Establishment of Nature Conservation Csos in Montenegro and Kosovo As a Contribution to the Preservation of the Balkan Green Belt

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

Themelimi i OSHC-ve për mbrojtjen e natyrës në Mal të Zi dhe në Kosovë si kontribut për ruajtjen e Brezit të Gjelbër Ballkanik

Jačanje kapaciteta OCD-a iz oblasti zaštite prirode kao doprinos očuvanju Balkanskog Zelenog pojasa Contents | Përmbajtja | Sadržaj Summary

Summary | Përmbledhje | Sažetak 3 From April 2012 until February 2014, EuroNatur cooperated with its partner organi- Within the project, four courses were conducted, focusing on different topics zations PPNEA and MES (from Albania and Macedonia, respectively) to implement related to wildlife and protected area management. On average, twelve people Capacity Building – Why? 6 the project “Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo from five different CSOs from Kosovo and Montenegro attended the workshops; as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt”. The project was additionally, volunteers and staff from MES and PPNEA participated in the work- Establishment of nature conservation CSOs financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with shops in order to enlarge their knowledge. Some of the participants attended only in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservati- one of the workshops, while the majority took part in the whole series of work- to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt 18 on and Nuclear Safety. shops. Lessons were held both by international and national experts, in order to cover a broad variety of topics and possible solutions. Implementation of the project 20 The main aim of the project was to build capacity within Civil Society Organisations for nature conservation in Montenegro and Kosovo in the fields of wildlife protec- All participants highlighted the possibility of connecting with colleagues from Results | Rezultatet | Rezultat 30 tion and management as well as protected area management. In the medium term neighbouring countries during the series of workshops and stated that this would this will contribute to strengthening civil society. At the same time, the project was be very useful for their further work. Also, all participants stated that the informa- to contribute to the establishment of a cross-border network of CSOs in Albania, tion given during the workshops provided new insights and knowledge in the fields Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro for the protection of the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx of wildlife monitoring, protected area management, conservation planning and balcanicus) and its habitats. GIS/GPS technology which will be very helpful in their further work.

Imprint:

Published by: EuroNatur Foundation, Radolfzell, Germany Copyright: 2014 EuroNatur Foundation Layout by: www.kissundklein.de Printed by: digital-centrum by Working Hands GbR – M&M Bock. 100% recycled paper “I also liked the venues and the hospitality of each course organizer Available from: EuroNatur Foundation, Konstanzer Straße 22, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany, [email protected], www.euronatur.org The project was financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. in so many different, but similar countries.”

2 © Azem Ramadani 3 Përmbledhje Sažetaik

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

“I had the chance to meet new people who are involved in nature conservation”

4 © Azem Ramadani 5 South Eastern Europe (SEE) is characterized by high biodiversity and large, relatively threatened subspecies of lynx in Europe, whose occurrence is limited to the south- well preserved ecosystems. The high mountains have an outstanding diversity of western Balkans. (For more information please refer to the description of the different plant species, and are one of the last retreats of large European carnivores such phases of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme.) After several years of work in Albania as bear, wolf and lynx that have vanished in many parts of Europe. Moreover, the and Macedonia, including the creation of knowledge and capacity within the respective number of insects and vesicular plants is worth mentioning as the number of spe- partner organizations, it became obvious that efficient protection of the species and cies occurring only in this region is particularly high. its habitats and consequently its survival are only possible if the work is extended to neighbouring countries, namely Montenegro and Kosovo. In many countries in SEE, state agencies for nature conservation lack funding while economic development is being pushed. The fact that smart nature conservation As a first step, representatives of EuroNatur and its partner organizations Association approaches can foster sustainable development and economic stability is not well for the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) and known. Consequently, nature conservation activities are implemented at a low level Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) identified potential partner organizations. During and in many cases with insufficient public participation. In this context, Civil Society this process, it became obvious that despite great enthusiasm and interest in the issue, Organizations (CSOs) focusing on nature conservation play an important role, as potential partners lack expert knowledge in regard not only to wildlife protection and (with financial and non-material support from international donors) they can imple- management but also to protected area management. ment best practice examples for nature conservation and sustainable development benefitting both nature and people and thus initiate rethinking. Another aspect which needs to be considered in this respect is that the protection of such a wide roaming species as the lynx in a region with many relatively small Unfortunately, due to the recent political history of most countries in SEE, during countries is only possible across borders. This requires cooperation among CSOs and which public involvement was undesired, the number of well-established CSOs other relevant institutions such as universities and state agencies for nature conser- focusing on nature conservation is relatively small; in many cases enthusiastic staff vation from different countries. Again, due to the very recent history of the region, and volunteers lack capacity. CSOs play an important role in the designation and affected by war and instability, this poses a great challenge. At the same time, however, maintenance of national nature conservation systems, however, and that role has cooperation in cross-border nature conservation is an excellent way to build up trust to be exercised more. among members of CSOs from different countries, joint engagement in the realm of civil society is fostered and shared visions for nature conservation can be defined. During its long-term engagement in SEE countries within the last 25 years, EuroNatur, an international organization for nature conservation, has established a For that reason, EuroNatur cooperated with its partners PPNEA and MES to develop large network of CSOs. Many projects for conserving the natural heritage of the Bal- and implement the project “Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montene- kans, especially along the Balkan Green Belt, were implemented jointly with partner gro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt”. The organizations from SEE countries. Within recent years, one of the main focuses of project was financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature the work carried out by EuroNatur and two partner organizations from Albania and Conservation (BfN) with funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environ- Capacity Building – Why? Macedonia has been to conserve the Balkan Lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus), the most ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

6 © Azem Ramadani 7 Accompanying initiatives and previous projects

European Green Belt

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

8 * In accordance with UNSCR 1244 and opinion of ICJ. © European Green Belt Initiative, Coordination Group 9 Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx

From April 2005 to November 2006, EuroNatur conducted the project “The Balkan the core distribution area of the Balkan lynx, this knowledge was urgently needed comprehensive knowledge in a specific field boosted the public image of both the Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx” in cooperation in order to start targeted measures for the protection of the species (for more two organizations. This highlights the importance of building capacity on a national with PPNEA and MES, with financial support from the German Federal Agency for information about the Balkan lynx see pp. 12-13). level and shows the difference that can be made by easy means. Nature Conservation (BfN) and funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. On one hand, the project Over the course of the project, ten young researchers (five each from Albania and Additionally, the data collected about flora, fauna and specific landscape features focused on preparing the documents needed to declare the Jablanica-Shebenik Macedonia) affiliated with the EuroNatur partner organizations Association for the in the Jablanica Mountain (Macedonia) and the Shebenik-Jabllanica mountain range mountain range (located on the border between Albania and Macedonia along Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) and (Albania) was used to prepare reports to justify both areas being declared National the Balkan Green Belt) a protected area. On the other hand, young, enthusiastic Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) were trained and gained initial experience Parks. In 2008, the Albanian part of the mountain was declared a National Park; researchers and junior employees at PPNEA and MES were trained in the fields of in fieldwork related to the lynx and GIS technology, respectively. For the courses unfortunately, the decision on the Macedonian side is still pending. Nevertheless, wildlife conservation and management as well as in protected area management related to lynx and wildlife conservation, experts from Swiss KORA and IUCN SSC the establishment of the Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park greatly contributes to and GIS technologies. Cat Special Group were engaged and became important partners in the subsequent the protection of lynx habitat. Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP). During the first and second phase of the Similarly to the current situation in Montenegro and Kosovo, in Macedonia and BLRP, the knowledge gained during the first courses was deepened. Today, half The project “The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and Albania there was also a lack of capacity within the above-mentioned fields in of the trainees are still active and considered experts in wildlife conservation and Lynx” laid the foundation for all further joint work by EuroNatur, KORA, PPNEA and general and in lynx ecology in particular. However, as the latter two countries form management in SEE. At the same time, the fact that both PPNEA and MES possess MES to protect the Balkan lynx and its habitats.

10 © Gabriel Schwaderer 11 The Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) is a subspecies of the individuals roaming in northern Albania. The total population is estimated to habitat. Large carnivores such as the lynx need large, connected Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). It occurs in the southwest Balkan comprise fewer than 50 individuals. Based on this estimate, the Balkan lynx is living areas and disappear from habitat that is destroyed. mountains in the border areas between Macedonia and considered Critically Endangered. Albania. Potentially, there are also a few scattered animals in The Balkan lynx requires large forested areas with sufficient Kosovo and Montenegro. Apart from a few anecdotal observations, no scientific information has prey, particularly large herbivores such as roe deer and chamois. been available about the biology and ecology of the Balkan lynx until recently. The loss of habitat and hunting can locally reduce prey species to a According to the literature, the lynx was distributed across A research project1 conducted from 2009 to 2012 helped to gain some initial level where the lynx do not have sufficient food. the entire Balkan Peninsula until the beginning of the 18th data. So far, two male lynx have been captured and equipped with GPS collars. century. After this “golden period”, a series of factors nearly These two lynx feed on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), chamois (Rupicapra ru- Although the Balkan lynx is strictly protected by law and its exterminated the lynx from the Balkans. The most important picapra) and the brown hare (Lepus europaeus). hunting forbidden, during the course of the BLRP, several cases were that the lynx was proclaimed a pest and persecuted to were reported where lynx have been killed. prevent damage to livestock, that habitats were lost due to The space used by the lynx varies, but in Central Europe each individual lynx providing open grassland, and that its prey were overhunted. typically uses 100–300 km² for males and 100–200 km² for females. The males Given the low number of Balkan lynx that currently survive, “Marko” and “Riste” which were equipped with GPS collars in Macedonia used each individual killed is a great loss. Illegal killing is thus a The lowest numbers were recorded between 1935 368 km² and 449 km², respectively. major threat and is putting the Balkan lynx on the verge of and 1944 with an estimated 15–20 individuals remaining in extinction. Macedonia and Kosovo while the lynx was already extinct As a result of this need for large areas, their solitary lifestyle, and the fact in the other ex-Yugoslavian countries and Bulgaria. In 1946, that lynx do not tolerate individuals of the same sex within their territory, lynx after World War II, the lynx was protected in the former densities are typically very low. Yugoslavia and Albania and hunting permanently banned. As a consequence, the small population started to recover The main threats to the Balkan lynx are habitat fragmentation, a lack of prey and to increase in number. and illegal hunting.

Field surveys in Macedonia and Albania conducted within Logging of forests for timber and firewood has led to the degradation of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (see below for fur- large areas, resulting in erosion, landslides and flooding. Such areas are not ther information) indicate that today, the core population is suitable to host wildlife as there is no food and shelter for them. Infrastructure situated in Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia, with a few developments (road constructions and housing) lead to the fragmentation of

1 SCOPES research project “Status, ecology and land tenure system of the critically endangered Balkan lynx in Macedonia and Albania”, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and implemented from 2009 to 2012. Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus)

12 © Dime Melovski 2012 © BLRP, M. Bentele 13 Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Phase I (2006–2009)

In the final stages of the project “The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor The main goals of BLRP Phase I were to generate detailed baseline information Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park (IUCN Category II) in Albania. The acceptance of for the Wolf, Bear and Lynx” EuroNatur cooperated with KORA, MES and PPNEA to on the taxonomy, ecology, distribution and abundance of the Balkan lynx, to the measures taken was gained by involving locals from the very beginning and ini- develop the first phase of the “Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme”, which started designate trans-border protected areas, to establish national expertise in wildlife tiating small projects which created alternative sources of income with no negative in 2006. In 2010, the second phase was launched; currently, the third phase of the research and management and to raise public awareness of the importance of impact on nature or the environment. programme is running (starting in 2012, ending 2015). protecting the Balkan lynx and conserving its habitat. During the project, several junior researchers continued to be educated in The “Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme” is a partnership project involving the Mace- The fieldwork in Macedonia and Albania was coordinated by KORA and included a wildlife ecology and management, as well as in protected area management. A very donian Ecological Society (MES), the Association for the Protection and Preservation baseline survey and lynx monitoring. Using the data collected from the fieldwork as promising and enthusiastic group of young scientists was formed who will be able of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), the coordinated research projects a basis, the project partners developed a conservation strategy and national action to implement the newly gained knowledge and pass it on to other colleagues. for the conservation and management of carnivores in Switzerland (KORA), and plans for the Balkan lynx, which serve as a roadmap for the recovery and long-term EuroNatur, with the aim of halting the further decline of the Balkan lynx and conservation of the Balkan lynx in Albania and Macedonia. Within a short span of time it was possible to raise awareness about the situati- protecting its (potential) habitats. All three phases of the BLRP were and are on of the Balkan lynx in Albania and Macedonia and to significantly improve the assisted by the IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group and financially supported by the EuroNatur coordinated the preparatory work for establishing the natural habitat protected status of the animal and its habitat. MAVA Foundation, Switzerland2. of the Balkan lynx as protected areas. Reports were prepared justifying the natural

2 In the first phase of the BLRP, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) was involved; additional funding was provided by the Norwegian Research Council.

14 © Annette Spangenberg | Gabriel Schwaderer | Azem Ramadani | MES | Gabriel Schwaderer 15 Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Phase II (2010–2012) Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Phase III (2013–2015)

Despite remarkable successes in Phase I of the BLRP, it became obvious that in In regard to the protection of the (potential) habitat of Balkan lynx, the work Assessments conducted in the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme population status of the Balkan lynx. Based on the results of the baseline survey, order to secure the survival of the Balkan lynx, further engagement was needed. started in all areas during the first phase of the BLRP was continued with different Phase II revealed that the number of surviving individuals of this relict population camera trapping sessions will be conducted in the most promising areas. Therefore, all partners continued to work on further improving the situation for the foci, depending on the state of affairs and respective needs. In addition, a new project is probably as low as 20–44. Despite seven years of hard work and several great Balkan lynx in the project‘s second phase. area was defined, as it was considered relevant for the survival of lynx in the border achievements, the Balkan lynx is still facing a severe risk of extinction unless urgent The successful work on protected areas is also being transferred to Kosovo and triangle of Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo: an important corridor between potential measures are taken. Montenegro to enlarge protected areas and improve their current status, respec- The activities implemented in Phase II were defined according to the experience lynx habitats in all three countries. To initiate the management of the areas in focus, tively. gained in the first phase of the programme. (economic) incentives for the sustainable use of natural resources were provided to Consequently, the BLRP had to be continued. The main goals of the third phase local people. The biggest success within the protected area component of the BLRP II, are (1) to establish a consistent monitoring system for the lynx and its main prey Both aspects are accompanied by capacity building work aimed at junior employees After completion of the first phase, many aspects of the biology of the Balkan lynx however, was the establishment of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park (IUCN category IV) species, (2) to launch a multi-level initiative to promote sustainable hunting and of nature conservation CSOs in Kosovo and Montenegro. were still unknown. Therefore, further research on Balkan lynx was conducted by the Albanian government in December 2011. adequate wildlife management instruments, (3) to improve the legal protection and to assess the population number, feeding ecology and land tenure system, using management of key areas for wildlife conservation and (4) to strengthen collabora- The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme is an investment in the future of Balkan lynx different methodologies, e.g. intensive camera-trap surveys and radio-tracking of In the second phase, the project partners already aimed to expand their activities into tion between and the capacity of local stakeholders in target areas. range countries Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro and the conservation some lynx. In order to improve the data quantity and quality, efforts were under- Kosovo and Montenegro as both countries are part of the potential Balkan lynx range of the natural heritage in the south-western Balkans. Although focussing on the taken to enhance the monitoring network established in the first phase. and might still host some individual animals. Initial contact was made with individu- For the first time since the beginning of the joint efforts for the preservation of the Balkan lynx and other wildlife species and their habitats, it will help develop natio- als and institutions in Kosovo and Montenegro that could potentially become future Balkan lynx, the activities have been extended to include Kosovo and Montenegro. nal and local capacities in general wildlife conservation and site management and collaborators in the recovery of the Balkan lynx, including protecting its habitats. In both countries, a baseline survey was conducted (2013) to assess the current indirectly strengthen civil society, creating social sustainability.

16 © Annette Spangenberg | Gabriel Schwaderer | Annette Spangenberg | MES | Annette Spangenberg 17 Aims and target groups

Within the course of a series of projects, representatives of EuroNatur and KORA To ensure that the measure was sustainable and the workers remained committed and their partner organizations PPNEA (Albania) and MES (Macedonia) identified in the long term, the main target group of the project was junior employees and the need also to involve entities from Kosovo and Montenegro to establish a self- volunteers working for selected CSOs. Educating young, enthusiastic experts in spe- supporting network for the preservation of the Balkan lynx and its (potential) cific fields was intended not only to raise the profile of the respective CSOs but also habitats. The first step was to identify possible partner organizations. During this to motivate the trainees to continue their involvement and engagement within their process, it became obvious that despite great enthusiasm and interest in the organization with great enthusiasm. As a consequence, they would actively take issue, potential partners lack expert knowledge not only on wildlife protection and over responsibility for further implementation of nature conservation activities in management, but also on protected area management. their countries.

Based on this finding, the project “Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Four courses held at various locations addressed different topics related to Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green wildlife protection and management as well as protected areas, both theoretically and Belt” was developed. The main aim of the project was to pass on national and practically. The idea was for the knowledge to be transferred to ten trainees. international expertise on wildlife management and nature conservation to CSOs in nature conservation in Kosovo and Montenegro. The primary purpose was to One specific characteristic of the project was that those junior employees from create a basis for further cooperation in the fields of lynx preservation and the Albania and Macedonia who had been trained within the course of several previous designation of protected areas. Another aim was to transfer expertise to strengthen projects (e.g. BLRP Phase I and II) were to act as lecturers themselves. This was the capacity of CSOs, so that eventually they would become important stakehol- meant to foster the establishment of a regional network of young, professional ders in nature conservation in general and lynx protection in particular in their nature conservationists which would help increase the scale and cross-border respective countries – similarly to the partners trained in Albania and Macedonia. cooperation for the effective protection of the natural heritage of the Balkans. Establishment of nature conservation CSOs

in Montenegro and Kosovo as a contribution “Working with people from the region to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt was what I liked the most about the programme”

18 © MES 19 Project Partners Beneficiary CSOs

One of the ideas of the project was to initiate a regional conservation network By joining up with the CZIP (Center for Research and Protection of Birds of Monte- consisting of nature conservation organizations from Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo negro), EuroNatur had already established a good relationship during the imple- and Montenegro. Within the past eight years, since the targeted work for the con- mentation of other projects, especially related to the protection of birds. In order servation of the Balkan lynx started, EuroNatur partner organizations Macedonian to widen the focus of the cooperation, it was agreed between both organizations Ecological Society (MES) and the Association for the Protection and Preservation of that CZIP would be the beneficiary of the project and participate in the courses. the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) have succeeded in strengthening their Two junior employees of CZIP took part in the courses; further options were given status as influential CSOs in the region. For that purpose, as well as for the fruit- to two smaller organizations from Montenegro, namely Ozon and Delfin. Two of the ful cooperation of EuroNatur, MES and PPNEA, both CSOs have become national courses were also attended by an employee of the Public Enterprise for National partners in the implementation of the project. Parks of Montenegro.

In order also to initiate and strengthen cooperation among the organizations from As part of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme, initial contact was made with the four countries on a personal level, the junior employees educated as part of organizations and individuals in Kosovo that could possibly participate in the the project “The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, Bear and project. On consideration, however, it became obvious that the geographical focus Lynx” and the BLRP (for further details about both, please see above) were asked of these organizations and persons was limited to specific areas in Kosovo. Never- to serve both as organizers of courses in Albania and Macedonia, respectively, and theless, as these areas correlate with the potential distribution range of the Balkan as tutors. lynx, it was decided to invite junior employees from the organization Finch, based in Prizren, as well as ERA (Environmentally Responsible Action Group), located in Peja, to participate in the courses. Additionally, two members of Eko Viciana (Prishtina) joined in. The last course in Prizren was attended by a member of Eco-Earth.

“I most liked the opportunity to connect with other NGOs from the region Implementation of the project and share experiences with them”

20 © Azem Ramadani 21 Courses Extracts from the programme for Lynx Range Wide Meeting and Capacity Building Workshop, Vevčani and Librazhd, 1–10 October 2012

1. Course in Vevcani and Librazhd (Macedonia and Albania), 1–10 October 2012 Monday 01 October 2012 Tuesday 02 October 2012 Wednesday 03 October 2012 Thursday 04 Oct. 2012 Friday 05 Oct. 2012 Lynx Range Monitoring Network Monitoring Network & Field Day Field Day Wide Meeting & Baseline Survey Baseline Survey 09:00 Introduction Monitoring Summary Baseline Survey Introduction: Biodiversity Introduction: High Moun- Ten participants from Finch, ERA and ProGreen (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon and Eco The first course was combined with the “Lynx Range Wide Meeting”, organized Urs Breitenmoser, KORA MES & KORA on the Balkan Peninsula tain Flora & Fauna Ecology & Behaviour of Balkan Lynx Gjorge Ivanov, MES Natalija Angelova, MES Center Delfin (Montenegro) and PPNEA (Albania) within the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme. The strategic MES & PPNEA 10:00 Welcome & Introduction Stratified Monitoring: Aims & Principles Field Excursion: Field Day: Field Excursion: meeting was attended by 24 participants from Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro MES KORA Camera-Trap Operations,Food Identification of Flora and Biodiversity of Ancient Review of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme Snare Operations,Practicals FaunaRed List Species Lake Ohrid and its feeder from the Albanian Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Affairs, and Kosovo. Besides the participants and course lecturers, representatives of 11:00 Establishing a Monitoring Network Lecturers KORA, MES, EuroNatur & PPNEA MES & PPNEA Baseline Survey springs at Sv. Naum EuroNatur, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, IUCN Regional Office for Europe, KORA, MES, further NGOs from Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo attended the Why conserving the Balkan Lynx? Camera-Trapping: Operation Principles, Field Study De- MES & KORA 12:00 Christine Breitenmoser-Würsten, KORA sign & Data Analysis PPNEA and the University of Prishtina (Kosovo) meeting, as did the local hunting association. The meeting served to bring together IUCN Red List and the Balkan Lynx MES & PPNEA Urs Breitenmoser, KORA Balkan lynx Monitoring Guidelines & Field Handbook important stakeholders from the distribution range of the Balkan lynx in order to Conservation Status of the Balkan Lynx KORA Main topics addressed during the course: Balkan lynx: conservation status gain a common understanding of the critical situation of the Balkan lynx and to Dime Melovski, MES Discussion and needs; ecology of the species; planning of first steps for conservation of define joint steps for its conservation. The first two days of the course were Discussion

Balkan lynx (“baseline survey”) in Montenegro and Kosovo. attended not only by its participants but also by further stakeholders from all “lynx 13:00 Lunch Break Lunch Break

Protected areas: example of Jablanica-Shebenik (Albania); Albanian protected area countries”, providing a great possibility for the young researchers to meet national 14:00 Situation of the Balkan Lynx in Macedonia and Albania Baseline Survey: Introduction system in light of European requirements; natural resources management; the and international experts and to start networking for their future work. MES & PPNEA Manuela von Arx, KORA Situation of the Balkan Lynx in Kosovo Review of Baseline Survey in Macedonia human dimension in protected area planning; important plant areas. 15:00 Halil Ibrahimi, University of Prishtina Dime Melovski, MES Review of Baseline Survey in Albania Geographical Positioning System: the use of GPS in theory and practise The first half of the course (1–5 October) took place in Vevcani, located in the Coffee Break 16:00 Bledi Hoxha, PPNEA Balkan Lynx - Where are we now and Where do we go? Jablanica Mountains in Macedonia; the second part (6–10 October) was held in Coffee Break 17:00 KORA Evening Lecture: Evening Lecture: Transfer of Participants Practical lessons/fieldwork: How to catch lynx: camera-trap operation, foot snare Librazhd, in the adjacent Jabllanica-Shebenik Mountain range. This emphasized the Planning Baseline Survey in Flagship, Keystone and The IUCN Red List to Librazhd (ALB) Questions, Discussion KOS and MNE all participants Umbrella Species in Nature Dime Melovski, MES Evening Introduction of operation, practical exercise in baseline survey. Identification of flora and fauna Red transborder character and idea of all courses. Conservation PPNEA Thies Geertz, EuroNatur List species. Floristic Assessment in line with Natura 2000. GPS training session.

22 © Thies Geertz | Euronatur | Azem Ramadani | Euronatur 23 Extracts from the programme for Capacity Building Workshop, Valbona, Albania, 24–30 June 2013

2. Course in Valbona, Albania; 24–30 June 2013 Monday 24 June 2013 Tuesday 25 June 2013 Wednesday 26 June 2013 Thursday 27 June 2013 Friday 28 June 2013 Monitoring of Transboundary coopeartion Wildlife Ecology: High mountain Flora Wildlife Management: Base- Human Dimensions Large Carnivores in Nature Conservation and Fauna of the SW Balkans line Survey in Conservation of Large Carnivores Fifteen participants from Finch, ERA, Eko Viciana (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon (Montene- At the request of many participants from the first course, the second course in 09:00 Arrival of Participants Perspectives for Transboundary cooperation Monitoring of Prey Species - Methods, Wildlife Management Assessment of Human-Wildlife Con- that have not arrived on 23 June in the SW Balkans - The Balkan Lynx Recovery species fact sheets & field signs(continued) & Hunting systems flicts - Experiences from Albania and gro), MES (Macedonia) and PPNEA (Albania). Additionally, an employee of the Public Valbona was shortened to seven days only, which made it easier for employed Programme (theory & work in goups) Switzerland Urs Breitenmoser,IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Aleksandër Trajçe, University of 10:00 Field Day Enterprise for National Parks of Montenegro attended. persons and students to attend. Species Survival Commission Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Roehampton Gabriel Schwaderer, EuroNatur Species Survival Commission Manuela von Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Excursion 1: Group, Species Survival Commission 11:00 Wildlife Ecology- Behaviour, Field Signs, Lecturers from EuroNatur, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, KORA, MES, PPNEA, Univer- As three participants from Kosovo and one from Montenegro were extremely Interpretations Standardised Human sity of Skopje and the University of Roehampton (UK) interested in wildlife ecology and monitoring large carnivores, it was agreed that they 12:00 Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Arx,IUCN Dimensions Surveys Cat Specialist Group, Species Survival Aleksandër Trajçe, University of Roe- would conduct the fieldwork for the baseline survey of lynx in Kosovo and Monte- Commission hampton Silva Huda, PPNEA Main topics addressed during the course: monitoring large carnivores; wildlife negro. These tasks were conducted within the following months, supervised and Excursion 2: 13:00 Lunch Break Lunch Break High mountain Flora and Fauna of the Lunch Break Lunch Break ecology; wildlife management. High mountain flora and fauna in the SW Balkans. supported by those junior scientists from Albania and Macedonia who had been SW Balkans - Ecology of Plant and Animal 14:00 Principles of Monitoring Carnivores - Rural Livlihoods and their Link to Sustainability Communities with Special Emphasis on Preparation of Baseline Survey Practicals: Transboundary cooperation in nature conservation. Human dimensions in conser- trained within the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme and the previ- Applying qualitative and quantitative - A transboundary project AL-KS-MK Conservation Aspects for Kosovo and Montenegro Employing Standardised Human vation planning. ously conducted project “The Balkan Green Belt as an Ecological Corridor for the Wolf, 15:00 Methods to small Populations Silva Huda, PPNEA Ljupcho Melovski, University of Skopje - Structured Interviews and Dimensions Surveys in and around Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Arx, Manuela von Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Questionnaires Valbona Bear and Lynx”. The joint fieldwork as well as the analysis of the data strengthened IUCN Cat Specialist Group, Species Survival Species Survival Commission (theory & practicals in goups) (in groups) 16:00 Commission Aleksandër Trajçe, University of Aleksandër Trajçe, University Identification of Sustainable Practices in Practical lessons/fieldwork: identification and interpretation of field signs the good relationship of the junior scientists and trainees from Albania, Macedonia, PPNEA Roehampton of Roehampton our Rural Communities MES Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Silva Huda, PPNEA (excercise in groups) of wildlife; ecology of plant and animal communities with special emphasis on Montenegro and Kosovo. A transborder network was established which will help not Arx, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, conservation aspects; employing standardized human dimension surveys in and only the preservation of the Balkan lynx, but nature conservation in general. 17:00 Evening practicals: Global Positioning Monitoring of Prey Species -Methods, species Species Survival Commission Systems as a usefull tool in monitoring fact sheets & field signs around Valbona. 18:00 Animal Populations (Theory, Quiz, Practicals) Evening Lecture: Evening Lecture: Kujtim Mersini, Food Safety and Urs Breitenmoser & Manuela von Arx, IUCN Cat High Nature Value Farming Unusual ‚human dimensions‘- Wildlife Veterinary Institute Tirana Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission Kujtim Mersini, Food Safety and in Captivity (with discussion) Aleksandër “I met so many new people with the same ideals” Veterinary Institute Tirana Trajçe, University of Roehampton

24 © Azem Ramadani 25 Programme for Capacity Building Workshop, Komovi Mts., Montenegro, 18–22 October 2013

3. Course in Komovi Mt., Montenegro; 18–22 October 2013 Friday 18 October 2013 Saturday 19 October 2013 Sunday 20 October 2013 Monday 21 October 2013 Tuesday 22 October 2013 Transboundary Conservation Projects Monitoring of Large Carnivores Monitoring of Large Carnivores Protected Areas Protected Areas in MNE and KOS in MNE and KOS Field Excursion to Prokletije NP 09:00 Review of the Baseline Survey of Large Baseline Survey: Preparation of Workplan Eleven participants from Finch, ERA, Eko Viciana (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon (Montenegro) The organization CZIP from Montenegro was responsible for the logistics of Carnivores in KOS (20-30 min.) Technical Report & Next Steps 2014 MNE and KOS ERA, Peja (KOS) Dime Melovski, MES in the Framework of the Finch, Prizren (KOS) Protected Area and PPNEA (Albania). the course and also played a part in designing its curriculum. During the 10:00 component of the BLRP Review of the Baseline Survey of Large course, preliminary results from the baseline survey were presented and Chair: Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Carnivores in MNE (20-30 min.) Lecturers from EuroNatur, MES, PPNEA, Public Enterprise for National Parks of Mon- discussed. In this context, the input of the junior researchers from MES was 11:00 Aleksandar Perović, CZIP Marina Đurović, National Parks MNE tenegro, University Donja Gorica (MNE) and the University of Roehampton (UK) particularly helpful. 12:00 Discussion of the results from MNE Introduction to Camera-Trap Monitoring Full Day Excursion Wrap-up of the Training and KOS Bledi Hoxha & Aleksandër Trajçe, PPNEA to Prokletije National Park and Preparation of Dime Melovski, MES the next Training in Kosovo Main topics addressed during the course: monitoring large carnivores in Meeting with National Park Director 8-12 November 2013 Enes Drešković Montenegro and Kosovo; transboundary conservation projects, protected area 13:00 Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break development in Montenegro/SEE; prospects for protected area work in Albania and 14:00 Practicals: Protected Area Development in MNE - Departure Montenegro Preparation of Data from Baseline Achievements and Challenges of participants 15:00 Arrival of Participants Survey for Analysis Marija Vugdelić, University Donja Gorica Dime Melovski, MES in the Afternoon Review & Discussion of Protected Area Vasko Avukatov, GIS Specialist MES Practical lessons/fieldwork: full day excursion to Prokletije National Park Development in SEE 16:00 Transboundary conservation projects - Practicals: Chair: Marija Vugdelić, University Donja Introduction to Training Course Database Management and GIS Gorica Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Mapping Dime Melovski, MES Vasko Avukatov, GIS Specialist MES 17:00 Introduction to handheld GPS device use “I most liked making joint plans for the future regarding Vasko Avukatov, GIS specialist MES 18:00 The importance of Natura 2000 for Camera-Trap field demonstration EU Accession Candidate Countries Bledi Hoxha & Bekim Trezhnjeva, PPNEA the protection of nature and wildlife” Thies Geertz, EuroNatur

26 © Azem Ramadani 27 Programme for Capacity Building Workshop, Prizren, Kosovo, 08–11 November 2013 – Hotel Centrum Prizren

4. Course in Prizren, Kosovo; 8–11 November 2013 Friday 08 November 2013 Sunday 10 October 2013 Monday 11 October 2013

Current Conservation Projects Field Excursion to Sharr National Park Conservation Planning: Open Standards Development of Conservation Action Plan for the Practice of Conservation 09:00 Fourteen participants from Finch, ERA, Eko Viciana, EcoEarth (Kosovo), CZIP, Ozon Originally, it was planned to dedicate this course mainly to practical lessons on (Montenegro) and PPNEA (Albania). Additionally, an employee of the Public Enterprise setting camera traps in the Sharr National Park (Kosovo). Due to the cancelation Introduction to conservation planning 10:00 for National Parks of Montenegro attended. by the lecturer, who would have been responsible for this unit, it was necessary Thies Geertz, EuroNatur Development of small Conservation Action to change plans, however. The course was relocated to Prizren and alternative 11:00 Arrival of Participants Guided Excursion Plan for Prokletije NP Lecturers from EuroNatur, Finch, University of Prishtina and UNDP Office Prishtina topics needed to be found and lecturers engaged. Nevertheless, despite the short to Sharr National Park & Pashtrik-Morina (KOS) with traditional lunch at Economic Ecosystem Valuation of Sharr work in groups time available to redesign the course, it was possible to present an interesting 12:00 Finch field station National Park „Camp Limthi“ Enis Selimi, UNDP Prishtina Main topics addressed during the course: conservation planning with focus on one. In the final course, less emphasis was placed on theoretical lectures, but Open Standards, economic ecosystem valuation more time was spent on the joint development of drafts for conservation plans

for two protected areas in Kosovo and Montenegro. Also, one full day was spent 13:00 Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break Practical lessons/fieldwork: full day excursion to Sharr National Park, joint exer- on a hiking excursion in Sharr National Park giving participants the chance to 14:00 Reports on current conservation Open Standards for the Practice projects inKOS and MNE of Conservation cise for the development of conservation action plans for selected protected areas in exchange ideas directly and tighten their bonds. 15:00 & discussion - Workshop Report Bulgaria - Departure of participants Kosovo and Montenegro. all participants Marina Đurović, National Parks of Montenegro

16:00 Discussion on Open Standards for the Similarly to the previous course in Montenegro, responsibility for logistics was given Practice of Conservation all participants to the local partner Finch. 17:00 State of ancient beech forests in KOS Evening programme: Reports on current conservation projects in Bledar Pulaj, University of Prishtina visit to the old town of Prizren KOS and MNE & discussion 18:00 all participants Aulona Nallbani, ERA “There was a good balance between theoretical presentations and fieldwork” Marija Stanisic, CZIP

Lessons learned:

In total, 24 representatives of organizations active in nature conservation from • If a topic has transborder aspects, involve organizations from Kosovo and Montenegro participated in the series of four courses held within the neighbouring countries. project “Establishment of nature conservation CSOs in Montenegro and Kosovo as • If possible, integrate more experienced partners from countries a contribution to the preservation of the Balkan Green Belt”. The first course was in the regions as trainers. organized as a transborder course, with five days in the Jablanica Mountains • Courses should not exceed seven days in length. in Macedonia and 5 days in the adjacent Jabllanica-Shebenik mountain range in • Try to establish an appropriate rate between Albania. The second course took place in the Valbona, located in the Albanian Alps, theoretical and practical lessons. while the third and the fourth courses were organized in the beneficiary countries, namely in the Komovi Mountains in Montenegro and in Prizren, Kosovo.

Six out of 24 representatives participated in all the courses; during the project, five Suggestions for improvements (made by participants): of these became members of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme team and were already actively involved in the implementation of the project or activities for the • Use more interactive methods, engage a professional facilitator. protection of the Balkan lynx. • Use more international literature. • Involve more foreign experts in courses. After the last course, the participants that participated in all the courses were • Reduce length of workshop to four or five days. asked to fill in evaluation forms. The majority of the participants stated that they • More practical experience in the field, less theory. had received new information on the key topics of the courses, namely wildlife management and monitoring, protected areas, strategic conservation planning and GIS/GPS. Also, they judged this new information as useful for their (future) work.

All participants highlighted the possibility to connect with colleagues from the region and stated that this would be very useful for their work. Results

Rezultatet “I liked the exchange of knowledge and useful information” Rezultati

Mësimet e nxjerra: Naučene lekcije:

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

“I got a lot of information about wildlife monitoring, management and especially “Mostly I liked the fact that we met new people” about the lynx which was very useful for my future work as a wildlife researcher”

Capacitybuildingworkshops East Europe as well as the importance of a 7. Young nature conservationists from Kosovo and Montenegro Natura 2000 network. During both workshops meet at the Balkan Green Belt in Jablanica-Shebenik TheprogrammeforyoungconservaǦ participants shared their experience about tionists continued in Montenegro guidelines and improvement of implementation of projects which focus on species or From 1-10 October 2012 a capacity building workshop was held andKosovo for young conservationists from the Western Balkans in Vevčani, habitat conservation. Macedonia and Librazhd, Albania, situated at the foothills of the From 18-22 October 2013 in Shtavna, on the

Jablanica-Shebenik mountain range. Altogether, ten participants – five foothills of Mountain Komovi (Montenegro) from Kosovo, four from Montenegro and one from Albania attended In addition to the theoretical part of the work- and from 8-11 November 2013 in Prizren this workshop representing small and start-up NGOs from their home shops, participants of the trainings visited countries. The workshop was organized jointly by EuroNatur, the (Kosovo) two capacity building workshops for several mountain regions and National Parks Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Protection and Preservation young conservationist from Western Balkans in Montenegro and Kosovo. During these field of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA).The main goal was to train were held. Both workshops were jointly orga- young conservationists in field methods, e.g. monitoring of large trips they gained an insight on the possible nized by EuroNatur, Center for Protection and carnivores, and to familiarize them with current concepts and trends habitats of Balkan lynx in these countries and Photo: MES/D.Melovski Photo: in nature conservation. Another objective was to establish ties across Research of birds of Montenegro and NGO received information about problems and borders and strengthen co-operation between local NGOs along this precious part of the European Green Belt. Finch from Kosovo and were carried out in challenges which these areas are facing. The fact that partners from Macedonian and Albanian NGOs shared their experiences from many previous the framework of continuing activities to projects with their Kosovar and Montenegrin colleagues and that we discussed together a common strategy strengthen the capacity of environmental for cross-border nature conservation highlights the participatory approach of this training programme. NGOs in Montenegro and Kosovo. The workshops in Shtavna and Prizren were Three more workshops are planned for 2013 within this capacity training programme which is financially part of a series of four workshops which were supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). The main focus of the upcoming realized within the project „Capacity building workshops will be put on the designation and management of large-scale protected areas with a special emphasis on a transboundary setting. of nature conservation NGOs in Montenegro and Kosovo“ which is financially supported by For more information please contact Thies Geertz, EuroNatur. the German Federal Agency for Nature Con- servation (BfN). 8. Symposium held in Kopački rit Nature Park in Croatia Marija Stanišiü, CZIP

Public Institution Kopački rit Nature Park organized a symposium “Kopački rit Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” on 27 September 2012., that presented the most important researches, educational and economic activities in this nature park. Since Fig. 6: Workshop participants at the foothills of Mt. this area is the central part of a recently Pashtrik, Kosovo. The„BalkanLynxRecoveryProgramme”is proclaimed Mura – Drava – Danube Biosphere Reserve, promotion of an interdisciplinary jointly implemented by EuroNatur FounͲ and innovative approach in nature protection While the November workshop was specially dation, KORA (Coordinated research proͲ and sustainable management of natural jects for the conservation and manageͲ resources that beneﬁts development of the focused on presenting preliminary results of whole society is of great interest for this area. Kopački rit Nature Park Photo: the ongoing Baseline Survey in Kosovo and ment of carnivores in Switzerland), MES Business sector (Privredna Banka Zagreb) has recognized the importance of this event and Montenegro within the third phase of the Bal- (Macedonian Ecological Society), PPNEA sponsored it by publishing the Proceedings of the Symposium. For more information please contact: kan Lynx Recovery Programme and sharing (Society for the Protection and PreservaͲ [email protected] experiences with colleagues from Macedonia tion of Natural Environment in Albania) and Albania, the workshop held in October andfinanciallysupportedbyMAVAFounͲ mainly dealt with topics related to protected dationforNatureConservation. 9. Sustainable tourism in Europe’s nature destinations area management. Among the topics ad- In July this year, after a vigorous on-site evaluation, Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve, Italy has ofﬁcially dressed during the workshop were achieve- received the status of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, becoming the 100th protected ments and challenges in the development of landscape in Europe to have achieved this status. Awe-inspiring landscapes, untouched nature, rich protected areas in the region of the Western heritage and traditional communities: these are just some of the reasons why national parks, nature

parks and other designated protected areas are becoming some of Europe’s most popular holiday Balkans and examples of good practices in the development of protected areas in South

Annex https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_see_bulletin_31_web_13_11_2012_final.pdf http://www.catsg.org/balkanlynx/01_recovery-programme/1_9_newsletter/BLRP_Newsletter_02-2013.pdf

34 © Ljubomir Stefanov 35 © Annette Spangenberg The projectwasfinancially supportedbytheGermanFederal Agency forNatureConservation withfundingfromtheGermanFederalMinistryforEnvironment, NatureConservationandNuclear Safety.

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