Students Of Conservation Youth Club-CYC From Gjirokastra, Albania, Take Care Of Nature And The Egyptian Vulture
The first weekend of February marked a journey full of sunshine, joy, and a lot of love for nature and conservation of endangered species, of a new 1-year cooperation between the members of CYC-Gjirokastra, their teacher and leader of the network, Mr. Gentjan Hyka, and AOS. For the third consecutive year, the project "Egyptian Vulture New Life" is represented by the young ambassadors, a network that is becoming more and more consolidated, united by passion and their only goal: Leading the fight for Albanian wildlife conservation with their common denominator, rescuing the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus). The youngsters themselves insisted for these activities to be carried out as soon as possible with the desire and good will to get more information about the activities and plans that await us for this year. As a symbol of this very fruitful, friendly, well-intentioned, and hopeful cooperation for this country, some pine seedlings were planted that weekend in Viroi Park, a...
THE GOLDEN EAGLE, OUR NATIONAL SYMBOL, IS SHOT WITH A FIREARM
A few days ago, the staff of RAPA Berat notified about the finding of a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Skrapar. The eagle was promptly transported by them to the Bird Rehabilitation Center in Divjaka-Karavasta National Park. The X-ray, performed by RAPA Fier, confirmed the suspicion that the bird was injured and unable to fly. The X-ray scan revealed that the body of the Golden Eagle was covered with pellets and the right wing was broken. Most likely, the bird was shot with the intention to be caught and used for trade. Therefore, we are dealing with a victim of poaching for the purpose of illegal wildlife trading. Both actions are strictly prohibited and should be penalized. The Golden Eagle, this national symbol, the magnificent bird of our mountains, is an integral part of our national identity and pride. Therefore, the shooting or trading of this eagle is not yet another murder or trading case that should be neglected. It is murder and desecration of our national symbol and...
Press Release of the Grouping of Environmental Organizations Regarding the Decision Making for the Construction of Vlora International Airport in the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area (February 9, 2021)
The group of local Environmental Organizations, following the open letter addressed to Prime Minister Rama, on February 1, 2021 (link of the letter) from the below national and international organizations wants to react today to the statement of Minister Klosi, on February 4, 2021, regarding the debate between civil society and the Albanian government concerning the decision-making for the construction of Vlora International Airport. In this interview, Minister Klosi describes the debate on Vlora International Airport as untrue, emphasizes that the trace of the proposed airport is located on an area that has historically been an airport, further adds that the Vjosa-Narta area is not a Protected Area but a Protected Landscape, and finally refers to the meeting of the Council of Territorial Management (CTM) for a decision that ensures the continuity of Vlora airport within the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area. Furthermore, as we have emphasized in the letter dated February 1, 2021, addressed...
Deklaratë për Shtyp e Grupimit të Organizatave Mjedisore lidhur me Vendimarrjen për Ndërtimin e Aeroportit Ndërkombëtar të Vlorës në Zonën e Mbrojtur Vjosë-Nartë (9 Shkurt 2021)
Grupimi i Organizatave Mjedisore vendase, në vijim të letrës së hapur drejtuar Kryeministrit Rama, më 1 Shkurt 2021 (linku i letrës) nga po keto organizata mjedisore vendase si dhe disa organizata të huaja dëshiron të reagojë sërish sot mbi deklaratën e Ministrit Klosi më 4 shkurt 2021, për debatin midis shoqërisë civile dhe qeverisë shqiptare lidhur me vendimarrjen për ndërtimin e aeroportit ndërkombëtar të Vlorës Ministri Klosi, në këtë intervistë, cilëson debatin mbi aerportin ndërkombëtar të Vlorës si të pavërtetë, thekson se gjurma e aeroportit të propozuar ndodhet mbi një zonë që ka qenë historikisht aeroport, shton më tej se zona Vjosë-Nartë nuk është zonë e mbrojtur por Peizazh i Mbrojtur dhe së fundi i referohet mbledhjes së Këshillit të Kontrollit të Territorit (KKT) për një vendim që siguron vazhdimësinë e aeroportit të Vlorës brenda zonës së Mbrojtur Vjosë-Nartë. Në vijim, sikurse e kemi theksuar dhe në letrën e datës 1 Shkurt 2021, drejtuar Kryeminsitrit Rama,...
Mitigating The Threat Of Electrocution In Albania
Despite the large number of actions taken by nature conservationists in Albania, the Egyptian Vulture still faces crucial threats to its population, such as poisoning, loss of habitat, and lastly, electrocution. Most of the power grids in this small Balkan country are constructed during the communist era, making them, at least, older than 30 years. Such an electrical system needs active maintenance, a process largely neglected by the public authorities as well as companies that operate in this sector. In order to evaluate the threat of electrocution in the Egyptian Vulture territories, PPNEA and the Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS) have conducted a study to assess the risk for the birds from electrocution and collision with power lines in the Drino Valley, Gjirokaster (Albania) in the framework of the Egyptian Vulture New LIFE project. Drino Valley is an important area for birds of prey, such as the endangered Egyptian Vulture. The study area has been declared an IBA since 2016,...
Letër e hapur drejtuar kryeministrit të Shqipërisë, Z. Edi Rama.
Drejtuar: Shkëlqesisë së tij, Z. Edi Rama, Kryeministër Për dijeni: Z. Blendi Klosi, Ministër i Turizmit dhe Mjedisit Znj. Belinda Balluku, Ministër i Infrastrukturës dhe Energjisë Autoriteti i Aviacionit Civil Këshilli Kombëtar i Rregullimit të Territorit Fondi Shqiptar i Zhvillimit Komiteti i Investimeve Strategjike Delegacioni i Bashkimit Evropian në Shqipëri Prezenca e OSBE në Shqipëri Lenda: Anulimi i ndërtimit të Aeroportit Ndërkombëtar të Vlorës brenda zonës së mbrojtur ‘Peizazhi i Mbrojtur Vjosë-Nartë’ Dërguesit: Organizatat mjedisore të renditura në fund të kësaj letre. I nderuar Z. Kryeministër, Ne, një grupim organizatash mjedisore kombëtare dhe ndërkombëtare, jemi në dijeni të planeve të qeverisë shqiptare për të ndërtuar një aeroport ndërkombëtar në brendësi të kufijve të Zonës së Mbrojtur Vjosë-Nartë (Peizazh i Mbrojtur/ Kategoria V sipas IUCN). Ne e vlerësojmë nismën e qeverisë për realizimin e investimeve të...
Open letter directed to the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama
To: His Excellency, Prime Minister, Mr. Edi Rama To the attention of: Mr. Blendi Klosi, Minister of Tourism and Environment Ms. Belinda Balluku, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority The National Council of Territory Regulation Albanian Development Fund Strategic Investment Fund European Union Presence in Albania OSCE Presence in Albania Subject: Revocation of the construction of Vlora International Airport within the protected area ‘Vjosë – Nartë Protected Landscape’ From: The environmental organizations listed at the bottom of this letter Dear Prime Minister, We, a coalition of national and international organizations, are aware of the plans that the Albanian government has for the construction of an international airport within the territory of the protected area “Vjosë-Nartë Protected Landscape” (Category V according to IUCN). While we...
WILDLIFE, BIODIVERSITY, AND NATURE ADVOCACY YOUTH CAMP
Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS) in partnership with the PSEDA-Iliria and ResPublica are jointly implementing the “Let’s Make Divjaka Natural Again” project, financed by Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The project “Let’s Make Divjaka Natural Again” aims at preserving and protecting biodiversity as a whole in Divjaka-Karavasta National Park by ensuring sustainability in decision-making. For years, AOS, in addition to working for the protection of wild birds, has also taken a position on the issue of critical habitat protection by addressing many aspects closely related to sustainable development, ecosystem conservation, and especially by addressing the proper advocacy strategy against environmental crimes as well as in the protection of natural heritage and resources. In this context, in order to better tackle the threats or concerns facing wetlands and Protected Areas, especially seen from a youth perspective, AOS will organize a camp for youth interested in...
IWC, 15-17 of January 2021, in 30 wetland sites
If there is an event that brings together all the ornithologists, birdwatchers, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, specialized environmental organizations, independent experts, and nature enthusiasts, that is the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝘀. The Census takes place each year in the middle of January. This year it will happen on January 15-17, 2021 and will cover circa 30 different wetlands. The Census is carried out in Albania since 1993. With its 29-year time span, the Census is undoubtedly the longest-running wildlife monitoring program in our country. AOS is very proud for being the initiator of this monitoring plan through its experts, for coordinating the technical aspects of the Census and the counting teams, and for the today contribution in covering 2/3 of the areas that are part of the Census. The census provides a mid-winter picture of Wild Waterbird populations including Grebes, Ducks, Herons, Flamingos, Cormorants, Pelicans, Waders, Gulls, and other birds closely...
KAMPI I TË RINJVE QË ADVOKOJNË NË MBROJTJE TË JETËS SË EGËR, BIODIVERSITETIT E NATYRËS NË PËRGJITHËSI.
Shoqata Ornitologjike e Shqipërisë (AOS) në bashkëpunim me PSEDA-Iliria dhe Res Publica po implementojnë projektin “Let’s Make Divjaka Natural Again”, financuar nga Fondi I Partneritetit për Ekosistemet Kritike (CEPF). Projekti "Le ta Bëjmë Divjakën Përsëri Natyrale" synon ruajtjen dhe mbrojtjen e biodiversitetit në përgjithësi në Parkun Kombëtar Divjaka-Karavasta duke siguruar qëndrueshmëri në vendim-marrje. Shoqata Ornitologjike e Shqipërisë (AOS), duke punuar në mënyrë aktive në mbrojtjen e shpendëve të egër prej vitesh, ka marrë vazhdimisht gjithashtu pozicion në mbrojtjen e habitateve të tyre kritike duke adresuar shumë aspekte të lidhura ngushtë me zhvillimin e qëndrueshëm, me ruajtjen e ekosistemeve, e veçanërisht me adresimin e advokimit të duhur kundra krimeve mjedisore si dhe në mbrojtje të burimeve dhe trashëgimisë natyrore. Në këtë kontekst, për të adresuar më mirë kërcënimet ose shqetësimet me të cilat përballen kryesisht ekosistemet ligatinore, Zonat e Mbrojtura (ZM),...
The fourth issue of the Egyptian Vulture New LIFE project e-newsletter
Dear friends and supporters of AOS, We are pleased to share with you the electronic newspaper of the project "𝗘𝗴𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲". In the latest issue of the e-newspaper for 2020, you will find all the news on the work of all partners in 14 countries. In 2020, despite the obstacles brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, we all managed to do a great job, and more importantly, we were able to maintain high levels of performance, not because of indicators, but because this is our soul when it comes to protect our favorite species, the 𝗘𝗴𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘃𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. This was achieved only thanks to the dedication and passion of all partners and supporters that came together in this compelling and important cause for all of us. We are very confident that 2021 will bring only positive results to our common goal - stability in the Egyptian vulture population. Stay tuned to get more information, to be inspired, and why not, to get involved in our cause. Finally, we wish you a lot of prosperity and...
The Dalmatian Pelican Month of January
The Dalmatian Pelican in Divjaka-Karavasta starts breeding every January, right at the peak of winter, a period when most of the birds are still in wintering mood. The flocks of the Dalmatian Pelicans start to gather every January at the Pelicans island in Karavasta Lagoon. The fluffy feathers of the head and the orange-red pouch are visible from afar and offer real pleasure to any observer. But not everything goes fine for the Dalmatian Pelican! For many years, the Pelicans’ island is shrinking significantly due to the constant erosion driven by global climate change. The remaining island is flooded most of the time making it impossible for the Dalmatian Pelican to nest in the absence of conservation measures. The solution offered by ornithologists is the creation of breeding beds, structures composed of branches, twigs covered by herbaceous plants. This intervention has avoided for many years the effects of flooding and has supported the growth of the colony and the reproductive...
Future For Nature Award Nominees 2021!
It is a great honor that our dear colleague Besjana Sevo, also the co-founder of AOS has been selected as one of the 10 nominees for the Future for Nature Award 2021. Her nomination has been shortlisted among 470 applications worldwide from motivated young people, closely involved in the conservation of wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity as a whole.
Young Generation Leads the Fight for Wildlife Conservation in Albania
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗷𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮 (𝗖𝗬𝗖) was created by 𝗔𝗢𝗦-𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆, one year ago with the purpose of including the younger generation in wildlife conservation and environmental related activities. The club consists of 35 students, 15-20 highly active, from "𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗺 𝗭𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗶" 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹, 𝗚𝗷𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗮𝘀𝘁ë𝗿; all driven by curiosity, passion for nature, and the desire to explore and learn more about the Albanian wilderness. They are led by their talented teacher and our friend 𝗗𝗿. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗷𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝘆𝗸𝗮𝗷, and they are also supported continuously by the 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 (𝗔𝗢𝗦). They are now a consolidated super team that is growing day by day. The Egyptian vulture, the Environmental Education, and Gjirokastra are represented by the Conservation Youth Club Gjirokastra, by the work, dedication, inexhaustible energy, and creativity of these young people. The club members have had the opportunity to participate in concrete initiatives concerning the protection of...
Dear Friends of AOS
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗢𝗦 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿! This past year was not easy for us all; the pandemic (Covid-19) caused a lot of suffering in many families, and created many obstacles and barriers in our routine but at the same time gave us some essential lessons about life and above all about appreciating continuity. 𝟭. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 In these times of existential danger, COVID-19 taught us the importance of showing appreciation to those around us. Mental and physical health was our primary focus and as such, it made us look at things from a different perspective, completely shifting our focus from material goods to evaluating the moment, to taking things one at a time. Above all, we directed our efforts and positive energy towards things and events that make us truly happy. 𝟮. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 Covid-19 and climate change have no correlation to one another but they both affect humanity on a global scale, much like birds...
In Shkodra with “BirdID 2020 Albania”
The weekend of BirdID 2020 Albania, was organized in two full days in the majestic landscape of Shkodra where the observations of our students, covered the area of Vau i Dejes, Shkodra lake, Pentari plain, Domni marsh and the riparian forest of Velipoja. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀’ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 Thousands of wintering waterbirds (Coots, Gulls, Cormorants etc) Common Pochard (𝘈𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘺𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢) Tufted Duck (𝘈𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘺𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢) The roosting site of hundreds of herons and Cormorants, The roosting site of thousands of gulls, Five Dalmatian Pelicans (𝘗𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘶𝘴) etj. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 Four species of woodpeckers in the riparian forest of Velipoja: Black Woodpecker (𝘋𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘶𝘴), Green Woodpecker (𝘗𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘴), Great Spotted Woodpecker (𝘋𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘫𝘰𝘳) and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (𝘋𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳) Lesser Black-backed Gull (𝘓𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴) Common resting site of hundreds of Gulls, Cormorants, Sandwich Terns (𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴)...
The Goosander, the most special guest of Tirana Lake
The Goosander (𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳) is the latest and the most special guest of Tirana Lake. Some pictures of this bird were taken today while it was swimming in the presence of other domestic and wild waterbirds that populate the Lake of Tirana. 𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿, 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀? Despite being a resident bird in Albania, the Goosander rarely shown in high numbers. We find it mainly in continental lakes such as Prespa, Ohrid, Koman etc. where it also breeds in a limited number of breeding pairs. As we see, the Goosander is quite rare in the lowland areas. Therefore, its observation in the Lake of Tirana brings surprise and smiles. As other rare birds, the Goosander is at the same time very handsome! The black head, the red and hooked bill, the white body and the black back, make it a real pleasure for the observers and photographers. According to Mr. Ilir Sinani, who we would like to thank for informing us, the Goosander has been in the park for a few days now. Perhaps it...
BirdLife’s article on the indifference of Albanian authorities towards the illegal killing of birds
Birdlife Europe together with AOS, are working closely on the fight against illegal killing and capture of wild birds. In the same vein, within the campaign "Flight For Survival", AOS seeks the attention and commitment of national authorities in this war. Therefore, we invite you to read the article below and support us in this initiative. Have you ever been to Albania? The country boasts a wide variety of beautiful birds. You can even find a bird on the Albanian flag: the double-headed eagle. You won’t see it in the wild, though. And if the state authorities keep refusing to take appropriate action, there are other birds – real birds – that could disappear from the wild, too. What’s going on? The state authorities are enabling the scourge that is illegal killing. Despite the hunting ban in force in Albania, the illegal killing of birds continues to occur, all over the country, and with great frequency. Criminals are luring and killing Common Quail by using electronic calling...
“Divjaka, Return of the Wild” Documentary of Artan Rama
“𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗷𝗮𝗸𝗮, 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱” is latest documentary film by the journalist Artan Rama. It depicts a glimpse of the quintessential struggle between man and nature that takes place in the 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 (𝗜𝗕𝗔), in the 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲, in the 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲, in the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮, in the 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗷𝗮𝗸𝗮-𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸. By all appearances, the Park is not quite the pristine natural environment it used to be. Over the years, human activity has taken its toll on it. The impact of intensive agriculture, pollution, climate change, poaching, mass tourism and other factors, is evident not only to experts but also to the local community. These issues pose a significant threat to the flora and fauna of the area. It is worth mentioning that the Lagoon of Karavasta is home to a large population of Dalmatian Pelicans. In addition to disturbances during the breeding season, the island on which they have built their nests faces the constant threat of...
A successful Kick-off Meeting of the newly launched LIFE project BalkanDetox LIFE
Even though partners and stakeholders could not meet in person for the BalkanDetox LIFE Kick-off Meeting due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we are glad to report that the meeting was a success nonetheless, and received a lot of interest and engagement by multiple relevant stakeholders! Overview of Kick-off Meeting On Monday, 30 November 2020, the BalkanDetox LIFE Kick-off Meeting brought together the nine project partners with many important stakeholders spread across the Balkans and other corners of the world to discuss the project scope, objectives, timeline, and everything in between. During the meeting, we started the initial discussions towards the establishment of the official working groups in each of the relevant Balkan countries, which is crucial to secure institutional cooperation and support for combating this illegal practice, as NGOs cannot fight this problem alone. The meeting had over 110 registrations and the highest number of participants present at a...