Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt

Transcription

1 Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt Themelimi i OSHC-ve për mbrojtjen e natyrës në Mal të Zi dhe në Kosovë si kontribut për ruajtjen e Brezit të Gjelbër Ballkanik Jačanje kapaciteta OCD-a iz oblasti zaštite prirode kao doprinos očuvanju Balkanskog Zelenog pojasa

2 Contents Përmbajtja Sadržaj Summary Summary Përmbledhje Sažetak 3 Capacity Building Why? 6 Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt 18 Implementation of the project 20 Results Rezultatet Rezultat 30 From April 2012 until February 2014, EuroNatur cooperated with its partner organizations PPNEA and MES (from Albania and Macedonia, respectively) to implement the project Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt. The project was financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. The main aim of the project was to build capacity within Civil Society Organisations for nature conservation in Montenegro and Kosovo in the fields of wildlife protection and management as well as protected area management. In the medium term this will contribute to strengthening civil society. At the same time, the project was to contribute to the establishment of a cross-border network of CSOs in Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro for the protection of the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) and its habitats. Within the project, four courses were conducted, focusing on different topics related to wildlife and protected area management. On average, twelve people from five different CSOs from Kosovo and Montenegro attended the workshops; additionally, volunteers and staff from MES and PPNEA participated in the workshops in order to enlarge their knowledge. Some of the participants attended only one of the workshops, while the majority took part in the whole series of workshops. Lessons were held both by international and national experts, in order to cover a broad variety of topics and possible solutions. All participants highlighted the possibility of connecting with colleagues from neighbouring countries during the series of workshops and stated that this would be very useful for their further work. Also, all participants stated that the information given during the workshops provided new insights and knowledge in the fields of wildlife monitoring, protected area management, conservation planning and GIS/GPS technology which will be very helpful in their further work. Imprint: Published by: EuroNatur Foundation, Radolfzell, Germany Copyright: 2014 EuroNatur Foundation Layout by: Printed by: digital-centrum by Working Hands GbR M&M Bock. 100% recycled paper Available from: EuroNatur Foundation, Konstanzer Straße 22, Radolfzell, Germany, info@euronatur.org, The project was financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. I also liked the venues and the hospitality of each course organizer in so many different, but similar countries. 2 Azem Ramadani 3

3 Përmbledhje Sažetaik Nga Prilli 2012 deri në Shkurt të vitit 2014, Euronatur së bashku me organizatat partnere PPNEA nga Shqipëria dhe MES nga Maqedonia, kanë implementuar projektin Themelimi i OSHC-ve për mbrojtjen e natyrës në Mal të Zi dhe në Kosovë si kontribut për ruajtjen e Brezit të Gjelbër Ballkanik. Projekti u financua nga Agjencia Federale Gjermane për Ruajtjen e Natyrës me mjete të Ministrisë Federale Gjermane për Mjedis, Mbrojtje të Natyrës dhe Siguri Nukleare. Qëllimi kryesor i projektit ishte ndërtimi i kapaciteteve përbrenda Organizatave të Shoqërisë Civile për mbrojtjen e natyrës në Mal të Zi dhe Kosovë në fushat e mbrojtjes së kafshëve të egra dhe menaxhimit, si dhe menaxhimin e zonave të mbrojtura. Kjo në afat të mesëm do të kontribuojë në forcimin e shoqërisë civile. Në të njëjtën kohë, projekti kishte për qëllim themelimin e një rrjeti ndërkufitar të OSHC-ve në Shqipëri, Maqedoni, Kosovë dhe Mal të Zi për mbrojtjen e rrëqebullit Ballkanik (Lynx lynx balcanicus) dhe habitateve të tij. Në kuadër të projektit, katër trajnime janë realizuar, duke u fokusuar në tema të ndryshme në lidhje me kafshë të egra dhe menaxhimin e zonave të mbrojtura. Mesatarisht, dymbëdhjetë njerëz nga pesë OSHC të ndryshme nga Kosova dhe Mali i Zi kanë marrë pjesë në seminare; përveç kësaj, vullnetarë dhe stafi i MES dhe PPNEA kanë marrë pjesë në këto punëtori në mënyrë që të zgjerojnë njohuritë e tyre. Një numër i vogël i pjesëmarrësve kanë marrë pjesë vetëm në njërën nga punëtoritë, ndërsa shumica kanë marrë pjesë në të gjitha punëtoritë. Ligjeratat janë mbajtur nga ekspertët ndërkombëtarë dhe kombëtarë, në mënyrë që të ofrohet një shumëllojshmëri e gjerë e temave si dhe qasje të ndryshme të zgjidhjeve. Të gjithë pjesëmarrësit theksuan mundësinë e lidhjes me kolegë nga vendet fqinje gjatë serive të seminareve dhe deklaruan se kjo do të jetë shumë e dobishme për punën e tyre të mëtejshme. Gjithashtu, të gjithë pjesëmarrësit theksuan se informacioni i dhënë gjatë punëtorive u kanë siguruar atyre njohuri të reja dhe dituri në fushën e monitorimit të kafshëve të egra, menaxhimin e zonave të mbrojtura, planifikimin e ruajtjes dhe teknologjisë GIS/GPS e cila do të jetë shumë e dobishme në punën e tyre të mëtejshme. Od aprila godine do februara godine, EuroNatur je u saradnji sa partnerskim organizacijama PNNEA i MES iz Albanije i Makedonije implementirao projekat Jačanje kapaciteta OCD-a iz oblasti zaštite prirode kao doprinos očuvanju Balkanskog Zelenog pojasa. Projekat je finansijski podržan od strane Njemačke savezne agencije za očuvanje prirode uz pomoć sredstava Saveznog Ministarstva za životnu sredinu i nuklearnu bezbjednost. Glvani cilj projekta je izgradnja kapaciteta organizacija civilnog društva iz oblasti zaštite prirode iz Crne Gore i Kosova na polju zaštite i upravljanja divljači, kao i upravljanje zaštićenim područjima koji će u srednjoročnom periodu doprinijeti ojačavanju civilnog društva. Istovremeno, projekat je doprinio utemeljenju prekogranične mreže OCD-a u Albaniji, Makedoniji, Kosovu i Crnoj Gori za zaštitu balkanskog risa (Lynx lynx balcanicus) i njegovih habitata. U okviru projekta su održana četiri treninga koji su se fokusirali na različite teme vezane za divljač i upravljanje zaštićenim područjima. U prosjeku, dvanaest osoba iz pet različitih organizacija civilnog društva iz Kosova i Crne Gore je učestvovalo na radionicama; takođe, volonteri i zaposleni iz organizacija MES i PPNEA su učestvovali na radionicama u cilju proširivanja znanja. Nekoliko učesnika je učestvovalo samo na jednoj radionici, dok je većina učesnika učestvovala tokom trajanja cijele serije radionica. Predavanja su održana od strane internacionalnih i nacionalnih eksperata u cilju obezbjeđivanja širokog varijeteta tema i pristupa rješenjima. Svi učesnici su naglasili mogućnost povezivanja sa kolegama iz susjednih zemalja tokom trajanja serije radionica i potvrdili da će ovo iskustvo biti veoma korisno za njihov dalji rad. Takođe, svi učesnici su izjavili da su informacije dobijene tokom radionica omogućile novi uvid i znanja iz oblasti monitoringa divljači, upravljanja zaštićenim područjima, planiranja očuvanja prirode i GIS/GPS tehnologije koji će biti veoma korisni u njihovom budućem radu. I had the chance to meet new people who are involved in nature conservation 4 Azem Ramadani 5

4 Capacity Building Why? South Eastern Europe (SEE) is characterized by high biodiversity and large, relatively well preserved ecosystems. The high mountains have an outstanding diversity of plant species, and are one of the last retreats of large European carnivores such as bear, wolf and lynx that have vanished in many parts of Europe. Moreover, the number of insects and vesicular plants is worth mentioning as the number of species occurring only in this region is particularly high. In many countries in SEE, state agencies for nature conservation lack funding while economic development is being pushed. The fact that smart nature conservation approaches can foster sustainable development and economic stability is not well known. Consequently, nature conservation activities are implemented at a low level and in many cases with insufficient public participation. In this context, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focusing on nature conservation play an important role, as (with financial and non-material support from international donors) they can implement best practice examples for nature conservation and sustainable development benefitting both nature and people and thus initiate rethinking. Unfortunately, due to the recent political history of most countries in SEE, during which public involvement was undesired, the number of well-established CSOs focusing on nature conservation is relatively small; in many cases enthusiastic staff and volunteers lack capacity. CSOs play an important role in the designation and maintenance of national nature conservation systems, however, and that role has to be exercised more. During its long-term engagement in SEE countries within the last 25 years, EuroNatur, an international organization for nature conservation, has established a large network of CSOs. Many projects for conserving the natural heritage of the Balkans, especially along the Balkan Green Belt, were implemented jointly with partner organizations from SEE countries. Within recent years, one of the main focuses of the work carried out by EuroNatur and two partner organizations from Albania and Macedonia has been to conserve the Balkan Lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus), the most threatened subspecies of lynx in Europe, whose occurrence is limited to the southwestern Balkans. (For more information please refer to the description of the different phases of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme.) After several years of work in Albania and Macedonia, including the creation of knowledge and capacity within the respective partner organizations, it became obvious that efficient protection of the species and its habitats and consequently its survival are only possible if the work is extended to neighbouring countries, namely Montenegro and Kosovo. As a first step, representatives of EuroNatur and its partner organizations Association for the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) and Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) identified potential partner organizations. During this process, it became obvious that despite great enthusiasm and interest in the issue, potential partners lack expert knowledge in regard not only to wildlife protection and management but also to protected area management. Another aspect which needs to be considered in this respect is that the protection of such a wide roaming species as the lynx in a region with many relatively small countries is only possible across borders. This requires cooperation among CSOs and other relevant institutions such as universities and state agencies for nature conservation from different countries. Again, due to the very recent history of the region, affected by war and instability, this poses a great challenge. At the same time, however, cooperation in cross-border nature conservation is an excellent way to build up trust among members of CSOs from different countries, joint engagement in the realm of civil society is fostered and shared visions for nature conservation can be defined. For that reason, EuroNatur cooperated with its partners PPNEA and MES to develop and implement the project Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt. The project was financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. 6 Azem Ramadani 7

5 Accompanying initiatives and previous projects European Green Belt Both the project referred to in this publication and all previous and currently implemented projects described below were/are being conducted in order to help achieve the vision of the European Green Belt: The European Green Belt, our shared natural heritage along the line of the former Iron Curtain, is to be conserved and restored as an ecological network connecting high-value natural and cultural landscapes while respecting the economic, social and cultural needs of local communities. The Green Belt spans 24 countries, running for about 12,500 kilometres from the northern tip of Europe through Central Europe and on to the Black, Ionian and Adriatic Seas. The course followed by the Green Belt is a legacy of history. For decades this line was a symbol for the political and ideological divisions between the European powers. Most of the areas along the Green Belt long remained a forbidden zone where no activity was allowed. The Iron Curtain was one of the most divisive barriers in Europe. The only positive outcome of this strongly guarded borderline has been the preservation of some of the most important remaining habitats for biodiversity from almost all of Europe s biogeographical regions. The route of the Green Belt reveals highly impressive, sensitive landscapes, and is home to the natural flora and fauna typical of the regions along its course. As it passes through many different regions and countries, the Green Belt presents itself in many different ways resulting from the various countries immense political, biological and socio-economic diversity. The southernmost part of the European Green Belt, known as the Balkan Green Belt, hosts a hot spot of biodiversity and endemism. Predominantly located in the mountain ranges of the Balkan Peninsula, it forms an extremely heterogeneous mosaic of natural landscapes, including pristine alpine ecosystems, forests and steppe habitats, as well as lakes and coastal zones. The region also includes extraordinary cultural landscapes that are home to a multitude of threatened plant and animal species. The European Green Belt Initiative is made up of four organizational regions: Fennoscandia, the Baltic Region, Central Europe and the Balkans. The project s overall steering is carried out by a coordination group consisting of members from all the regions. Each section is coordinated regionally. The people charged with representing the governments in the individual countries are known as National Focal Points. Active nature conservation organizations in the countries along the Green Belt are an important pillar for the Green Belt Initiative. By following a course of which large sections were part of the former East-West border, the European Green Belt symbolizes the global effort for joint cross-border cooperation and activities in nature conservation and sustainable development. Moreover, the initiative aims to better harmonize human activities with the natural environment and to increase opportunities for the socio-economic development of local communities. The Green Belt is an initiative that is tailored to fit the current political situation and current developments, with a focus on some of Europe s most impressive and fragile landscapes. The European Green Belt offers the chance to take one of the world s leading symbols of human division and transform it into a model for future nature conservation in Europe. For further information please see 8 * In accordance with UNSCR 1244 and opinion of ICJ. European Green Belt Initiative, Coordination Group 9

6 Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx From April 2005 to November 2006, EuroNatur conducted the project The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx in cooperation with PPNEA and MES, with financial support from the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. On one hand, the project focused on preparing the documents needed to declare the Jablanica-Shebenik mountain range (located on the border between Albania and Macedonia along the Balkan Green Belt) a protected area. On the other hand, young, enthusiastic researchers and junior employees at PPNEA and MES were trained in the fields of wildlife conservation and management as well as in protected area management and GIS technologies. Similarly to the current situation in Montenegro and Kosovo, in Macedonia and Albania there was also a lack of capacity within the above-mentioned fields in general and in lynx ecology in particular. However, as the latter two countries form the core distribution area of the Balkan lynx, this knowledge was urgently needed in order to start targeted measures for the protection of the species (for more information about the Balkan lynx see pp ). Over the course of the project, ten young researchers (five each from Albania and Macedonia) affiliated with the EuroNatur partner organizations Association for the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) and Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) were trained and gained initial experience in fieldwork related to the lynx and GIS technology, respectively. For the courses related to lynx and wildlife conservation, experts from Swiss KORA and IUCN SSC Cat Special Group were engaged and became important partners in the subsequent Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP). During the first and second phase of the BLRP, the knowledge gained during the first courses was deepened. Today, half of the trainees are still active and considered experts in wildlife conservation and management in SEE. At the same time, the fact that both PPNEA and MES possess comprehensive knowledge in a specific field boosted the public image of both the two organizations. This highlights the importance of building capacity on a national level and shows the difference that can be made by easy means. Additionally, the data collected about flora, fauna and specific landscape features in the Jablanica Mountain (Macedonia) and the Shebenik-Jabllanica mountain range (Albania) was used to prepare reports to justify both areas being declared National Parks. In 2008, the Albanian part of the mountain was declared a National Park; unfortunately, the decision on the Macedonian side is still pending. Nevertheless, the establishment of the Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park greatly contributes to the protection of lynx habitat. The project The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx laid the foundation for all further joint work by EuroNatur, KORA, PPNEA and MES to protect the Balkan lynx and its habitats. 10 Gabriel Schwaderer 11

7 The Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) is a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). It occurs in the southwest Balkan mountains in the border areas between Macedonia and Albania. Potentially, there are also a few scattered animals in Kosovo and Montenegro. According to the literature, the lynx was distributed across the entire Balkan Peninsula until the beginning of the 18th century. After this golden period, a series of factors nearly exterminated the lynx from the Balkans. The most important were that the lynx was proclaimed a pest and persecuted to prevent damage to livestock, that habitats were lost due to providing open grassland, and that its prey were overhunted. The lowest numbers were recorded between 1935 and 1944 with an estimated individuals remaining in Macedonia and Kosovo while the lynx was already extinct in the other ex-yugoslavian countries and Bulgaria. In 1946, after World War II, the lynx was protected in the former Yugoslavia and Albania and hunting permanently banned. As a consequence, the small population started to recover and to increase in number. individuals roaming in northern Albania. The total population is estimated to comprise fewer than 50 individuals. Based on this estimate, the Balkan lynx is considered Critically Endangered. Apart from a few anecdotal observations, no scientific information has been available about the biology and ecology of the Balkan lynx until recently. A research project 1 conducted from 2009 to 2012 helped to gain some initial data. So far, two male lynx have been captured and equipped with GPS collars. These two lynx feed on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and the brown hare (Lepus europaeus). The space used by the lynx varies, but in Central Europe each individual lynx typically uses km² for males and km² for females. The males Marko and Riste which were equipped with GPS collars in Macedonia used 368 km² and 449 km², respectively. As a result of this need for large areas, their solitary lifestyle, and the fact that lynx do not tolerate individuals of the same sex within their territory, lynx densities are typically very low. The main threats to the Balkan lynx are habitat fragmentation, a lack of prey and illegal hunting. habitat. Large carnivores such as the lynx need large, connected living areas and disappear from habitat that is destroyed. The Balkan lynx requires large forested areas with sufficient prey, particularly large herbivores such as roe deer and chamois. The loss of habitat and hunting can locally reduce prey species to a level where the lynx do not have sufficient food. Although the Balkan lynx is strictly protected by law and its hunting forbidden, during the course of the BLRP, several cases were reported where lynx have been killed. Given the low number of Balkan lynx that currently survive, each individual killed is a great loss. Illegal killing is thus a major threat and is putting the Balkan lynx on the verge of extinction. Field surveys in Macedonia and Albania conducted within the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (see below for further information) indicate that today, the core population is situated in Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia, with a few Logging of forests for timber and firewood has led to the degradation of large areas, resulting in erosion, landslides and flooding. Such areas are not suitable to host wildlife as there is no food and shelter for them. Infrastructure developments (road constructions and housing) lead to the fragmentation of Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) 1 SCOPES research project Status, ecology and land tenure system of the critically endangered Balkan lynx in Macedonia and Albania, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and implemented from 2009 to Dime Melovski 2012 BLRP, M. Bentele 13

8 Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Phase I ( ) BLRP/SCOPES In the final stages of the project The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx EuroNatur cooperated with KORA, MES and PPNEA to develop the first phase of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme, which started in In 2010, the second phase was launched; currently, the third phase of the programme is running (starting in 2012, ending 2015). The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme is a partnership project involving the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), the Association for the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), the coordinated research projects for the conservation and management of carnivores in Switzerland (KORA), and EuroNatur, with the aim of halting the further decline of the Balkan lynx and protecting its (potential) habitats. All three phases of the BLRP were and are assisted by the IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group and financially supported by the MAVA Foundation, Switzerland 2. The main goals of BLRP Phase I were to generate detailed baseline information on the taxonomy, ecology, distribution and abundance of the Balkan lynx, to designate trans-border protected areas, to establish national expertise in wildlife research and management and to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting the Balkan lynx and conserving its habitat. The fieldwork in Macedonia and Albania was coordinated by KORA and included a baseline survey and lynx monitoring. Using the data collected from the fieldwork as a basis, the project partners developed a conservation strategy and national action plans for the Balkan lynx, which serve as a roadmap for the recovery and long-term conservation of the Balkan lynx in Albania and Macedonia. EuroNatur coordinated the preparatory work for establishing the natural habitat of the Balkan lynx as protected areas. Reports were prepared justifying the natural values of three areas in Macedonia and two in Albania. In May 2008 the efforts made by EuroNatur and its partners were rewarded by the establishment of the Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park (IUCN Category II) in Albania. The acceptance of the measures taken was gained by involving locals from the very beginning and initiating small projects which created alternative sources of income with no negative impact on nature or the environment. During the project, several junior researchers continued to be educated in wildlife ecology and management, as well as in protected area management. A very promising and enthusiastic group of young scientists was formed who will be able to implement the newly gained knowledge and pass it on to other colleagues. Within a short span of time it was possible to raise awareness about the situation of the Balkan lynx in Albania and Macedonia and to significantly improve the protected status of the animal and its habitat. 2 In the first phase of the BLRP, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) was involved; additional funding was provided by the Norwegian Research Council. 14 Annette Spangenberg Gabriel Schwaderer Azem Ramadani MES Gabriel Schwaderer 15

9 Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Phase II ( ) Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Phase III ( ) Despite remarkable successes in Phase I of the BLRP, it became obvious that in order to secure the survival of the Balkan lynx, further engagement was needed. Therefore, all partners continued to work on further improving the situation for the Balkan lynx in the project s second phase. The activities implemented in Phase II were defined according to the experience gained in the first phase of the programme. After completion of the first phase, many aspects of the biology of the Balkan lynx were still unknown. Therefore, further research on Balkan lynx was conducted to assess the population number, feeding ecology and land tenure system, using different methodologies, e.g. intensive camera-trap surveys and radio-tracking of some lynx. In order to improve the data quantity and quality, efforts were undertaken to enhance the monitoring network established in the first phase. In regard to the protection of the (potential) habitat of Balkan lynx, the work started in all areas during the first phase of the BLRP was continued with different foci, depending on the state of affairs and respective needs. In addition, a new project area was defined, as it was considered relevant for the survival of lynx in the border triangle of Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo: an important corridor between potential lynx habitats in all three countries. To initiate the management of the areas in focus, (economic) incentives for the sustainable use of natural resources were provided to local people. The biggest success within the protected area component of the BLRP II, however, was the establishment of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park (IUCN category IV) by the Albanian government in December In the second phase, the project partners already aimed to expand their activities into Kosovo and Montenegro as both countries are part of the potential Balkan lynx range and might still host some individual animals. Initial contact was made with individuals and institutions in Kosovo and Montenegro that could potentially become future collaborators in the recovery of the Balkan lynx, including protecting its habitats. Assessments conducted in the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Phase II revealed that the number of surviving individuals of this relict population is probably as low as Despite seven years of hard work and several great achievements, the Balkan lynx is still facing a severe risk of extinction unless urgent measures are taken. Consequently, the BLRP had to be continued. The main goals of the third phase are (1) to establish a consistent monitoring system for the lynx and its main prey species, (2) to launch a multi-level initiative to promote sustainable hunting and adequate wildlife management instruments, (3) to improve the legal protection and management of key areas for wildlife conservation and (4) to strengthen collaboration between and the capacity of local stakeholders in target areas. For the first time since the beginning of the joint efforts for the preservation of the Balkan lynx, the activities have been extended to include Kosovo and Montenegro. In both countries, a baseline survey was conducted (2013) to assess the current population status of the Balkan lynx. Based on the results of the baseline survey, camera trapping sessions will be conducted in the most promising areas. The successful work on protected areas is also being transferred to Kosovo and Montenegro to enlarge protected areas and improve their current status, respectively. Both aspects are accompanied by capacity building work aimed at junior employees of nature conservation CSOs in Kosovo and Montenegro. The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme is an investment in the future of Balkan lynx range countries Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro and the conservation of the natural heritage in the south-western Balkans. Although focussing on the Balkan lynx and other wildlife species and their habitats, it will help develop national and local capacities in general wildlife conservation and site management and indirectly strengthen civil society, creating social sustainability. 16 Annette Spangenberg Gabriel Schwaderer Annette Spangenberg MES Annette Spangenberg 17

10 Aims and target groups Within the course of a series of projects, representatives of EuroNatur and KORA and their partner organizations PPNEA (Albania) and MES (Macedonia) identified the need also to involve entities from Kosovo and Montenegro to establish a selfsupporting network for the preservation of the Balkan lynx and its (potential) habitats. The first step was to identify possible partner organizations. During this process, it became obvious that despite great enthusiasm and interest in the issue, potential partners lack expert knowledge not only on wildlife protection and management, but also on protected area management. To ensure that the measure was sustainable and the workers remained committed in the long term, the main target group of the project was junior employees and volunteers working for selected CSOs. Educating young, enthusiastic experts in specific fields was intended not only to raise the profile of the respective CSOs but also to motivate the trainees to continue their involvement and engagement within their organization with great enthusiasm. As a consequence, they would actively take over responsibility for further implementation of nature conservation activities in their countries. Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt Based on this finding, the project Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt was developed. The main aim of the project was to pass on national and international expertise on wildlife management and nature conservation to CSOs in nature conservation in Kosovo and Montenegro. The primary purpose was to create a basis for further cooperation in the fields of lynx preservation and the designation of protected areas. Another aim was to transfer expertise to strengthen the capacity of CSOs, so that eventually they would become important stakeholders in nature conservation in general and lynx protection in particular in their respective countries similarly to the partners trained in Albania and Macedonia. Four courses held at various locations addressed different topics related to wildlife protection and management as well as protected areas, both theoretically and practically. The idea was for the knowledge to be transferred to ten trainees. One specific characteristic of the project was that those junior employees from Albania and Macedonia who had been trained within the course of several previous projects (e.g. BLRP Phase I and II) were to act as lecturers themselves. This was meant to foster the establishment of a regional network of young, professional nature conservationists which would help increase the scale and cross-border cooperation for the effective protection of the natural heritage of the Balkans. Working with people from the region was what I liked the most about the programme 18 MES 19

11 Project Partners One of the ideas of the project was to initiate a regional conservation network consisting of nature conservation organizations from Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Within the past eight years, since the targeted work for the conservation of the Balkan lynx started, EuroNatur partner organizations Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and the Association for the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) have succeeded in strengthening their status as influential CSOs in the region. For that purpose, as well as for the fruitful cooperation of EuroNatur, MES and PPNEA, both CSOs have become national partners in the implementation of the project. Beneficiary CSOs By joining up with the CZIP (Center for Research and Protection of Birds of Montenegro), EuroNatur had already established a good relationship during the implementation of other projects, especially related to the protection of birds. In order to widen the focus of the cooperation, it was agreed between both organizations that CZIP would be the beneficiary of the project and participate in the courses. Two junior employees of CZIP took part in the courses; further options were given to two smaller organizations from Montenegro, namely Ozon and Delfin. Two of the courses were also attended by an employee of the Public Enterprise for National Parks of Montenegro. In order also to initiate and strengthen cooperation among the organizations from the four countries on a personal level, the junior employees educated as part of the project The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx and the BLRP (for further details about both, please see above) were asked to serve both as organizers of courses in Albania and Macedonia, respectively, and as tutors. As part of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme, initial contact was made with organizations and individuals in Kosovo that could possibly participate in the project. On consideration, however, it became obvious that the geographical focus of these organizations and persons was limited to specific areas in Kosovo. Nevertheless, as these areas correlate with the potential distribution range of the Balkan lynx, it was decided to invite junior employees from the organization Finch, based in Prizren, as well as ERA (Environmentally Responsible Action Group), located in Peja, to participate in the courses. Additionally, two members of Eko Viciana (Prishtina) joined in. The last course in Prizren was attended by a member of Eco-Earth. Implementation of the project I most liked the opportunity to connect with other NGOs from the region and share experiences with them 20 Azem Ramadani 21

12 Courses Extracts from the programme for Lynx Range Wide Meeting and Capacity Building Workshop, Vevčani and Librazhd, 1 10 October Course in Vevcani and Librazhd (Macedonia and Albania), 1 10 October 2012 Monday 01 October 2012 Lynx Range Wide Meeting Ten participants from Finch, ERA and ProGreen (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon and Eco Center Delfin (Montenegro) and PPNEA (Albania) Lecturers from the Albanian Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Affairs, EuroNatur, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, IUCN Regional Office for Europe, KORA, MES, PPNEA and the University of Prishtina (Kosovo) Main topics addressed during the course: Balkan lynx: conservation status and needs; ecology of the species; planning of first steps for conservation of Balkan lynx ( baseline survey ) in Montenegro and Kosovo. Protected areas: example of Jablanica-Shebenik (Albania); Albanian protected area system in light of European requirements; natural resources management; the human dimension in protected area planning; important plant areas. Geographical Positioning System: the use of GPS in theory and practise Practical lessons/fieldwork: How to catch lynx: camera-trap operation, foot snare operation, practical exercise in baseline survey. Identification of flora and fauna Red List species. Floristic Assessment in line with Natura GPS training session. The first course was combined with the Lynx Range Wide Meeting, organized within the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme. The strategic meeting was attended by 24 participants from Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo. Besides the participants and course lecturers, representatives of further NGOs from Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo attended the meeting, as did the local hunting association. The meeting served to bring together important stakeholders from the distribution range of the Balkan lynx in order to gain a common understanding of the critical situation of the Balkan lynx and to define joint steps for its conservation. The first two days of the course were attended not only by its participants but also by further stakeholders from all lynx countries, providing a great possibility for the young researchers to meet national and international experts and to start networking for their future work. The first half of the course (1 5 October) took place in Vevcani, located in the Jablanica Mountains in Macedonia; the second part (6 10 October) was held in Librazhd, in the adjacent Jabllanica-Shebenik Mountain range. This emphasized the transborder character and idea of all courses. Tuesday 02 October 2012 Monitoring Network & Baseline Survey 09:00 Introduction Monitoring Urs Breitenmoser, KORA Ecology & Behaviour of Balkan Lynx 10:00 Welcome & Introduction MES Review of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme 11:00 KORA, MES, EuroNatur & PPNEA Why conserving the Balkan Lynx? 12:00 Christine Breitenmoser-Würsten, KORA IUCN Red List and the Balkan Lynx Urs Breitenmoser, KORA Conservation Status of the Balkan Lynx Dime Melovski, MES Discussion MES & PPNEA Stratified Monitoring: Aims & Principles KORA Establishing a Monitoring Network MES & PPNEA Camera-Trapping: Operation Principles, Field Study Design & Data Analysis MES & PPNEA Balkan lynx Monitoring Guidelines & Field Handbook KORA Discussion 13:00 Lunch Break Lunch Break Wednesday 03 October 2012 Monitoring Network & Baseline Survey Summary Baseline Survey MES & KORA Field Excursion: Camera-Trap Operations,Food Snare Operations,Practicals Baseline Survey MES & KORA 14:00 Situation of the Balkan Lynx in Macedonia and Albania MES & PPNEA Baseline Survey: Introduction Manuela von Arx, KORA 15:00 Situation of the Balkan Lynx in Kosovo Review of Baseline Survey in Macedonia Halil Ibrahimi, University of Prishtina Dime Melovski, MES Review of Baseline Survey in Albania Coffee Break 16:00 Bledi Hoxha, PPNEA 17:00 Balkan Lynx - Where are we now and Where do we go? KORA Coffee Break Evening Lecture: Questions, Discussion Planning Baseline Survey in KOS and MNE all participants Flagship, Keystone and Umbrella Species in Nature Conservation Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Thursday 04 Oct Field Day Introduction: Biodiversity on the Balkan Peninsula Gjorge Ivanov, MES Field Day: Identification of Flora and FaunaRed List Species Evening Lecture: The IUCN Red List Dime Melovski, MES Friday 05 Oct Field Day Introduction: High Mountain Flora & Fauna Natalija Angelova, MES Field Excursion: Biodiversity of Ancient Lake Ohrid and its feeder springs at Sv. Naum Transfer of Participants to Librazhd (ALB) Evening Introduction of PPNEA 22 Thies Geertz Euronatur Azem Ramadani Euronatur 23

13 Extracts from the programme for Capacity Building Workshop, Valbona, Albania, June Course in Valbona, Albania; June 2013 Fifteen participants from Finch, ERA, Eko Viciana (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon (Montenegro), MES (Macedonia) and PPNEA (Albania). Additionally, an employee of the Public Valbona was shortened to seven days only, which made it easier for employed At the request of many participants from the first course, the second course in Enterprise for National Parks of Montenegro attended. persons and students to attend. Lecturers from EuroNatur, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, KORA, MES, PPNEA, University of Skopje and the University of Roehampton (UK) interested in wildlife ecology and monitoring large carnivores, it was agreed that they As three participants from Kosovo and one from Montenegro were extremely would conduct the fieldwork for the baseline survey of lynx in Kosovo and Montenegro. These tasks were conducted within the following months, supervised and Main topics addressed during the course: monitoring large carnivores; wildlife ecology; wildlife management. High mountain flora and fauna in the SW Balkans. supported by those junior scientists from Albania and Macedonia who had been Transboundary cooperation in nature conservation. Human dimensions in conservation planning. ously conducted project The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, trained within the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme and the previ- Bear and Lynx. The joint fieldwork as well as the analysis of the data strengthened Practical lessons/fieldwork: identification and interpretation of field signs the good relationship of the junior scientists and trainees from Albania, Macedonia, of wildlife; ecology of plant and animal communities with special emphasis on Montenegro and Kosovo. A transborder network was established which will help not conservation aspects; employing standardized human dimension surveys in and only the preservation of the Balkan lynx, but nature conservation in general. around Valbona. I met so many new people with the same ideals Monday 24 June 2013 Monitoring of Large Carnivores 09:00 Arrival of Participants that have not arrived on 23 June Tuesday 25 June 2013 Transboundary coopeartion in Nature Conservation Perspectives for Transboundary cooperation in the SW Balkans - The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Urs Breitenmoser,IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission Gabriel Schwaderer, EuroNatur Wednesday 26 June 2013 Wildlife Ecology: High mountain Flora and Fauna of the SW Balkans Monitoring of Prey Species - Methods, species fact sheets & field signs(continued) 10:00 Field Day 11:00 12:00 Excursion 1: Wildlife Ecology- Behaviour, Field Signs, Interpretations Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Arx,IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission Thursday 27 June 2013 Wildlife Management: Baseline Survey in Conservation of Large Carnivores Wildlife Management & Hunting systems (theory & work in goups) Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission Friday 28 June 2013 Human Dimensions Assessment of Human-Wildlife Conflicts - Experiences from Albania and Switzerland Aleksandër Trajçe, University of Roehampton Manuela von Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission Standardised Human Dimensions Surveys Aleksandër Trajçe, University of Roehampton Silva Huda, PPNEA 13:00 Lunch Break Lunch Break Excursion 2: High mountain Flora and Fauna of the SW Balkans - Ecology of Plant and Animal Lunch Break Lunch Break 14:00 Principles of Monitoring Carnivores - Rural Livlihoods and their Link to Sustainability Communities with Special Emphasis on Preparation of Baseline Survey Applying qualitative and quantitative - A transboundary project AL-KS-MK Conservation Aspects for Kosovo and Montenegro 15:00 Methods to small Populations Silva Huda, PPNEA Ljupcho Melovski, University of Skopje - Structured Interviews and Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Arx, Manuela von Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Questionnaires IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Species Survival Species Survival Commission (theory & practicals in goups) 16:00 Commission Aleksandër Trajçe, University of Identification of Sustainable Practices in PPNEA Roehampton our Rural Communities MES Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von (excercise in groups) Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, 17:00 Evening practicals: Global Positioning Monitoring of Prey Species -Methods, species Species Survival Commission Systems as a usefull tool in monitoring fact sheets & field signs 18:00 Animal Populations (Theory, Quiz, Practicals) Evening Lecture: Kujtim Mersini, Food Safety and Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Arx, IUCN Cat High Nature Value Farming Veterinary Institute Tirana Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission Kujtim Mersini, Food Safety and Veterinary Institute Tirana Practicals: Employing Standardised Human Dimensions Surveys in and around Valbona (in groups) Aleksandër Trajçe, University of Roehampton Silva Huda, PPNEA Evening Lecture: Unusual human dimensions - Wildlife in Captivity (with discussion) Aleksandër Trajçe, University of Roehampton 24 Azem Ramadani 25

14 Programme for Capacity Building Workshop, Komovi Mts., Montenegro, October Course in Komovi Mt., Montenegro; October 2013 Eleven participants from Finch, ERA, Eko Viciana (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon (Montenegro) and PPNEA (Albania). Lecturers from EuroNatur, MES, PPNEA, Public Enterprise for National Parks of Montenegro, University Donja Gorica (MNE) and the University of Roehampton (UK) Main topics addressed during the course: monitoring large carnivores in Montenegro and Kosovo; transboundary conservation projects, protected area development in Montenegro/SEE; prospects for protected area work in Albania and Montenegro Practical lessons/fieldwork: full day excursion to Prokletije National Park The organization CZIP from Montenegro was responsible for the logistics of the course and also played a part in designing its curriculum. During the course, preliminary results from the baseline survey were presented and discussed. In this context, the input of the junior researchers from MES was particularly helpful. I most liked making joint plans for the future regarding the protection of nature and wildlife 09:00 10:00 11:00 Friday 18 October 2013 Transboundary Conservation Projects Arrival of Participants in the Afternoon Saturday 19 October 2013 Monitoring of Large Carnivores in MNE and KOS Review of the Baseline Survey of Large Carnivores in KOS (20-30 min.) ERA, Peja (KOS) Finch, Prizren (KOS) Review of the Baseline Survey of Large Carnivores in MNE (20-30 min.) Aleksandar Perović, CZIP Marina Đurović, National Parks MNE Sunday 20 October 2013 Monitoring of Large Carnivores in MNE and KOS Baseline Survey: Technical Report & Next Steps Dime Melovski, MES 12:00 Discussion of the results from MNE Introduction to Camera-Trap Monitoring and KOS Bledi Hoxha & Aleksandër Trajçe, PPNEA Dime Melovski, MES Monday 21 October 2013 Protected Areas Field Excursion to Prokletije NP Full Day Excursion to Prokletije National Park Meeting with National Park Director Enes Drešković Tuesday 22 October 2013 Protected Areas Preparation of Workplan 2014 MNE and KOS in the Framework of the Protected Area component of the BLRP Chair: Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Wrap-up of the Training and Preparation of the next Training in Kosovo 8-12 November :00 Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break 14:00 Practicals: 15:00 16:00 Transboundary conservation projects - Introduction to Training Course Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Dime Melovski, MES Preparation of Data from Baseline Survey for Analysis Dime Melovski, MES Vasko Avukatov, GIS Specialist MES Practicals: Database Management and GIS Mapping Vasko Avukatov, GIS Specialist MES Protected Area Development in MNE - Achievements and Challenges Marija Vugdelić, University Donja Gorica Review & Discussion of Protected Area Development in SEE Chair: Marija Vugdelić, University Donja Gorica 17:00 Introduction to handheld GPS device use 18:00 Vasko Avukatov, GIS specialist MES The importance of Natura 2000 for EU Accession Candidate Countries Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Camera-Trap field demonstration Bledi Hoxha & Bekim Trezhnjeva, PPNEA Departure of participants 26 Azem Ramadani 27

15 Programme for Capacity Building Workshop, Prizren, Kosovo, November 2013 Hotel Centrum Prizren 4. Course in Prizren, Kosovo; 8 11 November 2013 Fourteen participants from Finch, ERA, Eko Viciana, EcoEarth (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon Originally, it was planned to dedicate this course mainly to practical lessons on (Montenegro) and PPNEA (Albania). Additionally, an employee of the Public Enterprise setting camera traps in the Sharr National Park (Kosovo). Due to the cancelation for National Parks of Montenegro attended. by the lecturer, who would have been responsible for this unit, it was necessary to change plans, however. The course was relocated to Prizren and alternative Lecturers from EuroNatur, Finch, University of Prishtina and UNDP Office Prishtina topics needed to be found and lecturers engaged. Nevertheless, despite the short time available to redesign the course, it was possible to present an interesting Main topics addressed during the course: conservation planning with focus on one. In the final course, less emphasis was placed on theoretical lectures, but Open Standards, economic ecosystem valuation more time was spent on the joint development of drafts for conservation plans for two protected areas in Kosovo and Montenegro. Also, one full day was spent Practical lessons/fieldwork: full day excursion to Sharr National Park, joint exercise for the development of conservation action plans for selected protected areas in exchange ideas directly and tighten their bonds. on a hiking excursion in Sharr National Park giving participants the chance to Kosovo and Montenegro. Similarly to the previous course in Montenegro, responsibility for logistics was given to the local partner Finch. There was a good balance between theoretical presentations and fieldwork 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 Friday 08 November 2013 Current Conservation Projects Arrival of Participants Field Excursion to Sharr National Park Guided Excursion to Sharr National Park with traditional lunch at Finch field station Camp Limthi Sunday 10 October 2013 Monday 11 October 2013 Conservation Planning: Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation Introduction to conservation planning Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Economic Ecosystem Valuation of Sharr National Park Enis Selimi, UNDP Prishtina Development of Conservation Action Plan Development of small Conservation Action Plan for Prokletije NP & Pashtrik-Morina (KOS) work in groups 13:00 Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break 14:00 Reports on current conservation projects inkos and MNE 15:00 & discussion all participants 16:00 17:00 State of ancient beech forests in KOS 18:00 Bledar Pulaj, University of Prishtina Evening programme: visit to the old town of Prizren all participants Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation - Workshop Report Bulgaria - Marina Đurović, National Parks of Montenegro Discussion on Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation all participants Reports on current conservation projects in KOS and MNE & discussion Aulona Nallbani, ERA Marija Stanisic, CZIP Departure of participants 28 Thies Geertz Azem Ramadani Thies Geertz Thies Geertz Azem Ramadani Azem Ramadani 29

16 Results Lessons learned: In total, 24 representatives of organizations active in nature conservation from Kosovo and Montenegro participated in the series of four courses held within the project Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt. The first course was organized as a transborder course, with five days in the Jablanica Mountains in Macedonia and 5 days in the adjacent Jabllanica-Shebenik mountain range in Albania. The second course took place in the Valbona, located in the Albanian Alps, while the third and the fourth courses were organized in the beneficiary countries, namely in the Komovi Mountains in Montenegro and in Prizren, Kosovo. If a topic has transborder aspects, involve organizations from neighbouring countries. If possible, integrate more experienced partners from countries in the regions as trainers. Courses should not exceed seven days in length. Try to establish an appropriate rate between theoretical and practical lessons. Six out of 24 representatives participated in all the courses; during the project, five of these became members of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme team and were already actively involved in the implementation of the project or activities for the protection of the Balkan lynx. After the last course, the participants that participated in all the courses were asked to fill in evaluation forms. The majority of the participants stated that they had received new information on the key topics of the courses, namely wildlife management and monitoring, protected areas, strategic conservation planning and GIS/GPS. Also, they judged this new information as useful for their (future) work. Suggestions for improvements (made by participants): Use more interactive methods, engage a professional facilitator. Use more international literature. Involve more foreign experts in courses. Reduce length of workshop to four or five days. More practical experience in the field, less theory. Results All participants highlighted the possibility to connect with colleagues from the region and stated that this would be very useful for their work. Rezultatet Rezultati I liked the exchange of knowledge and useful information 30 Thies Geertz 31

17 Rezultatet Rezultati Mësimet e nxjerra: Naučene lekcije: Në total, 24 përfaqësues të organizatave aktive në ruajtjen e natyrës nga Kosova dhe Mali i Zi kanë marrë pjesë në serinë e katër trajnimeve të mbajtura në kuadër të projektit Themelimi i OSHC-ve për mbrojtjen e natyrës në Mal të Zi dhe në Kosovë si kontribut për ruajtjen e Brezit të Gjelbër Ballkanik. Trajnimi i parë u organizua si një trajnim ndërkufitar, me pesë ditë në malet e Jabllanicës në Maqedoni dhe 5 ditë në varg-malin a afërt Jabllanicë-Shebenik përtej kufirit në Shqipëri. Trajnimi i dytë u mbajt në Valbonë, me vendndodhje në Alpet shqiptare, ndërsa trajnimi i tretë dhe ai i katërt janë organizuar në shtetet përfituese, përkatësisht në Malet Komovi në Mal të Zi dhe në Prizren në Kosovë. Gjashtë nga 24 kanë marrë pjesë në të gjitha trajnimet; brenda hapësirës kohore të implementimit, pesë prej këtyre u bënë anëtarët e ekipit të Programit të Rimëkëmbjes së Rrëqebullit Ballkanik dhe tashmë janë përfshirë në mënyrë aktive në implementimin e projektit, respektivisht në aktivitetet për mbrojtjen e rrëqebullit Ballkanik. Pas trajnimit të fundit, është kërkuar nga pjesëmarrësit që morën pjesë në të gjitha trajnimet që të plotësojnë formularë të vlerësimit. Shumica e pjesëmarrësve theksuan se ata gjatë këtyre trajnimeve kanë pranuar njohuri të reja rreth temave në fokus, gjegjësisht rreth menaxhimit dhe monitorimit të kafshëve të egra, zonat e mbrojtura, planifikimin strategjik të konservimit dhe GIS/GPS. Gjithashtu, ata e gjykojnë këtë njohuri të re si të dobishme për punën tyre në të ardhmen. Të gjithë pjesëmarrësit theksuan mundësinë për tu lidhur me kolegët nga rajoni dhe shteti dhe se kjo do të jetë shumë e dobishme për punën e tyre. Nëse tema ka aspekte ndërkufitare, përfshij organizata nga shtetet fqinje. Sipas mundësive, të integrohen më shumë partnerë me përvojë nga vendet e rajonit si trajnerë. Trajnimet nuk duhet të kalojnë kohëzgjatjen prej pesë, maksimalisht shtatë ditëve. Mundohuni të krijoni një normë të përshtatshme ndërmjet mësimeve teorike dhe praktike. Sugjerime për përmirësime (të nxjerra nga pjesëmarrësit): Përdorni metoda më interaktive, angazhoni një facilitator profesional. Përdorni më shumë literaturë ndërkombëtare. Përfshini më shumë ekspertë të huaj në trajnime. Reduktoni gjatësinë e seminarit në katër deri pesë ditë. Më shumë përvoja praktike në terren, më pak teori. Ukupno, 24 predstavnika aktivnih organizacija iz oblasti zaštite prirode sa Kosova i iz Crne Gore su učestvovali u seriji četiri treninga koji su održani u okviru projekta Jačanje kapaciteta OCD-a iz oblasti zaštite prirode kao doprinos očuvanju Balkanskog Zelenog pojasa. Prvi trening je organizovan kao prekogranični trening, koji je održan pet dana na planini Jablanica u Makedoniji i pet dana u blizini planinskog lanca Jablanica-Šebenik u Albaniji. Drugi trening je održan u Valboni koja se nalazi u Albanskim Alpima, dok su treći i četvrti trening organizovani u zemljama učesnicama-planini Komovi u Crnoj Gori i u Prizrenu na Kosovu. Šestoro učesnika od ukupno 24 učesnika treninga su učestvovali na svim treninzima; tokom perioda implementacije projekta, petoro učesnika su postali dio Programa oporavka balkanskog risa i već su aktivno uključeni u implementaciju projekta, tj. u aktivnosti u cilju zaštite balkanskog risa. Nakon poslednjeg treninga učesnicima sa svih treninga je dato da ispune evalucione formulare. Većina učesnika je izjavila da su dobili nove informacije o temama predstavljenim tokom treninga-upravljanje i monitoring divljači, zaštićena područja, strateško planiranje očuvanja prirode i GIS/GPS. Takođe, ocjenili su da će nove informacije biti veoma korisne za njihov (budući) rad. Svi učesnici su istakli mogućnost povezivanja sa kolegama iz regiona i izjavili da će im to biti veoma korisno u radu. Ako tema ima prekogranični aspekt, treba uključiti organizacije iz susjednih zemalja. Ako je moguće, uključiti više iskusnijih partnera iz zemalja regiona kao trenere. Trening ne bi trebalo da traje duže od pet, maksimalno sedam dana. Treba pokušati napraviti odgovarajući odnos između teorijskih i praktičnih lekcija. Sugestije za unaprijeđenje (komentari učesnika): Koristiti više interaktivnih metoda, uključiti profesionalnog facilitatora na treningu. Koristiti više međunarodne literature. Uključiti više stranih stručnjaka u trening. Skratiti trajanje radionica na četiri do pet dana. Više praktičnog iskustva na terenu, manje teorije. Mostly I liked the fact that we met new people I got a lot of information about wildlife monitoring, management and especially about the lynx which was very useful for my future work as a wildlife researcher 32 Azem Ramadani 33

18 NEWS & EVENTS Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Newsletter 02/2013 P a g e 7 Photo: MES/D.Melovski 7. Young nature conservationists from Kosovo and Montenegro meet at the Balkan Green Belt in Jablanica-Shebenik From 1-10 October 2012 a capacity building workshop was held for young conservationists from the Western Balkans in Vevčani, Macedonia and Librazhd, Albania, situated at the foothills of the Jablanica-Shebenik mountain range. Altogether, ten participants five from Kosovo, four from Montenegro and one from Albania attended this workshop representing small and start-up NGOs from their home countries. The workshop was organized jointly by EuroNatur, the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA).The main goal was to train young conservationists in field methods, e.g. monitoring of large carnivores, and to familiarize them with current concepts and trends in nature conservation. Another objective was to establish ties across borders and strengthen co-operation between local NGOs along this precious part of the European Green Belt. The fact that partners from Macedonian and Albanian NGOs shared their experiences from many previous projects with their Kosovar and Montenegrin colleagues and that we discussed together a common strategy for cross-border nature conservation highlights the participatory approach of this training programme. Three more workshops are planned for 2013 within this capacity training programme which is financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). The main focus of the upcoming workshops will be put on the designation and management of large-scale protected areas with a special emphasis on a transboundary setting. For more information please contact Thies Geertz, EuroNatur. 8. Symposium held in Kopački rit Nature Park in Croatia Public Institution Kopački rit Nature Park organized a symposium Kopački rit Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow on 27 September 2012., that presented the most important researches, educational and economic activities in this nature park. Since this area is the central part of a recently proclaimed Mura Drava Danube Biosphere Reserve, promotion of an interdisciplinary and innovative approach in nature protection and sustainable management of natural resources that benefits development of the whole society is of great interest for this area. Business sector (Privredna Banka Zagreb) has recognized the importance of this event and sponsored it by publishing the Proceedings of the Symposium. For more information please contact: uprava@kopacki-rit.hr 9. Sustainable tourism in Europe s nature destinations In July this year, after a vigorous on-site evaluation, Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve, Italy has officially received the status of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, becoming the 100 th protected landscape in Europe to have achieved this status. Awe-inspiring landscapes, untouched nature, rich heritage and traditional communities: these are just some of the reasons why national parks, nature parks and other designated protected areas are becoming some of Europe s most popular holiday Photo: Kopački rit Nature Park Capacity building workshops The programme for young conserva tionists continued in Montenegro and Kosovo From October 2013 in Shtavna, on the foothills of Mountain Komovi (Montenegro) and from 8-11 November 2013 in Prizren (Kosovo) two capacity building workshops for young conservationist from Western Balkans were held. Both workshops were jointly organized by EuroNatur, Center for Protection and Research of birds of Montenegro and NGO Finch from Kosovo and were carried out in the framework of continuing activities to strengthen the capacity of environmental NGOs in Montenegro and Kosovo. Fig. 6: Workshop participants at the foothills of Mt. Pashtrik, Kosovo. While the November workshop was specially focused on presenting preliminary results of the ongoing Baseline Survey in Kosovo and Montenegro within the third phase of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme and sharing experiences with colleagues from Macedonia and Albania, the workshop held in October mainly dealt with topics related to protected area management. Among the topics addressed during the workshop were achievements and challenges in the development of protected areas in the region of the Western Balkans and examples of good practices in the development of protected areas in South East Europe as well as the importance of a Natura 2000 network. During both workshops participants shared their experience about guidelines and improvement of implementation of projects which focus on species or habitat conservation. In addition to the theoretical part of the workshops, participants of the trainings visited several mountain regions and National Parks in Montenegro and Kosovo. During these field trips they gained an insight on the possible habitats of Balkan lynx in these countries and received information about problems and challenges which these areas are facing. The workshops in Shtavna and Prizren were part of a series of four workshops which were realized within the project Capacity building of nature conservation NGOs in Montenegro and Kosovo which is financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). Marija Staniši, CZIP The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme is jointly implemented by EuroNatur Foun dation, KORA (Coordinated research pro jects for the conservation and manage ment of carnivores in Switzerland), MES (Macedonian Ecological Society), PPNEA (Society for the Protection and Preserva tion of Natural Environment in Albania) and financially supported by MAVA Foun dation for Nature Conservation. Annex Ljubomir Stefanov 35

19 The project was financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Design: Annette Spangenberg