A regional training workshop on “Species Conservation Tools and Methodologies” has commenced in Tunis, bringing together a broad range of civil society organizations working in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation across the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacities of local and regional actors to address the growing threats facing plant and animal species throughout the region.

Eg-National Discourse Forum (Eg-NDF) is participating in the workshop as part of a delegation comprising representatives of 24 civil society organizations from six Mediterranean countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Lebanon. The training is being held from 9 to 11 June and is organized by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, and in partnership with the Tunisian Ministry of Environment.

The workshop is being implemented under the Mubadarat Programme and the Tamkeen Project, both of which seek to support civil society organizations and strengthen their role in protecting natural resources and biodiversity across the Mediterranean region.

The training aims to equip participants with a range of modern tools and methodologies for the conservation of endangered species. It is expected to enhance the capacity of participating organizations to design and implement effective environmental projects that respond to current challenges and contribute to the protection of fragile ecosystems.

The workshop is taking place at a time when the Mediterranean Basin is facing mounting environmental pressures resulting from the loss and degradation of natural habitats, the overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. Together, these factors have contributed to the decline of numerous species and increased their risk of extinction.

Through the training programme, the organizers seek to promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and practical experience among civil society organizations in the participating countries. The workshop also aims to develop mechanisms for joint action in addressing transboundary environmental challenges and to support local initiatives dedicated to protecting endangered species and conserving biodiversity, which represents a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.

Particular attention is also being given to empowering young people and women and strengthening their participation in leading environmental and community-based action, in recognition of their growing role in implementing environmental initiatives and developing innovative solutions to challenges related to nature conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The workshop’s outcomes are expected to strengthen the ability of participating organizations to develop and implement more effective and impactful projects in species conservation and ecosystem protection. This will contribute to regional efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean Basin and address the increasing threats facing endangered species.