Call for Small Projects: the six initiatives to mainstream Nature-based Solutions in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium, through the RESCOM project, launched a Call for Small Projects to support Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from six Mediterranean countries in implementing replicable and participatory solutions to address ecological and socio-economic challenges.
The six nature-based initiatives, each supported with a 20 000€ grant, aim to enhance the resilience of diverse ecosystems while strengthening the collaboration among local communities. Here is a snapshot of the selected projects:
- Participative reforestation of Ifrane National Parc paths with endemic adapted species and rehabilitation of the Agdal practices (Reforestation participative des parcours du Parc National d’Ifrane (PNI) par des espèces endémiques adaptées et réhabilitation des pratiques de l’Agdal) (Morocco)
The AFMI (Association Forêt Modèle d’Ifrane) aims to protect and restore forest ecosystems to strengthen climate change adaptation, while reviving traditional Agdal practices to promote sustainable forest management and improve local livelihoods.
- TunSea Restore: Contributing to coastal restoration of Ghar El Melh beach (TunSea Restore: Contribuer à la restauration de la zone côtière de la plage de Ghar El Melh)(Tunisia)
Through coastal dune restoration, TunSea (Association TunSea pour la Science Participative) seeks to protect the lagoon and surrounding agricultural lands, preserve biodiversity, combat coastal erosion and promote eco-tourism.
- Birds, Bats, and Butterflies for Rural Futures: A Nature-based Solution in the Madonie Mountains (Italy)
Colletivo Rewild Sicily is working to restore and reconnect forest and grassland habitats to counter biodiversity loss, support climate change adaptation and improve local livelihoods, by restoring natural habitats of key species, reforesting and rehabilitating hiking paths.
- Bringing back the traditional land-use practices to the Skadar Lake wet meadows (Montenegro)
By reintroducing traditional practices such as mowing and grazing, CZIP (Center for Protection and Researh of Birds) aims to mitigate the impacts of invasive species and promote traditional, sustainable land management.
- Restoration of Buna riverbanks with plant engineering (Albania)
EcoAlbania, in collaboration with SISMAE, seeks to restore a river branch using bioengineering techniques and native vegetation replanting, to prevent riverbank erosion and protect the nearby agricultural plots.
- Nature-Based Marine Conservation in Princes’ Islands, Istanbul (Türkiye)
The Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD) focuses on coral reef restoration through coral transplantation and ghost net removal, while improving the local economy by upcycling the nets and enhancing coastal ecosystem services.
Through these initiatives, the six CSOs demonstrate their commitment to protecting and restoring the Mediterranean’s vulnerable habitats, while promoting scalable solutions for more resilient ecosystems and communities across the region.
Stay tuned to learn more about these inspiring initiatives and to follow their progress!
This Call for Small Projects is made possible through the financial support of:
