Third project workshop of partners in MC SALT project

From 19 to 21 May in Regional nature park “Camargue” in France was held third project workshop of the partners within MC SALT “Environmental Management and Conservation in Mediterranean Saltworks and Coastal Lagoons” project, co-funded by the financial instrument LIFE+ of the EC. Green Balkans NGO is partner in the project implementing activities at Pomorie Lake.
The program of the workshop in France was full of events. During the first day hosts were administration of Regional nature park “Camargue” who have invited also representatives of other institutions as well as other projects co-financed by LIFE+ in Southern France dealing with conservation of coastal lagoons and their biodiversity. Progress of project activities was presented by partners in the project: Regional nature park “Po Delta Emilia Romagna” (Italy) presented by project manager Graziano Caramori; “Green Balkans” NGO (Bulgaria) presented by Dimitar Popov; CSME company, part of SALINS Group (France) presented by Sonia Sejourne; Regional nature park “Camargue” (France) presented by Stephan Arnassant; Biological station “Tour du Valat” (France) presented by Marc Thibault. Project partners presented in details their expertise in management of disused and functioning saltworks in Italy, France and Bulgaria that provide valuable habitats subject to conservation by EU Directives. The workshop was attended by Mr. Michele Lischi of Astrale Timesis – external monitor of the LIFE+ projects.
Second day was dedicated to field visit of project sites in the area. Activities of the project are implemented in the largest active saltwork in Europe - Aigues-Mortes owned by CSME company. Sonia Sejourne, environmental manager in the company guided the participants at different pools and showed the site where largest flamingo colony is nesting in France. Visitor access is strictly regulated and no visitors are allowed in the vicinity of the colony during the breeding season. Technical issues related to hydrological regime and conservation activities for the target species have been discussed. In the afternoon Eastern parts of Camargue were visited where the park staff and experts of “Tour du Valat” collaborate in activities to improve water circulation between the lagoons and conservation of Little tern colony nesting on a wild sandy beach that is visited by high number of tourists.
In the last days hosts by “Tour du Valat” supported starting of implementation of action on elaboration of guidelines for mitigation of Yellow-legged gull disturbance on colonial water birds and management model for saltwork. Two work groups have been organized on these topics will continue by spring of 2015 and that expected to be one of most important products of the project.