Morocco will also be adding 130,000 Km2 by acknowledging its Biosphere reserves and hunting reserves

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Sharing experiences of cooperation with the private sector at the CMS Energy Task Force

Whereas energy development offers new opportunities for our societies, it also poses new threats to biodiversity. From the 30th of November until the 2nd of December, the Convention on Migratory Species organised the 5th Meeting of its Multi-Stakeholder Energy Task Force, which intends to reconcile renewable energy developments with the conservation of migratory species.

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First meeting of Mediterranean partners to coordinate a response to Pinna Nobilis crisis

33 researchers and representatives from public administrations in 13 Mediterranean countries engaged in an online meeting facilitated by IUCN-Med, to present the latest mortality data and progress to recover the critically endangered Pinna nobilis populations.

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A shift towards the sustainable management of Posidonia beaches

From November 10th to 11th, coastal managers, protected area experts, researchers and other administrations gathered for the online capacity building workshop aimed to highlight the value of natural Mediterranean landscaped beaches with Posidonia oceanica.

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How Mediterranean actors are applying Blue Carbon actions for climate change mitigation

The LIFE Blue Natura project organised a webinar for European and Mediterranean experts to examine trends and impacts of climate change on coastal wetlands and seagrasses. Several examples of projects of blue carbon restoration were presented.

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Foundation of the first Observatory for Nature-based Solutions in Spain

The Conama Foundation launches this pioneering initiative to collect successful examples of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in cities in Spain in collaboration with IUCN-Med. The NbS Observatory aims to disseminate the NbS standard recently presented by IUCN and will promote its practical application.

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IUCN and CIFAL-Unitar will jointly build capacities in the field of sustainable development

The two entities will collaborate in Málaga (Spain) to develop joint training programmes, courses, conferences and more. The activities will focus on disseminating the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in accordance with Agenda 2030.

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In Chott El Jérid (Tunisia) ecotourism & local development contribute to protect ecosystems

Through the creation of ecotourism itineraries, the IRADA Association for the Development of Tozeur in Tunisia has managed to influence decisions such as closing an uncontrolled discharge, as well as creating jobs for several families and creating additional income for people working in the tourism sector.

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MedBycatch 2 - Understanding Mediterranean bycatch of vulnerable marine species

Based on the experience gained in Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey during the MedBycatch phase 1 (2017-2020), Medbycatch 2 will expand the geographical scope of the project to include Croatia and Italy. France and Spain will also be included in policy and advocacy activities.

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The potential of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures in the Arab Region

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, IUCN-Med ended the year with a meeting to discuss the potential Potential OECMs in the Arab Region and what opportunities they offer post-2020. Participants reviewed the recent success of Algeria and Morocco in recognizing five Cultural Parks as OECMs.

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Resolutions promoted by IUCN members in the Mediterranean region

In light of the postponement of the World Conservation Congress, an electronic vote held last months of 2020 allowed IUCN Members to approve 109 motions on urgent issues affecting the current loss of biodiversity. In the Mediterranean region, Nature-based Solutions, water spring ecosystems and invasive alien species

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Events

NEW DATES FOR IUCN WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS - From 3 to 11 September 2021 in Marseille

World Wetlands Day - 02 February 2021. The theme for 2021 will focus on "Wetlands and Water" to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater quality and use. Join the global converstation with the hashtags #RestoreWetlands and #WorldWetlandsDay.

World Wildlife Day - 03 March, 2021. World wildlife day is a day to acknowledge and raise attention to the worlds varied forms of wild fauna and flora. With this years theme "Sustaining all life on Earth" you can follow the call to action with the hashtag #DoOneThingToday.

International Day of Forests - 21 March, 2021. This years celebration of the International Day of Forests will focus on the theme "Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well being".

World Water Day - 22 March 2020. This year people around the world will share stories with the hashtag #Water2me to understand how water is used in our daily lives.

Events

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