LIFE07NAT/GR/ Inception Report Covering the project activities from 01/01/2009 to 30/09/2009

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1 LIFE Project Number LIFE07NAT/GR/ Inception Report Covering the project activities from 01/01/2009 to 30/09/2009 Reporting Date 30/09/2009 LIFE+ PROJECT NAME or Acronym Actions for the conservation of coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. in Crete and the South Aegean (Greece)/JUNICOAST Data Project Project location Greece, Crete and South Aegean Project start date: 01/01/2009 Project end date: 31/12/2012 Total budget ,00 EC contribution: ,00 (%) of eligible costs (%) 75 Data Beneficiary Name Beneficiary International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies / Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (CIHEAM- MAICh) Contact person Mr. George Kazakis Postal address Alsylio Agrokipiou, Chania, Crete, Greece Telephone Fax: kazakis@maich.gr Project Website

2 1 Table of contents 1 Table of contents List of abbreviations Executive summary General progress Assessment as to whether the project objectives and work plan are still viable Problems encountered Administrative part Description of project management Organigramme of the project team and the project management structure Partnership agreements status (incl. date of signature) and key content Technical part Actions Availability of appropriate licences and authorizations Envisaged progress until next report Financial part Putting in place of the accounting system Continued availability of co financing Costs incurred (summary by cost category and relevant comments) Annexes List of abbreviations ERT: Electrical Resistivity Tomography FDC: Forest Directorate of Chania FDL: Forest Directorate of Lasithi GCPs: Ground Control Points GPR: Ground Penetrating Radar GIS: Geographical Information System GPS: Global Positioning System MAICh: Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania NKUA: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens PTA (Periferiako Tameio Anaptiksi): Regional Development Fund of Crete LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 2

3 3 Executive summary The general objective of the Junicoast project is to promote and enable the long term conservation of the 2250* priority habitat (Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.) in Crete and the South Aegean (Greece) where the distribution of these habitats is mainly confined. All the actions of this project are being carried out in all the Natura 2000 designated habitats of Crete comprising approximately 54 % of the total number of this habitat type in Greece. Additionally, dissemination actions are being carried out in the South Aegean providing the opportunity for the wider protection and restoration of this habitat. The project started on time and during this reporting period ( ) all preparatory actions have started and are currently being implemented. All concrete conservation actions except action C8 (Ex situ conservation and propagation of keystone species) are scheduled to start by the beginning of Action C8 started on time and is currently being implemented. The public awareness and dissemination of results actions D1 (Development and implementation of a communication strategy), D2 (website development) and D3 (environmental education campaign) started on schedule and are currently being implemented. Actions D4, D5, D6 and D7 are scheduled to start in the future. The overall project operation and monitoring actions (E actions) are also being implemented on schedule and without any notable obstacles. In the present report, the proceedings and the envisaged progress until the next report of each particular action are concisely described. Moreover, the costs incurred (summary by cost category and by action) are reported. The report is accompanied by the relevant annexes. 3.1 General progress The project started on the 1st of January During the reporting period for the inception report ( ), actions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, C8, D1, D2, D3, E1, E3, and E5 have started according to the project work plan (see annex 7.5 Table Project actions, provisioned and modified time table). The general progress of the project implementation is considered thus far to be satisfactory. 3.2 Assessment as to whether the project objectives and work plan are still viable The primary aim of this project is to promote and enable the long term conservation of the coastal dune habitats with Juniperus spp. in Greece. The specific objectives of the project are: 1. To contribute to the consolidation and dissemination of a knowledge base for the protection, restoration, monitoring and evaluation of coastal dune with Juniperus spp. habitats in Greece. 2. To understand, quantify and halt natural and anthropogenic threats that contribute to the long term degradation of this habitat. 3. To design and implement actions for the protection and long term restoration of coastal dune with Juniperus spp. habitats. 4. To provide support for better environmental governance in Natura 2000 sites through stakeholder involvement and training. By relying on the preparatory actions in Crete, the project will allow the consolidation of a national knowledge base providing insight on the abiotic and biotic factors that influence the habitat structure and quality but also on the effects of anthropogenic pressures (specific LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 3

4 objective 1 and 2). These will be followed by the concrete conservation actions in Crete targeting the main natural and anthropogenic threats which will put into practice, test and evaluate actions and methodologies unfamiliar to the Greek habitat s context (specific objective 3). Being a demonstration project, the public awareness and dissemination of the results will be carried out on a national level using a multi-stakeholder communication strategy allowing the promotion of the concrete conservation in the South Aegean (specific objective 4). This will be achieved by using a participatory approach and stakeholder engagement from the onset of the project which will include: An environmental education campaign raising public awareness and long term support for the project in Crete and the South Aegean, The provision of training and guidelines on habitat protection and restoration methods at a national level, The creation of local, national and European networks for the protection of this habitat. Based on the above and preliminary work in progress it appears that the project objectives and work plan are still very relevant, valid and viable. To date, no changes are considered necessary, regarding the primary aim and specific objectives of the project, neither its general work plan. However, minor changes in the foreseen end-date of some actions and in the submission dates of their corresponding deliverables (actions A1, A2, A3, A5, A7, A8, A9, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7) are considered at this stage to be necessary (see annex 7.5 Table Project actions, provisioned and modified time table). The justification for these delays is stated under each section describing the progress of the individual action below. 3.3 Problems encountered. Certain technical difficulties which arose were dealt with due to the timely interventions of the coordinating beneficiary. Worthy of reporting, is a difficulty faced with regard to the priority habitat in Falasarna (GR ). The mapped 2250* priority habitat included in the Junicoast proposal, following site visit, was established to be fragmented and traversed by a tarmac road cutting the habitat in two. Moreover, it is evident that the habitat is occupied by several private land owners. During the first field visits to the site, the team encountered an elderly individual, who reproached us for trespassing, and claimed to be the private owner of part of the habitat. Immediate action was taken by the project manager, who organised a meeting with two of the landowners to try and mediate the situation. The project manager described the project and proposed actions, and requested the collaboration of the land owners. The project manager explained to them that their land ownership would not be jeopardised by this project, which was of major concern to them. During the project manager s visit, one of the land owners raised the question why the project actions will be carried out only in the site mentioned in the project proposal and not in a nearby locality where sand dunes with Juniperus trees are also found. The project manager asked the land owner to show him which site he was referring too, and following the site visit, it was in fact established that this is a 2250* classified habitat, but which has not been mapped as such in the NATURA2000 network, and was thus not included in the proposal. The LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 4

5 location and pictures of this new potential habitat are presented in annex 7.3. It is thus proposed, that during the implementation of the Junicoast proposed actions for Falasarna, both sites will be considered and actions will be implemented according to context specific suitability of each site. Moreover, through the close collaboration of the coordinating beneficiary with the municipality of Kissamos (for details see A.6 deliverable) we envisage that any issues that may arise will be dealt with in a satisfactory manner. Details regarding, small modifications to schedule are presented analytically in Section 5, action by action. It should be emphasised that the project duration is not expected to be behind schedule; and that all actions will be completed within the 4 years project period. 4 Administrative part 4.1 Description of project management The project management team with the collaboration of the other beneficiaries, and input from various stakeholders, have carried out a number of activities to ensure the effective implementation of project. Apart from the mentioned activities in the proposal i.e. kick off meeting, 1 st scientific committee meeting, and the stakeholder committee meeting, a number of other meetings and activities have been held to ensure the support and necessary collaboration for the project. These have taken place under the stakeholder consultation action A.6 as well as the D actions and are described in detail in Section 5 and deliverable reports of action A.6 submitted together with this inception report (see annex 7.2). The kick-off meeting of the project, organised by the coordinating beneficiary (MAICh) and attended by the associated beneficiaries (NKUA and FDC) took place at the premises of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania on the 22 nd of January 2009 (Action E.1). The FDL was not able to attend, due to a national strike that took place on the day, resulting in the closure of the road between Lassithi and Chania. (For agenda and minutes of the Kick off meeting and publicity, please see Annex 7.3). For this reason, another meeting between MAICh and FDL was organised at the offices of the Forest Directorate in Agios Nikolaos- Lassithi on the 18 th of February 2009, where all financial and technical issues as well as project reporting and dissemination matters were discussed. The 1 st Scientific committee meeting of the project took place at the premises of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania on the 26 th and 27 th of February This meeting was under the framework of action E.3 (scientific committee) of the project. The 1 st Scientific committee meeting was organised by the coordinating beneficiary (MAICh). Chair person of this meeting was Mr. George Kazakis (project manager) and the objectives of the meeting were: To present the project, To discuss the methodologies of the project actions and the problems/difficulties that might be encountered during the 1 st year of the project. To discuss potential collaborations, integration of methodologies/results and exchange of data between the project beneficiaries in order to facilitate the completion of the preparatory actions and the proposal of effective concrete conservation actions. To visit the Elafonisi study site (GR ) and acquire a first assessment on the present status of the site. LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 5

6 Initially Mr. George Kazakis, Mr. Dany Ghosn and Dr. Kalliope Pediaditi presented analytically the project s actions and the agenda of the meeting. Following the project presentation, a round table discussion examining the materials and methods of each action took place. Each preparatory action methodology was discussed in detail (See Annex 7.3 for agenda, details and outcomes of meeting). The 1st stakeholder committee meeting (E.4) took place at the premises of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania on the 25 th of February 2009, conjointly with the stakeholder workshop carried out under A.6, (See Annex 7.2 for details). During this meeting the stakeholder committee was established, as well as future collaboration for the project. Finally, the project manager and the coordination team of MAICh are in continuous communication with the associated beneficiaries, the external consultants and local stakeholders of the project in order to ensure the appropriate evolution of the project and the achievement of the deliverables and results on time as required by the common provisions. Regular communication and consultation with scientific committee members has been taking place through this reporting period. 4.2 Organigramme of the project team and the project management structure The management structure of the project is as follow: MAICh: Coordinating beneficiary Project Manager: Mr. George kazakis responsible for the overall project coordination and monitoring. Researchers and field assistants: Mr. Dany Ghosn, Dr. Kalliope Pediaditi and Ms. Christina Fournaraki assist the project manager in ensuring the accomplishment of the project s goal, objective, activities, and results; provide essential assistance required to carrying out various actions of the project. Technicians and field assistants: Ms. Hlektra Remoundou, Ms. Eleni Markaki. Mr. Nikos Psilakis and Mr. Alexis Adonakakis provide essential assistance to the researchers and the project manager required to carrying out various actions of the project. Financial Administrator: Ms. Artemisia Lioni responsible for the financial management of the project. NKUA: Associated beneficiary Responsible for the NKUA team: Prof. Kostas Thanos Researchers and field assistants: Prof. Kyriakos Georgiou, Dr. Dimitris Sarris, Dr. Penelopi Delipetrou, Mr. Adonis Kaltsis and Ms. Eleni Skourti assist the responsible of the NKUA team in ensuring the accomplishment of the NKUA actions. Financial Administrator: responsible for the financial management of the NKUA actions. PTA (FDC and FDL): Associated beneficiary Responsible for the FDC team: Dr. Chara Karioloaki (Director of FDC) Senior staff: Mr. Ioannis Fotakis responsible for the overseeing and execution of key concrete conservation actions. Responsible for the FDL team: Mr. Emmanouil Kouthoumas (Director of FDL) LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 6

7 Senior staff: Mr. Matheos Filippakis responsible for the overseeing and execution of key concrete conservation actions. Financial Administrator: responsible for the financial management of the NKUA actions. LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 7

8 4.3 Partnership agreements status (incl. date of signature) and key content The partnership agreement has been developed and signed by all beneficiaries (Annex 7.1) 5 Technical part Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. is a priority habitat (code: 2250*) of the Habitats Directive. Currently in Greece there is no documented evidence that active conservation measures have been implemented for the protection and restoration of this threatened habitat. This demonstration project is putting into practice the testing, evaluation and dissemination of actions and methodologies that are unfamiliar to the Greek geographical, ecological and socio-economical context. The distribution of these habitats in Greece is mainly confined to south of the country. This project is dealing with all the known localities of the habitat in Greek Natura 2000 network in the regions of Crete and South Aegean. All the actions of this project are being carried out in all the Natura 2000 designated habitats of Crete comprising approximately 54 % of the total number of this habitat type in Greece. Additionally, dissemination actions are being carried out in the south Aegean providing the opportunity for the wider protection and restoration of this habitat. The particular project sites in Crete were selected for the demonstration aspect of this project due to their high ecological significance, the serious threats that demand immediate response, and their geographical distribution that allows preservation of high proportion of this habitat type (ecological coherence) by using rational financial means. Additionally, the sites in Crete are suitable for the demonstration purposes of this project as they are representative of the full range of habitat contextual characteristics and threats of all habitat localities in Greece. Therefore, this project through its national multi-stakeholder communication strategy, is attempting to promote similar concrete conservation actions in the south Aegean, disseminate the lessons learnt, promote and provide training of the (demonstrated trial) techniques and methods nationally, as well as to raise public awareness, ensuring the wider conservation of this priority habitat throughout Greece. The sites with priority habitat of this project are shown in the table below: Site Location Municipality/Community Elafonisi (GR ) Kedrodasos Municipality of Pelekanou Gavdos Island (GR ) Sarakiniko Community of Gavdos Gavdos Island (GR ) Agios Ioannis Community of Gavdos Gavdos Island (GR ) Lavrakas Community of Gavdos Chrysi Island (GR ) Chrysi (east habitat) Municipality of Ierapetra Chrysi Island (GR ) Chrysi (west habitat) Municipality of Ierapetra Falasarna (GR ) Falasarna Municipality of Kisamos Milos Island (GR ) Milos Municipality of Milos Polyaigos Island (GR ) Polyaigos Municipality of Kimolos Naxos Island (GR ) Naxos Municipality of Naxos Rodos Island (GR ) Rodos Municipality of Rodos (See Map of the general location of the project area, annex 7.3) LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 8

9 5.1 Actions Action A.1: Landform and land degradation processes in dune systems The purpose of this action is to conduct surveys that will map and describe the landforms, structures and processes on the surface and the subsurface of the habitat to the depth of Juniperus tree rooting system. This action started on schedule and the activities performed up to now include: Literature review on the geomorphology, landform and land degradation processes in dune systems Geo-referenced geo-physical transects using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) in the following Cretan sites: 4 in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, 5 in Sarakiniko-Gavdos, 5 in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, 7 in site1-chrysi and 4 in site2-chrysi. Transect with Ground penetrating Radar (GPR) in the following Cretan sites: 1 in kedrodasos-elafonisi, 4 in Sarakiniko-Gavdos, 4 in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, 7 in site1- Chrysi, and 4 in site2-chrysi. 1.2 m soil core samples, soil profile description and soil sample analysis in the following Cretan sites: 3 in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, 2 in Sarakiniko-Gavdos, 1 in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, 1 in site1-chrysi, and 1 in site2-chrysi. Landscape unit description and first observations on erosion patterns in Kedrodasos- Elafonisi, Lavrakas-Gavdos and site1-chrysi. Hydrological modelling in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi. Acquisition of ground Control points (GCPs) in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, Agios Ioannis- Gavdos, and the whole island of Chrysi. Vegetation description along all ERT transects in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, Sarakiniko- Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, site1-chrysi and site2-chrysi). Water sampling and analysis in Lavrakas-Gavdos. Photo documentation from all Cretan sites (Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, Lavrakas-Gavdos, site1-chrysi, and site2-chrysi). No major problems are encountered in implementing this action. However, we would like to modify the foreseen end-date ( ) of this action and the submission date of the corresponding deliverables by 3 months (modified end-date by ) in order to ensure that all necessary fieldwork is completed, taking into account that access (by boat) to Gavdos island can be difficult in winter and that there is no access to Chrysi islet during the winter. It is envisaged that by the next reporting period (Mid-term report by the ) this action will have been completed and the following activities will have been carried out: Geo-physical transects measurements using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) in Falasarna Transect with Ground penetrating Radar (GPR) in Falasarna Soil core samples in Falasarna Water sampling and analysis (where available) Data input and processing Data analysis Production and submission of geomorphological maps of all Cretan sites (foreseen end-date ) Write-up and submission of the report on landforms, structures and processes of the LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/2009 9

10 dune systems (foreseen end-date ) For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action A.2: Determining the dune system plant communities composition and structure The purpose of this action is to conduct surveys to determine and describe the composition, the structure, and the ecological processes of juniper woodland communities on all Cretan sites. Although this action started on schedule, plot establishments and vegetation sampling could not be completed during spring 2009 on Chrysi Island and Falasarna due to lack of time. By the time the vegetation sampling in the 3 sites of Gavdos and Kedrodasos- Elafonisi were completed, the vegetation on Chrysi Island and Falasarna had dried out. Therefore, vegetation sampling will need to take place in early spring 2010, during the flowering season. We would thus like to modify the foreseen end-date ( ) of this action and the submission date of its corresponding deliverables by 3 months (modified enddate by ) to accommodate this change. The activities under this action performed up to now include: Literature review on various topics such as dune system plant communities composition and structure, and the ecological processes of Juniper woodlands. Geo-referenced 30x30m plots, each including two relevés (10x10m and 3x3m subplots) have been established in the following Cretan sites: 6 in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, 4 in Sarakiniko-Gavdos, 6 in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, and 8 in Lavrakas-Gavdos. Species composition and cover have been measured in all established plots and relevés (sub-plots). GPS measurements of all individual trees within the 30x30m plots in all sites of Gavdos (Sarakiniko, Agios Ioannis, and Lavrakas). Photo documentation from all Cretan sites (Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, Lavrakas-Gavdos, site1-chrysi, and site2-chrysi). Data input of all measured plots and relevés (sub-plots). It is envisaged that by the next reporting period (Mid-term report by the ) this action will have met its objectives and the following activities will have been carried out: Establishment of vegetation plots and vegetation sampling on Chrysi Island and Falasarna GPS measurements of all individual trees within the 30x30m plots on Chrysi Island and Falasarna Data input and processing Data analysis Production and submission of maps of specific areas within the habitats in need of restoration (modified end-date ) Write-up and submission of the report on plant associations, community types, composition and structure of the dune systems (modified end-date ) For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table. LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

11 5.1.3 Action A.3: Composition and structure of Juniperus populations The purpose of this action is to quantitatively determine and describe the population composition and structure of the typical species of habitat type 2250*, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa and Juniperus phoenicea, in the Natura 2000 sites of Crete. This action started on schedule and the activities performed up to now include: Literature review on various topics such as studies on the genus Juniperus, communities of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa on Mediterranean sand dunes, and Sex ratio in dioecious plant populations. GPS measurements of all individuals of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa and Juniperus phoenicea within the habitat type 2250* in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi and Falasarna. Determination of the Juniperus population size as well as numbers of trunks per individual in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi and Falasarna. Determination of the Juniperus population sexual ratio in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi and Falasarna. Sampling of tree cores from selected individuals of Juniperus for age structure estimation in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, and Lavrakas-Gavdos. Sampling of cones and seeds for reproductive biology studies in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi. Photo documentation from Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis- Gavdos, and Lavrakas-Gavdos. No major problems are encountered in implementing this action. However, we would like to modify the foreseen end-date ( ) of this action and the submission date of the corresponding deliverables by 3 months (modified end-date by ) in order to ensure that all necessary fieldwork is completed, taking into account that access (by boat) to Gavdos island can be difficult in winter and that there is no access to Chrysi islet during the winter. The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include: Supplementary visits to the four sites of interest Data input and processing Data analysis Write-up and submission of the Report on population size, age-size structure and sex ratios of the Juniperus populations (modified end date ) For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action A.4: Habitat mapping The purpose of this action is to conduct a survey to accurately identify and map the target habitats at all Cretan sites. This action is being carried out according to schedule, will be completed and have met its objectives, by its actual foreseen end-date ( ). To date the activities carried out include: Topographic maps (scale 1:5000) of all Cretan sites were scanned and geo-referenced. Digitizing of all topographic maps of all Cretan sites is in progress. Aerial photos of 1968 (scale 1:15.000) of all Cretan sites have been bought Recent aerial photos (1992 and 2004, scale 1:8.000) where available (Gavdos and Chrysi islands), have been bought. Scanning and geo-referencing of all aerial photos are in progress. LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

12 GPS data collected from Kedrodasos-Elafonisi and all sites in Gavdos were imported into GIS. It is envisaged that by the next reporting period (Mid-term report by the ) the following activities will have been carried out: GPS data collection from Falasarna and Chrysi Identification of habitat boundaries in all Cretan sites Data input into GIS Production and submission of all Cretan habitat maps (foreseen end-date ) Action A.5: Visitor impact assessment The purpose of this action is to undertake a visitor impact assessment in order to ensure the effective implementation of visitor management actions in all Cretan sites. This action started on schedule, and the activities carried out so far, include: Literature review on various topics such as recreation ecology, methodologies on visitor impact assessment and measurement of visitor impacts on sand dunes. Vegetation damage surveys for Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, Lavrakas- Gavdos and Kedrodasos-Elafonisi. Measurements of visitor numbers and tents (intensity and distribution) on a monthly basis starting from May/June in Chrysi, Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, Lavrakas-Gavdos and Kedrodasos-Elafonisi. (using GPS). Path density using GPS has been recorded in Chrysi, Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, Lavrakas-gavdos and Kedrodasos-Elafonisi. Visitor Survey Questionnaires were developed and piloted and revised for all Cretan sites apart from Falasarna. On site surveys have been conducted for Chrysi and Kedrodasos-Elafonisi off peak and on peak samples are obtained for representativeness. Questionnaires with stands and Junicoast pencils from recycled material have been placed on boats to Gavdos and Chrysi as well as tavernas. Meetings with tourism and local representatives to obtain an overview of tourism flow and waste quantities. Walks through the habitat with permanent visitors indicating problem areas and recommendations for visitor management measures were carried out on several occasions. A visitor consultation meeting in Gavdos, with campers in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos took place on the beach of Agios Ioannis on the 5th of July During this meeting, the coordination team of MAICh presented the project and an open discussion with the campers on the different actions to be implemented took place. (see Annex 7.3 for minutes of the meeting) Input of obtained questionnaires into an excel file and preliminary analysis However, as this is an integrated assessment, it requires input from action A.2 in order to analyse the results regarding vegetation damage. We would thus like to modify the foreseen end-date ( ) of this action and the submission date of its corresponding deliverables by 3 months (modified end-date by ) to accommodate this. It is envisaged that by the next reporting period (Mid-term report by the ) this action will have been completed, its objectives achieved, and the following activities will have been carried out: Spatial data input and processing Tourism Survey analysis LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

13 Vegetation damage survey in Chrysi Analysis of Vegetation damage data Litter survey Production and submission of maps illustrating the location of visitor management concrete actions (modified end-date ) Write-up and submission of the report on visitor impact assessment (modified enddate ) For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action A.6: Stakeholder consultation The purpose of this action was to establish the stakeholders level of awareness, perceived values, threats and recommendations for conservation of the habitat in their localities. This action started and was completed on schedule, fulfilling all its objectives. The results of this action are presented in detail in the five deliverable reports submitted with this inception report. Indicatively what has been carried out is: 1 stakeholder workshop at MAICh ( ) 1 community workshop in Gavdos ( ) 35 interviews with stakeholders Community surveys in Kissamos, Pelekanou, Inahoriou, and Ierapetra municipalities Door to door Survey Gavdos community Questionnaire Data entry, interview transcription and analysis Production of 1 report with stakeholder and community consultation result per site (4) Production of 1 report with results of stakeholder consultation method effectiveness evaluation Please refer to Annex 7.2 to read the deliverables of this action (Report on community surveys and stakeholder consultation, and the effectiveness evaluation report on stakeholders consultation methods) submitted together with this inception report Action A.7: Elaboration of long term monitoring protocols and selection of indicators The purpose of this action is to develop long term monitoring protocols which will enable the evaluation of the effectiveness of the concrete conservation actions as compared to the initial situation, objectives and expected results. Although this action started on schedule, it needs to take into account the results of A.2, A.3 and A.5. Therefore, a one month extension is requested to develop indicators reflecting these topics. Activities under this action performed up to now include a literature review of existing indicators data bases and tools. It is envisaged that by the end of the next reporting period (Mid-term report by the ) this action will have been completed (modified end-date ) and the following deliverables produced: A compendium with monitoring protocols to evaluate effectiveness of concrete conservation actions and habitat status (modified end-date ) Monitoring protocols to evaluate public awareness and dissemination action effectiveness (modified end-date ) For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action A.8: Elaboration of target habitat protection and restoration specifications The purpose of this action is to propose protection and restoration specifications for the habitat 2250* in the Natura 2000 sites of Crete. This action started on schedule, and the LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

14 activities carried out so far include a literature review on habitat-specific conservation and restoration techniques. Although the action started on schedule, as in action A.7, it needs to take into account the results of actions A.2, A.3 and A.5; thus, a one month extension is needed to ensure that all necessary data are collected before entering the final stage of the action. The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include: Data input and processing Data analysis Visits to the sites of interest Production of a working manual including specific protection and restoration specifications for the habitat 2250* at each site (modified end-date ). For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action A.9: Determination of the Governance structure and legal status The purpose of this action is to determine the governance structure and the legal status of the Coastal dune with Juniperus spp. habitats in Greece. Although this action started on schedule, obtaining key interviews with some stakeholders has proved challenging, therefore a three month extension is requested to provide more time for transcription, obtaining the remaining interviews and analysis of results. The activities under this action performed up to now include: Literature review on environmental governance and governance evaluation methodologies and theory Literature review of relevant studies carried out in Greece, as well as of past studies conducted and plans proposed for Cretan sites. A series of interview templates where developed and piloted Stakeholders analysis. Interviews with 35 key governance bodies as well as individuals who have authority, responsibility or "ownership" of the target habitat on national, regional (Crete and south Aegean) as well as local level. Interviews are being transcribed and are currently being processed. It is envisaged that by the end of the next reporting period (Mid-term report by the ) this action will have been completed (modified end-date ) and the following activities and deliverables will be completed: Conducting remaining interviews Data input and processing Data analysis Write up and submission of the report on Report on Governance structure (modified end-date ) Write up and submission of the report on habitat legal status (modified end-date ) For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action C.1: On site habitat demarcation The purpose of this action is to demarcate the on site boundaries of the habitats in all Cretan sites. This action will start according to the schedule on the foreseen start-date of and it is envisaged that its objectives will be met. LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

15 Action C.2: Waste removal The purpose of this action is to remove existing solid waste present on all the Cretan sites within the boundaries of the habitats. This action will start according to the schedule on the foreseen start-date of and it is envisaged that its objectives will be met Action C.3: Enhancement of juniper regeneration The purpose of this action is to protect the existing natural regeneration of junipers and to enhance, wherever needed, the seedling populations. This action needs to take into account the results of A.3 and A.8. Therefore, we would like to move the foreseen start-date and the foreseen end-date of this action by three months. Consequently, the modified-start date would be and the modified end-date It is envisaged that its objectives will be met. For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action C.4: Restoration of the floristic composition and structure of the target habitat 2250* The purpose of this action is to restore the floristic composition and structure of the Juniperus shrub (habitat 2250*) to a desired state at the Cretan sites of the habitat. The exact locations of necessary interventions, the selection of the species, the number of plants planted, the planting design and the desired male/female ratio cannot be determined beforehand, as they depend on the results of actions A.2 and A.3 and the guidelines of action A.8. Therefore, we would like to move the foreseen start-date and the foreseen end-date of this action by three months. Consequently, the modified-start date would be and the modified end-date It is envisaged that its objectives will be met. For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action C.5: Fore dune stabilization through vegetation restoration The purpose of this action is to implement concrete conservation actions needed to inhibit land degradation processes identified in action A.1 namely sand removal through wind erosion. This action needs to take into account the results of A.1, A.2 and A.8. Therefore, we would like to move the foreseen start-date and the foreseen end-date of this action by three months. Consequently, the modified-start date would be and the modified end-date It is envisaged that its objectives will be met. For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action C.6: Visitor management intervention and infrastructures The purpose of this action is to protect the habitats from the impacts of tourism such as vegetation and tree damage, sand dune erosion and littering through the proposed visitor management interventions and infrastructures. The proposed concrete conservation actions will be reviewed and revised in the specifications (action A.8) following the outcomes of the following preparatory actions: A.1, A.2, A.3, A.4 and A.5. Therefore, we would like to move the foreseen start-date and the foreseen end-date of this action by three months. Consequently, the modified-start date would be and the modified end-date It is envisaged that its objectives will be met. For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table. LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

16 Action C.7: Design and installation of Signs The purpose of this action is to design and install on all Cretan sites directional and information signs in order to help protect the habitats by minimizing visitor impacts and threats. This action needs to take into account the results of A.5 and A.8. Therefore, we would like to move the foreseen start-date and the foreseen end-date of this action by three months. Consequently, the modified-start date would be and the modified end-date It is envisaged that its objectives will be met. For time schedule see annex 7.5 Project actions, provisioned and modified time table Action C.8: Ex situ conservation and propagation of keystone species The purpose of this action is to collect, store, and propagate the keystone species of the coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. outside of their natural habitat thus enhancing their conservation ex situ. This action is being carried out according to schedule, will be completed and have met its objectives, by its actual foreseen end-date ( ). To date the activities carried out include: Seed collection of Juniperus oxycedrus spp. macrocarpa from Sarakiniko-Gavdos, Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, Lavrakas-Gavdos, Chrysi site1 & site2, and Kedrodasos- Elafonisi. Seed collection of Silene succulenta (Key stone species) from Chrysi. Seed collection of Ononis hyspanica (key stone species) from Sarakiniko-Gavdos and Lavrakas-Gavdos. Seed collection of Cistus parviflora (key stone species) from Agios Ioannis-Gavdos. Cuttings from Juniperus oxycedrus spp. macrocarpa from Kedrodasos -Elafonisi. The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include: Draft protocols for seed collection, handling and storage Draft protocols for seed germination Seed collection and cuttings from Juniperus oxycedrus spp. macrocarpa from all Cretan sites Seed collection of Key stone species from all Cretan sites Production and propagation of plant material (Juniperus oxycedrus spp. Macrocarpa and key stones species) Action D.1: Development and implementation of a communication strategy The purpose of this action is to develop and implement a communication strategy to raise awareness and disseminate the results of this project in Crete and the South Aegean. The activities under this action performed up to now include: Literature review on best practice regarding environmental education and participation Development of draft education program to be reviewed with education network. Communication and information about the project with primary and nursery school teachers including environmental education bodies from pilot sites. Educational and tourism representatives were invited to the stakeholder meeting and asked to provide input on the development of the educational and dissemination activities. Through A.6 interviews and aforementioned meetings and literature review- site specific and national communication strategy is being formed. Short TV interview (onsite-chrysi Island) on the National Television Channel (NET, Menoume Ellada). Broadcasted on Sunday 5th of July 2009 and again on the 18 th of LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

17 August 2009 at 13:00. Two interviews on a Local TV Channel (Chania, Nea TV), during the 1st stakeholder consultation meeting. Broadcasted on the 25th of February Articles and 9 Press releases published in local newspapers (Chaniotika Nea, Kyrikas, and Anatoili). See Annex 7.3 for detailed breakdown of publicity activities. The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include the following: Based on the results of the education and tourism meetings foreseen later on this year, the sequence of education material (i.e. leaflets, T- shirts etc) will be determined. It is envisaged that this actions objectives will be met Action D.2: Website development The purpose of this action is to develop, update and maintain a project website. The activities under this action performed up to now include: Website developed and launched ( in March Website being maintained and updated regularly. Web statistics available from May to 25 th of September 2009 The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include: Continuous website maintaining and updating It is envisaged that this actions objectives will be met. LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

18 Action D.3: Environmental education campaign The purpose of this action is to carry out an environmental education campaign aimed at increasing the public s environmental knowledge to enhance people s values of habitat and to promote participation in their management. The activities under this action performed up to now include: Meetings with environmental education representatives and primary schools head masters from localities. Participation of education and tourism representatives at first stakeholder workshop at MAICh Development of draft educational programme for review and enhancement with participating teachers Meetings with key tourism stakeholders to discuss visitor information provision needs and appropriate media (boat owners, local tourism entrepreneurs, tourism guides and hoteliers and travel agent representatives of Crete, Greek National Tourism Organisation) Although the proposal recommended the execution of separate workshops for tourism representatives and education instructors, the action was modified following telephone communication with a number of representatives. It was established early on in the project, with A action results not being available, and due to travel barriers and time restrictions, that informal meetings and communication with representatives were more appropriate. Moreover, key representatives were invited to the stakeholder workshop in order to promote the sharing of ideas and values between different stakeholders, as well as to promote an overview of the project and its actions. Both tourism and education representatives, pointed out the need to conduct meetings or workshops in the localities of the representatives, as well as to pay attention to timing suitability in order to ensure participation. Tourism representatives wished to be contacted when promotion and information material is available for dissemination, and prior to the beginning of the tourism season. Education representatives noted that they also want educational material to be ready and the workshop to be carried out during autumn. Project objectives are in the process of being achieved and the envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include: Execution of environmental education workshops 2 student weeks at MAICh Local events Workshops with tourism representatives Action D.4: Training for habitat protection and restoration The purpose of this action is to train stakeholders involved in the protection of coastal dune Juniperus spp. 2250* habitat throughout Greece, (e.g. forest directorate staff, government officers, etc) in the demonstrated trial techniques for habitat restoration and protection. This action will start according to the schedule on the foreseen start-date of and it is envisaged that its objectives will be met Action D.5: Production and dissemination of habitat protection and restoration guidelines The purpose of this action is to produce and disseminate protection and restoration guidelines at the end of the project to the various stakeholders involved in the conservation and LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

19 management of this priority habitat throughout Greece. This action will start according to the schedule on the foreseen start-date of and it is envisaged that its objectives will be met Action D.6: Dissemination of findings to the scientific community and Layman s report The purpose of this action is to disseminate the findings of the project to the international scientific community. This action will start according to the schedule on the foreseen startdate of and it is envisaged that its objectives will be met Action D.7: After-LIFE communication and conservation plans The purpose of this action is to develop and disseminate After LIFE communication and conservation plans at the end of the project. This action will start according to the schedule on the foreseen start-date of and it is envisaged that its objectives will be met Action E.1: Project coordination and management The purpose of this action is to ensure effective project coordination and management enabling the achievement of the projects objectives according to the schedule and quality standards. This action is being carried out according to schedule. The activities under this action performed up to now include: Translation of the proposal from English to Greek. Partnership agreement developed and signed. Kick-off meeting at MAICh premises on the 22 nd of January 2009 (MAICh, NKUA and Forest Directorate of Chania). Meeting with Forest Directorate of Lasithi on the 18 th of February Frequent contacts with associate beneficiaries and daily project meetings at MAICh. The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include the continuous follow up of proposed actions schedule, scheduling of meetings etc, thus ensuring the achievement of the entire projects objectives Action E.2: Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the project The purpose of this action is to monitor measure and document the effectiveness of the concrete conservation as well as dissemination actions implemented through this project in improving coastal dune with Juniperus spp. habitat status, halting identified threats as well as raising stakeholder awareness of this priority habitat. This action will start on its foreseen start-date of The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include, initiation of monitoring actions based on defined indicators of A.7. It is envisaged that this actions objectives will be met Action E.3: Scientific Committee The purpose of this action is to establish a scientific committee which will advise and evaluate the scientific quality of the work undertaken for this project. The activities under this action performed up to now include: First scientific committee meeting held on 26 th of February 2009 in MAICh Field visit to Kedrodasos-Elafonisi on the 27 th of February LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/

20 Minutes of the 1st scientific committee meeting have been produced. Regular informal communication with committee members, for consultation on methodological issues For more information on the 1 st scientific committee meeting, please see attached annex 7.3 which include the agenda, list of participants and minutes of the 1st Scientific committee meeting. The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include organisation and execution of one more scientific committee meeting Action E.4: Networking with other similar LIFE projects The purpose of this action is to establish networks with other relevant Life Projects. This action started ahead of schedule, with contacts being made with a number of similar LIFE projects. It is envisaged that the objectives of this action will be achieved Action E.5: Stakeholder Committee The purpose of this action is to establish a stakeholder committee which will assist the project by providing the necessary support and commitment as well as information to overcome external, political, administrative, and management issues that may arise. The activities under this action performed up to now include: First stakeholder committee meeting held on the 25 th of February 2009 in MAICh. Establishment of the stakeholder committee. Regular informal discussions with committee members The envisaged progress until the next report (Mid-term report by the ) would include regular informal communication with stakeholder committee members on a needs be basis, as well as the execution of a formal meeting to discuss concrete conservation actions, once specificationsa.8 are prepared Action E.6: External auditing Following initiation of the project and set-up of the cost centre, it was quickly realised that two financial external audits, conducted in conjunction with the mid term report and the final report would be adequate, as additional ones are not mentioned in the common provisions. The number of audits has been reduced to two thus, minimising the administrational burden, whilst at the same time providing a more representative and complete picture of expenditures. Therefore, we have decided to conduct only two financial external audits in conjunction with the mid-term report and the final report (see Gantt chart with schedule of progress and planned actions, action E6). The expenses of the first financial audit in conjunction with the mid term report will covered by MAICh whereas the expenses of the second and final financial audit in conjunction with the final report of the project will be covered by action E6 External auditing. 5.2 Availability of appropriate licences and authorizations Not relevant LIFE07NAT/GR/000296, Inception report, 30/09/