SPEEDY

SPEEDY – “Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area” is a project funded by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021/2027 Programme, addressing one of the most urgent challenges for highly mobile marine species, in detail the conservation of sea turtles (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), species that are vulnerable and severely threatened by human activities. 

 

The main goal of SPEEDY is to improve the conservation status of these highly mobile species through the development of a joint recovery and protection protocol, shared among Italy, Albania, and Montenegro and the creation of a network among the recovery centers of the South Adriatic. The project aims to standardize protection efforts across the programme area and to strengthen cooperation between public bodies, private actors, and local communities, in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. 

 

Key activities include mapping and monitoring populations to identify the most at-risk areas, upgrading existing recovery centers with specialized equipment, training staff and volunteers, and developing awareness-raising campaigns targeting coastal communities. In addition, SPEEDY promotes a joint strategy and action plan to reduce anthropogenic pressures, such as pollution, bycatch, and habitat destruction. 

 

The project, with a duration of 30 months and a total budget of € 830.061,35, is led by the Torre Guaceto Management Consortium (Italy) in partnership with the University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi” (Albania), the Environmental Protection Agency (Montenegro), and Legambiente Molise APS (Italy). 

 

Through a shared and cross-border approach, SPEEDY seeks to build a lasting and coordinated protection system, capable of ensuring a safer future for vulnerable marine species and for the entire ecosystem of the South Adriatic.