Benefits for European Wilderness

a b r e l a g e C s a l o c i N

P N n a k l a B - l a r t n e C

benefits for european wilderness

PAN PARKS ACHIEVEMENTS Oulanka NP © Paavo Hamunen

Soomaa NP © Mati Kose

Peneda-Gerês NP © PGNP Archive contents

foreword...... 4 introduction...... 7 developing the wilderness movement in Europe policy achievements...... 8 improved wilderness protection in the field achievements in certified PANParks...... 12

GUARANTEED PROTECTION OF WILDERNESS...... 12

EXPANDED AREA OF CERTIFIED WILDERNESS...... 13

RE-WILDING...... 15

IMPROVED SPECIES MANAGEMENT...... 16

RE-INTRODUCTION OF SPECIES...... 18

MONITORING OF ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS...... 19

PREVENTION OF DEVELOPMENT DAMAGING WILDERNESS VALUES...... 20

INCREASED STAFF CAPACITY...... 21

STRATEGICALLY PLANNED TOURISM DEVELOPMENT...... 22

IMPROVED WILDERNESS INTERPRETATION...... 23

INCREASED INVOLVEMENT OF COMMUNITIES...... 24 conclusion...... 25

3 foreword

people realise what a great source of pleasure nature can be: a “temporary asylum” far from the stress and troubles of our over-civilized world. This is why PAN Parks Foundation’s activities are so beneficial to the whole of Europe’s natural treasures and wilderness in particular. There are countless reasons why Europe should pay more attention to its wilderness areas. First of all, these areas serve as a refuge as well as a genetic reserve to many large mammal species, which are unable to survive in even slightly altered conditions. There are also species waiting to be discovered, mostly in the soil or in rotting timber, which are highly sensitive to changes as well. Secondly, undisturbed areas are perfect to examine evolutionary changes in nature – an ever exciting topic to humans. In addition, the fact that these areas are ruled by nature gives them a unique element Gyula Hegyi of attraction that may be employed in EuropeanCommission developing new tourism products: people will Member of Cabinet of Commissioner László Andor always be intrigued to see and experience Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion “nature at work.” The reason why it is crucial to properly conserve these areas is that they are It was a special privilege for me to be the extremely vulnerable to the impact of man- rapporteur of the European Parliament on made environmental changes occurring Wilderness Conservation. Having my report outside their boundaries, such as climate accepted with overwhelming majority among change, the introduction of invasive alien the 27 European Member States was a great species or changes to river systems upstream success – but I know that it was just the of these areas. Also, there are purely ethical beginning of a row of further actions needed reasons to keep wilderness in Europe: we to raise the issue of wilderness to the have a moral obligation to ensure that mainstream agenda of the EU’s future generations can enjoy and benefit environmental policy. Wilderness activists from Europe’s truly wild areas. Finally, one must pursue their lobbying activities to should not forget about the social benefits of convince the public and the decision-makers wilderness conservation. Sustainable tourism of the importance of the subject. In my view, is an important aspect of wilderness in one of the best ways to do so is to show Europe as it encourages ordinary people to people the beauty of wilderness; those who discover the hidden values of nature without have the chance to personally experience causing damage to it, and at the same time wilderness by just taking a walk in the it contributes to economically maintaining untouched nature and admiring the “virgin wilderness. This is why organisations that areas” will become committed friends of work on the proper development of wilderness. Instead of viewing it as a wilderness conservation are of great dangerous place to avoid, first-hand importance in our society today. experience of untamed nature will help

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Even with all these important accomplishments behind us, I am convinced there is a lot more to be done in the coming years. First of all, the wilderness concept should be better understood within the framework of a new kind of natural philosophy that keeps in mind the fact that wilderness works alone, spontaneously, without human intervention. Making sure that whatever is left of Europe’s truly wild areas is properly protected is obviously at the core of wilderness policy today. However, this is just one of the three pillars the future of European wilderness should rest upon. In addition to existing wilderness, it is of crucial importance to survey our landscapes in search of further areas that have the potential to give home to wilderness either through spontaneous evolving and natural “re-wilding” processes or through active restoration projects . Both of these, if properly incorporated into wilderness Ladislav Miko protection, will in time result in the growth of Director for Nature, DG Environment, self-contained wilderness areas in Europe. European Commission This extended approach to nature protection through improved wilderness values will be included in the new European biodiversity Reasons to protect the remaining wilderness strategy, which is based on the visions and of Europe are manifold, as Gyula Hegyi, targets adopted in March 2010. The adoption former MEP explains in his foreword to this of such a philosophy will not only ensure the document. I am very happy to see such a protection of the remnants of European view being more and more understood and wilderness but will implicitly also develop adopted contintent-wide. When I first the so-called “green infrastructure” in our proposed to discuss wilderness protection at continent’s landscapes, made possible by the the EU level, my ideas were met with great restoration of important ecosystem services. support – the support of those who had already been working on protecting I believe that there is room for wilderness in wilderness on their own. Recent achievements the EU territory – and a socially emphasized of the concerted efforts and the collaboration need to conserve and even grow it in size of national governments, NGOs including and quality. This should enable us to PAN Parks, scientists, individuals include the eventually reach our target and not only acceptance of the report on wilderness in the stop losing some of our wilderness but make European Parliament, the launch of the Wild way for a steady development of EU territory Europe Initiative, organisation of an with the potential for wilderness presence. international conference on wilderness in Such an ambitions goal will demand a lot of Prague and many other initiatives that prove enthusiastic and at times difficult work but I that wilderness is now firmly included in the am convinced that PAN Parks Foundation broader framework of European biodiversity will remain among the most active policy. organisations in this area.

5 © Istvan Kerekes introduction

The PAN Parks Foundation works to protect commitment on paper and is not Europe’s wilderness, the continent’s most transformed into concrete field actions. This undisturbed areas of nature. In order to especially applies to protected areas with promote the concept of wilderness and wilderness character, where the conflict provide best practice examples, the between protected area managers and local Foundation has created a network of large people are typically larger due to logical well-managed protected areas comprising management restrictions. This is the reason true wilderness as well. These areas, why PAN Parks Foundation has been providing a unique experience for visitors, working with existing wilderness protected offer excellent examples of wilderness areas to improve their management management as we believe that quality of effectiveness, showcase management protected areas is as important as quantity excellence and mitigate local conflicts. of protected territory. This document is a summary of PAN Parks’ achievements both in the realm of policymaking and of actual conservation activities, showcasing field examples as well. Policy work is essential to create a supportive environment for wilderness protection while in-the-field achievements show how we cooperate with the parks to improve wilderness management in practice.

A growing network of certified PAN Parks has proven excellence in wilderness management and has contributed to finding a good balance between sustainable tourism n e n

u and conservation. When parks become m a certified PAN Parks, they are recognised for H o v protecting wilderness and management a a P

effectiveness. However, this is merely the ©

P start of a process that requires further N

a cooperation and commitment from the park k n a l to improve its management practices, with u O special focus on wilderness. Monitoring processes and verification visits are essential to check from time to time what the parks There is common agreement among have achieved and what they still have conservation organisations that it is at least ahead of them to do. The process initiates 10 % of Earth’s territory that needs to be and supports the parks in developing and under protection in order to ensure that improving their wilderness management, biodiversity loss is halted. In spite of the fact which inevitably leads to significant though, that more than 17% of Europe’s achievements in the field. These land surface is protected, we still have not achievements, collected in this publication, managed to halt biodiversity loss on our were triggered and/or supported by the continent. This also proves we need well- verification process also motivating parks to managed protected areas. The protection work for an improved wilderness status too often remains a political management.

7 developing the wilderness movement in Europe

The PAN Parks Foundation, being the only managers of Natura 2000 sites in Srni, organisation to focus solely on the protection Sumava National Park in January 2009. The of wilderness on a European scale has had a workshop aimed to share practical examples major role in making the issue of wilderness on how to integrate the requirements of the part of the European Union’s political EU Natura Directives into the practice of agenda for the first time in Europe’s history. wilderness management. The document compiled during the workshop was used as Raised awareness of European an input to the Conference on in Prague in wilderness among EU decision makers May 2009. In June 2008 PAN Parks offered an opportunity for decision makers from various Special report on European wilderness countries, the European Commission and the adopted by the European Parliament European Parliament to experience Inspired by the trip to PAN Park Majella, a wilderness first hand through a trip to Member of the European Parliament Majella National Park. During the trip we developed a special report on wilderness in organised a round table discussion with the Europe. The report was presented to the participants on how to strengthen the European Parliament for discussion and protection of Europe’s wilderness. The voting on 3 February 2009 and was discussion lead to the proposal of a special subsequently accepted with 538 MEPs voting report on wilderness at the European for and only 19 voting against it. Such Parliament. popularity among members of the The main goal behind the idea of the trip, Parliament suggests that this report will play namely to build support for wilderness areas an important role in the process of applying that contribute to biodiversity protection, already existing EU nature conservation laws was undoubtedly achieved as inspiration more efficiently in the future. from the trip resulted in the launch of The report is somewhat similar to the US numerous policy related developments. Wilderness Act in that it is a document calling for better conservation of Europe’s Resolution for wilderness prepared wilderness within the existing framework of PAN Parks in cooperation with the Wild protected areas and the Natura 2000 Europe Initiative was coordinating the network. In addition, the document provides preparation and submission of the resolution a popular mandate to work towards on wilderness to the European Commission strengthening wilderness conservation in at the end of 2008. The resolution signed by Europe. Beyond the general importance of around 150 conservation NGOs and other the report, PAN Parks benefits from it as our organisations across Europe asked for special network is highlighted among the list of best attention and a coordinated approach practice examples in the explanatory note of towards wilderness conservation in Europe. the report. The main achievement of the resolution was to present a coordinated approach of various High-level conference on wilderness interest groups towards wilderness. In cooperation with Wild Europe Initiative, Europarc, WWF and IUCN, PAN Parks Guidance for Natura 2000 sites towards coordinated the Prague Conference on non-intervention practice Wilderness and Large Natural Habitat Areas The PAN Parks Foundation in cooperation during the Czech Republic’s EU Presidency in with the Wild Europe Initiative and Europarc May 2009. The conference brought together Federation organised a workshop for 250 conservation professionals and policy

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makers from 40 countries to discuss Wilderness Think-Tank launch at challenges and opportunities, and to Wildland Research Institute describe the way forward, for European PAN Parks in cooperation with 11 research wilderness. Such a turnout and active institutions launched the idea of the participation of the attendees served as Wilderness Think-Tank during the opening of proof that wilderness protection is high on the Wildland Research Institute in Leeds the political agenda in Europe. University in October 2009. The Think-Tank Main outcomes included the endorsement of serves as an information generating a Wild Area Support Network and the mechanism and initiates researches which recognition of the urgent need for protection are defined in the Action Agenda for of remaining wilderness areas in Europe. Wilderness. PAN Parks played a crucial role in The three main achievements realised by the organising the conference as the Think-Tank members so far are: coordinating office. There were also several presentations delivered by PAN Parks 1. A review of European legislative representatives and our new wilderness situation in relation to wilderness, Leeds brand was launched during the event as University well. 2. Contribution to the 3rd Global Bodiversity Outlook report, University of An action agenda for Wilderness in Lisbon Europe – the Prague Message 3. Development of a research proposal for The key outcome of the high-level Prague the 7th Framework Programme of the EC, conference was the development of a Collaborative consortium of 9 partners ‘Message from Prague.’ Participants identified 24 recommendations within the European wilderness positioned on the areas of policy development, research and global agenda awareness-raising as well as possible The progress made on the path to preserve partnerships - all key elements of the wilderness in Europe was presented in ambitious and groundbreaking agenda November 2009 at the 9th World Wilderness which aims to create a wilder Europe, both Congress in Mexico (WWC9) by a in EU and non-EU regions. representative of PAN Parks. His talk, which Wilderness and wild areas take up less than was part of a whole plenary session one percent of Europe’s surface but they dedicated to European wilderness issues, make a vital part of its natural heritage. acquainted the international audience not Many of them are facing imminent threats only with the work of our Foundation in which require quick and effective actions to general, but also with the outcomes of the prevent further damage. The Prague Prague conference; a collective achievement Message sets the framework for the most of the European organisations dedicated to urgent actions needed to save wilderness. the conservation of wilderness. The The PAN Parks Foundation regularly sends representative of PAN Parks acted also as a reports to the European Commission member of the international advisory describing its contributions to the agenda’s committee of WWC9. recommendations, mainly from the area of His pesentation inspired the Wild Foundation policy- development, awareness-raising and US, initiator of World Wilderness Congress knowledge-creation activities. events, to bring the upcoming World

9 s i c i m A ’ D

o n u r B

Wilderness Congress to Europe. Preparatory collects eleven best practice examples of activities for WWC10 to be organised in wilderness management from around a 2013 have already started in Europe. selection of European national parks to describe different aspects of wilderness Increased know-how on wilderness management applied in various habitat protection types. In 2009 PAN Parks prepared two By showing the current status of a selected publications on wilderness management to group of wilderness-related species in spread knowledge on wilderness and Europe, the other publication called ‘last of motivate relevant professionals to include the wild’ aims to highlight the importance of the approach of wilderness management in large, undisturbed wilderness areas, found in their every day work. Both publications were Natura 2000 sites as well as that of distributed to a wide range of conservation protecting Europe’s remaining wildlife. professionals including representatives of NGOs, protected area managers, decision Wilderness on the agenda of the makers and also presented to and promoted European Habitat Forum (EHF) by major conservation organistaions. One of The PAN Parks Foundation has joined the the publications entitled ‘as nature intended’ largest network of NGOs in Brussels in order

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to represent wilderness on the agenda of European review of wilderness EHF in February 2010. Since joining PAN legislation Parks has coordinated the preparation of Commissioned by the Scottish governement, wilderness input of EHF. We have also been PAN Parks in cooperation with Leeds invited to join a meeting with the EU University produced the very first Environmental Commissionaire as a comprehensive review of the legislative and preparatory activity of CBD COP10. management situation of wilderness and wild land areas in Europe in August 2010. Re-wilding in 3rd Global Biodiversity The report covered Europe as one Outlook report geographical entity. The report will also be Co-written by a member of the Wilderness presented to the European Commission along Think-Tank, the 3rd Global Biodiversity with specific recommendations on how to Outlook report 1 suggests the following: strengthen wilderness conservation in ‘‘There are opportunities for rewilding Europe. landscapes from farmland abandonment in some regions – in Europe, for example, Proposal handed in for the post-2010 about 200,000 square kilometers of land are biodiversity strategy of the EU expected to be freed up by 2050. Ecological In September 2010-as part of the Wild restoration and reintroduction of large Europe partnership-proposed to include herbivores and carnivores will be important wilderness protection in the post-2010 in creating self-sustaining ecosystems with biodiversity strategy of the EU to protect the minimal need for further human last remaining wilderness areas. With intervention’’ 2. The report was published on appropriate restoration, it can make an 10 May 2010 to commemorate the important contribution to achieving the EU International Year of Biodiversity, and served biodiversity objectives. as one of the main background documents for the COP10 of the CBD. EC Presidency conference on wilderness restoration Management guidelines for wilderness The event ‘Restoring the Natural Heart of areas within the N2000 network Europe’ was co-organised by PAN Parks and Based on a meeting organised with the the Wild Europe Initiative in association with European Commission, PAN Parks and its the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural partners in the Wild Europe Initiative Sciences (RBINS). The conference received encouraged the European Commission to official accreditation from the EC Presidency develop a special guideline on how to and is supported by the European approach non-intervention management Commission. within the N2000 network. The guidelines In November 2010 the conference reviewed are to be finalised by the end of 2011 and the success stories of restoration throughout will provide a coordinated approach towards Europe, shared ambitious plans for new wilderness conservation within the 27 areas and developed a joint strategy for member states. PAN Parks Foundation in large scale restoration. We hope that the consortium with Alterra and Eurosite has conference will lead to the development of a won the tender to provide the framework for European Action Agenda for wilderness the development of the management restoration. guidelines. The work is to start in early 2011.

1. Global Biodiversity Outlook is the flagship publication of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2. page 75 of 3GBO report, at http://gbo3.cbd.int/ . 11 improved wilderness protection in the field

GUARANTEED PROTECTION OF WILDERNESS

European wilderness as a phenomenon is protection in a zoning system that ensures often overlooked and considered as non- appropriate management of wilderness by existent. Yet, the remnants of wilderness setting clear rules for the different zones present on our continent are of global protected areas. importance scientifically as well as As shown in the examples below, PAN Parks’ biologically, also as a means to climate verification process and its regular change mitigation and adaptation. Offering monitoring, supported legally by national confined spaces of tranquility, far from the legislation, provides guidelines as well as hustle and bustle of modern life, wilderness motivation for parks to ensure proper areas also carry important benefits to protection of their wilderness areas. humans such as inspiration, mental renewal and recreation. BORJOMI-KHARAGAULI NP, GEORGIA Unfortunately, the size of wilderness areas New zoning system created has severely contracted in Europe over time The zoning system approved by a ministerial and the last remaining wilderness and wild decree in 2007 fulfils international, IUCN areas have become cut off from each other, standards. The protection of the wilderness now being fragmented and isolated. One of zone is ensured efficiently through regular the biggest challenges wilderness patrolling by 65 rangers. In addition to law conservationists face today is how to enforcement, their patrolling activities connect and thus enlarge remaining include monitoring and data collection on wilderness territories. the park’s flora and fauna. The PAN Parks Foundation set out to protect Applying the zoning system also makes it Europe’s wilderness by creating a network of possible to support traditional uses of the large, well-managed areas with a special land in designated areas. This, on the one wilderness area which would provide a hand, helps relieve pressure on wilderness unique experience for visitors and benefits areas and, on the other hand, evaluate the for local communities at the same time. carrying capacity of the land to prevent overgrazing. Wilderness protection can be guaranteed in many different ways. It is critically important MAJELLA NP, ITALY to incorporate wilderness protection into the Management plan approved existing agenda of biodiversity and nature For the first time in its history, a legally conservation both on a European and a approved management plan was developed for Majella National Park. The plan clarifies national level. It is equally important to several aspects in terms of what is and what simultaneously implement wilderness is not allowed inside the Park, depending on protection in daily management via the definitive zoning system, which is one of thorough management plans and zoning the most important innovations introduced techniques, as well as laws and regulations by the plan. New zoning-related rules on visitor management, etc. One of the most include the following: in the most strictly crucial issues is incorporating wilderness protected zone hikers are allowed only along

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the marked trails and access for dogs is by the management plan, including strict entirely forbidden (in the remaining areas rules for the previously widespread activity they are allowed on a leash). Other of sanitary logging, no longer practiced in activities, such as mountain climbing, biking, the area. ski mountaineering are regulated in consideration of the zoning system and the RETEZAT NP, ROMANIA presence and distribution of the most Improved management of wilderness sensitive species. This will also help solve Grazing and tourism are the two activities further pending issues such as trail and road that require the most attentive management maintenance and the development of new methods in the park, from the point of view guidelines for the monitoring of of wilderness protection. The Park infrastructure maintenance. Administration has excluded areas still used for grazing from its PAN Parks wilderness RILA NP, BULGARIA and they now control grazing activity in the Protection of wilderness area ensured vicinity of wilderness more strictly, by After designating the wilderness area within imposing clear-cut rules in a much more the park, protection was ensured among efficient way. In addition, rules of tourism- others by reaching an agreement with related activities such as camping, making owners on the removal of abandoned campfire or collecting wildflowers are now buildings within the area. The new Rila strongly promoted and enforced inside the National Park management plan - being whole park area, with special focus on its elaborated at the moment - will include an wilderness territories. implementation programme for the execution of that agreement. All human activities in the wilderness area will be clearly regulated

EXPANDED AREA OF CERTIFIED WILDERNESS

PAN Parks Wilderness requires a minimum of Presently, certified PAN Parks contain a total 10,000 ha of an ecologically unfragmented of 224,073 ha of wilderness. The largest area of land where no extractive uses are PAN Parks Wilderness areas are those of permitted, and the only management Borjomi-Kharagauli NP, Georgia (50,325 ha), interventions are those aimed at maintaining Paanajärvi NP, Russia (30,000 ha) and or restoring natural ecological processes and Majella NP, Italy (25,500 ha). ecological integrity. This size is regarded as the minimum requirement needed for proper BORJOMI-KHARAGAULI NP, GEORGIA conservation of many of the key wilderness Enlarged wilderness area species. It provides the space and freedom The total area of the PAN Parks Wilderness for iconic species such as the brown bear of is 50,325 ha in this park. Such an immense Central Balkan NP, the wolf of Majella NP or size of true wilderness was attained through the lynx of Fulufjället NP, to roam free. In the combination of the national park’s strict order to attain this, the PAN Parks nature reserves and the so-called visitor Foundation encourages parks to ensure solid zones. The area includes mountain forests protection of wilderness areas larger than and alpine grasslands that have been for at what is required as a minimum. least 20 years undergoing a re-wilding

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process. In the beginning the Park managed related habitats. only the former state nature reserve covering Enlargement of the wilderness zone 17,000 ha as wilderness but as a result of suggested during the PAN Parks verification the PAN Parks verification process the visitor process is achieved through protection rules zone was also granted wilderness status, made possible by constant discussions with thus creating an extensive unfragmented stakeholders. As the next step in the wilderness area. enlargement process, Lemmjöe forest and river will be added to PAN Parks Wilderness SOOMAA NP, ESTONIA in the near future. Extended wilderness to secure integrity and representativeness CENTRAL BALKAN NP, BULGARIA In Soomaa, with the new management plan Improved connectivity put in place, certain sections of the park will The location and shape of the Central be added to the Kuresoo wilderness zone in Balkan NP, as well as the peculiar order to make it representative of the entire development of the reserves system in the landscape ecosystem, including transition past do not support an easy designation of mires, floodplain forests, rivers and other sufficient unfragmented wilderness area but

Certified PAN Parks wilderness

Name of the park Country Year of certification Total territory (ha) Wilderness area (ha)

Fulufjället NP Sweden 2002 38,414 22,140

Oulanka NP Finland 2002 27,720 12,924

Central Balkan NP Bulgaria 2003 71,669 21,019

Retezat NP Romania 2004 38,138 14,215

Paanajärvi NP Russia 2005 104,000 30,000

Rila NP Bulgaria 2005 81,046 16,350

Majella NP Italy 2005 74,095 25,500

Borjomi-Kharagauli NP Georgia 2006 85,047 50,325

Archipelago NP Finland 2007 50,219 10,600

Peneda-Gerês NP Portugal 2008 69,776 10,000

Soomaa NP Estonia 2009 39,000 11,000

Total 679,124 224,073

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the management plan of Central Balkan NP between individual reserves. The certainly works towards such a goal in the combination of the two types of land helps long run. It identifies not only the reserves establish and maintain the ecological zone but also a zone with limited human connectivity of wilderness areas on a total impact that is to act as a connecting area of over 21,000 ha of land.

RE-WILDING

Re-wilding has significant role in the to increase the productivity of forests and to wilderness conservation movement as well try and control the natural water regime as in protecting biodiversity. There is solid and the ecological processes. The restoration scientific basis for the need to protect and project in Kuresoo Edge, which is part of the restore big wilderness-area complexes and wilderness area, is underway to ensure the principal premise is that re-wilding is a restoration of the natural water regime. The fundamental step in restoring self-regulating restoration process is being aided by land communities. beavers, who are resettling the floodplains of Taking active restoration measures is an the national park. approach applied in wilderness protection and also encouraged by PAN Parks CENTRAL BALKAN NP, BULGARIA verification. Possible ways of restoration Pressure on pastures reduced and re- include undoing past damages, as in the wilding supported case of some old-growth forests where the The park today applies the concept of elimination of pressure due to logging and wilderness in parts of its pastures. Even grazing will suffice; or in certain mountain though the peculiar EU subsidy system of plant communities where the main task is to recent years caused an increased interest in reduce pressure from trampling. In the case grazing again, there are promising signs that of areas where more profound changes have reduced pasturing pressure may lead to the taken place such as the disappearance of an natural succession of mountain grasslands ecological component, continued, long-term towards forests. Thus the park’s latest intervention may be necessary. In addition scientific monitoring process on the status to the re-introduction of extinct species, and alterations of grasslands is used to other measures may be the removal of non- prepare an inventory of meadows that may native species, the control or removal of still be suitable for attaching to the invasive species, prescribed burning, wilderness area. Under that scheme, replanting to hasten forest regeneration, abandoned pastures are being considered for seedling selection or thinning. The following inclusion in PAN Parks Wilderness as they examples from the network initiated by PAN are important hotspots for re-wilding. Parks verification describe various solutions of wilderness restoration. PENEDA-GERÊS NP, PORTUGAL Rare re-wilding opportunity realised SOOMAA NP, ESTONIA The area of Peneda-Gerês NP was Restoration of drainage systems extensively used by locals for centuries: In the past, several water drainage systems - native forest vegetation disappeared as a called amelioration systems - were built result of intensive grazing that lasted for around the present area of the park, mainly several centuries. However, recent

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depopulation of the countryside caused the BORJOMI-KHARAGAULI NP, GEORGIA most remote parts of mountains to become Re-wildingin a sanctuary more and more abandoned, which in turn is The Nedzvi sanctuary was incorporated into a great opportunity for nature to revive and Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park in 2006. re-wild. Open landscapes spotted with scars Hunting and fishing had already been of overgrazing are gradually covered by forbidden in the area by then but it had vegetation - first by shrubs and bushes and always been heavily used by logging and later by whole forests as well. During this other exploitative activities and neglected at process the character and biodiversity the same time. Reforestation is now highly composition of the area is gradually encouraged, and the ca. 9000 ha territory of changing, giving an opportunity for the park the sanctuary is supervised by 6 rangers to to fulfil requirements of the PAN Parks make sure visitors and local citizens comply wilderness concept on another 5000 ha of with the new laws. Signs of re-wilding are its territory. more and more frequent: salamanders, for instance, regularly return to the area now.

IMPROVED SPECIES MANAGEMENT

The ability of large mammals to successfully - short and long-term strategies for the breed in wilderness areas is an inevitable conservation of key wilderness species; sign that the combination of well-managed - elements required to build up a network of wilderness and large unfragmented areas are protected (wilderness) areas in order to suitable to provide favourable habitat for the create ecological connectivity; survival of important wilderness species. An - how to better communicate the importance integral element of wilderness conservation of wilderness for certain species to the is the systematic, in-depth study of species. public, in the form of attractive In order to better understand and thus make interpretation programs. proper decisions about wilderness conservation it is essential to monitor key Systematic monitoring of key wilderness wilderness species, especially their species is a fundamental activity to improve population dynamics and the role of species management. Thus, it is a subject wilderness in their life cycle, food supply and regularly discussed and evaluated during behaviour. PAN Parks verification and monitoring missions. There are different methods for monitoring key wilderness species ranging from data BORJOMI-KHARAGAULI NP, GEORGIA collection by park rangers via direct Key wilderness species monitored observations to telemetry, photo traps, radio efficiently collars and even satellite tracking. Borjomi-Kharagauli NP has improved its Monitoring in PAN Parks provides monitoring system to a great extent by conservation specialists with fundamental introducing camera traps. The 10 cameras background information for formulating an that have been in function for two years idea of: now provide invaluable information on the

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life of a number of rare species such as the CENTRAL BALKAN, BULGARIA Caucasian red deer, the chamois, the brown Key species monitored systematically bear, the wolf and the lynx, and have Since 2007 the monitoring of species and contributed to the discovery of yet unknown habitats has been improving continuously habitats of wildlife in this park. and is already part of the national biodiversity monitoring system. The park OULANKA NP, FINLAND systematically monitors among others Species returned to wilderness population dynamics, numbers of The Peregrine falcon, now extinct in the individuals, behaviour and distribution via larger part of Europe due to its low direct observation, counting. These data capability to tolerate the proximity of form an essential basis of management humans, has recently made a come-back to decisions, also helping better planning and the park after 50 years. The territory of the management of key species and wilderness. new nesting pair is partly within the From 2009 on the park has been monitoring wilderness zone. Any news or sign of the the condition of 1 fish, 1 reptile, 14 birds, 7 recovery of such a rare wilderness species is mammals, 1 medicinal plant, 10 other great news to wilderness conservationists. It plants, 3 mosses, and 4 mushrooms species, serves as direct proof that wilderness as well as forest ecosystems which is of conservation in the park is on the right track great importance for wilderness protection. as the Peregrine falcon will only survive in a Most conspicuously, data collected in the quiet, undeveloped area of very little human past few years indicate the presence of more impact – something that the wilderness of than 250 chamois, with a steadily growing Oulanka NP does offer. population, and there are more than 60 v o n y o k o n y o K

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bears and about the same number of wolves wolf territory expands over a much larger living in the park as well. area outside the national park, but territorial wolves do pass through the FULUFJÄLLET NP, SWEDEN protected area, which – as regular snow- Wilderness created for species tracking reveals – presently offers a safe In April 2008, for the first time in the park’s refuge to about 9-10 wolves. history, a pair of nesting gyrfalcon was spotted, and their four nestlings were Brown bear occurrence in Sweden is very successfully brought up as well. Since the much associated with large, sparsely gyrfalcon’s most important food is willow populated forested areas in the central and grouse, it is surmised that their re- northern parts of the country. Due to the appearance was an indirect consequence of growing pressure from various extractive the ban on hunting ordered in 2002 when uses, protected areas, particularly those Fulufjället became a national park, as that with a clear wilderness management measure made the number of the bird they concept, such as Fulufjället National Park, feed on increase. are of critical importance. The precise The 2002 establishment of the park and its number of individuals regularly appearing in implementation of efficient wilderness Fulufjället NP is unknown, but a rough management methods are believed to have estimation is that there are more than 10, contributed greatly to the eventual settling showing an increasing trend. of wolf packs in this area. The major part of

RE-INTRODUCTION OF SPECIES

Wilderness is not only about wild, Majella or Griffon vulture in Central Balkan. undeveloped or roadless landscape but also However, there are cases when accurate about natural composition of native species identification of extinct species is not so easy (particularly carnivores and herbivores) and and obvious and very often it is a subject of their natural interaction. It is well known long and difficult discussion. that in Europe, with very limited wilderness, many important species have either been CENTRAL BALKAN NP, BULGARIA hunted out or became extinct due to their Extinct birds of prey reintroduced vanishing habitats. Reintroduction of these Two important wilderness-indicative species, missing species is a great challenge and yet the Peregrine falcon and the vulture were a crucially important element of wilderness reintroduced in the park. Their presence in restoration. the park proves the existence of a complete and healthy ecosystem in Central Balkan. As complex a task as it may be, when The park also takes part in the national carefully managed, reintroduction movement to reduce the impact of threats programmes are an essential tool in the on large vultures in Bulgaria, and to process of restoring wilderness In certain eventually attract them to return as nesting cases information about missing species is species into the Balkan Mountains. The straightforward and easy to identify as in project involves creating favourable living the case of extinct species like chamois in conditions as well as the maintenance and

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improvement of habitats to the Griffon reasons an important representative of the vulture, among others. As part of the herbivore group, the Bezoar goat reintroduction process of that specific disappeared from the area many years ago. vulture, started in 2007, 6 of them were An international project co-ordinated by released in the park in October 2010. WWF Caucasus Programme Office, supported Furthermore, a feasibility study on the by PAN Parks as well, focuses on the reintroduction of Saker falcon in Bulgaria reintroduction of this threatened species with was completed last year. Results show that the final goal of building up a more Central Balkan is the most suitable place for complete ecosystem in the area. There is reintroduction of the Saker falcon. already a small herd of Bezoar goats located in an enclosure on the territory of Borjomi- BORJOMI-KHARAGAULI NP, GEORGIA Kharagauli NP. The project is facing Herbivore project started numerous challenges; nevertheless this small The Georgian PAN Park is proud to present group of Bezoar goat is considered to be the one of the most complex collections of large nucleus for a future larger herd whose carnivores and herbivores typical of the offspring will in time be released in the Lower Caucasus. However, due to historical wilderness of the park.

MONITORING OF ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS

The development and implementation towards preparing an up-to-date mapping of of a comprehensive management system high elevation pastures (over the timberline) for European wilderness not only requires and the vegetation dynamics in progress in commitment and dedication but reliable some areas of the Park. The research started information and knowledge regarding in the summer of 2010, and the park is now wilderness dynamics as well. The most in the phase of collecting data and assessing obvious tool to achieve this is the systematic the evolution of the environment by monitoring of species, ecosystem dynamics - comparing aerial pictures from different wilderness. periods (from the 1950’s to present day). The results found and deductions drawn This will give useful information and from monitoring Europe's wilderness will guidelines on how to manage the remaining provide much needed background breeding activities outside the PAN Parks information and knowledge on how to Wilderness area and on what kind of natural protect wilderness in Europe and make evolution is to be expected inside the wilderness management an integral element wilderness area. of overall biodiversity conservation in Europe. RILA NP, BULGARIA Certified PAN Parks have also developed the Research to improve integrity of monitoring of different habitats in order to wilderness improve wilderness conservation focusing on The park is undertaking significant research grassland and forest ecosystems and the and monitoring activities with particular integrity of wilderness areas. focus on the wilderness area, with the intention of mitigating threats to its MAJELLA NP, ITALY integrity. Annual monitoring is done of Grassland and forest areas monitored forest and water ecosystems, grazing on There are two ongoing studies working park territory and visitors. Management

19 benefits for european wilderness-PAN Parks achievements

decisions are based on the results of the There are also habitats where grazing is monitoring. For example, camping and other forbidden completely, like Alpine rivers with human activities are prohibited in areas their ligneous vegetation of Myricaria important for threatened species such as the germanica or Alpine rivers and the chamois, the capercaillie, or the golden herbaceous vegetation along their banks. All eagle. Measures taken include ones that aim these habitats shelter an impressive number to disperse and decrease the visitors’ flow in of plants and animals that are vulnerable to the busiest places, especially in the the pressure that grazing sets upon them. wilderness area. We find a countless number of plants such There is constant research activity going on as Campanula serrata, Cypripedium in the park, recently of relict flora in the calceolus, Draba dorneri, Ligularia sibirica, wilderness section of the park and also Tozzia carpathica; of invertebrates such as complex research of alpine, threatened, Callimorpha quadripunctaria, Lycaena endemic and rare medical plant species. dispar; of fish such as Eudontomyzon danfordi, or of the mammal Lutra lutra, RETEZAT NP, ROMANIA among others. Grazing study on pastures conducted The grazing study has established the The same study included an analysis of carrying capacity of each pasture outside neighbouring communities’ livestock the core zone. The results were presented to evolution as well, which shows a decrease as local people and authorities with the aim of to the livestock that goes up in the educating them about controlling their mountain during summer. Based on recent grazing activity according to actual carrying grazing data, there is a decreasing interest capacities. in grazing certain pastures, which will be an There is a series of habitats that are excellent opportunity to include suitable protected by this grazing study, such as the areas in the PAN Parks wilderness area. Hydrophyllous tall herb fringe communities All the findings on grazing activities was of plains and mountains to alpine levels, compiled, elaborated and then printed in a transition mires and quaking bogs, Alpine brochure in the summer of 2007, used as and boreal heaths, Sub-Arctic Salix spp. educational material for local people, scrub – territories where grazing is limited. stakeholders and shepherds as well.

PREVENTION OF DEVELOPMENT DAMAGING WILDERNESS VALUES

Existing and potential PAN Parks wilderness continuously works towards preventing such have to combat and survive the pressure of cases from happening. Most importantly, ongoing socio-economic development in there is continuous policy work on the EU Europe resulting in growing pressure from and national level in order to guarantee development and resource use. There are wilderness safety. many projects threatening wilderness emerging from time to time. PAN Parks RILA NP, BULGARIA provides support in such cases to its member Monitored impact of facilities parks by providing targeted communication Rila NP boasts one of the best and largest towards authorities and reacting publicly if pieces of unfragmented wilderness in the needed. In addition to concrete actions Balkan Mountains but is also constantly taken on a per case basis, the Foundation subject to projects threatening the integrity

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of its wilderness. In the past these threats presented to PAN Parks on the findings and came mostly from forestry operations - any legal action taken against any parties. logging or road constructions - or from The PAN Parks Foundation has been playing agricultural activities such as massive an active role in this issue and has been grazing by domestic animals. During a visit approaching responsible bodies requesting to the area the team of international verifiers the prevention of any kind of damage to this highlighted several key issues for successful unique wilderness area. As a result of re-verification. One such issue surfaced after protests, some further developments in the monitoring was the impact of the chairlift area have been stopped. The Ministry has and road at Panichishte. It was concluded repeatedly confirmed to us their readiness to that a soundly based strategy needs to be minimise threats and pressure put on this developed in order to mitigate any negative area by developers. impacts in the area. The report will be

INCREASED STAFF CAPACITY

Management of protected areas in general the PAN Parks Foundation has been and particularly of wilderness protected organising an annual conference entitled areas is a more and more sophisticated Europe’s Wilderness Days, where participants issue. A growing knowledge on the from the wider network can exchange importance of wilderness and a wide experience on local practices, learn from spectrum of expertise on biodiversity is wilderness experts and thus increase their indispensable now. Specialists will need a knowledge of wilderness management. host of knowledge in issues ranging from biodiversity protection or species BORJOMI-KHARAGAULI NP, GEORGIA management through sophisticated Exchange experience within the PAN educational methods, community work, Parks network communication and visitor management, to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park with the the expertise on major conservation relevant support of the Ministry of Environment and legislation and international importance. Natural Resources attended a week-long On one hand, it is essential to have the study tour to the two Bulgarian PAN Parks adequate number of staff, which varies from in 2006. The study tour was organised for park to park: less staff in Scandinavia high level administrative staff and the head compared to for instance more Eastern of rangers. During the visit the park Europe. On the other hand, it is obvious that employees had an excellent chance to learn such a wide field of expertise can only be interpretation techniques, visitor covered by highly professional, committed management and the general administrative and well-trained staff. Therefore training is role of a protected area. of increasing importance. Capacity is a critical element of wilderness CENTRAL BALKAN NP, BULGARIA conservation so PAN Parks verification Staff capacity improved encourages the improvement of staff The concept of ranger training and visitor capacities. Currently all certified PAN Parks management, as well as interpretation are running a variety of trainings covering through rangers and their language skills the whole spectrum of protected area have all been improved. Rangers from all 7 management duties. In addition, since 2002 park sections attended the training on how

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to work with visitors. Training included the MAJELLA NP, use of a textbook as well as field practice on Training course for staff and local interpretation of tourist routes, presentation businesses of the site and educating visitors. A total of about 30 park employees (guards and other staff members) and volunteers participated in a course to get the licence of Volunteer Environmental Guard.

STRATEGICALLY PLANNED TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable, controlled tourism is an impact. This is especially important as there extremely important tool of the PAN Parks is a growing pressure from attractive tourism concept to support wilderness protection. activities in Soomaa such as canoeing and The sustainable tourism development process rafting, birdwatching, hiking so a strategic helps ensure that tourism provides real way of thinking was required to develop a benefts for the rural communities in and feasible framework for protecting and using around the protected areas, and at the same this unique resource in a sustainable way. time reduces the pressure caused by tourism Hearings of the plan take place in autumn on the park. The sustainable tourism 2010. development strategy of PAN Parks is developed through a collaborative process FULUFJÄLLET NP, SWEDEN between park managers and all relevant Revised tourism strategies local stakeholders. It is a cornerstone In Fulufjället, based on the experiences of the ensuring that tourism supports nature first 5 years of implementing the sustainable conservation, and guaranteeing that tourism tourism development strategy, the local PAN is not introduced in sensitive areas. Parks group, with the participation of local stakeholders, has put a lot of effort into The PAN Parks concept is based on strict revising the strategy in order to strengthen Principles and Criteria that are verified and its effect in avoiding or minimising any monitored by independent verifiers. It also negative effects that increased tourism might offers guidelines for the Tourism have on wildlife and the region’s ecological, Development Strategy creation process socio-economic and cultural resources. In containing mandatory conditions for any 2008 the revised strategy was approved by protected area wishing to join the PAN Parks a wide group of local stakeholders of network. All parks developed their strategy tourism associations, local businesses and during the PAN Parks verification process, a the national park. An increased awareness of few examples of which are described below. communities around Fulufjället NP should strengthen the conservation activity of the SOOMAA NP, ESTONIA park as a region with ecological, Improved visitor management plan socio-economical and cultural developmental The park has drafted an improved visitor efforts. management plan within the Management Plan, including areas and quotas for activities such as canoeing and bog-shoeing, monitoring of visitors and assessing their

22 u n a e c i o M i a h i M

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IMPROVED WILDERNESS INTERPRETATION

As PAN Parks are best practice examples of new sediment avalanches. The park wilderness management also from an authorized and watched over the works interpretational point of view, they need to making sure that this protective structure come up to certain expectations of PAN would not disturb the view into the gorge Parks verification: they are required to and assuring that the work caused no present wilderness towards their visitors in impact on the species living in the area and order to raise awareness of its special on the surrounding environment. features and also the issue and significance of wilderness areas. RETEZAT NP, ROMANIA This helps parks protect wilderness as Improved wilderness related education visitors will appreciate wilderness more and towards visitors thus their behaviour in the field will Two thematic trails focusing on wilderness contribute to the preservation of these areas species have been built in the park recently: rather than hindering it. This also plays an the wolf and chamois trails. The main important role as visitors who experience benefit of these trails is that they educate wilderness first hand will understand the visitors about the role of these species in the concept and will be more likely to support ecosystem and that they aim to improve the this cause of wilderness protection. all-too-often negative image of wolf in people’s eyes. MAJELLA NP, ITALY Trails like these are important tools in visitor New infrastructure of wilderness education as they are bound to cause interpretation humans to behave in a less intrusive way in The park improved the interpretation of wilderness and in nature in general. wilderness and species management, in particular the role of enclosures and FULUFJÄLLET NP, SWEDEN botanical gardens for certain wilderness- Improving infrastructure dependent species. New panels for Boundaries between the different zones have wilderness species have been put in place, as been marked with signed tree poles along all well as information boards about wolf, the marked trails. The work was completed chamois and red deer. during summer 2008 and all trails that cross A new information board at Fara San into another zone have marked poles at the Martino gorge was also set up to explain the borders. This is a great initiative to make natural erosion processes. A church was visitors aware of what zone they are in. built in a dynamic nature area so construction work was done by the local municipalities to protect the place against

23 benefits for european wilderness-PAN Parks achievements

INCREASED INVOLVEMENT OF COMMUNITIES

Wilderness in Europe is located on an ARCHIPELAGO NP, FINLAND intensively used continent with a very Enhanced local cooperation complex ownership situation and tradition. The local PAN Parks group offers a new For this preserving the last remaining channel for cooperation and the exchange of wilderness areas can only be done in information between local stakeholders and cooperation with the communities living the park. Through this cooperation between around these areas. It is fundamental to tourism bodies of 3 communities was create a forum for local stakeholders and the enhanced. Cooperation has also increased park administration to share their views, between local businesses in order to develop plans and thus ensure the support of local products for visitors. The role of the park people for the park’s conservation goals. was to provide the area for their use and support building a network among BORJOMI-KHARAGAULI NP, GEORGIA businesses. To mention one example, the Cooperation with local communities, park organised a trip for local business businesses improved partners in order to educate them about the The setting up of the local stakeholder group park’s features. (Local PAN Parks Group) in 2006 resulted in a lot of new bi- and multilateral CENTRAL BALKAN NP, BULGARIA communication and cooperation among Increased cooperation of the park and various stakeholders. Simultaneously, it stakeholders brought a better understanding of the The park has succeeded in winning mutual needs of stakeholders, and helped recognition as a leading nature conservation support park management in making authority in the region. The local PAN Parks decisions about wilderness management. Group with local stakeholders was created in Setting up a local PAN Parks group helped order to facilitate dialogue between the park business partners promote their businesses and local communities. 14 local PAN Parks together with the park. The local PAN Parks business partners were certified, all group organised meetings and workshops committed to wilderness conservation and aiming to improve services and products and the development of products accepting the share experience among existing business park’s management concept. They also take partners. The local PAN Parks group, along part in various initiatives of the park. One of with a local organisation, worked on a the most remarkable examples of local promotional publication of business partners cooperation is that in 2007 one of the and helped them deliver joint marketing business partners, a tour operator company messages. As part of the joint and mutually offering horse riding tours in the park beneficial project, a folder containing collected donations from their clients, which information about all business partners was was then used to support some activities distributed at tourist information centres and from the national action plan for the among the tour operators of the area. protection of the brown bear within park territory.

24 conclusion

The policy achievements of the past 3 years can be based on the analoguous US show an increasing political interest and wilderness act. goodwill towards wilderness conservation. The breakthrough in the field of In-the-field achievements in PAN Parks show policymaking was the European Parliament’s that the concept and its implementation special report that gave us the popular through verification and monitoring is an mandate to work on wilderness protection. essential tool in improving wilderness The areas joining our network may thus management in protected areas. It is become Europe’s natural landmarks. effective in spreading new approaches Most of the policy achievements are on a European Union level, especially at the European Commission. So far there are only a few countries that have already followed up on these political steps taken in Brussels. Germany, for instance, announced the conservation target of rewilding 2% of its territory. Our Foundation will have to work with various national governments of the member states in order to implement the different recommendations of the Prague message in the field. As PAN Parks is the only wilderness-focused organisation on a European level, we will also have to provide regular field inputs to policy and decision makers.

There are still several important milestone issues that the PAN Parks Foundation wishes to influence in the coming years such as developing special wilderness management guidelines for Natura 2000 managers; increasing the knowledge and information for policy developments through working with the academic sector;  influencing the upcoming reform of the common agriculture policy, which might be either a threat or an opportunity for Soomaa NP © Arne Ader wilderness conservation;  promoting the re-wilding of 200,000 km 2 which was described as a possibility in the among protected area managers and thus 3rd GBO. improving the parks’ wilderness conservation in many different aspects and fields. The PAN Parks Foundation will have to Besides providing verification by independent closely cooperate with various partners in experts and regular monitoring, the PAN order to deliver the maximum benefits for Parks Foundation supports parks by wilderness. We might even aim to have a providing and sharing their experience of special wilderness treaty for Europe, which wilderness conservation.

25 benefits for european wilderness-PAN Parks achievements

In the future we expect PAN Parks to include guidance and a stepwise approach of become true leaders of wilderness protection how to protect existing wilderness but also a in Europe, through their proactive approach timeline indicating how to enlarge their to safeguarding wilderness and by sharing wilderness areas and reduce fragmentation, their experience with PAN Parks network restore damaged ecological balance, and and beyond. PAN Parks can achieve this by revitalize damaged species composition. All gradually developing a long-term tailor- the above will then hopefully lead to many made wilderness protection strategy for the further achievements in the field and a upcoming 25-30 years and prove that significant strengthening of the wilderness wilderness protection is a fundamental movement in Europe. element of the protection of Europe’s natural heritage. The strategies should not only g n i n ö r G

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26 o t r O ’ l l e D o i n o t n a t i V

P N t e l l ä j f u l u F

PUBLISHED BY: PAN Parks Foundation

TEXT AND EDITING: Edit Borza and Vlado Vancura

EDITORIAL ADRESS: PAN Parks Foundation PF 264, 9004 Gyor, Hungary [email protected] [email protected]

To download the pdf of the document, visit www.panparks.org PAN Parks works to protect Europe’s wilderness, the continent’s most undisturbed areas of nature. In these areas our knowledge and understanding is enhanced for the benefit of nature and humanity alike; people appreciate the pleasures offered by wilderness with the respect it deserves.