Breaking News: Amazing victory for Montenegro’s bird paradise!
At long last, the salt pans of Ulcinj Salina have been declared a national protected area! For the past 15 years, the Center for Protection and Research of Birds of Montenegro (CZIP), partner of BirdLife, has fought tirelessly to block a controversial building development poised to destroy one of Europe’s most important migratory bird resting and breeding sites. BirdLife partners up and down the flyways join CZIP in celebrating this epic victory for nature and people.
By Gui-Xi Young, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia
© CZIP.
For almost a century, salt – the precious “white gold” of Ulcinj Salina – ensured that life there was good for birds and people alike. The huge salt production complex, in operation from the 1920s until 2013, miraculously transformed the landscape around the small coastal town of Ulcinj into a living expression of harmonious coexistence between nature and people. With 40,000 tons of annual salt production came employment and prosperity for the local community, along with thousands of migratory birds attracted by the unique, biodiversity-rich ecosystem created by the man-made salt pans.
Breathtaking flocks of Greater flamingo and Dalmatian pelican, along with over 250 different bird species, earned Ulcinj Salina its international reputation as a great bird paradise of the Adriatic. But in 2005, the golden age of Ulcinj came to an end. The salt pans were privatized and the new ownership planned to drain the site and build a luxury tourist resort. When the company went bankrupt in 2011 over 500 workers lost their jobs and the salt pans were left to fall into ruin. The water pumps – essential for maintaining water levels for nesting and foraging birds – were turned off overnight. Their abandonment has had hugely damaging consequences for the site’s fragile man-made ecosystem; nests have been flooded and noticeably fewer birds have been returning each year.
© CZIP.
CZIP has spent the last decade fighting tirelessly to block resort development and see the resumption of salt production, without which they were warned that “this place will die”. Despite public support, the road to victory seemed additionally blocked by insurmountable odds – from acts of vandalism and allegations of business corruption, to the raiding of flamingo nests.
But last year, the fight started to gain international attention when BirdLife joined CZIP and the German environmental NGO EuroNatur to launch the #SaveSalina campaign. The online petition succeeded in gathering more than 100,000 signatures, making it one of the biggest petitions of its kind in Montenegro. Its presentation to the Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković in April was a watershed moment, with the head of government pledging his commitment to saving the salina.
Finally, on 25 June, the local parliament of the Ulcinj municipality voted to declare the salt pans as a national protected area in recognition of their distinct ecological and cultural value. “This is the great victory for nature in recent Montenegrin history” says CZIP’s Executive Director, Jovana Janjušević. Crediting the support of the 100,000 Europeans who signed the #SaveSalina petition she adds “All these people showed that in today’s world, there is no greater luxury than protecting nature.”
Greater Flamingo K3 (Ronnie Martin).
© CZIP.
And of course, it is also a victory for the birds of Ulcinj, such as the Little tern, Kentish plover, Black-winged stilt or Common shelduck. CZIP ornithologist Bojan Zeković notes optimistically that “there is hope for species that have nested in the past or have had failed attempts in recent years, such as the Pied avocet, Oystercatcher, Greater flamingo”.
This protection of Ulcinj – a critical site within a wider Mediterranean network of coastal wetlands – is also “an important piece of a bigger puzzle” remarks Sofia Capellan, IBA Conservation Officer at BirdLife Europe. Coastal wetlands act as buffer areas when extreme events such as storms and floods happen. They have an important role to play as nature-based solutions to tackle big societal challenges such as climate change, but also water pollution, human health and natural disaster.
Conservationists will continue to keep a close eye on Ulcinj. Its newly awarded protected status must “not become a fig leaf for the government” warns EuroNatur Director, Gabriel Schwaderer. Now is the time, he adds, to “revitalize the salt works”. This site, once protected and well managed, could support a vibrant economy of salt production and sustainable tourism in which people and nature truly benefit from each other.
Greater Flamingo K3 (Ronnie Martin).
Don’t let Coastal Wetlands be wiped off the map
Over 50% of the Mediterranean population live in coastal areas and yet over the last 100 years we’ve lost more than half of our Coastal Wetlands due to unsustainable development tourism and climate change.
It’s time for each of us to see Coastal Wetlands for the rich natural resource they are and consciously put them back on our maps of responsibility, before they are lost forever. We must not let them be forgotten; the ecosystems in our wetlands are the pulse of life on Earth.
What are Coastal Wetlands?
Wetlands include diverse ecosystems like marshes, deltas, lakes, ponds, rivers, as well as lagoons, coral reefs and coasts. Wetlands are land areas that are flooded with water either all the time, or seasonally. Coastal Wetlands are wetlands along the coast, which are influenced by fluctuating water levels – such as rocky shores, coastal lagoons – and provide a habitat for a vast array of organisms, including many endangered species.
Where land meets water
Wetlands are where life flourishes. It’s no surprise that over 50% of the Mediterranean population live in coastal areas, when you consider that wetlands occupy the life giving space where land meets water.
#LifeBeginsInWetlands
Species travel the journey of a lifetime to reproduce in wetlands and millions of people depend on them for their livelihoods. Without Wetlands we would have no natural barrier against storms, tsunamis and hurricanes and no natural filtering system for clean water.
Protecting habitats and homes against flooding and storms
With sea levels rising due to climate change we need Coastal Wetlands to stay in-tact and not be trapped between the sea on one side and over-developed and drained land on the other. We’re seeing shallow wetlands being swamped and some species of trees being submerged and drowned under water. Yet at the same time, other Coastal wetlands are being destroyed through drought.
It would be more cost effective to restore the natural shoreline protection afforded by Coastal Wetlands than to purely focus on only maintaining and upgrading existing engineered defences. Our natural systems were created to support life. If we preserved our wetlands we’d save both the money being spent and improve our biodiversity – it’s a win/win for everyone.
Purifying our water and protecting us from pollution
Hundreds of thousands of hectares of wetlands have been drained for agriculture. When land is turned over to farming the drainage and run-off from fertilized crops introduces high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients into the water, that’s why toxic pollutants such as pesticides are likely to be one of the most serious threats to biological diversity and human well-being during our lifetime. Coastal Wetlands lock up pollutants in their sediments, soil and vegetation cleansing our water. They store and purify water and replenish underground water sources. They literally clean up our water so we can drink, wash and cook.
The way we manage water has a huge impact on all our lives. When surface or groundwater is removed through changing the flow of the water from its usual course and diverted through dams, dykes and canals it can detrimentally affect existing ecosystems. Water has become over-abstracted due to the demand from agriculture and urban development.
We need to use smart agriculture and environmental measures. Sustainable irrigation will reduce water consumption in farming and tourism and will reduce pollution. To protect ourselves and our habitats we should introduce policies that propose the creation of buffer zones in the areas that affect water supplies, where only organic agricultural practices, as well as sustainable agricultural practices will be allowed. We need to support countries who choose not to build dams in the interest of conservation by compensating them. We must grant Coastal Wetlands clear and effective legal protection.
Home to species found nowhere else on Earth
Sadly, overfishing, illegal poaching and unsustainable hunting practises endanger our wildlife, as well as the invasion of alien species upsetting the natural balance of the native flora and fauna of Coastal Wetland ecosystems. We need to preserve these precious spaces of the natural world.
If we called for better enforcement of the laws and rules against hunting and overfishing, actively monitored sites against poaching, and invested more in restoring these habitats we’d be keeping them on the map for future generations.
Providing a living for millions of people
Tourism is both a challenge and a benefit to life in Coastal Wetlands. Tourists can generate income and benefit the local economy. Sustainable management and eco-tourism can benefit both nature and local economies. But unsustainable tourism and damaging developments cause loss, noise, destruction and litter.
It doesn’t have to be like this. Coastal Wetlands offer world class experiences of culture and heritage passed down through the centuries. Some Coastal Wetlands are World Heritage sites. Conservation conscious visitors will experience a vast array of agricultural and fishing practices, salt harvesting techniques and traditional and artisanal crafts that don’t exist anywhere else.
Coastal Wetlands can be managed to the benefit of people and nature. It is very important to involve local communities and stress how crucial it is to support environmentally responsible tourism. When environmentally conscious visitors respect the natural habitats they visit they contribute to the conservation of a great number of traditional cultural practices and boost local economies. We want to see Coastal Wetlands not just survive but thrive.
We want Wetlands not Wastelands
Coastal Wetlands are a vital economic and environmental resource for us all and yet we’re losing vast amounts of these natural resources at a rate of knots. Wetland habitats are among the most heavily impacted and degraded of all ecological systems. This is directly caused by human interference putting one of the most important elements for life on Earth as great risk. (But this means humans can change this – together we can turn the tide!)We want Wetlands not Wastelands
Coastal Wetlands are a vital economic and environmental resource for us all and yet we’re losing vast amounts of these natural resources at a rate of knots. Wetland habitats are among the most heavily impacted and degraded of all ecological systems. This is directly caused by human interference putting one of the most important elements for life on Earth as great risk. (But this means humans can change this – together we can turn the tide!)Protecting habitats and homes against flooding and storms
With sea levels rising due to climate change we need Coastal Wetlands to stay in-tact and not be trapped between the sea on one side and over-developed and drained land on the other. We’re seeing shallow wetlands being swamped and some species of trees being submerged and drowned under water. Yet at the same time, other Coastal wetlands are being destroyed through drought.
It would be more cost effective to restore the natural shoreline protection afforded by Coastal Wetlands than to purely focus on only maintaining and upgrading existing engineered defences. Our natural systems were created to support life. If we preserved our wetlands we’d save both the money being spent and improve our biodiversity – it’s a win/win for everyone.
Purifying our water and protecting us from pollution
Hundreds of thousands of hectares of wetlands have been drained for agriculture. When land is turned over to farming the drainage and run-off from fertilized crops introduces high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients into the water, that’s why toxic pollutants such as pesticides are likely to be one of the most serious threats to biological diversity and human well-being during our lifetime. Coastal Wetlands lock up pollutants in their sediments, soil and vegetation cleansing our water. They store and purify water and replenish underground water sources. They literally clean up our water so we can drink, wash and cook.
The way we manage water has a huge impact on all our lives. When surface or groundwater is removed through changing the flow of the water from its usual course and diverted through dams, dykes and canals it can detrimentally affect existing ecosystems. Water has become over-abstracted due to the demand from agriculture and urban development.
We need to use smart agriculture and environmental measures. Sustainable irrigation will reduce water consumption in farming and tourism and will reduce pollution. To protect ourselves and our habitats we should introduce policies that propose the creation of buffer zones in the areas that affect water supplies, where only organic agricultural practices, as well as sustainable agricultural practices will be allowed. We need to support countries who choose not to build dams in the interest of conservation by compensating them. We must grant Coastal Wetlands clear and effective legal protection.
Home to species found nowhere else on Earth
Sadly, overfishing, illegal poaching and unsustainable hunting practises endanger our wildlife, as well as the invasion of alien species upsetting the natural balance of the native flora and fauna of Coastal Wetland ecosystems. We need to preserve these precious spaces of the natural world.
If we called for better enforcement of the laws and rules against hunting and overfishing, actively monitored sites against poaching, and invested more in restoring these habitats we’d be keeping them on the map for future generations.
Providing a living for millions of people
Tourism is both a challenge and a benefit to life in Coastal Wetlands. Tourists can generate income and benefit the local economy. Sustainable management and eco-tourism can benefit both nature and local economies. But unsustainable tourism and damaging developments cause loss, noise, destruction and litter.
It doesn’t have to be like this. Coastal Wetlands offer world class experiences of culture and heritage passed down through the centuries. Some Coastal Wetlands are World Heritage sites. Conservation conscious visitors will experience a vast array of agricultural and fishing practices, salt harvesting techniques and traditional and artisanal crafts that don’t exist anywhere else.
Coastal Wetlands can be managed to the benefit of people and nature. It is very important to involve local communities and stress how crucial it is to support environmentally responsible tourism. When environmentally conscious visitors respect the natural habitats they visit they contribute to the conservation of a great number of traditional cultural practices and boost local economies. We want to see Coastal Wetlands not just survive but thrive.
Some Coastal Wetlands to Put on Your Map
Eco-Tourists Come To Tunisia
Experience the rich history of Ghar El Melh’s Coastal Wetlands National Centre.
Why do Flamingos go Pink During the Mating Season?
Be an eco-tourist and discover rare migratory water birds nesting in their natural habitat in Sardinia…but please do it quietly…Sssh.
Making Everyone a Winner
Proud of local business Annual Awards Winner and Grantees in Buna Bojana Delta.
Ghar El Melh Wetlands National Centre in Tunisia
Located in the city of Ghar El Melh, the lagoon is one of Tunisia’s forty one Ramsar wetlands. There is an Eco-Museum that was built by local workers and features products made by local artisans. It highlights the importance of Coastal Wetlands for humans and biodiversity, and showcases the history of the region. In this museum you can visit the flying station to find out how to identify water birds. Ghar el Melh has submitted its application to be awarded with the Ramsar City Accreditation during the upcoming Ramsar Conference of Parties.
The Gulf of Oristano in Sardinia, Italy
Coastal Wetlands provide an important habitat for many birds, and are a breeding ground for gulls and colonies of pink flamingos. Home to several rare aquatic bird species, such as the red-crested pochard, purple heron, purple swamphen, and birds of prey such as osprey and Eurasian coot, as well as to fish including sea bass, eel, mullet and caniottu (a small seabream).
Buna Bojana Delta, Albania and Montenegro
Nestling between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic in the southwest section of the Balkan Green Belt lies the largest remaining wetland on the Adriatic Flyway. Known in Albanian as Buna and in Montenegrin as Bojana these waters form a unique natural corridor. They provide a safe haven for Cormorants, Pygmy Cormorants, Spoonbills and many varieties of Heron to establish stable colonies. They find ample forage in the lagoons of the Bojana-Buna Delta and in the salt flats of Ulcinj. All the wetlands in the Bojana-Buna Delta have become important resting places for many other migratory birds flying across the Adriatic and then over Sicily on to North Africa.
Some Coastal Wetlands to Put on Your Map
Eco-Tourists Come To Tunisia
Experience the rich history of Ghar El Melh’s Coastal Wetlands National Centre.
Ghar El Melh Wetlands National Centre in Tunisia
Located in the city of Ghar El Melh, the lagoon is one of Tunisia’s forty one Ramsar wetlands. There is an Eco-Museum that was built by local workers and features products made by local artisans. It highlights the importance of Coastal Wetlands for humans and biodiversity, and showcases the history of the region. In this museum you can visit the flying station to find out how to identify water birds. Ghar el Melh has submitted its application to be awarded with the Ramsar City Accreditation during the upcoming Ramsar Conference of Parties.
Why do Flamingos go Pink During the Mating Season?
Be an eco-tourist and discover rare migratory water birds nesting in their natural habitat in Sardinia…but please do it quietly…Sssh.
The Gulf of Oristano in Sardinia, Italy
Coastal Wetlands provide an important habitat for many birds, and are a breeding ground for gulls and colonies of pink flamingos. Home to several rare aquatic bird species, such as the red-crested pochard, purple heron, purple swamphen, and birds of prey such as osprey and Eurasian coot, as well as to fish including sea bass, eel, mullet and caniottu (a small seabream).
Making Everyone a Winner
Proud of local business Annual Awards Winner and Grantees in Buna Bojana Delta.
Buna Bojana Delta, Albania and Montenegro
Nestling between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic in the southwest section of the Balkan Green Belt lies the largest remaining wetland on the Adriatic Flyway. Known in Albanian as Buna and in Montenegrin as Bojana these waters form a unique natural corridor. They provide a safe haven for Cormorants, Pygmy Cormorants, Spoonbills and many varieties of Heron to establish stable colonies. They find ample forage in the lagoons of the Bojana-Buna Delta and in the salt flats of Ulcinj. All the wetlands in the Bojana-Buna Delta have become important resting places for many other migratory birds flying across the Adriatic and then over Sicily on to North Africa.
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