Project duration
October 2021 – July 2026
© Ahmed BEN HMIDA, Kerkennah Island
Background
The Libyan coastline covers a major portion of the southern central Mediterranean and is recognised as an important hotspot for marine and coastal biodiversity. However, limited governance mechanisms, lack of technical capacity, and insufficient management tools have hindered the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the country’s marine protected areas (MPAs).
Under the GEF MedProgramme, Child Project 3.1 aims to strengthen governance, institutional capacity, and operational tools to support an effective and equitable system of MPAs in Libya.
Overall objective
To develop a representative and well-connected network of marine and coastal protected areas in Libya, ensuring effective, participatory and sustainable management.
Specific objectives
The project focuses on three main components:
- Improving MPA governance: assessing and enhancing the legal and institutional framework, defining an appropriate national governance structure, and developing operational mechanisms.
- Strengthening participation and institutional capacities: engaging civil society organisations, training practitioners and fishers, and supporting co-management arrangements in the pilot MPAs.
- Awareness-raising and knowledge management: consolidating biodiversity data, promoting the ecological importance of MPAs, and supporting national communication efforts.
Pilot sites
The project supports management planning and implementation in the following MPAs:
- Ain El-Ghazalah,
- Farwa Lagoon,
- Garah Island
SPA/RAC’s role
As one of the executing partners, alongside WWF Med and IUCN-Med, SPA/RAC contributes to:
- Developing and operationalising the national governance structure for MPAs;
- Establishing and supporting on-site management units and management plans;
- Delivering capacity-building programmes for national and local stakeholders;
- Designing and implementing national awareness and communication activities.
Project partners
UNEP/MAP (Executing Agency), SPA/RAC, WWF Mediterranean, IUCN-Med.
Funding
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) – Biodiversity focal area.