Albania

PATOK - 12 June 2008 - This week has seen the successful launch of the newest project to grace Albania’s shores: Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania. Developed by the Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles in collaboration with the Environmental Center for Administration and Technology (ECAT) - Tirana and the University of Tirana with funding from the UNDP-Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme and the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan’s Regional Activity for Specially Protected Areas. The project is endorsed by the Albanian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration and aims to unravel some of the mysteries of sea turtle's foraging areas in Patok and in the Mediterranean.

Principle Researcher and Sea Turtle Specialist, Dr. Michael White was warmly welcomed by the Patok Fisherman community to the area which will be his home for the next four months. Working closely with Professor Idriz Haxhiu from the University of Tirana and local NGO- ECAT,the project started with a splash with the tagging and release of 14 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and one juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas). One hundred biology students from the University of Tirana visited Patok for workshops and a demonstration of sea turtle tagging. Generating considerable local media attention, TV crews interviewed Dr. White and captured the on-field learning of local students. The environmental education programme, led by ECAT, will use information materials to help build knowledge, improve the protection and management of coastal biodiversity and inform policy.

The success of the launch is a positive sign for the continuation of the project until November this year and for the recommencement for the next two seasons. With so little known about foraging areas in the Mediterranean, this project hopes to engage a diverse range of people on the protection of sea turtles and the importance of conserving coastal areas.

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP) provides financial and technical support to conserve and restore the natural world while enhancing human well-being and livelihoods. Grants are made directly to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations that focus on environmental and development concerns.

GEF/SGP Albania is currently concentrating activities in three new areas: Thethi National Park, Prespa National Park and Butrint National Park.


For more information, please contact:
Arian Gace
GEF-Small Grants Programme Manager
arian.gace@undp.org