The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has released its Winter 2025 edition of the Mediterranean Conservation Newsletter, highlighting groundbreaking conservation initiatives and launching Phase III (2025-2030) of its investment strategy in the region.
With winter giving way to warmer days, CEPF’s latest newsletter takes readers on an inspiring journey through conservation projects spanning Tunisian wetlands, Montenegrin rivers, Balkan caves, Lebanese skies, and North African seas. It underscores the efforts of dedicated civil society organizations working to safeguard the Mediterranean’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Key Highlights from the Newsletter:
Garâa Sejenane: Tunisia’s First Plant-Focused Ramsar Site
CEPF celebrates the designation of Garâa Sejenane as Tunisia’s first Ramsar site dedicated to plant conservation. This unique wetland, home to the critically endangered Rumex tunetanus, is a vital ecological treasure worth preserving.
#CEPFMedPhaseIII: A New Chapter in Conservation
As CEPF embarks on its third phase of investment in the Mediterranean, a dedicated social media campaign—#CEPFMedPhaseIII—will spotlight past achievements while outlining ambitious new conservation goals.
New Issue of Al-Hima Magazine: Protecting Migratory Birds
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon has published the latest issue of Al-Hima, focusing on safeguarding migratory birds and responsible hunting areas, with insights from CEPF-supported initiatives.
The Cijevna River: A Cross-Border Biodiversity Haven
A compelling short film produced by Parks Dinarides showcases the rich biodiversity of the Cijevna River, a vital natural corridor between Albania and Montenegro, and ongoing efforts to strengthen its protection.
Pioneering Sustainability in Restaurants
Biosfera has launched a groundbreaking Guide for Awarding a Sustainable Certificate for Restaurants, encouraging the hospitality industry to play a key role in marine conservation.
Forum for Sea Turtle Habitat Sustainability in North Africa
WWF North Africa and NASTNet convened leading experts in Tunisia to develop sustainable strategies for the conservation of endangered sea turtles across the region.
Lessons in Conservation: Webinars and Knowledge Exchange
CEPF’s commitment to knowledge-sharing continues with insightful webinars, including strategies for NGO fundraising, networking for sea turtle conservation, and the use of Environmental DNA in freshwater fish conservation. These sessions equip conservationists with cutting-edge tools to enhance their impact.
Upcoming Funding Opportunities
The newsletter also features critical funding opportunities, such as the Interreg NEXT MED Call for Green Transition Projects (€83.7 million in EU funding), the Fonseca Species Conservation Fund (grants up to $25,000 for young conservationists), and the National Geographic Society’s Call for Freshwater Storytelling Proposals.
About CEPF
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a collaborative initiative of leading global conservation organizations dedicated to empowering civil society in biodiversity hotspots. In the Mediterranean, the CEPF program is implemented by BirdLife International and its partner DOPPS (BirdLife Slovenia).
For further information and to read the full newsletter, visit this link
