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The Great Green Wall of Divjaka-Karavasta National Park

Aerial photo of the old sand dunes in Divjaka Karavasta National Park 

The Divjaka-Karavasta National Park is a vital wetland ecosystem covering over 22,000 ha that supports thousands of wintering, breeding and migratory birds and is the only breeding site in Albania for the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus). Despite its status as a National Park and wetland of international importance, the site faces development pressure due to recent legislation permitting construction within core zones of protected areas, with two urbanization projects already planned within the park. Without proper intervention, these impacts could lead to the permanent degradation of the wetlands, threatening the biodiversity and livelihoods they support.

 

AOS and the PROZHUM Project: Leading Habitat Protection

With its extensive expertise in bird and habitat conservation, AOS has spearheaded research, monitoring, advocacy, and restoration in the park, most notably for Dalmatian Pelican protection. As part of this PROZHUM Small Project, AOS will further these efforts by organizing a series of meetings and workshops to identify management priorities and mobilize efforts to revise the Park’s Management Plan. Through regular meetings as well as training sessions, AOS will support the Regional Agency for Protected Areas, under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, in its efforts to halt urbanization, reduce human impact and protect habitats and species. A series of community events and a public awareness campaign, including a critical mass cycling event, sustainable agriculture harvesting, and a podcast series, will bring ecosystem protection to the forefront of communities, particularly among fisher people. To identify gender-specific needs in wetland conservation activities, the project team is also engaging in participant mapping activities.Objectives:  Learn more about the PROZHUM project

PROZHUM – Protection and Restoration of Mediterranean Wetlands

Project objectivesPROZHUM aims to enhance the capacity and impact of civil society organizations for wetland conservation in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, develop and share knowledge on a pilot restoration wetland effort, and facilitate understanding among decision makers of the ecological state of wetlands. The wide-ranging activities of the project rely on the existing networks of the Mediterranean Waterbirds Network, the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands, and the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory. To improve the technical and organizational skills of the partner organizations, the PROZHUM project supports 26 wetland management and protection projects in 10 countries.

Meet the Project Team and Partners

Project leader:  Jane BallardProject team members: Laura Dami, Lisa Ernoul, Anis Guelmami, Coralie Hermeloup, Christian Perennou, Michaël Ronse, Lorena Segura, Elisa Tuaillon, Sanae ZinouniTimeline: March 2024 – February 2027Budget: 2.5 million €FundingAgence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France. Aerial photo of Flamingos in Divjaka Karavasta National Park. Photo Credits AOS Besjana Shehu