assessment of most valuable areas for biodoversity and ...€¦ · to update existing analyses of...

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Genti KromidhaInstitute for Nature Conservation in Albania

INCA

Assessment of most valuable areas for biodoversity and

opportunities for cross border development

Workshop on Trans-boundary Protected AreasAlbania

12-13 September 2011

Environment for People in the Dinaric Arc

Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania

This presentation will cover the following topics:

The main objectives of the projectThe methodology usedMain resultsBiodiversity protection prioritiesSustainable development priorities



Main project objectivesTo collect and assess quality data on biodiversity values and threats;To establish a database on biodiversity values and threats, compatible with international standards allowing spatial analyses (GIS);To update existing analyses of biodiversity values;To enable easy access to data on biodiversity values and threats to stakeholders and wider public in electronic and printed form;To propose programmes and projects (both local and cross-border) for biodiversity conservation as a basis for eco-tourism business development, among others.



MethodologyPlanning and implementation process in the Bjeshket e Namuna/Prokletije region followed the typical guidelines of Systematic conservation

Compile data on the biodiversity of the planning region

Identify conservation goals for the planning region

Review existing conservation areas

Select additional conservation areas

Implement conservation actions

Maintain the required values of conservation areas.



Ecosystem approachRelevant conclusions for the planning process and the establishment of the GIS database as important tool and input that can be extracted from the EA principles are:

1. The identification of areas important for the conservation of biodiversity goes beyond the search for areas rich in species and/or endemics. Ecosystem processes, functions and services are of special importance.

2. The database and the planning process shall consider a ‘bigger picture’, both in a spatial and in a temporal sense.

3. Virtually all information on the project region is relevant, and the database shall capture as much of existing information as possible – and be adaptable whenever new information becomes available.

4. Conservation problems are related to human action and socioeconomic development, and the effective biodiversity conservation shall benefit people, their livelihoods and well-being.



General issues of GIS database and map design

The GIS database shall be developed as a collection of any kind of data layers - which are visualized as maps - that are compatible to each other and can be combined and overlaid in order to facilitate various analyses.

Most topic maps shall be created in (or converted to) a raster format.

According to the point or vector data, certain values will be assigned to the grid cells that can be organized in different classes (e.g., 4 classes such as very high, high, medium, low).

A grid size of 1 x 1 km is proposed.

The visualized data (maps) will be revised, commented and validated by stakeholders and experts.



Area under analysis



Spatial priority settingMore than 45 thematic maps

prepared:Abiotic conditions: geology, soils, hydrology, climate, etc Biodiversity: vegetation, forest cover, flora & fauna inventory, Socioeconomics: road access, population density, settlements, tourism, etc. Conservation priorities: area for flagship species, endemism, protected areas, etc



Vegetation map

Vegetation types

Different habitats

Vegetation diversity

Elaboration of maps



++

+ =Functionality & integrity

Human well being Priority areas for biodiversity conservation

Important areas for biodiversity preservation

Biodiversity representation (fine filter)Biodiversity representation (coarse filter)



Gap analysis



Biodiversity conservation prioritiesEstablishment of a trans-boundary protected area;

Establish management authorities,Prepare a Joint Trans-boundary Management Plan,Established trans-boundary monitoring program,Prepare a detailed zoning system,

Elaborate a conservation/protection AP for the trans-boundary areas of high and very high importance for biodiversity representation at habitat/ecosystem level,Prepare distribution maps of endemic plant and animal species,Rehabilitate some important species habitats.Undertaking strict control measures for the well-conserved areas.



Opportunities for sustainable development

Elaborating Local Development Action Plans,Prepare a project for the identification of potential zones for ecotourism developmentPrepare and implement action plans for critically endangered domestic breeds,Settle and implement a SGP for conservation activities and participation of the local community.



Challenges (Policy advice)The development of integrated management plans (PA &tourism) based on relevant international guidelines and in a transparent & participatory manner;Integration of measures and requirements for biodiversity protection on tourism development strategies;Provide integration measures for biodiversity/nature protection in the physical planning documents;Implement/apply Strategic & EIA and Nature Acceptance Appraisal for projects;Provide participation of local population in the management structures;Participation of interest groups in the decision making system regarding biodiversity protection



Public outreachImplement a public awareness campaign for respecting laws/regulation relevant for biodiversity/nature protection;Establishing and strengthening the role of the civil society organizations and community based organizations;Education programs for biodiversity protection;Development of information material on biodiversity values and establish information points in the main villages;Promotion of existing regional cultural and social events in the area;Promotion of the Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna festival.



Faleminderit/Hvala/Thank you

assessment of most valuable areas for biodoversity and ...€¦ · to update existing analyses of...

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