LIFE Platform Meeting: Amphibian & Reptile Conservation
Project coordinator Dragica Šalamon presented LIFE for Mauremys at the LIFE Platform Meeting, where international experts discussed the challenges and opportunities related to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Europe through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
The platform event was held in Santander, Spain from May 22 to 24 May 2024, organized by Fundación Camino Lebaniego Cantabria under the auspices of the Steps for LIFE.
Europe is home to 151 species of reptiles and 85 species of amphibians, and according to IUCN studies from 2009, they are more at risk than European mammals and birds. Most of the pressure on these declining species comes from human destruction of their natural habitats, combined with climate change, pollution, and the presence of invasive species.
This platform event brought together the latest methods and techniques for improving the conservation status of amphibians and reptiles and their habitats. Given the complexity of these issues, the discussions were divided into thematic working groups on: Climate Change and Protected Areas, Invasive Alien Species, Addressing human pressure and Policy Framework. The program included panel discussions with key representatives from across the member states, break out groups to explore the themes more deeply and provide practical advice that can feed into newly emerging policy, poster sessions, consensus building via real time voting and unlimited question and answer sessions. LIFE for Mauremys connected and exchanged knowledge with many projects, of which we highlight:
A workshop on the Life LIMNOPIRINEUS and Life RESQUE ALPYR projects, where Marc Ventura explained the issues related to invasive fish species.
Knowledge exchange with Daniel Guinart from the LIFE Trito Montseny project about legal frameworks, land management contracts, and how nature conservation projects can assist landowners with water supply, dry stone wall repair, and other necessary agrotechnical infrastructure.
The LIFE Amphicon project and a meeting with Katja Poboljšaj.
A meeting with Marco A.L. Zuffi from the LIFE URCA ProEmys project.
Networking with Bogoljub Stijerovski from the Macedonian Ecological Society.
With new knowledge and connections, we continue to pursue sustainable conservation measures for the Balkan Terrapin and other native freshwater terrapins and their habitats, both in Dubrovnik-Neretva County and other Mediterranean regions. We think globally and act locally!
