The project “Cross-Border Management of Protected Areas in the Western Balkans” aims to improve biodiversity conservation and the effective management of Protected Areas across the Western Balkans. The project will focus on strengthening biodiversity monitoring, institutional capacities, cross-border cooperation, and stakeholder engagement to support effective Protected Area management and biodiversity conservation.

An important component of the project will be strengthening the capacities of authorities responsible for the management of Protected Areas, particularly in the practical implementation of relevant legislation and in meeting the requirements of the Bern Convention, as well as the Emerald and Natura 2000 networks.

The project will also seek to improve and harmonise the management of transboundary Protected Areas, taking into account their different national statuses and the requirements of European Union environmental legislation. In this context, biodiversity monitoring, data collection and management will be strengthened, while monitoring results will be integrated into Protected Area management and financing plans.

The project approach will also promote greater awareness, participation and cooperation among stakeholders in biodiversity conservation and Protected Area management, particularly among decision-makers, local communities, businesses and civil society.

To achieve these aims, the project has the following specific objectives:

1. To strengthen the capacities of authorities responsible for Protected Area management, particularly in the practical implementation of relevant legislation and in meeting the requirements of the Bern Convention, as well as the Emerald and Natura 2000 networks;
2. To improve and harmonise the management of transboundary Protected Areas, taking into account their different national statuses and the requirements of EU environmental legislation;
3. To develop biodiversity monitoring, data collection and management, and to integrate monitoring results into Protected Area management and financing plans;
4. To increase awareness, participation and cooperation among stakeholders in biodiversity conservation and Protected Area management, particularly among decision-makers, local communities, businesses and civil society.

Expected Results of the Project:

1. Improved biodiversity monitoring systems and practices for species and habitats in two transboundary pilot regions, in line with Natura 2000 standards;
2. Strengthened capacities of national authorities, Protected Area managers and NGOs in biodiversity monitoring and Protected Area management;
3. Practical recommendations developed for scaling up monitoring at national level and harmonising the management of transboundary Protected Areas;
4. Increased participation and cooperation of local stakeholders in biodiversity conservation and Protected Area management;
5. Enhanced cross-border and regional exchange of knowledge and experience among Western Balkan countries and countries of the Balkan Green Belt;
6. Increased awareness among decision-makers, businesses and civil society of biodiversity conservation and the importance of Protected Areas;
7. More effective implementation of EU environmental legislation, with a focus on aligning the Emerald Network with the Natura 2000 Network and implementing the Birds Directive and Habitats Directive.

PROJECT PARTNERS:

EuroNatur (EN) – Germany, Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) – North Macedonia, and the Center for Protection and Research of Birds (CZIP) – Montenegro.

DURATION:

24 months.

PROJECT GOAL:

To improve biodiversity conservation and the effective management of Protected Areas in the Western Balkans.

CONTACT PERSON:

Klaudja Koçi, [email protected]

Emir Gjyzeli, [email protected]

@ppnea.org