National Conference Invitation_4

National Conference

Marine Protected Areas and Sustainable Human Development in the Eastern Region of Libya Invitation The Environment General Authority of Libya (EGA) and WWF Mediterranean Programme Office are pleased to invite you to the National Conference on “Marine Protected Areas and Sustainable Human Development in the Eastern Region of Libya.” During the National Conference, WWF Mediterranean Programme Office will present the findings of the first rapid marine and coastal resources assessment of the Eastern Region of Libya. The survey, which was undertaken by EGA and WWF Mediterranean Programme Office in July 2004, has revealed that long stretches of the coast of the Eastern Region of Libya are granted with outstanding biodiversity and unique environmental quality values. The coast is also the nesting ground and habitat of important endangered marine species, such as sea turtles and monk seals. For all these reasons WWF Mediterranean Programme Office has included the coast of the Eastern Region of Libya within the “10 last paradise” in the Mediterranean basin in need for urgent protection. At present, the coastline of this region is almost pristine, but human pressure is increasing, posing serious threats on this unique natural asset. In order to ensure the conservation of the marine and coastal resources, while allowing for the sustainable development of local communities, a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) should be established and included in a comprehensive Integrated Coastal Management Plan (ICAM) for the Eastern Region. The concepts of MPA and ICAM will be therefore introduced by experts from EGA, PAP RAC, SPA RAC, UNDP and WWF Mediterranean Programme Office. The National Conference is a unique opportunity for local interested parties to get more acquainted with the concept of marine and coastal resources sustainable management and share concerns and ideas related to the economic and human development of the Eastern Region of Libya with major international experts and organizations. The National Conference aims at setting the basis for the development of an Integrated Coastal Management Plan for the Eastern Region of Libya, which should combine conservation measures and sustainable development initiatives and encompass an intensive programme of technical training and institutional capacity building modules aimed at strengthening local human resources.

Other details: The following documents are attached: − VISA REQUEST FORM (VISA should be requested at least 2 months before the conference) − HOTEL REGISTRATION FORM − PRELIMINARY AGENDA AND TIMETABLE OF THE CONFERENCE The final agenda of the conference will be provided by email to all registered participants. For further information, please contact: Alessandra Pomè (WWF Mediterranean Programme Office) Via Po 25/c, 00198 Rome, ITALY Tel. +39 06 84497443; Mobile: +39 329 1689811; Fax. +39 06 847 3866; email: [email protected]