POSIDONIA - WWF Mediterranean newsletter - Issue 11 - October 2002

Posidonia - the WWF Mediterranean newsletter - provides you with a platform to communicate with the community of environmental organisations working in the Mediterranean. We encourage you to send your contributions to: posidonia@atw-wwf.org

***CONTENTS***

>>Job announcement<<

>>NEWS FROM WWF MEDITERRANEAN<<

-Mediterranean NGOs launch call for action against uncontrolled tuna farming
-Commission ends Mediterranean marginalisation
-Mediterranean Training Courses 2002
-Summary of latest ATW Exchanges


>> NEWS FROM THE WWF NETWORK<<

-Spain: Whales beached after NATO exercises
-Staff changes at WWF Spain
-Greece: Panda Passport action not to block fish reform
-Towards sustainable water use in Greece


>>NEWS FROM MEDITERRANEAN NGOs<<

-Turkey: AFAG completes 15 years in Monk seal and coastal conservation activities
-Nature Trust Malta update
-MEDCOAST Update
-Middle East: Good Water Neigbours Project; peace and co-operation are possible


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Job Announcement:
*WWF Mediterranean Programme is seeking a Freshwater Officer*

This is a three year appointment. The Freshwater Officer will oversee the development and implementation of a freshwater conservation programme in the context of a Mediterranean Ecoregion Action Programme and in co-ordination with WWF's global and regional network. S/he will co-ordinate the identification of conservation targets, the development of strategies to achieve them, the  preparation and implementation of projects, including the submission to donor agencies for funding.
The Mediterranean Freshwater Officer will work as part of a professional team.

The requirements for the position are a Master's degree in Ecology, Freshwater Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Resource Economics, Ecological Economics or a first degree plus relevant work experience. Candidates must have at least five years' professional experience in freshwater and natural resources conservation and management, with demonstrated experience in project development, management, negotiation with donor agencies, and some experience in strategy development and multiyear programme planning. Fluent English is required, with other Mediterranean languages a real advantage.

Please forward a cover letter and cv to Marzia Ventimiglia, Mediterranean Programme Administrator, 

Fax: +39 06 8413866
mventimiglia@wwfmedpo.org.
The closing date for applications is 31 October 2002.

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NEWS FROM WWF MEDITERRANEAN
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**Mediterranean NGOs launch call for action against uncontrolled tuna farming**

Earlier this month, WWF and other Mediterranean environmental NGOs launched a call for action against unregulated tuna farming. The call for action comprises a document to be circulated among, and signed by, all major stakeholders affected by the harmful trend in the area (mainly artisanal fishermen, the tourism sector, and local communities). 
In their appeal to action, the NGOs warn that the massive expansion in tuna farming threatens to decimate the al eady over-fished wild tuna in the Mediterranean and ask for a moratorium on the development of new tuna farms in the Mediterranean. They urge the governments around the Mediterranean, the management bodies ICCAT and GFCM , and in particular the European Union through the ongoing reform of its Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), to regulate this new activity. In addition, the NGOs call for an elimination of all subsidies supporting tuna farming.
They also call on Japan and South Korea, the primary consumers of Mediterranean tuna, to ensure that their markets support this future regulation.

* For further information *
Anne Rémy : Head of Communications, WWF Mediterranean Programme Tel: + 39 06 844 97 424
Full story at www.panda.org/mediterranean

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**Commission ends Mediterranean marginalisation**

The European Commission has released proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy in the Mediterranean. WWF welcomes the Commission's key proposals for * Fisheries protection zones beyond 12 miles to tackle illegal fishing in international waters;

* No take zones and sanctuaries to protect biodiversity and recover stocks;
* The EU to take responsibility for the management of shared stocks (leaving the countries responsible for themanagement of non-shared stocks in national waters); 

* Strict regulation of tuna farming including an eventual quota on farmed tuna.

Nevertheless, there are weak and unclear aspects of the Commission's proposals, particularly: 

* There are no clear standards for states to manage non-shared stocks.
This is a licence to overfish. WWF asks the Commission to design quality standards to conserve fish stocks and ecosystems inside territorial waters.

* For further information *
Anne Rémy : Head of Communications, WWF Mediterranean Programme Office, Tel: + 39 06 844 97 424
Full story at www.panda.org/mediterranean

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**Mediterranean Training Courses 2002**

These are annual training courses organised by the Capacity Building Unit of WWF Mediterranean Programme - Across the Waters - to improve and strengthen the technical capacity of NGOs and Institutions involved in the conservation of Mediterranean ecosystems. The Schools also aim at  fostering the exchange of ideas, experiences and resources between individuals and organisations from different Mediterranean countries. 

-SILVA SCHOOL
The SILVA school, "Conservation and Management of Mediterranean forests and woodlands" will be held in Lebanon from 20 - 31 October at the Mediterranean Forest Development and Conservation Center managed by AFDC (Association for Forest Developpment and Conservation), one of WWF Mediterranean Programme's partners, who will co-ordinate the course. As in previous editions, the course will alternate theoretical sessions with workshops and field sessions. There will be participants from Morocco, Tunisia, Croatia, Portugal, Lebanon, Turkey and Italy.

*For further information *
Laurence Berlie, laurence@atw-wwf.org

WILD SCHOOL
The 2002 edition of the Wild School took place in Italy from 10 - 20 September. Organized in collaboration with WWF Italy and with the financial support of the European Commission-SMAP project, the Wild School addresses the issues surrounding protected areas conservation and management in a natural and social Mediterranean context, mainly by using the network of WWF Italy's protected areas (better known as Oasi) as concrete case-studies. The 15 participants (from Algeria, Croatia, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey) visited a number of protected areas (terrestrial and marine) owned or managed by WWF in central Italy, and visited the headquarters of WWF Italy and the WWF Mediterranean Programme Office in Rome. 

*For further information *
Fabio Palma, fabio@atw-wwf.org

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**Summary of latest ATW Exchanges**

So far this year 14 exchanges, organised and co-ordinated by WWF Mediterranean Programme's Across the Waters office, have taken place with representatives from environmental organisations throughout the Mediterranean benefiting from exchanging experiences in situ with relevant conservation initiatives. But that's not all! Seven more exchanges will take place before the end of the year, after which Posidonia will present you with a summary of the most outstanding results of the programme.

 
*For further information *
Marc Sanjuan, msanjuan@atw-wwf.org

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NEWS FROM THE WWF NETWORK
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**Spain:Whales beached after NATO exercises**

WWF-Spain recently protested against military manoeuvres at sea that disturb cetaceans (whales, porpoises, and dolphins). The incident of 24 September, where 15 beaked whales from 3 different species became stranded on the coasts of the Canary Islands during NATO exercises in the area involving many ships and submarines, is not the first time that Spain's Ministry of Defence has been confronted with a cetacean incident. WWF has asked the Ministry of Defence to ensure that similar events do not happen again. 

In a letter sent to Spain's Minister of Defence, WWF-Spain has asked for:

* The cease of the current military manoeuvres.
* The banning of military manoeuvres in areas with a permanent cetaceans  presence.
* The evaluation of previous environmental impacts of this type of marine exercise.
* The banning of military location methods that can impact cetaceans, until the repercussions on these species are known.
* The opening of an independent investigation into the death of these cetaceans, with the results made public. 

* For further information *
Miguel A. Valladares : Communications Director, WWF-Spain
mavalladares@wwf.es
Full story at www.panda.org/mediterranean

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**Staff changes at WWF Spain**

There have been some changes recently at WWF Spain. Pablo Xandri, Ezequiel Navío and Luis Molina are leaving, and Enrique Segovia takes over as Conservation Director. 

*For further information
Enrique Segovia, dircons@wwf.es

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**Greece:Panda Passport action not to block fish reform**

European Union Ministers are now engaged in intense negotiations over reform of their failed Common Fisheries Policy. The countries opposed to a fundamental reform - France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Greece - h ve a blocking minority in the Fisheries Council and could prevent a positive decision for the future of fishermen and fish stocks. 

Of all these countries it's least understandable why Greece participates in the "block the reform club." WWF believes reform could in fact benefit Greek fisheries, in particular the small-scale coastal fisheries sector which comprises the majority of the Greek fleet.

We need your help to ensure Greece makes the right decisions. Send an email now to the Greek Minister responsible for Fisheries, Mr Giorgos Drys.

Take action at http://passport.panda.org/go.cfm?id=8

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**Towards sustainable water use in Greece**

The tourism sector in Greece uses a substantial amount of the nation's water resources. The concentration of tou ists in water-stressed areas such as the Aegean islands, and the fact that the number of tourists reaches its peak during the driest season places additional pressure on water resources. Tourism and agriculture are by far the largest water consumers in Greece. 
WWF Greece is launching a national campaign to raise awareness on sustainable use of water in the country. To increase awareness on sustainable water use, a bilingual information sheet, in Greek and English, has been prepared for a wide audience on how to conserve water. This leaflet is currently being distributed among hotels and similar establishments, hotel associations, tourist agencies and local environmental organisations in Greece. In the long-term, WWF Greece is working to involve citizens and local authorities in water conservation.

* For further information *
Daphne Mantziou, WWF Greece
Tel: +30-10-3314893
d.mantziou@wwf.gr
Full story and information leaflets at www.panda.org/mediterranean


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NEWS FROM MEDITERRANEAN NGOs
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**Turkey: AFAG completes 15 years in Monk seal and coastal conservation activities**

The Mediterranean Seal Research Group (AFAG), established in 1987 for the conservation of monk seals and their habitats, is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Started as an amateur student group, in 1994 they joined forces with the Underwater Research Society (SAD). With their professional staff, volunteer network, and over 400 members, SAD - AFAG is seeing the results of their work today. This year in March  the group started an EC-funded project, in partnership with WWF, aimed at creating m rine conservation areas with no-fishing-zones, with the involvement of the local fishermen. Their first WWF-supported project - the Foca Pilot Project - run from 1993 to 1998 to research and protect the Mediterranean Monk seal  long Turkish coasts - came first in the 1998 Henry Ford European Conservation Award Grand Prix. 

Recently, SAD-AFAG was instumental in the organisation of Rastgele, the Fishermen and Marine Documentaries Festival, which was held for the second consecutive year from 14 - 18 August 2002 in Foça. During the festival documentary film shows, conferences and fora about fisheries and fisheries' policy, competitions and concerts were held.  "We are currently working to find solutions for people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. The Rastgele festival is a considerable step towards this" said Cem Kiraç, President of SAD-AFAG. "Local people and fishermen of Foça have been the backbone of our Monk seal conservation activities for  almost a decade now.  heir participation in the activities and in this festival is an important element of coastal and marine conservation in Turkey,"

*For further information *
Yesim A. Öztürk; Communications Assistant, SAD-AFAG Ankara Office
Tel: +90 312 213 0834
Harun Güçlüsoy; Head of Communication Department, SAD-AFAG Foça Office
Tel: +90 232. 812 3062
info@afag.org - www.afag.org

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**Nature Trust (Malta) update**

Nature Trust (Malta) has been lobbying unceasingly over the past few months against planned tourist developments on Gozo which would destroy pristine coastal areas. While the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has recently taken decisive action, commended by Nature Trust, in demolishing illegal constructions all over Gozo, Nature Trust is particularly concerned that the scientific and ecological significance of particular sites (such as the garigue at ix-Xaghra ta' Isopu) is recognised and officially protected. The Gozo Management Plan recently paid tribute to the importance of this area through proposals for the closure and subsequent rehabilitation of the quarry on site and the dismantling of hunting hides.
NT only hopes that monitoring of the site is performed to prevent further damage and that the heavy machinery in place is removed. NT has called for the establishment of garigue parks to afford some protection to this beleaguered form of natural habitat.

 
Despite the generally positive results in Malta's negotiation with the EU for the Environment chapter, two main issues have been of significant concern - the Birds Directive and the push to reduce waste. In these two areas negotiations have had disappointing results. First, Malta has been granted special conditions allowing bird shooting and trapping in spring. NT's foreign partners are concerned that such conditions will give rise to other EU countries, like Italy and France, obtaining similar conditions. NT will protest with the EU commission on this. Second, the Maltese Government is to allow plastic bottles for beverages. With the land-fill problem, and with one of the few areas where Malta previously had better conditions then those of the EU, it was disappointing to see that this condition was released. NT hopes that the Government will be strict on the use of PET plastic and introduce Eco taxes for other types of plastics as a compensation for the environmental damage they cause, hoping that the "Polluter pays" principle will one day become fact.

*For further information *
Nature Trust (Malta)
Tel + 356 21 248 558
Fax + 356 21 248 558
naturetrust@waldonet.net.mt
or contact Vincent Attard (mob) + 356 9942 2086

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**MEDCOAST Update**

MEDCOST recently successfully completed their Sixth International Training Program on Integrated Coastal Management in the Mediterranean & the Black Sea, (MEDCOAST Institute 02), which took place in Dalyan and the Aegean Coast  of Turkey from 3 -17 September. Thirteen participants representing Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Israel, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine and UK completed the programme. With the inclusion of these new graduates, the number of MEDCOAST Alumni  from the past six institutes increased to 114 representing 23 countries. 
The 7th MEDCOAST Institute has been scheduled for August 31 - September 15, 2004.

MEDCOAST is also busy organising the Sixth International Conference on the Mediterranean Coastal Environment which will convene in October 2003 in Ravenna, Italy. The biannual MEDCOAST conference covers all aspects of coastal and marine management, policy and governance, science and engineering. MEDCOAST invites proposals for abstracts for the Conference. A list of conference topics and the abstract submission procedure can be found on MEDCOAST's web page.

The deadline for abstract submission is 10 January 2003.

*For further information *
MEDCOAST Secretariat
c/o Middle East Technical University
06531 Ankara, Turkey
Tel : 90 312 210 54 29 - 90 312 210 24 97
Fax : 90 312 210 14 12
medcoast@metu.edu.tr
www.medcoast.org.tr

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**Middle East: Good Water Neigbours Project: peace and co-operation are possible** 

In the framework of the World Summit in Johannesburg the Palestinian, the Israeli and the Jordanian representatives of Friends of the Earth Middle East presented together the project "Good Water Neighbours". This is a cross-border, community-based project creating 'water trustees' as community educators  for sustainable development and peace building. 

*For further information *
contact info@foeme.org ; www.foeme.org


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Prepared by Catherine Roberts, Sampreethi Aipanjiguly and Fabio Palma WWF Mediterranean Programme, October 2002

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