DALMATIAN PELICANS IN THE BALKANS

Type of mission

In the Balkans, Noé is working to preserve the region’s wetlands by helping to protect the Dalmatian pelican, Europe’ largest bird. The Dalmatian pelican is an “umbrella species,” a term used to describe a species whose habitat, if protected, will in turn help protect a large number of other species.

The project provides capacity-building support to CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) and local authorities, to help deliver effective management of two protected sites, improve their resilience to climate change and promote a civil society that is committed to protecting its natural heritage.

Background and objectives

The Mediterranean basin is one of 34 biodiversity hotspots (or critical areas) identified worldwide.

Wetlands are some of the most productive and fragile ecosystems in the world. They provide ecological goods and services that are essential for human activities and the survival of the species that they shelter, including the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), an emblematic species that is extremely sensitive to habitat disruption.

Today, however, this Mediterranean hotspot is one of the world’s four most affected biodiversity hotspots and the wetlands face significant pressure linked to the development of human activities.

To address these issues, the project led by Noé:

supports the introduction of an effective management system, overseeing two RAMSAR* wetland sites in Albania and Montenegro, to help protect the Dalmatian pelican (RAMSAR site: wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention)

also aims to involve local civil society in the management of natural spaces and support the creation of economic opportunities based on the preservation of natural heritage

Activities and impacts

The conservation project to protect the Dalmatian pelican in the Balkans involves a range of activities including:

Improving knowledge of biodiversity.
Boosting the Dalmatian pelican population by protecting its colonies.
Promoting the development of sustainable economic activities (fishing, agriculture, eco-tourism).
Encouraging the general public and decision-makers to assume greater responsibility for environmental issues, through education and awareness-raising campaigns.
Enhancing regional cooperation to help preserve wetland sites and protect the Dalmatian pelican.

Key facts about our activities

The equivalent of 420 days of patrols a year, monitoring Dalmatian pelican colonies on Lake Skadar and the Karavasta lagoon.
Continued growth of pelican colonies (+ 300% since 2013 in Montenegro and +200% in Albania).
Creation of a “Pelican Friendly” label for products and services committed to sustainability and the protection of the natural environment.

tools and Ressources

PROGRAMME PRESENTATION LEAFLET

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An in-depth look at a flagship project

INSTALLING NESTING RAFTS FOR COLONIES OF PELICANS

Since 2013, Noé has been overseeing a programme to help protect the Dalmatian pelican - an emblematic species found in the Balkan wetlands - in Albania, Greece, and Montenegro. In Montenegro, one of the most successful measures has been the installation of pelican nesting rafts on Lake Skadar. Since the programme was launched, the pelican population has grown by more than 300%!

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Partners

CRITICAL ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP FUND

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is a worldwide programme that provides financial and technical assistance to non-governmental organizations and private partners who are working to protect ecosystems.

https://www.cepf.net

AGENCE FRANCAISE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT (FRENCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY)

The Agence française de développement (AFD) is a publicly funded institution that helps implement France’s development policy, fighting against poverty and promoting sustainable development. This public institution finances and supports projects that improve living conditions of targeted populations, promote economic growth, and protect the planet.

https://www.afd.fr/fr

Contact

Find out more about the programme or support our actions to protect the Dalmatian pelican.

SAJMIR HOXHA

Dalmatian Pelican

Programme Officer

in the Balkans

shoxha@noe.org

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