Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2026-04-02

Description

Description (EN):

The conservation status of the marine turtles (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the Programme area is critical. These species face significant pressures from human activities, making continued conservation efforts essential to their survival and the health of the Adriatic marine ecosystem. SPEEDY aims to improve the conservation status of the priority sea turtles and the Mediterranean monk seal. These species are critical to maintaining marine biodiversity but face significant threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and bycatch in fishing gear. The main outputs include the mapping and monitoring of sea turtles and monk seal populations to identify critical habitats and the upgrading of existing recovery centers equipped with specialized facilities. A significant component of the project is the development of a joint recovery procedure. This joint procedure, that represent the joint solution developed by PPs with key stakeholders, will standardize recovery and protection efforts across borders, ensuring a cohesive and effective strategy for the entire South Adriatic region. Training programs for personnel and awareness campaigns for local communities will be implemented to promote sustainable practices and enhance local engagement in conservation efforts. By addressing both the direct and indirect threats to these species, the project aims to create a resilient and sustainable framework for their protection. The project will directly contribute to the achievement of Action 97 of the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to support the Western Balkans and EU Neighbourhood countries in their efforts to protect, sustainably use, restore, and mainstream biodiversity. The objective of the joint strategy is to foster cooperation with key stakeholders, such as energy companies, fisheries, protected areas, regions, and research and rehabilitation centers, to establish shared measures for the protection of priority species in the South Adriatic.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The specific objective is to enhance understanding of the distribution, population size, and health status of sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals in the Adriatic, enabling targeted conservation efforts through comprehensive data collection. The SO of WP2 is to improve the facilities for the rehabilitation and recovery of injured or endangered marine species, standardizing care practices and a joint procedure across borders for their survival and reintegration into the Adriatic ecosystem. The SO of WP3 is to develop and implement a joint strategy and action plan involving key stakeholders to reduce anthropogenic pressures on highly mobile marine species in the South Adriatic, fostering sustainable conservation practices across borders.

Project outputs: Joint recovery procedure for the rehabilitation of highly mobile marine species(EN)
Joint strategy and a related action plan to reduce the anthropogenic pressure of these species in the programme area.(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Waste and pollution Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 2) A greener South Adriatic programme area, by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk management

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Consorzio di Gestione di Torre Guaceto

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891963792

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01918280742 | segreteria@pec.riservaditorreguaceto.it (EN)

Address: Via Sant'Anna, 72012 Carovigno, Italy

Department address: Via Sant'Anna, 72012 Carovigno, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://riservaditorreguaceto.it/index.php/it/

Total budget: EUR 252 358.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 201 886.56

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 471.64

Legambiente Molise APS

Name: Legambiente Molise APS

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01807260706 | legambientemolise@pec.it (EN)

Address: Via Piave, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Department address: Via Piave, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.legambientemolise.eu

Total budget: EUR 153 231.36

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 122 585.08

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 646.28

Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine

Name: Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 893077352

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 11044786 | epamontenegro@gmail.com (EN)

Address: IV Proleterske, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: IV Proleterske, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.epa.org.me

Total budget: EUR 196 504.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 167 028.91

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 475.69

Universisteti i Shkodrës “Luigj Gurakuqi”

Name: Universisteti i Shkodrës “Luigj Gurakuqi”

Department: Department of Biology and Chemistry Center for Water Studies

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948434088

Partner’s ID if not PIC: K56704006B | K56704006B | info@unishk.edu.al (EN)

Address: Sheshi 2 Prilli, 4001 Shkoder, Albania

Department address: Rruga Jeronim De Rada , 4001 Shkodër, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://unishk.edu.al/

Total budget: EUR 227 967.19

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 193 772.11

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 195.08

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Legambiente Molise APS

Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area

Partners and Projects info

Environment protection Agency of Montenegro

Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area

Partners and Projects info

University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”

Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area

Partners and Projects info

Management Consortium of Torre Guaceto

Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area

Project acronym: SPEEDY

Project ID: SA-0300297

Project start date: 2025-07-01

Project end date: 2027-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

MPA Networks funded by the Programme 2014 - 2020 INTERREG VB Mediterranean (EN) | The SPEEDY project will build strong synergies with the Support MPAs effectiveness through strong and connected networks in the Mediterranean project by leveraging several key achievements. This previous project focused on improving management strategies for Mediterranean MPAs, engaging over 82 MPAs in a range of conservation actions, including marine turtle conservation and sustainable fisheries co-management. SPEEDY will benefit from the tools and governance plans developed in the previous project, particularly the best practices and policy recommendations that were articulated for MPA management and climate adaptation. The project’s focus on cross-border collaboration also complements the existing network of MPA managers. (EN), NETCET funded by Programme 2007 - 2013 Adriatic IPA CBC (EN) | The SPEEDY project will create synergies with the NETCET project (Network for the Conservation of Cetaceans and Sea Turtles in the Adriatic) by building on the shared objectives of marine species conservation across the Adriatic region. NETCET developed strategies for the conservation of cetaceans and sea turtles through cross-border cooperation and regional partnerships. SPEEDY can leverage the standardized monitoring programs, the technical/scientific networks, and the rescue center coverage for sea turtles established by NETCET. Additionally, NETCET's focus on raising public awareness of the threats to sea turtles and cetaceans, such as fishing gear entanglement and collisions with boats, aligns with SPEEDY's efforts to mitigate these risks in the South Adriatic (EN), BLUE LAND funded by the Programme Interreg Italy Albania Montenegro 2014/2020 (EN) | The SPEEDY project will create significant synergies with the BLUE LAND project. This project developed a participatory and ecosystem-based management model for protecting marine and coastal resources, which aligns closely with SPEEDY’s objectives of safeguarding biodiversity and marine habitats, particularly for highly mobile species like sea turtles and monk seals.
SPEEDY will build on the cross-border cooperation strategies and governance models established in BLUE LAND, particularly through the involvement of local communities and stakeholders in conservation efforts. The shared methodology for participatory management developed by BLUE LAND, including IT tools for monitoring and data sharing, will be utilized in SPEEDY to enhance data collection on critical species. (EN), Natural BLUE coAL-ITion project financed with the donations on the 70 Celim Impact to change platform (EN) | Synergies will be built with the Natural BLUE coAL-ITion project, too. The rescue center established in Vlorë by BLUE coAL-ITion project will be upgraded by the SPEEDY project through the identification of needs and purchase of new equipment. The joint conservation procedure developed by the SPEEDY project will contribute to a standardized recovery and the protection efforts of this center with the ones in the region. (EN), MY SEA POR Puglia 2014/2020 - Asse VI - “Tutela dell’Ambiente e promozione delle risorse naturali e culturali” -Azione 6.5 - 6.5.a. (EN) | A specific synergy will be activated with the My Sea project, funded under the POR Puglia 2014/2020 - Axis VI - "Protection of the Environment and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Resources" - Action 6.5 - 6.5.a. by the Puglia Region, which coordinated the creation of a Network of Marine Turtle Recovery Centers in Puglia at the regional level. This result will be capitalized upon through the creation of a network of Recovery Centers for highly mobile species in the Southern Adriatic. (EN), A.I. EDU SEA - Interreg South Adriatic 2021/2027 Programme (EN) | During the activities of the SPEEDY project, such as workshops and training sessions, a strategy will be activated in synergy with the A.I. EDU SEA project, funded by the South Adriatic Programme 2021/2027 under the call for ordinary projects on the specific objective 4.1. Considering the scope of the AIEDUSEA project, the representatives of the Lead Partner will be contacted and invited to the project events in order to foster an exchange of solutions and results within the respective project areas. (EN), SEALIFE - Interreg Greece-Italy 2021/2027 Programme (EN) | SPEEDY will also activate a specific synergy with the SEALIFE project, funded by the Interreg Greece-Italy 2021/2027 Programme under the ordinary projects call. SEALIFE aims to enhance the monitoring capabilities of the MONK SEAL in the pilot area of Otranto/Santa Maria di Leuca. As part of the networking initiatives and project workshops, mutual participation and presentation of objectives and results will be foreseen in order to broaden the range of stakeholders and increase the impact of the results and solutions developed by the SPEEDY project. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 830 061.35

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 685 272.66

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 82.56%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 685 272.66. Co-financing rate, 82.56%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Joint standardized protocols for data collection
Joint Database of population health and movement patterns.
Joint detailed map of key habitats and nesting sites.
Reports outlining critical areas and the protection awareness campaign
List of equipment (one per partner)
Report on trained personnel with expertise in marine species rehabilitation.
Joint conservation procedure for the rehabilitation of highly mobile marine species
Report on the outcomes of the workshop organised by PP4.
Joint strategy and action plan
Development of a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the adoption of the Joint Strategy
Joint report on the awareness campaign
Report on workshop (1 per partner)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The SPEEDY project contributes to the EUSAIR strategy, specifically to Pillar 3: "Environmental Quality," which focuses on preserving marine biodiversity in the Adriatic-Ionian region. SPEEDY aligns with the flagship initiative "Protecting marine biodiversity," by improving conservation efforts for species like the loggerhead sea turtle and the Mediterranean monk seal. Through cross-border collaboration between Italy, Albania, and Montenegro, the project enhances recovery centers and establishes a joint conservation procedure, contributing to EUSAIR’s goal of reducing human pressures on marine ecosystems and fostering sustainable conservation practices. EUSAIR stakeholders, including marine conservation organizations, regional authorities, and marine management agencies, will be actively involved in SPEEDY through joint workshops, the development of the joint strategy, and the sharing of best practices.
Other EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to restore Europe’s biodiversity by protecting 30% of Europe’s land and seas. SPEEDY contributes by targeting the conservation of critical marine species like the loggerhead sea turtle and the Mediterranean monk seal, directly addressing biodiversity loss and promoting marine ecosystem resilience. One of the key elements of the EU Biodiversity Strategy is to restore degraded ecosystems, particularly those that are vital for biodiversity. SPEEDY's activities, such as upgrading recovery centers and implementing joint recovery procedure for species rehabilitation, align with this objective by improving the resilience and health of marine ecosystems. By tackling human-induced pressures such as bycatch, pollution, and habitat destruction, SPEEDY directly supports the strategy's goal to reduce pollution and the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity. The EU Biodiversity Strategy emphasizes the importance of collaboration across borders to protect shared ecosystems.
Other The project supports the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which focuses on achieving good environmental status of the EU’s marine waters. SPEEDY’s actions to upgrade recovery centers and reduce pollution align with MSFD's goals of protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable ecosystems. The project’s actions in protecting and rehabilitating endangered species like the loggerhead sea turtle and the Mediterranean monk seal help enhance marine biodiversity, which is one of the descriptors of GES under the MSFD. These species are crucial to the health of marine ecosystems, and their conservation contributes directly to biodiversity targets. One of the critical goals of the MSFD is to ensure that human activities do not adversely affect marine ecosystems.
Other SPEEDY also addresses the Habitats Directive and Birds Directive, as both the sea turtles and monk seals are species listed for protection under these laws. Through habitat mapping, monitoring, and joint conservation efforts, the project helps improve the status of endangered species and supports the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Habitats Directive mandates Member States to monitor the conservation status of species and habitats. SPEEDY contributes by collecting essential data on the health, distribution, and migration patterns of monk seals and loggerhead sea turtles. This monitoring aligns with the directive’s focus on evidence-based management of Natura 2000 sites.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

78 / 78 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

369 / 369 (100%)

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Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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