Priority KBA Priority Corridor Other KBA Other Corridor

Mediterranean Basin

Currently investing and previously invested

Regional Implementation Team (RIT)

BirdLife International

RIT website

Vedran Lucic, RIT Manager
vedran.lucic@dopps.si
The Balkans: Marijana Demajo
marijana.demajo@birdlife.org
North Africa: Awatef Abiadh
awatef.abiadh@birdlife.org
Cabo Verde: Aurélien Garreau
aurelien.garreau@proton.me

Investment

2025 to 2030: US$17.4 million
2017 to 2022: US$12.5 million
2012 to 2017: US$10.7 million

Eligible Countries

Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Palestine, Tunisia

Ecosystem Profile

Ecosystem Profile, 2024
- English (PDF - 7.85 MB)
Ecosystem Profile Technical Summary, 2024

CEPF has been a pivotal supporter of civil society organizations in the Mediterranean Basin since 2012. In our initial phase, we awarded 108 grants to 84 organizations across 12 countries. The second phase expanded our impact, funding 200 projects with 133 organizations, totaling US$13.9 million.

Over the past decade, civil society in many countries has grown and professionalized, yet the need for support remains high amidst increasing ecological pressures, particularly as the region faces the severe impacts of climate change.

The first two phases underscored the importance of investing in local civil society to achieve conservation outcomes, strengthen governance, and preserve natural assets vital to the Mediterranean economy. Building on this foundation, the third phase of CEPF investment will continue efforts to protect plant species, foster regional networking, and conserve three key ecosystems: coastal, freshwater, and traditionally managed landscapes. Additionally, we will focus on enhancing the organizational development of our partners to ensure a stronger, more resilient civil society in the region.

Priorities

The Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot is the second largest hotspot in the world and the largest of the world’s five Mediterranean-climate regions. The hotspot covers more than two million square kilometers and stretches west to east from Portugal to Iraq and north to south from Italy to Cabo Verde. The Mediterranean Basin is the third richest hotspot in the world in terms of plant diversity. Approximately 25,000 plant species occur here, more than half of which are endemic to the hotspot, meaning that they are found nowhere else.

Rivaling the natural diversity in the hotspot, the cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic diversity of the region is spectacular. The Mediterranean Basin was the cradle of some of the great civilizations of antiquity, the world’s oldest sovereign state and its first constitutional republic.

Many of the ecosystems long ago reached equilibrium with human activity dominating the landscapes. However, this delicate balance is in a precarious state, as many local communities depend on remaining habitats for fresh water, food and a variety of other ecosystem services.

Species

Threats

Sources

Projects in Mediterranean Basin

Lagoon with green, rolling hills in background and blue sky.

Facilitate Regional Networking Among Civil Society Organizations at the 4th Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week in Valencia, Spain

Asociación Iberomacaronésica de Jardines Botánicos

Birds (flamingos and coots) resting in Sebkhet Soliman, Tunisia.

Facilitate Regional Networking and Develop the Technical Capacities of Civil Society Through the Third Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week

Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania

Touristic Infrastructures around Talambote Sources, Rif Mountains, Morocco

Building a Network of Freshwater Ecosystems Important for Biodiversity in Morocco

Groupe de Recherche pour la Protection des Oiseaux au Maroc

Creating Traditional Alpine Water Ponds for the Benefit of Biodiversity and Livestock Breeders of Shkrel Locality in Malësi e Madhe Area in Albania

GO2 Organizatë për Planifikim të Qëndrueshëm Urban

Updating the Conservation Status on Important Fish Species and Raising Awareness of Local Communities on Freshwater Ecosystem in the Catchment Surrounding Niksic, Montenegro

Crnogorsko Društvo Ekologa - Montenegrin Ecologists Society

Improving Resilience of Local Communities and Ecosystems of the Coastal Zone of Souss-Massa and Tamri, Morocco (ARCOLE Project)

Association de Gestion Intégrée des Ressources

Large tree on hill, a few other smaller trees nearby.

Improved Protection and Sustainable Management of River Ecosystems in the Neretva Delta, Trebizat and Mostarsko Blato, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Regionalni Resursni Centar

From the Inventory of Monumental Skadar Pedunculate Oak to Restoration of its Forests and Protection of Biodiversity, Montenegro

Crnogorsko Društvo Ekologa - Montenegrin Ecologists Society

Site Restricted Endemics of Prespa National Park, Albania: Assessment, Protection and In-situ/Ex-situ Conservation, through the Involvement of Young Professionals

ILIRIA – Protection and Social & Environmental Development Association

Preserving Belchishta Wetland, North Macedonia, through Engagement with Municipality and Local Stakeholders

Association for Ecology and Tourism ECOTOURISM-2016 Ohrid

Six people outside standing around a map, pointing to various parts.

Conserving the Biodiversity of Morocco's Ifrane National Park Through Revitalization and Adaptation of Traditional Grazing Practices

Association Forêt Modèle Ifrane

Exploring the Habitat Range and Preferences of Rare and Insufficiently Known Local Endemic Plants in Albania

Tölgy Természetvédelmi Egyesület

Distribution, Population and Status of Threats to the Biodiversity of Freshwater snails, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Centar za krš i speleologiju

Assessment of an Endemic Freshwater Snail in Dojran Lake: Population Status, Threats and Conservation Measures, North Macedonia

GTI Geotehnicki Inzenering

Maintaining the Traditional Land-Use Practices Necessary for Conservation of Olive Associated Biodiversity in Mount Hermon, Lebanon

Environment for Life

Woman standing in shallow water, looking into net she's holding above service.

Preserving the Freshwater Biodiversity of Oued Maden, Tunisia, through Local Co-management

Association Tunisienne de la Vie Sauvage

Woman bending down, clipping a white-and-purple iris out of a dozen or so.

Engagement of Local Communities in the Conservation of the Threatened Ecosystem and Plant Species in the Nablus Region, Focusing on the Iris of Nablus, Palestine

Biodiversity and Environment Research Centre

Group of purple irises growing from ground.

Improve Pastoral Practices and Organization in Toubkal National Park for Sustainable Management of Heritage Resources and Traditional Landscapes

Fondation d'Entreprise BIOTOPE pour la Biodiversité

Enhancing Knowledge on Biodiversity and Assessing Ecological Status of the Lower Catchments of Neretva River, Bosnia and Herzegovina

University of Mostar Džemal Bijedić

Empowering Local Community and Stakeholders to Sustainably Manage the Freshwater Biodiversity of Skadar Lake, Located Between Albania and Montenegro

Noé

Enhancing Republic of North Macedonia's Dojran Lake Unique Biodiversity Through Engagement of all Stakeholders and Implementation of Ecosystem-Based Approaches

Milieukontakt Macedonia

Establishing Pillars for Conservation of Endemic Freshwater Biodiversity in Livanjsko Polje and Buško Lake, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Udruga Dinarica

Grazing in Ifrane National Park, Morocco.

Mapping Traditional Farming Practices Benefitting the Conservation of Biodiversity in Ifrane National Park, Morocco

Association Forêt Modèle Ifrane

Five people on beach, one is digging with his hand.

Establishing Environmental Awareness About the Importance of Farwa Marine Protected Area, Libya

BADO Association for Environment

Group of about 8 women, most wearing head scarves, smile at camera.

Involve Civil Society and Fishing Community in Integrating Biodiversity Conservation in Souss Massa National Park and Tamri Key Biodiversity Area, Morocco

Association de Gestion Intégrée des Ressources

Close-up of man looking through a monocular, water behind him and buildings in background.

Monitoring the Dynamics of the Evolution of the Wetland Habitats of Sebkhat Sejoumi using Geographical Information Systems, Tunisia

Fondation Tour du Valat

Conducting a Multidisciplinary Initiative to Conserve the Critically Endangered Toothcarp in the Lake Butrint Catchment, Albania

National Center for Environment, Tourism and Sustainable Development

Training for Sea Turtle Protection in Saranda Bay, Albania

Royal Albania Foundation

Leveraging an Integrated NetworK (LINK): Bettering Conservation and Management of Rare Plants in and around Culturally Protected Sites in Lebanon

American University of Beirut

Establishing Cooperative Management of the Marine Protected Area of Costa de Fragata to Conserve Sal's Key Biodiversity Area, Cabo Verde

Associação Projetos Biodiversidade

Cluster of bright-yellow flowers on sloping hill.

Assessment and Conservation of Endemic and Endangered Plant Species in National Park Pelister, Northern Macedonia

Company for Applied Research and Permanent Education in Agriculture

Working Towards a Sustainable Fishery on the Coast of Velipoja and in Buna Delta, Albania

Organizata e Menxhimit të Peshkimit Liqeni i Shkodrës

Hilly landscape, pockets of houses throughout.

Assessing the Biodiversity Value of Olive Sites in Mount Hermon Key Biodiversity Area and Identifying the Environmental Impacts of Various Agricultural Practices, Lebanon

Environment for Life

Conservation and Propagation of the Albanian Tulip, Albania

Instituti i Politikave Mjedisore

Dead, red fish in a bin with sign showing necessary size of sustainable grouper.

Developing a Sustainable Model of Certified Fisheries for the Protection of Cabo Verde's Santa Luzia Marine Reserve Biodiversity

Biosfera

Blue Seeds: Exploring Innovative Methods to Strengthen Financial and Organizational Capacities for Tunisian Protected Areas - Pilot on Kuriat Islands, Tunisia

Vertigo Lab

Green landscape in foreground, water beyond.

Inclusion of the Local Community in Protecting and Improving the Habitat of the Endangered Skadar Frog in the Bojana Delta, Montenegro

Crnogorsko Društvo Ekologa - Montenegrin Ecologists Society

Participation in the 13th Meeting on the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, as Part of Project "Promoting the Involvement of Civil Society in the Protection Process of Sabkhet Sijoumi"

Réseau Enfants de la Terre

The regional implementation team during their annual meeting training in Hyere, France

Pilot Project for the Effective Integration of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Approach to the New Coastal Law: Case Corridor Ouranie and Moulaya

Association des Enseignants des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre - Maroc

Woman measuring small turtle, man writing down notes.

Integration of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Objectives and Nature Conservation in the Local Development Plans of the Territories of El Kala National Park Including the Surrounding Areas in Algeria and Tunisia

Association de Réflexion, d'Échanges et d'Actions pour L'Environnment et le Développement

Integration of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Objectives and Nature Conservation in Algeria's El Kala National Park and Surrounding Areas: Training on Territorial Challenges and Sustainable Development

Fondation Tour du Valat

Joining the Reforestation Site of Association Haite-Moulouya during a CEPF field mission, Morocco.

Support Communities in Improving Water Management Practices and Biodiversity Conservation Near Morocco's Wadi Micro-Watershed of Oued Outat

Association Haute Moulouya pour l'Ecotourisme et la Protection de la Nature

Rolling hills vista, water in the background.

Promoting Conservation in the Transboundary Prespa Eco-Region of Albania, Macedonia and Greece: Establishment of the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust

WWF Greece

Contribute to the Conservation of Bou Areg Laguna Through the Involvement of Civil Society in Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Albanian Society for the Protection of Birds and Mammals

CEPF partners during strategy meeting in Tangiers, Morocco, 2016

Mediterranean Mid-Term Assessment Regional Meeting

Association Les Amis des Oiseaux

Training of farmers with organization LACT, Dyr-el-Kef, Tunisia.

Strengthening Tunisian Organizations Environmental and Technical Skills

Association Tunisienne des Ingénieurs Agronomes

Contribute to the Conservation of Kuriat Islands and the Bay of Monastir Through the Involvement of Civil Society and the Private Sector

Notre Grand Bleu

Introducing the Conservation Agreement Model for Community-Based Conservation to Nongovernmental Organizations in Tunisia and Algeria

Conservation International

Man takes clipping of plant while other man writes on notepad.

Living Well in Harmony With the Drin: Raising Public Awareness, Enhancing Knowledge and Empowering NGOs to Protect and Conserve Freshwater Ecosystems in the Drin River Basin

Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development

Fostering and Bringing Together Nature, Tourism and Civil Society at Bojana Delta Through Integrated Coastal Zone Management

European Centre for Nature Conservation - Land and Sea Group

Implementing Sustainable Agricultural Practices Contributing to the Protection and Ecological Integrity of the Oued Boufekrane River

Association des Enseignants des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre - Section d'Ifrane

Birds flying overhead, brown mountains in background.

Awareness of the Local Communities and Hunters About the Importance of Wetlands and Waterbirds

Libyan Society for Birds

Two adult macaques, one baby, sitting on ground.

Restoring the Endangered Barbary Macaque Species

Stichting Moroccan Primate Conservation

Forest of Cedrus Atlantica in Ifrane National Park

Promoting the Value of Key Biodiversity Areas by Strengthening the Role of Civil Society Organizations in Their Management and Conservation in North Africa

International Union for Conservation of Nature

Production of Speleological Cadaster for the Trebižat Area

Mountain Rescue Service of Herzegovina

Supporting the Long-Term Sustainable Management of Transboundary Lake Skadar

International Union for Conservation of Nature

Azilal Village in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco.

Ensuring the Preservation and Enhancement of Atlas Mountain Ecosystems through the Capacity Building of Local Stakeholders in Sustainable Water Management

Enda Maghreb

Valuing Ecotourism, Fish and Aquatic Biodiversity of the Moroccan Atlas for Contribution to the Preservation of Water Resources in Ifrane National Parks and High Atlas Oriental

Association Marocaine pour l'Ecotourisme et la Protection de la Nature

Karst Freshwater Habitats: Identification and Participatory Conservation Planning of Threatened Invertebrate and Fish Species

Society for Biological Research and Protection of Nature Bio.Log

Protection of Underground Biodiversity in the Neretva River Catchment Area: Identifying and Raising the Awareness of Conservation Hotspots

Centar za krš i speleologiju

Merchant preparing medicinal plants in a shop at Marrakesh Medina, Morocco.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Management of Medicinal Plants and Important Plant Areas of the High Atlas Mountains

Global Diversity Foundation

Demonstrating Sustainable Management of Important Eastern Mediterranean Forests and Key Biodiversity Areas in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon

Young bird with gray fuzz being held by pair of male hands.

Protecting Threatened and Endemic Species in Cape Verde: A Major Island Restoration Project

Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves

Engaging Civil Society in Integrated Coastal Zone Management Planning

Institute for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Engaging Civil Societies in Harmonization of Actions for Improving the Conservation and Management Effectiveness of Lake Skadar

Green Home

Mediterranean Basin

Regional Implementation Team (RIT)

BirdLife International

Investment

Eligible Countries

Ecosystem Profile

Ecosystem Profile, 2024

Ecosystem Profile Technical Summary, 2024

Projects in Mediterranean Basin