PRESS RELEASE
The Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania – PPNEA, in cooperation with partner organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia is pleased to announce the start of a new project aimed at protecting the brown bear and improving the coexistence of this protected species and people in the four mentioned countries. The project is implemented within the framework of the BOOST program supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy .
In the Western Balkans, the brown bear is a key species for the ecosystem, but at the same time it causes more and more conflicts with people. Damage to agricultural properties, encounters between bears with livestock farmers and beekeepers and the insecurity of the population that shares their living space with them create serious problems in the protection of this species. This project aims to reduce these conflicts through concrete protection measures, education and improvement of regional cooperation.
Through a partnership with the Center for the Environment (CZZS) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Center for the Protection and Study of Birds (CZIP) from Montenegro and he Society for the Protection and Study of Birds of Serbia (DZPPS) organization from Serbia, knowledge and experience will be exchanged in order to apply the best practices in brown bear protection and sustainable development of rural communities. Regional cooperation is not only crucial for the long-term protection of this species, but also makes it possible to use the best solutions developed in different countries of the Balkans.
The key activities of the project are:
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installation of protective fences on the property of endangered livestock farmers and beekeepers in order to reduce damages and increase the safety of people and bears;
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conducting a detailed socioeconomic analysis in Serbia and the entire region, in order to better understand the economic consequences of the human-bear conflict and develop sustainable solutions;
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education of young people and the local population through workshops and information campaigns about the importance of preserving this species and its habitat.
“The bear is one of the clearest symbols that nature knows no borders, and that its conservation requires cooperation across broad regional and geographic levels. As the largest terrestrial mammal in our fauna, the bear depends on extensive spaces and diverse ecological resources, while also occasionally posing challenges in human-wildlife coexistence. Effective bear conservation, therefore, demands continuous interaction and coordination among countries. This project is grounded in the principle of cross-border collaboration, aiming to protect one of the region’s most iconic species, a symbol of wilderness and a shared natural heritage of Europe.”
– Dr. Aleksandër Trajçe, PPNEA
The project is implemented through the BOOST program, which is a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations in the Western Balkans to improve democratic, economic and social development in the region. The program covers various thematic areas, including rural development, environmental protection, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, as well as cultural heritage preservation. This program is implemented by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy , and is supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) as the leading donor in the region.
