Sustaining Rural Communities and their Traditional Landscapes through Strengthened Environmental Governance in Transboundary Protected Areas of the Dinaric Arc
A Western Balkans Environment & Development Cooperation Project
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland & implemented by IUCN, WWF and SNV
The Dinaric Arc is a region of South Eastern Europe which is blessed with a natural and cultural heritage whose richness and variety are unique in Europe. However, the current economic crisis and previous periods of political and social instability have had a severe impact on the livelihoods of many rural communities in the more remote parts of the region. Rural abandonment and degradation of the natural environment are very serious problems.
The “Environment for People in the Dinaric Arc” project is a response to recent favorable events which have created a unique opportunity to boost nature conservation and rural development in the region. The project is being implemented by IUCN (the International Union for the Conservation of Nature), WWF and SNV (Netherlands Development Organization) and is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The overall objective of this three year project (2009-2012) is to support cross-border cooperation for the conservation of key natural and cultural sites in the Dinaric Arc. The project aims to promote the natural and cultural values of the area, while enhancing local livelihoods through improved regional cooperation and strengthened environmental governance, including the involvement and empowerment of civil society and local communities.
The project will undertake a broad range of activities at different levels including: establishing bottom up local private / public partnerships for natural heritage conservation and use, including the identification of actions in the field of tourism, forestry, agriculture and protection of valuable areas; increasing capacities of these partnerships to recognize and value local biodiversity and cultural values; aligning priorities to undertake joint action across borders; integration of activities into broader European frameworks for nature conservation; and creating a platform for key decision makers from different countries to interact and coordinate actions.
A specific part of the project focuses on the area of Prokletije / Bjeshkët e Namuna on the border between Albania and Montenegro. Here rural abandonment and degradation of the natural environment threatens people’s well-being and perspectives. Yet, the area is blessed with rich nature and culture, and people that want to make a difference.
The Prokletije Programme started as an exploration facilitated by SNV in mid 2007. Local partners were involved to the extent of becoming owners of the process at the end. A comprehensive programme (document) for the development of the area with an estimated initial programme budget of around 4.5 million Euro for 3 years was formulated.
For questions, remarks or discussion please call or e-mail:
Jack Cortenraad
Project team leader
jcortenraad@snvworld.org