Newsletter # 4 - November 2023 The Mediterranean Wetlands Newsletter | | Using numerical modelling to support wetland restoration and management programmes | | | | | Numerical modelling based on observation data enables the Tour du Valat and its partners to explore various future scenarios. Several tools are currently being developed to provide better support for our wetland restoration and management programmes. For example, numerical modelling can be used to anticipate the consequences of the actions we implement, by taking better account of parameters such as the impact of storms on the coast, the ecological status of lagoons, and the interactions between networks of activities, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. | | | Annie Fiandrino, researcher at Ifremer (Mediterranean Centre, La Seyne-sur-Mer), UMR MARBEC, "Modelling / Coastal environments" Coordinator of the Oceanography and Ecosystem Dynamics Department and the Scientific Division answers questions from the Tour du Valat concerning "Using numerical modelling to support wetland restoration and management programmes". | | | | | How is biodiversity evolving in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur? Find out with the recent publication of the Living Region Index [2000 – 2021] The decline in biodiversity in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is not inevitable! The Indice Région Vivante 2000-2021 publication takes an assessment of the situation in the region and urges us to redouble our efforts. Co-developed with the Tour du Valat, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Agency for Biodiversity and the Environment (ARBE) has published an update of the Living Region Index, in close collaboration with the Southern Region, the DREAL and the OFB’s inter-regional directorate, and with the contribution of numerous partners carrying out naturalist inventories. | | | | | Success of the Biodiversity and Vectors summer school From 19 to 22 September, RIVOC organised the 2023 edition of the Biodiversity and Vectors Summer School at the Tour du Valat, which brought together 18 participants from 5 countries (France, Burkina Faso,Ivory Coast, Spain and Tunisia). | | | | | Ringing operation at the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes: 600 Greater Flamingo chicks ringed Once again this year, greater flamingos chose the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, with around 8,700 pairs and 4,000 chicks. Around 150 volunteers took part in the ringing of 600 chicks, an essential stage in the study of flamingos. This operation was organised in partnership with the Salins du Midi. | | | | | Jean Jalbert elected Vice-President of the Board of the Conservatoire du Littoral The members of the Board of Directors of the Conservatoire du littoral have elected Jean Jalbert, General Director of the Tour du Valat, as Vice-President. | | | | | "Learning from Ospreys" - by Alan Poole (2023, Heinz Hafner Lecture) Within the cycle of annual lectures on conservation biology, initiated by Tour du Valat in order to highlight the work on waterbirds conservation of Heinz Hafner, this year was the occasion to welcome Alan Poole. The replay of his lecture entitled "Learning from Ospreys" is avilable. | | | | | Restoring Mediterranean Wetlands – The new policymaker’s playbook for sustainable management and ecosystem restoration by 2030 Produced by the Tour du Valat, the French translation of this guide is now available! This handbook has been prepared in the framework of the project “Strengthening the restoration of Mediterranean Wetlands for nature and people” funded by the MAVA Foundation. | | | | | | | | Lanch of RESCOM project activities in Montenegro and Albania The RESCOM project strengthens the social and environmental resilience of vulnerable natural areas in the Mediterranean, through the implementation of Nature-based Solutions. It combines regional activities with very specific actions at five pilot sites in Albania, Morocco, Montenegro, Tunisia and Turkey. This project is being implemented by the Mediterranean Consortium for Biodiversity (CMB), comprising five organisations including Tour du Valat. | | | | | MAW – Gökçe, Türkiye: the Green Light pilot site Ecological restoration is crucial for reversing biodiversity loss, addressing climate change, and improving community well-being. However, finding suitable sites, feasible projects and local managers can be challenging. The Green Light Protocol of the Alliance facilitates international cooperation to network managers, researchers, and experts towards ecological restoration in the Mediterranean. | | | | | Vlora airport: International community calls for a viable solution to save the natural paradise of Vjosa-Narta Lagoon in Albania In September, the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife has requested the suspension of the construction of an international airport in the protected area of the Vjosa-Narta Lagoon in Albania, a key stopover area for thousands of birds each year that migrate between Europe and Africa. This decision echoes the warnings of international conservation experts and scientists as well as European institutions. Members and partners of the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands have addressed letters to the Prime Minister Edi Rama, the EU Commission and International Air Transport Association (IATA), with the signatures of 33 organizations in more than 26 countries.. | | | | | The OFB, Tour du Valat and their partners identify a potential new zoning for an African protected area of international importance The French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), the Tour du Valat and their partners have today published an original modelling of their count data for migratory birds and large mammals in Chad. This modelling makes it possible to offer local decision-makers several zoning options for a potential new protected area that maximise biodiversity benefits and minimise the social impact. | | | | | The Tour du Valat opens its doors to the public on Sunday 4 February 2024 as part of World Wetlands Day (WWD). | | | | | Tour du Valat - Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands Le Sambuc 13200 Arles - Tél. + 33 (0)4 90 97 20 13 - www.tourduvalat.org Editorial comitee: Jean Jalbert, Coralie Hermeloup and Muriel Arcaute-Gevrey Contact: secretariat@tourduvalat.org
Have contributed to this issue: N. Chokier, O. Boutron, B. Guénebeaud, M. Jolivet, C. Martinez-Espinosa, A. Soria-Marquis Photos copyrights: Nolwenn Auneau, Hervé Hôte, Jean-Yves Mondain-Monval & Pierre Defos du Rau – OFB Paul Moulin, PPNEA, Nicolas Sauvion-INRAe, Marion Douchin (bandeau) Translations: Charles La Via | | Follow the Tour du Valat on our social networks: | | | | | | | | | |
