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PRESENTATION OF LIFE AMPHICON PROJECT AT THE CONFERENCE IN SPAIN

PRESENTATION OF LIFE AMPHICON PROJECT AT THE CONFERENCE IN SPAIN

Between May 22nd and May 24th, the LIFE Platform Meeting: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) conference took place in Santander, Spain. The conference brought together the latest methods and techniques for improving the conservation status of amphibians and reptiles and their habitats and was dedicated to exploring EU-funded projects focused on the conservation of amphibians and reptiles.

During the morning session of the first day, there were presentations on the legal aspects of amphibian and reptile conservation, as well as various practical conservation examples. CINEA, which funds LIFE projects, and the Steps4LIFE project, which hosted the conference, were also presented. In the afternoon, other LIFE projects, including the LIFE AMPHICON project, were showcased. Our team prepared three presentations. In two shorter presentations, Anja Bolčina introduced the breeding station for the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) in Podsreda, while Lars Schulz presented the restoration of aquatic habitats in Fehlchowsee. As part of amphibian conservation and land management, Katja Poboljšaj presented the project as a whole, emphasizing our most important actions, such as the establishment of aquatic habitats, measures for amphibians on roads, and raising public awareness about the importance of protecting amphibians.

On the second day of the conference, we worked in groups. Groups were divided into four themes: ARC, climate change amd Protected areas, ARC and invasive species, ARC and land management, and EU and national policies, financing amphibian and reptile conservation. In each group, one of the projects was presented as a basis for further discussion on the given topic. Many ideas, knowledge, and experiences were exchanged during the interesting and often lively discussions.

On the third day, we went on an excursion to see the measures implemented in the Steps4LIFE project. We concluded the conference in the afternoon at the beautiful location of Habario des Pendes, where we gathered key messages of the conference.

Photo: T. Stepišnik