Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

All freshwater gravitates towards the Black Sea and Adriatic Sea Basins, and it is estimated that 113 species and subspecies of freshwater fish (Osteicthyes) and 5 species of Agnatha from 70 genera and 27 families inhabit them [ ] 65 Public awareness campaign on protection of biodiversity in Livanjsko Polje A UNDP KARST project entitled “Public Awareness Campaign on Pro- tection of Biodiversity in Livanjsko Polje” was set up to: provide informa- tion and increase public participation in processes such as the conserva- tion of biological diversity and its integration in the development of a spatial plan; raise public awareness on preserving the value of peatlands and their sustainable utilization; and facilitate adequate cross-border water management for Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Implemented in Tomislavgrad, Livno and Bosansko Grahovo, the five main campaign activities were: • The development of promotional materials such as basic information on the importance of ecotourism for the local community, and lists of local endangered, rare and endemic animal and plant species; well- known artists; local producers with authentic home-made products such as honey, medicinal herbs, cheese, wine, and handicrafts; and NGOs dealing with activities such as fishing, hunting, mountaineer- ing, paragliding, and bicycling. • Four information sessions for a wider audience on topics such as spatial planning and raising public awareness for biodiversity protec- tion; climate change; the develop- ment of ecotourism; and improving living conditions. • Training for media representatives • A study tour with media represent- atives who were introduced to the values and potentials of Livanjsko Polje such as the rich flora and fau- na, gastronomy and tourism, and the region’s cultural and historical monuments. • Training for municipality rep- resentatives to emphasize the important elements of Livanjsko Polje such as water management and possible cross-border impacts on Croatia; the development of the spatial plan including protection of peatlands and biodiversity; analysis and use of maps developed with GIS software through the KARST project; protected areas and poten- tial for development of ecotourism. The results of the campaign are re- flected in the volume of promotional materials, the number of participants in information-sharing sessions, and the number of reports published or broadcast in various media including websites, scientific journals, radio and television channels. Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina T he country’s surface area amounts to 51,200 km², with 12.2 km² being sea area. To the north there is access to the Sava River and to the south, in Neum, to the Adriatic Sea. According to its geographical position, Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs to the Adriatic and Black Sea Basin, but it is primarily a mountainous country covered in forest. The average altitude is 500m, with the highest peak being the Maglić Mountain at 2,387m. Of its total land surface area, 42 per cent consists of mountains, 24 per cent of hills, 29 per cent of karst areas and 5 per cent of lowlands. The country is rich in water resources in the Balkan Peninsula as there are many surface and groundwater watercourses. Although relatively small there are many variations of the three main climates — continental, Mediterranean and southern — due to the diversified topography, flora and geographic location. Mašić Ermin