Abstract
Libya is a contracting party to many international environmental conventions. It has ratified on many of those that relating to the protection of biodiversity, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on the protection of migratory species (CMS), and the agreement of African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). The Environment General Authority (EGA) is the national contact point (focal-point) of these conventions. EGA has initiated the census of wintering waterbirds in January 2005 after the adoption of a National Action Plan for the Protection of Birds in Libya in 2003 in collaboration with the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA). This centre coordinates the implementation of Mediterranean Action Plan for Seabirds under the protocol on specially protected areas in the Mediterranean including the Annex II of the threatened and endangered species. The list includes 15 species of seabirds; one of them is the Mediterranean breeding population lesser crested tern Sterna bengalensis emigrate, which solely breeds at some sites in the eastern part of Libyan coastline. Libyan Society for Birds LBS is a recently formed non-governmental organization, which aims to study, document and protect bird species in Libya and their habitats. The organization has established mainly by enthusiast people in birds, working in different jobs, at EGA, University, Private, Oil sector and students. The society is still at its first few months after establishment in late 2011, and has a good network of connections with other NGOs at the North African region. There is also some other regional initiatives to protect the habitats where seabirds and other forms of life occurs in the Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean small islands initiative (PIM) was established and funded by the conservatoire de littoral of France, to establish better understanding of the biodiversity and status of about 3000 small islands throughout the Mediterranean. Moreover, one of PIMs programs is Project Albatros concerning the study of seabirds and their habitats, and attempt to restore their breeding sites. However, this report presents a restoration action made to enhance the quality of breeding habitat at Jeliana Lake islet. It is the last discovered breeding site for lesser crested terns in Libya and the Mediterranean. The work was conducted during the period from 5-7.04.2012. Sand and gravel sacs were carried to the islet in order to increase its surface space and to raise its level to avoid nest inundation, which was the cause nesting failure of lesser crested tern in 2010 and 2011. The work was conducted by the members of Libyan Birds Society (LBS), volunteers and coordinated by Natural conservation department (EGA).