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  Green Mountain Project - A Sustainable Development Model for Green Mountain Areas: Existing Situation Analysis (ESA) report GRE E E N N  M MO OUN T T A A I IN A A  S Su s stai n nabl e e  De v vel o opme en t t  M Mo d d e el  f f o r r  G r reen  Mo o u untain  A A r reas:  E x xist i in g g  S Si t tua t t i ion  A A n n a a l l y y s s i is  ( (ES A A ) )  r re p po r r t t  

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  • Green Mountain Project - A Sustainable Development Model for Green Mountain Areas: Existing Situation Analysis (ESA) report

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  • Green Mountain Project - A Sustainable Development Model for Green Mountain Areas: Existing Situation Analysis (ESA) report

    1

    INDEX

    INTRODUCTION 3

    1 ESA report ROMANIA 4 1.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 5 1.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 12 1.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 24

    1.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    31

    1.5 CONCLUSIONS 36

    2 ESA report SLOVAKIA 37 2.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 38 2.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 45 2.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 55

    2.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    62

    3 ESA report BULGARIA 69 3.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 70

    3.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 75 3.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 81

    3.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    88

    3.5 CONCLUSIONS 93

    4 ESA report HUNGARY 94 4.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 95 4.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 99 4.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 107

    4.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    115

    4.5 CONCLUSIONS 120

    5 ESA report BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA 121 5.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 122

    5.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 127 5.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS

    132

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    5.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    138

    5.5 CONCLUSIONS 140

    6 ESA report MONTENEGRO 141 6.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 142 6.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 148 6.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 154

    6.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    161

    6.5 CONCLUSIONS 163

    7 ESA report AUSTRIA 164 7.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 165 7.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 169 7.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 175

    7.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    179

    7.5 CONCLUSIONS 183

    8 ESA report ITALY 184 8.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 185 8.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 191 8.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 201

    8.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    210

    8.5 CONCLUSIONS 215

    9 ESA report Greece 217 9.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY 218 9.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS 227 9.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

    AND PLANS 234

    9.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING & AWARENESS RAISING

    239

    9.5 CONCLUSIONS 243

  • Green Mountain Project - A Sustainable Development Model for Green Mountain Areas: Existing Situation Analysis (ESA) report

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    INTRODUCTION

    The present Existing Situation Analysis (ESA) report has been realised in the framework of the European funded project called A Sustainable Development Model for Green Mountain Areas (GREEN MOUNTAIN). 11 partner organisations coming from 9 European countries (Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) have established a platform to exchange information and knowledge, and to develop methods and good practices with the aim to develop and transfer, a Sustainable Development and Management Model which can provide for an integrated strategy to enhance the valorisation and preservation of natural and protected mountain areas.

    Exchange of information has been the first project activity among Green Mountain partners. The aim of this activity is to share information, knowledge and experience regarding partners mountain territories (territorial system, economic aspects, management plans, methods and practices in use, etc.) and with regards to the 3 thematic project areas. This activity has been realised with the help of the present ESA report to which each partner concerned has contributed.

    The Existing Situation Analysis is a key activity since it defines the starting point from which possible solutions must have their origin. The ESA is therefore an important means, not only with the aim to share information, knowledge and experience among partners but it is also a key activity for the territory itself as it will allow to identify the state of the art, existing problems, needs, challenges and opportunities. The Existing Situation Analysis activity will thus help to identify the exact territorial development needs while at the same time it also will ensure a correct and appropriate development approach with regards to the subsequent activities of the Green Mountain project: development of the common Sustainable Management and Development Model, drawing up of the Management Plans, setting up of awareness raising activities, implementation of pilot activities, etc.

    The present Existing Situation Analysis concentrates on 3 thematic areas, considered to be the fundamental key elements for how to protect, develop and preserve natural and protected areas and on which the Sustainable Development and Management Model should be built on:

    Identification of economic sustainable activities able to conciliate growth with nature preservation

    Development of coordinated and integrated policies and management plans/strategies

    Methods and strategies for effective information, training and awareness raising targeting politicians and decision-makers, as well as economic actors and the public

    The local and regional partner authorities involved have analysed their respective territories at local or regional level, whereas the analysis of the National Forest Administration-Romsilva focuses on the 2 National Parks that are involved in the Green Mountain project. The analysis carried out by the Slovak Environmental Agency focuses on the PPP Horehron, chosen to be a Model Area within the Green Mountain project.

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    1. ESA report ROMANIA

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    1.1 PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY

    1.1.1 Relevant legislations regarding management/protection/valorisation of natural

    and protected mountain areas.

    The relevant legislations in force in our country regarding protected areas is represented by acts, Government decisions, Government Emergency Ordinances and Minister orders, as follows:

    GEO No. 57/2007 regarding natural protected areas, natural habitats, flora and wild fauna preserving, with the subsequent completions and changes, approved through law No. 49/2011 (Protected areas law)

    Law No. 265/2006 regarding Environmental protection

    Law No.5/2000 regarding approval of the planning National - Section III - protected areas

    Ordinance No. 552/2003 regarding the interior zoning of national and natural parks and the establishment of their administrations

    Ordinance No. 776/2007 regarding the declaration of Sites of Community Importance as part of European ecological network Natura 2000

    Decision No 1284/2007 regarding the declaration of Special birds and fauna protected areas as part of European ecological network Natura 2000

    Government decisions No.2151/2004, No 1581/2005, No 1143/2007 regarding the establishment of protected natural areas system for new areas

    Government decisions No.121/2010 regarding the establishment of protected natural area for Natural Park of Cefa

    Hunting law 2008

    Environment law 2006

    Forest code - 2008

    Law of the mountain (2004)

    Agricultural Intervention and Payments Agency- support payments, traces livestock and carries out inspections. (Calimani National Park)

    Other legislative agreements on sustainable integrated development and nature conservation:

    The Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians (2003)1, its Programme of work and Biodiversity Protocol (2008), resulting in additional initiatives in which Romania is involved:

    o The Danube-Carpathian Programme (WWF-DCP)

    o The Carpathian Network of Protected Areas (CNPA)

    1 http://www.carpathianconvention.org/status.htm

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    o The Carpathian Ecoregion Initiative (CERI) an umbrella NGO including private and public sector members form the Carpathian countries

    o The Mountain Forum in Romania

    1.1.2 General presentation of the territory in reference to the mountain area.

    Romania is located in the south-eastern part of the Central Europe and is known both as a Carpathian country and the country centred by the Carpathians and bounded southward by the Danube, famous for the wide variety of natural endowment and beauties. The Carpathian Mountains stretch the country along 650km while the Danube River drenches the land on 1075km.

    Romanias relief is characterized by a balanced distribution of areas according on their elevations (33% plains and riparian areas; 36% hills and plateaus and 31% mountains) as well as the concentric layout, like an amphitheatre of the natural relief areas.

    Romania has a mild-continental climate but the Carpathians Mountains chain and the Black Sea favour its interference with the central-European climate in the centre and the western part of the country, south European in southwest and Pontic in south-east (Danube Delta and the Black Sea shore). For this reason both in the flora and fauna one can find, along with European and continental species arctic species, boreal species, alpine, central-European, Mediterranean and Balkan species.

    The large rivers- Somes, Mures, Jiu, Olt, Arges, Dambovita, Ialomita, Siret and Prut and so forth have their river courses on the north towards south and from the west to the east and are collected by the river Danube (excepting the rivers Mures and Somes that flow westward).

    Vegetation depends on the relief, the climate and soil conditions being characterized by altitudinal belts. From the geo-botanical view point, Romania belongs to the central-European region. The actual vegetation is a result of vegetation emerging in the past, closely connected with the geological and climate changes, as well as with relief and soil types.

    Romanias territory is divided horizontally in two large zones: steppe and forests, and vertically there is the alpine region. The steppe zone comprises steppe sub region which includes forested or non-forested areas and silvo-steppe sub-region. The forest region comprises the sub regions of oak species, beech and coniferous species. The alpine region consists of the inferior alpine sub-region and the superior alpine region. The transition from one region to another one is a gradually, varies according to the ecological amplitude of species.

    They largest woodlands are to be found here, most of them being resinous forests. They are also rich in non-ferrous ores, coals, mineral waters and building rocks.

    The following national parks are to be found here: Rodnei, Calimani, Ceahlau and Cheile Bicazului, as well the natural park Vanatori-Neamt.

    Calimani National Park (CNP) covers the upper part of Calimani Mountains, Northern Romania. These mountains are the highest volcanic structures in East Carpathians.

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    They are the junction between the historic regions of Transylvania, Bucowina and Moldavia, therefore the traditional life of locals includes elements from the 3 areas.

    The region is known for the beautiful and large valleys, covered with pastures and meadows. The spruce forests and mountain pine shrubs are the dominant plant communities at higher altitudes.

    The Tara Dornelor (in the north of CNP) area is located in the northern Carpathians (Romania), in the northern part of Calimani Mountains and, in terms of tourism it is already well known at national level due to the good tradition and fame of Vatra Dornei as a SPA and ski resort. Situated in the north-eastern part of Dornelor depression, Vatra Dornei town is the main social-economical centre polarizing the rest of the rural territory of the region. The area has also been made famous for the mineral water and the diary products having the brand of (La)Dorna, which earned their good position on the market due to their good quality related also to the quality of the natural environment (very good quality, traditionally managed pastures).

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park is situated in the south-west part of Romania, in the south-west extremity of Southern Carpathians and includes an important geological phenomenon - Cernas fault in association with an original geographical conformation.

    It is the first national park from our country regarding the size of it, with a surface of 61.211 ha and the only one that includes an entire hydrographical basin not a single mountain massif.

    Cerna Valley is unique because, enroles totally in the mountain space and separates two different mountain lines. It is a typical longitudinal valley which follows the tectonic line between Vlcan and Mehedini Mountains, on one side and Godeanu Massif and Cerna Mountains on the other side. The valley has the aspect of a huge defile with inaccessible gorges especially on the lower part.

    The numerous endokarst forms, with an exceptional scientific national and international value are also very important from the landscape point of view. The most popular caves are: Cloani, Cioaca, Ion Brzoni Cave, Slitrari Cave and the ones near resort Bile Herculane, which are thermal caves, unique in Romania and very rare in the whole world, caves where environmental conditions are similar to the ones from tropical climate (350-450 C the air temperature).

    Due to biogeographic, biological, climatic conditions the national park preserves a very interesting and rich fauna. Here there are a lot of scientifically valuable species, some unique in the country and whole world, excelling in the diversity of insects. Owing to this huge biodiversity the entire surface of the park was declared SCI and SPA.

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    1.1.3 Sensitive and protected mountain areas.

    The Romanias Carpathians lie on about 55% of the area of the European Carpathians (204,700km2, 1500km length and up to 350 km width) and according to the geographical position they divide into The Southern Carpathians, Western Carpathians (in the West) and Eastern Carpathian Mountains (in the East).The Southern Carpathian Mountains is the most representative mountainous area of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains region, that singles out by massiveness and the highest peaks (Moldoveanu 2,544 m and Negoiu 2,535m).

    The Southern Carpathians, located in the South of the Carpathian Mountains are delimited in the East by the Prahova Valley and in the West by the Cerna Valley and the Timis Valley.

    The national parks of Romania are presented according to their location in the Southern, Western and Eastern Carpathian Mountains. In the Southern Carpathian Mountains the following national parks Piatra Craiului, Cozia, Retezat, Domogled-Valea Cernei are located as well as the national park Gradistea Muncelului-Cioclovina.

    The western Carpathians are located between theDanube River to the south and Barcaului valley (a tributary of the Crisul Repede valley) to the north. To the east they are bind by the Cerna Valley and to the west by the western hills. These mountains are the the smallest and the most fragmented ones; actually they form small groups of mountains, split apart by large valleys and corridors. As for the vegetation, they are covered with large forests, especially beech woodlands and their summits are covered by pasturelands. In this region there are two national parks (Cheile Nerei-

    Beusnita and Semenic Cheile Carasului) and two natural parks (Portile de FIer and Apuseni).

    Eastern Carpathians. This branch of the Carpathian Mountains goes from the northern Romanian boundary (Tisa river) to Prahova valley. To the west they are adjacent to the Transylvania depression, to the south and the east with the Moldavian plateau and sub-Carpathians hills to the southwest with the Southern Carpathians and to the northeast with the river Bacau, tributary to the Crisul Repede river. They have a largest share of Romania Carpathians, they are middle in term of elevation, are divided by many valleys and crossed by some passes such as: Prislop, Rotunda, Setnez, Bicaz, Tusnad and Oituz. The largest woodlands are to be found here, most of them being resinous forests.

    By Order of Minister No.1964/2007 regarding the establishment of a system protected natural area sites of Community importance as part of Natura 2000 in Romania we have a total of 273 sites of Community importance which represents 13.21% of the country.

    Also, by Order of Minister No.1284/2007 regarding the establishment of Special Bird Protection Areas declared as part of Natura 2000, in Romania we have a total of 108 sites of Special Bird Protection Areas which represents 11,85% of country.

    The protected areas in the region are: Calimani National Park, which is also a N2000 site, the N2000 peatbogs: Saru Dornei, Poiana Stampei& Romanesti

    Calimani National Park was established in 2000 and covers just over 24,000 hectares in northern Romania, encompassing the main volcanic zone of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The Park is known for its unique geological features, and is home to many large carnivores (including brown bears and wolves, lynxes and wild cats) and birds (such as

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    peregrine falcons, cappercaillie, black grouse and less- spotted eagle). The Park also contains a number of rare plant species and large areas of old-growth forest. The most important habitats are those of alpine and boreal heaths, bushes with mountain pine and Rhododendron myrtifolium, spruce and arolla pine forests. In 2007, it became part of the N2000 network, as part of Calimani- Gurghiu site.

    The peatbogs Saru Dornei, Romanesti and are included in the Romanian protected areas network and N2000. Poiana Stampei was established as scientific reserve in 1955, and is considered the largest olygothrophic peat bog in Romania. The bog lays on 400 ha and is surrounded by a Norway spruce forest, as a buffer zone. It shelters rare plant species important for Romanian biodiversity, and the bog represents the geographic limit in southeast Europe for a number of these species.

    All the three peatbogs include algae communities, zooplankton and insects of scientific and ecological value. The importance of these peatbogs consists of: preventing floods during spring when snow is melting or rainy periods during summer when the water level of rivers nearby increase, as it retains large amounts of water and promote the gradual return of it to the landscape. They are bio-filters that purifies water and the peat mosses absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. In this way, carbon is locked into the body of the mosses as it turns to Each of the mountain ranges that surround Tara Dornelor has its own specific charm: Suhard with a relatively gentle ridge rarely traversed by hikers, maintains intense pastoral activity in summer and offers spectacular views towards all its neighbouring mountain ranges: Brgu, Rodna Giumalu Raru, Pietrosul Bistritei and Climani. Giumalul has an extensive network of tourist trails, at the same time being the most accessible mountain range in the area. Furthermore the Giumalu mountain lodge offers the possibility of overnight accommodation in this sub alpine region. Pietrosul Bistritei, a mysterious mountain explored by only a few hikers, descends steeply from its ridge into the Zugreni Gorge and offers a hiking experience in a wilderness almost untouched by human hands. The vast horseshoe-shaped crater of the volcanic mountains of Calimani, has a diameter of approximately 10 km, being one of the largest in Europe. Its imposing ridge consists of several lofty peaks of over 2000 m. Laid out over the upper part of the volcanic mountain range, the Climani National Park protects valuable habitats and ecosystems on its territory: forests of Spruce with Swiss Pine; thickets of Mountain Pine with Rhododendron; meadows of Gentians, Violets, Common Tormentil, Bluebells, etc. The Swiss Pine (Pinus cembra), is a relic of earlier glaciation and can still be found in Romania, only in a few isolated areas of the Oriental and Southern Carpathians.

    The extraordinary group of rocks that makes up the 12 Apostles Reserve provokes the traveller's imagination with strange rock forms as in a fairy-tale world, bearing picturesque names like "Mosul" ("The Old Man"), "Maresalul" ("The Marshall"), "Mucenicul" ("The Martyr") and "Gusterul" ("The Lizard"). These geological formations, likened to megalithic structures, are the result of different forms of erosion on the volcanic conglomerates. The Tinovul Mare Poiana Stampei and Tinovul aru Dornei Nature Reserves care for acid marshland, sterile environments with layers of peat and poor vegetation specific to these conditions, with stands of pine, spruce and dwarf birch, thick layers of moss, and shrubs of bilberry and cranberry that form a landscape more typical of the Siberian tundra. Tinovul Mare (681,8 ha) is considered to be the largest natural reserve of peat in Romania.

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    In the Domogled Cerna Valley National Park we can find a significant area of the Pinus Nigra ssp.banatica , an endemic species, which is famous for its resistance and adaptation in very hard conditions. Pinus nigra ssp.banatica extends on large and continuous surfaces, creating spectacular landscapes. We can see this species on steep rocky structures which introduces the turists into a fairy tale with a somptuous image.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park represents an unique sample of Carpathian and European beech, from the lowest altitudes until the limit of the forest with the Alpine goals.

    1.1.4 Relationship and cooperation with any adjacent mountain area(s)/protected/sensitive area(s).

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park adjoins with three natural protected areas, as follows: Retezat National Park, Mehedinti Table-land Geopark and ROSCI0129 The North of West Gorj. The limit between our park and this natural protected areas is situated in the mountain area. The preservation and local communities development objectives are common. Between these administrations there is a closely cooperation, especially with Retezat National Park, as the legislation and the managing way is the same with ours.

    Calimani National Park have like managerial objectives: biodiversity conservation and ecological tourism.

    Through this objectives,we have collaborations with other parks, inside National Forest Administration,and outside with the other administrations(Ceahlau Park-for example).

    The local, national and regional stakeholders are represented in the Consultative Council of Administration, which has a consultative role for the management process.

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    1.1.5 Major problems, constraints and threats affecting the territory as well as challenges and opportunities.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The major problems affecting this natural protected area, as well as challenges and opportunities, are:

    1. Uncontrolled tourism - at present the park has a high accessibility level, which may be a potential danger towards biodiversity, because of the existing risk of an unorganised and chaotic tourism development

    2. The lack of a communication system and public awareness - the lack of the information centers, where local communities and tourists can be informed about the importance of this natural protected area

    3. Uncontrolled buildings which dont take into account the traditional aspect of the area

    4. Poaching - the poor economical situation, the lack of public awareness systems and the standing need of resources can lead to a high level of poaching

    5. The overgrazing is a major problem because of the loss in what concerns the biodiversity and the invasion of some plant species which arent consumed by animals, eg Nardus stricta, Rumex alpinus, Urtica dioica.

    6. Cutting junipers for fire and for grasslands expansion

    7. The fires - naturals or caused by humans, are one of the most important problems which affects the landscape . On the surface of the park there was a natural fire, in 2000, which affected 90 ha of forest from Domogled massif.

    8. The existent hydrotechnical constructions affect directly the aquatic biodiversity of the area, but also the soil and the terrestrial ecosystems.

    9. The low capacity of managing the protected areas from what concerns the features and equipments.

    10. Illegal forest exploits.

    Calimani National Park

    Aging in human population

    Lack of jobs (mining closure, forest management which were the main income)

    Low price for milk (for small farms, this are the only income)

    Changing in pasture composition due to grazing decrease

    Lack of infrastructure

    Rural tourism

    Traditional crafts and food

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    1.2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS

    1.2.1 Policy and priorities with regards to economic development and economic activities, formulated or implemented in the sensitive/protected mountain area.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The main activities of local communities are:

    Raising animals (livestock) - the main traditional occupation of the people from Cernas basin. In high areas with alpine goals there are a lot of sheepfolds inhabited only in summer, during the grazing

    Exploitation and wood processing - activities that benefits both economic agents and local population

    Tourism - which has became once with the establishment of the park, one of the main activities regarding the development of local economy

    Calimani National Park

    CNP includes the highest part of the mountain and its border is located at 15-25 km away from human settlements, fact which restricts the interactions between its area and the area of interests of the local communities. Most of the area inside the park is represented by spruce forest (67%), along with mountain and subalpine pastures (32%). Calimani National Park has approximately 52% of its area covered by state forest (totally 84% state property), the rest being owned mainly by local administrations (managed by the state forest administrations) and by the private forest administrations established by the local councils and pastures (which are managed under the authority of the local councils by land-users, by contract).

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    According to the national law the national parks in Romania have 3 types of internal zones with a corresponding different land-use regime:

    - The special conservation areas (the most strict, where ecosystems are preserved in their natural status, for conservation purposes and only research, educational and controlled ecotourism activities are permitted);

    - The buffer zone (where some controlled wood-cutting, according to the forestry management plan, some grazing and minor activities concerning the development of tourism are possible),

    - The sustainable conservation areas, more permissive to human activities but which are planned in accordance with the conservation objectives having a primary role.

    Given its restrictive regime and its primary objectives of conservation the national park is not directly interested to support human development activities. An exceptional case is that of the naturally expanding forests due to the sub-grazing which is determined by the lack of effectiveness in this sector. Therefore, since the natural expansion of forest is done to the detriment of some pastures which are of interest for conservation, the park becomes directly interested to support these activities. One opportunity is that of the subsidies offered by the APIA the agency for Payments and Interventions in Agriculture.

    Another priority of the park is that of providing education and interpretation for a sustainable and responsible tourism. In the same time, inventorying and assessing the biodiversity of pastures and forest ecosystems are amongst the future priorities of the Park Administration.

    The potential for ecotourism in Tara Dornelor area and Calimani National Park

    Hiking

    Hiking is a good opportunity for active relaxation, for getting acquainted with the area, and for observing nature. Whether you are in Vatra Dornei or in any other village in the area, you can choose to spend a few hours or a few days exploring the mountains. If you are suitably equipped and have a good map you can venture alone. Otherwise you can be guided by your guesthouse host, or you can call one of the local guides who will lead you on mountain trails and will share stories and secrets that never lose their charm and uniqueness.

    Nordic Walking

    For those who know and love this sport, in Vatra Dornei six Nordic walking trails have been established, with lengths of between 2 and 12.1 km, and differences in level of between 39 and 464m.

    River Rafting

    Spring is the ideal season for river rafting. The River Bistrita is one of the few rivers in the country that offer the right conditions for this activity, the sections suitable for this sport reaching grade 3 of difficulty on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 as the most difficult).

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    Horse Riding

    Horse riding in Tara Dornelor includes quite varied opportunities:

    for experienced riders;

    for occasional riders;

    for children and beginners.

    Experienced riders looking for a real adventure can try end-to-end trails, which cover long distances and require overnight stops in shelters, tents or even in the open, under the stars!

    In order to benefit from the warmth and comfort of a local guesthouse, out-and-back trails can be organised, which offer the possibility of visiting several different destinations in a tour of several days duration.

    Those passionate about riding but with less time available or less experience, can choose recreational trails (short tours of less than one day) from riding centers in Vatra Dornei, Dorna Arini and Neagra arului.

    Both for children and for those who have not yet tried this type of activity, there are opportunities of horse riding tours for beginners.

    The area also offer opportunties for mountain-biking and winter sports.

    In the alpine pasturelands,shepering is a permitted activity.Harvesting is permitted in the bufferzone of the Park.

    Agency for payment and interventions in agriculture are paying subsidies for pasturelands maintenance

    1.2.2 The existing initiatives/methods/actions/projects currently/already implemented and aimed at valorising local activities and/or products.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    Until now there havent been major initiatives and projects meant to value the local activities and products. The promotion of traditional activities, products and craftsmen from this area has been done through special events like: The Festival of Black Pine of Banat, The Festival of Lilac, local festivals, etc.

    The low level of local products promotion is caused by:

    - the lack of permanent spaces located in touristic areas, meant to promote and market this type of products

    - the lack of commercial agents with the necessary capacity to value this products

    - inaccessible roads that makes impossible the access in communities area

    - old local communities and endangered.

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    Calimani National Park

    The ecotourism development initiative

    Due to its very high natural and cultural value of the area (natural and natural ecosystems traditionally managed, and an agro-pastoral mountain landscape, small nature protected areas and Climani National Park at its southern part, well preserved traditions) and to the already existing threats (uncontrolled development, disappearing traditions and traditional occupations), an initiative was developed in order to support the ecotourism and the renewable energy in the area.

    The project was initiated by an NGO from the same county and the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) was chosen as a partner responsible for the ecotourism component while Climani National Administration was also invited as the main local partner.

    The main objectives of the project were to promote the concept of ecotourism, to offer training and develop a best practice guide for ecotourism development in the area and to develop a network of local eco-tourism products and services, as first step to the goal of developing the area as an ecotourism destination (further defined in the NOTE).

    In order to achieve these objectives, the project management team came with the idea of establishing a local ecotourism association. The initiative had an unexpected success, the stakeholders involved in the tourism sector proving their interest for it and the Association of Ecotourism Tara Dornelor was created. At the very beginning (also in order to avoid bureaucracy), a smaller number of stakeholders founded the Association, which includes one member from all of the most important actors on the local tourism scene: 2 guesthouses, 2 tourism services businesses organizing recreational activities in the park and the rest of the area, Climani National Park Administration, the mountain rescue team, a mayoralty and a local consultant. The Association is going to be the management body of the future destination.

    In its very early phase of existence, the Association already:

    - defined criteria to get in the organization (based on the principles of ecotourism)

    - defined and is underway of creating a primary network of services AND criteria to get in the network;

    - a label for the network and criteria to get and use the label.

    - Was involved in the tourism zoning for the area

    In this context, a new opportunity and a frame (organizational, conceptual, etc) for the development of the area were created and many objectives remain open for the achievement of the commonly agreed goal of developing the destination. The logical framework will present the most important future objectives and possible steps to achieving the goal.

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    Ecoturism in Dorna country- 12 Apostles trail

    Riding in the Carpathians-a riding tour inside a national park-as an ecotourismalternative for the development of communities around or within protected areas in Romania,in order to support nature conservation in the medium and long term.

    Festivals where craftsmen bring wood objects, craftswomen with painted eggs, housekeepers with food products: alpenrose liqueur, blueberry jam and liqueur, canned porcini and cantharells, smoked trout.

    Milk products

    Mineral waters (4 national brands>Bilbor, Stanceni, Dorna, Aqua Carpatica)

    1.2.3 New and innovative initiatives with concrete possibilities to be introduced to strengthen the mountain economy while preserving/valorising the natural area.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    For having traditional products and activities its necessary to exist on the parks surface these local communities, which have to be in a steady development. This aspect involves, first, the accessibility of the area where they live, rebuilding the existing roads and also developing an the activities of eco-tourism, so that the tourists can get to mountains areas and can benefit by these products. At present the number of locals is decreasing because the young are heading to the nearest cities.

    The administrations initiatives are meant to obtain found to realize the accessibility of the area, the development of the eco-tourism and the establishment of visitors center, where these traditional products and activities can be promoted.

    Calimani National Park:

    Festivals where craftsmen bring wood objects, craftswomen with painted eggs, housekeepers with food products: alpenrose liqueur, blueberry jam and liqueur, canned porcini and cantharells, smoked trout.

    Milk products

    Mineral waters (4 national brands>Bilbor, Stanceni, Dorna, Aqua Carpatica)

    1.2.4 Target groups and stakeholders that should be involved in the framework of new policies and approaches for economic sustainable activities and products.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The stakeholders that should be involved in the frameworks of policies and sustainable activities from the surface of the park are:

    - local public authorities because they represent the local decision factors which can help directly the local communities through infrastructure development, bringing investors to this area, tax cuts, etc

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    - forest administrators because wood exploitation is a traditional activity and also a very important source of incomes

    - natural or legal persons which have properties in the park

    - Agency for Payments and Intervention in Agriculture can help directly by giving substantial payments to landowners

    - Tourism Agencies which can involve by creating touristic programs to promote the area

    - NGOs, etc.

    Calimani National Park

    Representative organizations for Dornelor Area

    Actors involved in the management of nature PAs:

    - The PA custodians: Regional (County) Forestry Office in Suceava and a local NGO managing the nature reserves and Natura 2000 sites

    - Calimani National Park Administration manages 3 other Natura2000 sites

    Actors involved in issues concerning local and regional development, focused on the mountain area:

    - A ROMONTANA branch national NGO member of the EUROMONTANA Association

    - CEFIDEC a governmental organization providing training and consultancy on rural tourism, mountain agriculture, etc

    - 3 NGOs active in the field of environmental protection and active tourism

    - 1 NGO involved in the ecotourism development in which the National Park Administration is member

    - Other NGOs active in the field of cultural activities

    - GAL Bazinul Dornelor a local action group established in the framework of the LEADER integrated rural development initiative

    - Local Public Administrations

    - The local tourism business

    The stakeholders for the management of Calimani National Park

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    Sl. No.

    Sector Level Stakeholder Comments

    1

    PUBLIC SECTOR

    Local /commune level

    Mayoralties

    Mayor Executive role (assisted by the executive body consisting in the mayoralty staff)

    2 Vice Mayor Part of the executive body

    3 Local Council Approves and takes the decisions (decisional

    body)

    4 Secretary Approve the legal conditions

    5 GAL (Local Action Group) Public-private partnership,

    under the EC LEADER Program

    6 Local schools

    7 Police

    8 The Mountain Gendarmerie

    Specialized governmental institution in charge with mountain patrolling and public security in the touristic areas. It functions under the Ministry of Administration and Interior (MAI)

    9

    Mountain Rescue Team (SALVAMONT) Vatra Dornei Toplita and Mures County

    The one in Vatra Dornei is under the County Council of Suceava

    The one in Mures is under the County Council of Mures

    10 Museums (Natural Science and Ethnographic Museums in Vatra Dornei )

    11 SC Min Bucovina SA Vatra Dornei

    Mining company functioning under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business Environment

    12 Training and Innovation Center in the Carpathians (CEFIDEC) Vatra Dornei

    Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR)

    13 Agency for Payments and Interventions in Agriculture (APIA)

    Established in 2007, subordinated to the MADR, manages the European funds for the implementation of the measures financed through the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (FEGA)

    14 Forestry Districts (OS)

    15

    County

    Prefectures Represents the Government at county level

    16 County Councils (CC) Incl. the President of the CC

    17 The Forest Control Body (ITRSV)

    Under the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MMP)

    18 Local Environment Agencies (APM)

    Territorial unit of the National Environmental Agency (under the MMP), functioning at county level

    19 County Inspectorates for Education

    Under the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports

    20

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    21 Local Public Forestry Districts (OS)

    local districts, under the county directions and the NFA

    22 Environment Control Body (GNM)

    County level units under the MMP

    23 County Public Forestry Direction (DS)

    County level directions under the NFA

    24

    Region

    Regional Environmental Agency (ARPM)

    Regional units coordinating the APMs (functioning at development region level, under the MMP)

    25 Regional Environmental Control Body

    Regional units coordinating the GNMs (functioning at development region level, under the MMP)

    26 Regional Development Agencies (ADR)

    Non-governmental, non-profit bodies, established by law, responsible with the management of funds for development in a development region; The Park is shared by three Development Regions (NE,C, NW), mostly in the Northeast Region,

    27

    Nation

    Ministry of Environment and Forest (MMP)

    28 National Forest Authority (RNP)

    The authority in charge with managing the state forest; under the MEF

    29 Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism (MDRT)

    30 Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR)

    31 Universities

    1

    PRIVATE SECTOR

    Local level

    Logging companies

    2 Fruit and mushroom collectors

    Herbs are also collected, but on a very low level, and not for profit purposes

    3 Guesthouses

    4 Tour-operators

    5 Tourism agencies

    6 Land owners

    1 CIVIL SOCIETY

    (NON-PROFIT BODIES and NGOs)

    Local citizens Citizens in the local communities

    2

    National

    AER (The Association of Ecotourism in Romania), Brasov

    Environmental, Ecotourism and Conservation NGOs

    3

    ProPark, Brasov (The Association for National Parks offering training programs for protected area practitioners)

    4 WWF Romania (Bucharest)

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    and WWF-DCP (Brasov)

    5 Regional

    ClubSpeo,

    6 Tasuleasa Social

    7

    Local

    Asociatia Proprietarilor de Padure Panaci, Saru Dornei, Dorna Arini

    8 FAMD (The Foundation for Mountain Agriculturers)

    9 Asociatia pentru Conservarea Vietii Salbatice in Calimani

    10 Dorna EcoActiv

    11 AETD (Asociatia de Ecoturism Tara Dornelor)

    12

    ROMONTANA

    Local Environment Protection Agencies (regulations)

    Environment Guard (legislation control)

    NGOs (N2000 sites management)

    Local administrations (N2000 sites management)

    National Forest Administration (parks administration and Regional Forest Authorities

    1.2.5 Opportunities, strengths, challenges and needs as well as the problems (weaknesses, constraints, threats) in relation to economic sustainable activities and products (SWOT analysis)

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    Strong points:

    - the availability of the town-halls to collaborate in projects

    - the successfully running of some projects

    - the existence of priority species and habitats (Black Pine of Banat forests - Pinus nigra ssp. banatica, sessile forest - Quercus petraea, hornbeam forests - Carpinus betulus)

    Weak points:

    - poorly informed population

    - environmental degradation and limited subsistence sources

    - insufficient infrastructure

    - insufficient environmental education

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    Opportunities:

    - the existence of tv programs which bring informations about nature and its importance

    - protecting natural values through natural reservations

    - the existence of valuable traditions

    - the perpetuation of cultural and historical values

    - the increasing interest of universities, NGOs, etc.

    - the development of a more responsible mentality towards nature

    Threats:

    - imperfect legislation

    - reduced means to impose compliance with laws regarding protected areas.

    Calimani National Park

    Weaknesses Strenghts Threats Opportunities Objectives

    Demographic issues

    The migration of youth and aging

    High % of births and number of youngsters

    Increasing migration of youth qualified population

    Possibilities for training

    Focusing on the formation, qualification and emplyment of young population in development activities

    Occupations and labor

    Increasing rate of unemplyment due to the decline of local economic activities

    Increasing percentage of the population engaged in environmental protection activities

    The rigid labour market

    The increasing quality and developement of health service

    Innovating the social services through pilor projects

    The production system

    The lack of certified quality and old technologies in use

    Good quality staple at a low price

    Some local brands already marketing the area (Dorna, LaDorna, Aqua Carpatica)

    Poor access to the internal and external market for the local products and bad quality of local governance system

    (lack of transparency, participaction, dialogue and partnership)

    Possibilities for the development of brands

    The development of a quality brand for food products and tourism products

    The sustainable valuation of local forest and non-timber products

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    Environment

    The inefficient use of local resources and the high ecological foot-print

    Deforestation

    The existence of CNP and the local potential for ecotourism

    The companies coming from outside the area irresponsible on their impact

    Funding for environmental issues and existing NGOs

    Focus on ecotourism and public awareness

    Strategic projects on energy

    Cultural heritage

    The extinction of tradional values and knowledge

    Some traditions are still preserved due to the traditional way of living

    The abandon of traditions amongst youngsters

    Fuding

    The demand on the tourism market for authentic products

    The innovation of local products, rebuilding the local identity by education and supporting the local associations and the producers of handicrafts

    Overall rural environment

    The local incomes are based mainly on the primary sector

    Lack of infrastructure

    Relative isolation

    Young population with a good natural dinamic

    Local brands

    High potential Local centers for training

    The lack of access to credits for the key stakeholders and of adequate policies, lack of vision and public involvement, lack of cohesion between the actions of different actors, lack of competence and issuficient interest

    Modern know-how

    Money flows from the emigrant population

    Funding programmes

    Cooperation as the key to get out from isolation

    Training for basic competences (foreign languages, IT, marketing)

    The development of a local industrial sector to value the local resources (e.g. furniture, food products, etc)

    Lack of initiatives to creating products from milk, mushrooms and berries

    Unstable policies (Calimani National Park)

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    1.2.6 Local, national and European interesting initiative/practice, in reference to the introduction/valorisation of economic sustainable activities/products that can be used as a Good Practice and be capitalised in project partner territories

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    A practice initiative regarding economic activities and traditional products development is the organisation of an ecological education camp in the area of Prisacina and Dobraia hamlets (Cornreva village).

    The specific objectives are:

    - informing target groups about natural and cultural values from the parks area

    - the knowledge and promotion of traditional activities and products through participation with the locals

    The main activities are:

    - the accessibility of these two isolated communities through rebuilding the existent road

    - the rehabilitation of two existent buildings for accommodation and a room for ecological education meetings

    - the participation with the locals at different traditional activities

    The target groups:

    - local communities from Prisacina and Dobraia hamlets

    - the students from the schools situated in or near the park

    - students from different universities

    - Romanian and foreign tourists

    The impact on biodiversity is an insignificant one, because the road and the buildings already exist and they are located in the sustainable development area of the park.

    The results consist in development of the communities from Dobraia and Prisacina, jobs for young, a more easier access in the area, partnerships with tourism agencies from Baile Herculane.

    Calimani National Park

    a) Horseback riding programmes, founder of Ecotourism Association of Tara Dornelor, founder of Local Action Group in Dorna Valley

    b) Ecotourism certification, Existing management plans for main protected areas

    c) 12 Apostles Thematic Trail, weekly meetings with students from local schools

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    1.3 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR COORDINATED MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PLANS

    1.3.1 General presentation of natural assets and protected mountain areas

    management at local/regional level.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The Administration of the park is a new structure established in 2003, which has been at the begining a sub-unit of Forestry Department Resita and in 2009 has become a unit with legal personality.

    The parks administration consists of:

    Director

    Accountant

    Responsible with environmental education an public awareness

    IT Responsible

    Biologist

    Responsible for security and investments

    8 rangers

    The human resources available in this moment for management activities are not enough for organisation and supervision for this type of activities, especially to control the field situation. The presence of many land owners inside the National Park generates a lot of problems in determining the ways and actions through which the main objective of the park, biodiversity preserving, will be realised. Informing and involving all the stakeholders in the planning and management process of the park is essential to ensure the accomplishment of parks administration main objectives.

    The bodies involved in the planning and management of sensitive and protected areas are:

    The Scientific Council formed by specialists from different areas, which can decide the type of activities is someone allowed to do on the surface of the park

    The Advisory Board which includes all the institutions and stakeholders interested on the management of the park, they contribute to the organisation and preserving of sensitive areas, but they can not decide toward the activities that can be done or not

    Environmental Protection Agencies issue the environmental permit regarding different activities

    Local communities interested in promoting natural and cultural values. Regarding the relationship with national level we mention that at present there are two contracts signed, one with The Environmental and Forest Ministry and the other one with National Forest Admnistration - Romsilva. The administrations activity reports are approved by Environmental and Forest Ministry.

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    For Calimani National Park:

    Local Environment Protection Agencies (regulations)

    Environment Guard (legislation control)

    NGOs (N2000 sites management)

    Local administrations (N2000 sites management)

    National Forest Administration (parks administration and Regional Forest Authorities).

    1.3.2 Description of Protected Areas Management Plan (priorities, vision, management objectives, expected results, existing and potential opportunities and problems).

    Calimani National Park is on way to fully implement the management plan.

    Also, for the N2000 sites around the park, the Administration began the management plans procedures required.

    The main management objectives of the park: preserve the biodiversity and landscape; aware and help locals around the park on eco-friendly activities, promote ecotourism.

    Results: long term biodiversity composition, low-impact tourism, local aid in conservation efforts

    Opportunities: rich traditions and crafts, friendly people, rural landscapes

    Problems: no local initiatives, unstable legislation, corruption.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The management plan plays the role of a guide or a tool meant to support the parks management team to work efficiently to realise a clear objective, permitting this way flexibility in the decision process.

    At present the management plan follows the approval stages according to the existent laws. The main objectives are:

    Conservation, protection and management biodiversity so that the current stage of plants and animals conservation stays at least at the present level

    Physical landscape and environmental management that involves maintaining the features that give particular character to main types of landscapes from the park

    Tourism management necessary to quantify and control touristic activities and the types of tourism allowed on the surface of the park

    Supporting local communities and economy taking into account that underdevelopment of this two aspects could have unwanted consequences on the protected area

    Promoting the awareness and education as main tool for building a high ecological conscience both for locals and tourists

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    Management of natural resources from wood exploitation to pastures exploitation, etc.

    Management of parks administration strengthening the administrative capacity, establishment of appropriate mechanisms to continue specific activities and to promote closely partnerships with all the stakeholders

    Potential problems regarding the application of management plan are:

    the administration staff is not enough professionally prepared

    the current legislation that shows gaps

    the stakeholders are sometimes are careless towards environmental problems

    the lack of information and education

    1.3.3 Level and extension of cooperation/coordination among local actors both in the setting up of the Management Plan/policy and in the management of sensitive and protected areas.

    Calimani National Park:

    National level: Ministry of Environment and Forests / management plan approval; National Forest Administration- finances most of natural protected areas

    Regional level: LEPAs, Environment Guard

    Local level: partnerships with local authorities around the park, guesthouses, tour operators, NGOs, forest and pasture owners

    Consultative Council of the National Park

    Scientific Council serves as a scientific authority on the territory of protected area and is composed of researchers, scientists in various fields

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The National Park status offers his protected area the right and also the obligation of biodiversity preserving and sustainable tourism development, taking into account the uniqueness of landscapes and local communities.

    The management plan has been developed in collaboration with all the stakeholders involved in different activities conducted on the surface of the park, according with all the objectives that a national park should have. The plan is developed for a period of 5 years, the way it will be implemented will be a participatory one, all the stakeholders have the opportunity to express during the Advisory Board, regarding the implementation. The management has to be an integrated type, to ensure the correlation between all the dates and events related to the park.

    Generally, an important rule at the establishment of a national park is that shouldnt exist any local communities inside it, but, as an exception to the rule inside Domogled Cerna Valley National Park there are small local communities which have traditional activities. The locals presence offers a good example of sustainable cohabitation with nature inside of a

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    natural protected area. The loss of this archaic settlements with flair will cause unwanted changes towards landscapes and even ecosystems.

    The main stakeholders involved in the process of elaboration/review of the management plan, part of Advisory Board, can be grouped as follows:

    local public authorities (prefecture, county councils, town halls) are involved in territory planning, political decisions, different activities coordination, the awareness of landowners regarding the allowed activities from the park, absorption of EU funds

    forest administrators (Forestry Directorate, forest districts) are involved in respecting the laws regarding wood exploitation and also participate at the implementation of management plan on the surfaces covered with forests

    environmental protection agencies - verify the way that legislation is applied

    control institutions (Environmental Guard, Inspectorate for Forestry and Hunting) - they control and also apply sanctions for law violations

    universities that have as main objective environmental protection, involved in elaboration of different studies regarding the protected area

    tourism agencies involved in touristic programs meant to contribute to a sustainable and organised tourism development

    NGOs involved in different activities for EU funds absorption

    1.3.4 Level and extension of involvement of the public in the setting up the Management Plans.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The public participates and assesses the way of management plans implementation and also gives positive or negative ratings. The public is separated in two categories, as follows:

    the public present all the time in the park, involved in areas specific activities

    the public that visits the protected area in some periods of the year, involved in special touristic activities

    Calimani National Park

    The level of involvement of the public in the setting up the Management Plan was not very high. Public was involved thru Consultative Council, that include many local/regional/national actors. Theirs role was consultative, to approve/or not, in different meeting, the activities propose in the management plan.

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    1.3.5 The opportunities, strengths, challenges and needs as well as the problems (weaknesses, constraints, threats) in relation to territorial coordination and coordinated management policies and plans (SWOT analysis).

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    Strong points:

    Scientific Council formed by specialists from different areas, which can decide the type of activities is someone allowed to do on the surface of the park

    The Advisory Board which includes all the institutions and stakeholders interested on the management of the park, they contribute to the organisation and preserving of sensitive areas

    interesting local communities involved in promoting of cultural and natural values

    The resort Baile Herculane is located near Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The park is part of environmental network Natura 2000

    Weak points:

    poorly informed population

    environmental degradation and limited subsistence sources

    insufficient infrastructure

    insufficient environmental education

    Opportunities:

    Ecotourism development world

    The possibility for foreign tourist to contribute to local economy recovery

    International promotion of the area as having a large number of big carnivores

    European promotion of Natura 2000 sites

    Niches existence for developing touristic products with a reduced impact towards environment

    The role of the park in ecotourism promoting and management, through own activities and partnerships

    Threats:

    Uncontrolled buildings which dont take into account the traditional aspect of the area

    Natural resources exploitation (wood exploitation, poaching, etc.)

    Development of construction areas to the prejudice of preserving areas

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    Calimani National Park

    Forest owners rights are not respected including the lack of compensations for pasture and forest owners

    The local forest administration is not always have the same aims, regarding harvesting and health of the forests

    The interest for CNP from County level opportunities

    1.3.6 Interesting initiatives and practices in reference to the setting up of Management Plans/policy and/or the management of sensitive/protected areas that can be used as a Good Practice and be capitalised.

    An example of Good Practice for elaboration/review of management plan would be promoting the flora and fauna richness and then the awareness of local communities about the necessary measures to protect the existent habitats and species. The locals agree with those management measures, especially knowing that they could have financial benefits.

    The specific objectives are:

    Conservation, protection and management biodiversity so that the current stage of plants and animals conservation stays at least at the present level

    Physical landscape and environmental management that involves maintaining the features that give particular character to main types of landscapes from the park

    Management of natural resources from wood exploitation to pastures exploitation, etc.

    Management of parks administration strengthening the administrative capacity, establishment of appropriate mechanisms to continue specific activities and to promote closely partnerships with all the stakeholders

    Activities:

    meetings with researchers and persons involved in habitats and species identification

    measures elaboration regarding priority habitats and species conservation

    meetings with organisations and town-halls with the awareness purpose

    gathering information and dates about local communities, traditions, specific habits, tourism, traditional activities, etc

    elaboration/review of management plan

    The target group is formed from researchers, universities staff, etc.

    The direct beneficiary is the administrator of protected area and indirect are all the institutions and persons involved in environmental protection.

    The result is a proper management plan, accepted by everyone.

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    Good Practices in Calimani National Park

    A. Horseback riding programmes, founder of Ecotourism Association of Tara Dornelor, founder of Local Action Group in Dorna Valley

    B. Ecotourism certification, Existing management plans for main protected areas

    C. 12 Apostles Thematic Trail, weekly meetings with students from local schools

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    1.4 METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION, TRAINING AND AWARENESS RAISING

    1.4.1 Information, training and awareness raising objectives, priorities, strategies, methods and activities with the aim to build awareness on the importance of the natural assets and products of the territory, to enhance the territorial identity of natural/protected mountain areas, to promote territorial protection/development and to generate political, economic and public interest and action, etc.

    Calimani National Park

    Lessons and trips for students in schools

    Meetings with park staff for stakeholders (local authorities, land owners and forest administrators)

    Parks website, flyers and panels on thematic trail for tourists contained in CNP management plan

    Releases in local and regional mass media

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    The education and public awareness can contribute by involving the human factor in concrete activities to protect the environment, to promote a sustainable and civilised tourism, to promote parks image and also fund raising to accomplish biodiversity conservation objectives. Education and public awareness are necessary if changes towards environmental attitudes are wanted.Awareness activities:

    active involving of young, kids, visitors in activities conducted on the surface of the park

    educational and awareness programs for students, local communities, tourists, economic agents

    the involvement of volunteers in activities like restoration of tourist trails, cleaning actions, etc.

    Through communication strategies we follow these:

    Informing and awareness for locals through a Caravan of information and awareness

    Informing and awareness for students The caravan of Green Schools

    Information and awareness campaign for tourists and others stakeholders

    Thematic tours organised in the park

    Awareness activities for tourists organised with different local events, like the Festival Black Pine of Banat

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    1.4.2 Public and private authorities and bodies involved in information, training and awareness raising activities.

    Calimani National Park

    Schools around the national park (promoting natural assets of the area in class, participate with students at parks educational activities)

    NGOs (co-founding staff training, management plan assessment)

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    Public authorities involved in awareness and informing are:

    the administration of the park using as communication tools:

    - the direct communication at the meetings with students, locals, tourists at during the classes, trips, cleaning actions, volunteer actions and different traditional events

    - the indirect communication through brochures, leaflets, CD, touristic maps, mass-media, movies, web site, etc.

    public local authorities that also use both direct communication through meetings with locals and indirect communication through different informational materials

    schools from parks area and near the park through direct communication during the classes

    Environmental Protection Agencies

    private authorities: hostel owners through indirect communication and tourism agencies from Baile Herculane, through touristic programs

    1.4.3 Target groups and stakeholders to which information, training and awareness raising activities are targeted. Methods and strategies and tools used in the framework of information, training and awareness raising activities and types of activities implemented for each target group.

    Calimani National Park

    Children in schools and Junior Ranger camps (presentations, trips, volunteer actions)

    Public authorities at local level (meetings)

    Land owners and forest administrators (meetings)

    Tourists visiting the park area (discussions, written materials)

    Local and national mass- media

    Periodical meetings with stakeholders

    Annual meetings with Consultative Council

    Partnerships with schools (contests, lessons, trips)

    Press releases, interviews, conferences

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    Tourist programmes in the parks (horseback riding, trekking, bird watching)

    Thematic trails> 12 Apostles (Calimani)

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    Target groups:

    students and teaching staff

    local community

    different categories of tourists

    economic agents

    From awareness level point of view the target groups are:

    indifferent or with a negative impact toward environment

    with favourable attitude toward environment, but they dont take any action

    involved in environment protection

    For each one of this target groups there have to be specific messages so that every group gradually became involved in protection and preserving natural, cultural, traditional and historical values. For the indifferent ones the message will target especially the awareness, explaining that humans are part of nature and that destruction of nature will affect human existence.

    1.4.4 Opportunities, strengths, challenges and needs as well as the problems (weaknesses, constraints and threats) concerning information, training and awareness raising. (SWOT analysis)

    Calimani National Park

    Opportunities - EU founds for specific activities (biodiversity conservation and local communities awareness, staff capacity building)

    Insufficient professional trainers

    Low interest for the local communities regarding CNP

    Students and teachers from local communities that participate often at park initiatives

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    Strong points:

    - the availability of the town-halls to collaborate in projects

    - the successfully running of some projects

    - the existence of priority species and habitats (Black Pine of Banat forests - Pinus nigra ssp. banatica, sessile forest - Quercus petraea, hornbeam forests - Carpinus betulus)

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    Weak points:

    - poorly informed population

    - environmental degradation and limited subsistence sources

    - insufficient infrastructure

    - insufficient environmental education

    Opportunities:

    - the existence of tv programs which bring informations about nature and its importance

    - protecting natural values through natural reservations

    - the existence of valuable traditions

    - the perpetuation of cultural and historical values

    - the increasing interest of universities, NGOs, etc.

    - the development of a more responsible mentality towards nature

    Threats:

    - imperfect legislation

    - reduced means to impose compliance with laws regarding protected areas.

    1.4.5 Interesting initiatives and practices in reference to information, training and awareness raising activities or methods that can be used as a Good Practice and be capitalised in the partner territories.

    Domogled Cerna Valley National Park

    1. The project Ecological education on Domogled tourist trail was implemented as an important tool in developing educational and tourism activities by Domogled Cerna Valley National Parks Administration. During the project and after its implementation a lot of educational programs have been conducted in partnerships with school units from parks area. Through this project the touristic trail Baile Herculane-White Cross-Domogled Reservation was equipped with educational panels which offered information about some of the sub Mediterranean forest species and also xero-thermophilic species like Pinus nigra ssp. Banatica, Carpinus orientalis, Cotinus coggygria, Fraxinus ornus, Cytisus scoparius, Syringa vulgaris, Cornus mas, etc. The existence of an educational tourist trail is essential for raising the students, tourists, local communities level of awareness. Promoting natural patrimony existent in this natural protected area is the major objective of the parks administration.

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    Calimani National Park (CNP)

    A. Horseback riding programmes, founder of Ecotourism Association of Tara Dornelor, founder of Local Action Group in Dorna Valley

    B. Ecotourism certification, Existing management plans for main protected areas

    C. 12 Apostles Thematic Trail, weekly meetings with students from local schools

    The main activities implemented was: establish the route for the trail, obtain the approval from land owners, creation of the infrastructure, creation of the panels. Important was also finding the founds for this project. The target group is the visitors of the area that like to hikeing, students. The direct beneficiaries are the visitators and the park administration. Indirect beneficiaries are the local tourism businesses that can take advantage from this infrastructure. The result is spectacular, resulting the most important tourism infrastructure of CNP.

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    1.5 CONCLUSIONS

    A short summary of some ESA outcomes that underlines some concrete priorities to be commonly developed in the framework of the project in relation to the 3 thematic project areas are listed below:

    - Identifying local sources of anthropogenic pressure on protected areas;

    - Assess/Evaluation of the potential impact of anthropogenic sources of pressure;

    - Primary identification of measures to stop the negative evolution of the phenomen;

    - Identification, inventory and quantify sources of disturbance of the disturbing factors for ecotourism.

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    2. ESA report Slovakia

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    2.1. PRESENTATION OF THE TERRITORY

    2.1.1. Relevant legislations regarding management/protection/valorisation of natural and protected mountain areas.

    In December 2005, the Slovak Republic signed and ratified the European Landscape Convention (ELC) and thereby it committed to protect, plan and manage its landscape. ELC connects the interests of the nature protection and protection of cultural values, heritage fund. It integrates all the existing international conventions concerned with natural, cultural, historical, ecological, social and other aspects of the landscape care.

    Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians

    On 22nd May 2003 in Kiev, seven countries of the Carpathian region (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia and Ukraine) signed convention on cooperation of the contracted parties for the protection and sustainable development of the Carpathian region with a goal to improve the quality of life, to strengthen local economies and communities and to protect natural values and cultural heritage.

    Act No.539/2008 Coll. on Support of Regional Development

    The main purpose of the regional development is:

    a) to eliminate or restrain the negative undesirable differences at the level of economical development, social development and territorial development of regions and achieve sustainable regional development

    b) to increase the economic power, competition of regions and development of the innovation in the regions while providing the sustainable development

    c) to increase the employment and the life standards of the inhabitants.

    Act No. 50/1976 Coll. on Territorial Planning and Building Order (Building Act) as subsequently amended

    Territorial planning systematically and comprehensively deals with spatial arrangement and functional area utilization. It sets its principles and proposes a material and time coordination of activities influencing the environment, ecological stability, cultural-historical values of the area, territorial development and the landscape formation in compliance with principles of the sustainable development. Territorial planning creates the conditions for permanent harmony of all the activities in the area in regard to care for the environment, achieving the ecological balance and providing the sustainable development, for regardful usage of natural resources and for the conservation of the natural, civilization and cultural values.

    Act No. 543/2002 Coll. on Nature and Landscape Protection as subsequently amended (NaLP)

    Under this act, nature and landscape protection is considered to be:

    i) a limitation of interventions which can endanger, harm or destroy the living conditions and forms of life, natural heritage, landscape character, lower its ecological stability as well as

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    ii) an elimination of consequences of such interferences.

    Nature protection is also understood as a protection of ecosystems.

    The scope of the restrictions increases in the areas with higher protection degree, while the territorial conservation is applied in the whole area of the Slovak Republic. Act No. 543/2002 Coll. sets out following categories of protected areas in the Slovak Republic (Article 17):

    Protected Landscape Area (PLA)

    National Park (NP)

    Protected Site (PS)

    National Nature Reserve and Nature Reserve (NNR, NR)

    National Nature Monument and Nature Monument (NNM, NM)

    Protected Landscape Element (PLE)

    Protected Bird Area (PBA)

    Act No. 24/2006 Coll. on Environmental Impacts Assessment and alternations and amendments of certain acts as subsequently amended

    The purpose of this act is especially:

    a) to provide high level of environment protection and to contribute to the integration of environmental aspects into the preparation and approval of strategic documents with the focus on the support of the sustainable development,

    b) to discover, describe and assess direct and indirect effects of the strategic document proposal and of the proposed activities on the environment,

    c) to clarify and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the strategic document proposal and proposed activities including their alternatives, as well in comparison with the zero alternative,

    d) to determine the measures to prevent the environment pollution, to reduce the environment pollution or prevent damage of the environment,

    e) to obtain expert background for the approval of strategic document and for the issue of a decision on the permission of activities according to certain regulations.

    2.1.2. General presentation of the territory in reference to the mountain area.

    The chosen area of the PPP Horehron involves the cadastral areas of the municipalities Beu, Bravcovo, Bacch, Polomka, Zvadka nad Hronom, Hepa, Pohorel, Vakova, umiac and Telgrt. The Municipalities are also united in the Microregion Horehron, which covers the area of 470 km2. On the date 31st December 2009, 16930 people lived in this region. The northern and eastern border of this area corresponds to the border of the Bansk Bystrica region and the Brezno district.

    The territory is located in a landscape valuable area with a high natural and territorial potential (The National park Nzke Tatry, The National Park Murnska planina, The National

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    Park Slovensk raj) which provides the year-long possibility of hiking, cycling, sightseeing tourism, possibility to float the river Hron and possibility of downhill or cross country skiing.

    Table 1: General presentation of the territory

    Municipality Population Area [ha] Population density [people/km2 ]

    Altitude [m]

    Bacch 1 008 3 819.0647 26 605

    Beu 1 191 2 678.0357

    44 544

    Bravcovo 695 2 940.9193 24 610

    Hepa 2 835 4 170.3917 68 660

    Pohorel 2 397 4 693.9967 51 724

    Polomka 3 093 9 402.2988 33 614

    umiac 1 362 8 176.4900 17 841

    Telgrt 1 536 5 597.4134 27 886

    Vakova 372 1 485.3398 25 721

    Zvadka nad Hronom

    2 441 4 118.4209

    59 618

    16 930 47 082.371

    35.9 -

    Source: SO SR 31.12.2009

    The population density of the area is 35.9 people/km2. One municipality has less than 500 inhabitants, 5 municipalities have from 501 to 2 000 inhabitants and 4 municipalities have more than 2 000 inhabitants. The largest municipality, as for its area and population, is Polomka, the smallest one is Vakova.

    2.1.3. Sensitive and protected mountain areas.

    There are three large-scale protected areas and their protected zones which extend to the model area.

    The National Park Nzke Tatry covers the northern part of the area, the National park Murnska planina is spread in the southern part and a small part in the north-east belongs to the National Park Slovensk raj.

    The National Park Nzke Tatry

    In 1978, the National Park Nzke Tatry (NAPANT) was established and proclaimed with the Regulation of the SSR Government No. 119/78 of the Legal Code .

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    The National Park Nzke Tatry is the largest national park in Slovakia. The peak umbier (2 043 m. a. s. l.) is the highest of the Low Tatras. This mountain range extends from the east to the west in the length almost 100 km in middle Slovakia. The Saddleback ertovica divides the mountains into two parts - umbier on the west and Krovohosk Tatry on the east. The massif Krov hoa is the spring area of the four Slovak rivers: Vh, Hron, Hornd and Hnilec.

    Table 2: Small-scale protected areas of NAPANT in the area of the PPP Horehron

    Small-scale protected areas

    Cadastre District Registration number

    Area [ha]

    Proclamation year

    PS Brezinky Telgrt, umiac Brezno 1 141 8.6 2007

    NR Pohorelsk vrchovisko

    Pohorel Brezno 479 26.6 1979

    NR Meandre Hrona

    Telgrt, umiac Brezno 351 103.8 1980

    NR Martalzka Telgrt, umiac, Lipt.Teplika

    Brezno 1 057 154.8 1999

    Source: SNC SR

    The National Park Murnska planina

    The National Park Murnska planina is located in the western part of the mountain range Slovensk rudohorie and it presents geomorphologically important karst area. The core of this karst area is formed by a limestone-dolomite plateau with numerous karst formations. The highest peak is Fabova hoa (1439 m. a. s. l.). Murnska planina is rich as for the occurrence of the rare and slightly modif