Enhancing Connectivity Conservation

In 2022, PONT started to explore “opportunities and needs” to enhance connectivity conservation in the PONT focus area. Six Connectivity Conservation Areas (CCA) have since been identified (3 in Albania, 2 in North Macedonia, and 1 in North-Western Greece). An ongoing study is currently looking at a potential fourth CCA in Albania.

CCAs are important areas connecting the mosaic of protected areas and protected area clusters in the PONT focus area. Several studies identified suitable habitats and usage of the area by a variety of animals with potential migration between the different protected areas. Conservation actions in identified bottlenecks of the CCAs and ensuring ongoing protection of important ecological corridors is of the utmost importance for a functional protected area network.

From 8-14 June, PONT visited various initiatives working on enhancing connectivity conservation around Lake Prespa and the Pindos Mountain National Park. Brown bear habitats were visited in Pelister National Park which connect with the Prespa National Park in Greece. In situ conservation of large carnivores is important so that ex situ captivity can be prevented. We witnessed Martha, an orphan brow bear cub, doing well in the sanctuary managed by Arcturos. The dedicated staff are doing their best to care for and prepare Martha to eventually live a normal life in the wild one day.

In North-Western Greece, river connectivity initiatives by the Society for the Protection or Prespa (SPP) and by MedINA were visited. People play an important role in enhancing connectivity conservation and we were impressed by various actions being taken by local people in Epirus. Together with the team of Boulouki and Callisto we learned a lot about traditional building techniques of water points and explored the biodiversity hotspots close to the villages. We discussed how human-wildlife conflicts can be avoided. Climate change influences water availability and other ecosystem services such as food availability for wild animals. These factors impact the movement patterns of wild animals which need to be considered in the modelling of the ecological corridors and subsequent conservation interventions.

In cooperation with the partnering NGOs and other relevant stakeholders, such as local communities, local authorities and PA management bodies, PONT wants to explore the topic of enhancing connectivity conservation in more detail over the coming years. Priority corridors within the CCAs need to be identified, described and understood so that ecological objectives and socio-economic opportunities work towards the same vision i.e. a sustainable future for the benefit of nature and the people in the landscape.

Later in June we plan to continue our visits in Greece, together with our partners Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) and Pindos Perivallontiki. We hope to learn more about the interaction between local shepherds and their role in the protection of the Egyptian vulture and local hunters in the protection of chamois.