Awareness Raising

Best Practice Manual (BPM): Awareness raising

Cluster 1,2,& 3

24.02.2019

Project co-funded by the European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4

2. THE GOALS OF STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ...... 4

3. RAISING AWARENESS OF RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS ...... 4

3.1. Knowledge transfer ...... 4

3.2. Stakeholders workshops ...... 10

3.3. Field trips ...... 16

3.4. Trainings ...... 21

3.5. Online consultations ...... 25

3.6. Mobile groups on the spot ...... 26

3.7. Distribution of information – website, media, newsletters, etc...... 29

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

Contributors, name and Institution surname

Albena Bobeva Executive Forest Agency, Bulgaria Elena Rafailova Executive Forest Agency, Bulgaria István Waltner Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd. (HUN) Anna Farkas Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd. (HUN) Claudia Plank Agricultural Research and Education Center Raumberg-Gumpenstein Karl Gebhardt Forest Research Institute Baden- Württemberg Elizabeth Gerhardt Austrian Federal Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism Ana Selak Croatian Geological Survey Petrisor Vica Romsilva, Romania Vladimir Konstantinov Executive Forest Agency, Bulgaria Daniel Alexandru National Meteorological Administration, Romania Dr. Elena Mateescu National Meteorological Administration, Romania Andreea Popescu National Meteorological Administration, Romania Beata Balazsi Environmental Protection Agency of Covasna Marius Danila Environmental Protection Agency of Covasna Barbara Čenčur Curk University of Ljubljana Urška Valenčič University of Ljubljana

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

1. Introduction

This manual is part of DT 222 “Transnational cluster-manual for practitioners” of Work package T2 “Explorative Danube” of the project CAMARO-D. The main aim is to communicate with all relevant target groups and stakeholders and to involve them in the development of the outputs of the project. The manual is directed mainly to local authorities and practitioners in the watershed area and especially at the pilot action sites. Their involvement in awareness raising activities on the spot is of great importance to guarantee the cooperation with the public authorities, research institutions and decision makers on watershed level. 2. The goals of stakeholders engagement

 Raise awareness of the problems on watershed level

 Provide stakeholders with relevant knowledge and skills  Outlining the methods and approaches used within the Clusters for communication and stakeholders involvement  Provide stakeholders with the tools to control and management of the risks  Promote and implement measures  Distribute “lessons learnt” among other relevant actors or general public 3. Raising awareness of relevant stakeholders

Raising awareness among relevant stakeholders is critical for the success of any initiative, as their participation and collaboration will be needed for the development and implementation of related policies and programmes. Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of good practice in modern policy-making, particularly in initiation stages of policy development. Through different ways one of the initial steps in the process of interaction with stakeholders is to provoke them into searching professional advice. During the project implementation, different tools were used to raise awareness in stakeholders and society and to involve them in the implementation of the direct and indirect interventions in the catchment pilot areas. 3.1. Knowledge transfer

3.1.1. Austria

Within the Pilot Area “Groundwater field Dietacher Holz” several consultations in smaller as well as bigger groups with the involved water suppliers, municipal decision makers, forest owners and farmers were conducted. With this method the affected stakeholders could be informed very detailed and efficient (e.g. which tree species should be used where?). Within the Gnasbach catchment area mainly soil and water conservation consultants of the Styrian agricultural chamber and affected farmers were involved. The knowledge transfer was conducted in a bidirectional and cooperative manner.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

AREC implements manifold knowledge transfer methods: Special trainings and workshops, action days, hands-on activities, excursions, study visits, science days, traineeships for students as well as face-to-face transfer were realised within CAMARO-D project. Additionally different media channels were used for the distribution of know-how and awareness raising according to special topics (e.g. invasive plant species, beaver management, surface runoff according to different land-use types).

The knowledge transfer method is selected upon the relevant target group. Our science days and hands-on activities with schools as well as the public workshops about wetland and flood risk management showed that for citizens and students a combination of theory and practice on the spot is very effective. The direct contact (e.g. removal of invasive plant species) is very important and creates a greater connection with the topic. For practitioners trainings are useful, for instance to become acquainted to a new management method. Decision-makers need to be directly involved in the relevant actions (e.g. involvement of representatives from local municipalities to invasive plant species actions, hazard zone mapping, workshops) to get expertise for implementation of guidelines and BPM (e.g. spatial planning and flood risk prevention).

3.1.2. Bulgaria

Knowledge transfer workshop for the role of the forest green belt around the village of Eliseina and the role of drinking water protective forests around the drinking water zones was organized to increase the awareness of local services and local population. The importance of the green belt above the village and the possible ways for its improvement and protection were the main points of the discussion and field work. Knowledge transfer action to increase of the preparedness of local society to avoid floods by maintaining the river bed clean from trees, branches and wastes and on how to remove and dispose the septage from the sewage tanks after the floods.was realized in watershed with the participation of local population and mayors of three villages.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

Figure 1. Green bel above the village

Figure 2. Above the village of Eliseina after intensive rain

Monitoring the hydro-meteorological parameters in a torrential basin (Putna tributary – Caciu Barsesti)

The National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry (INCDS) “Marin Drăcea” conducted a research of determination of the hydrological and anti-erosion efficiency of forest protection crops on degraded lands. The results obtained are useful for the future development of forestry and especially forestry hydrological research, currently deficient in data on the variation of hydrological parameters in relation to the state of forest protection crops, silvicultural works, stationary conditions, etc.

Figure 2. Research areas (1C, 2C) for the study of leakage and erosion in Caciu-Barsesti basin - Pilna area pilot

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3.1.3. Croatia

HGI-CGS as PP10 held specific meetings with relevant practitioners and stakeholders within Pilot action Kupa River catchment area, primarily aimed at acquiring information about the area’s status quo and issues it is coping with and measures for their mitigation/prevention (on local and regional level), but also at best practices exchange. Practitioners happily communicated their points of views therefore contributing to the identification of gaps in land use management and water protection at local and/or regional level. Even though direct stakeholder dialogue in form of meetings will yield the most of the required data and stakeholders’ feedback, it should be complemented with other engagement tools like phone calls, emails, questionnaires etc. 3.1.4. Germany

The three pillars of the FVA (PP12) are monitoring, research and knowledge transfer, therefore, the FVA has competences in knowledge transfer of research. There are different platforms to convey monitoring and research results to forest users, e.g. there are events such as presentations and seminars on a regular basis, the data from monitoring and research is prepared for the internet (www.waldwissen.net), and there are print media such as the “FVA Einblick” (internal newsletter) and magazines for members of land user associations. There is general interest among land users for new knowledge on how to improve their environmental impacts. However, experience shows that when other major problems arise, such as the current forestry reform in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg and bark beetle infestations (especially in the dry year 2018), it is difficult to mobilize stakeholders to attend the events.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3.1.5. Hungary

Since there was no Hungarian field study within the project, the below experiences are drawn from other projects carried out by HOI. Within the Interreg project TRIS (Transition Regions Towards Industrial Symbiosis) IS (Industrial Symbiosis) Local Labs were established to act as a kind of advisory board for the project partners in each region. At least 10 members take part in this group of experts, who come from different backgrounds: ministries, background institutes, umbrella organizations, industry representatives and NGOs. Every six months an IS Local Lab Meeting is held at the project partners to inform the Local Lab members about the project proceedings but also to ask for their advice in professional matters. One other possibility for successful knowledge transfer is that trained workers train project partners who can transfer this knowledge to the target group in their region. HOI took part in a project where the lead partner organized a train the trainers course with approx. 10 participants who trained and involved later more than 300 people. 3.1.6. Romania

NMA-PP07 - Black River - Hydrographic basin from Covasna County

Drought communication is done through competent bodies and can prove the truth of the information, these institutions send notifications to the other administrative institutions (Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and even to the Government when the damages are very high. Communication also takes place locally, regionally or nationally, depending on the intensity of the drought and the affected area. Before an event occurs, people can be warned through the media or the internet to take certain measures and to be aware of the danger they will expose. The National Meteorological Administration sends warnings on soil drought, the Government and MADR- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, have to inform the population so, these forward the information through the local and county councils. Depending on their expertise, the competent institutions in Romania elaborate the following documents:

 the development of good practice guides for agriculture, in particular for non-irrigated agriculture;

 developing and implementing local (community-level) action plans for the ASC (Adaptation to Climate Change);

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 the development and implementation of land improvement plans which will increase the probability of precipitation (including afforestation, water gloss, etc.);

 use research to combat existing vulnerabilities and change the structure of crops / holdings in the sense of an agriculture less exposed to climate change;

 encouraging crop / farm insurance;

 improving the availability and applicability of modeling and adaptation options for the use of farmers (providing data and results on the response of the water resource to the possible scenarios of climate change, the promotion of the use of GIS technology, etc.);

 infrastructure and technology development necessary for active local control interventions of extreme weather phenomena for the protection of crops and local communities.

 In every agricultural year, County Agricultural Directorates and Community Council have to provide to farmers the recommendation received from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development included into a protocol named Recommended measures to mitigate the effects of drought.

From the emergence of the phenomenon of drought in agriculture, the County Agricultural Directorates announces local councils and farmers when agricultural crops are affected. Also, According to the Agrometeorological Standard Bulletin issued by National Meteorological Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development informs the County Agricultural Directorates about the appearance of drought and makes recommendations for farmers at county level, each time the drought situation it is updated with new information received from NMA. County Agricultural Directorates and Community Council receive a set o measures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, activities that should be applied to limit the effects of drought. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development demand that the County Agricultural Directorates investigate the surfaces affected by the drought phenomena. Based on the Reports of all County Agricultural Directorates, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development makes a national evaluation of agricultural fields affected by drought and informs the Government about the current situation of drought in agriculture at national level. The Government along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development establishes the opportunities of interventions with financial compensation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development releases to the general and specialized media the evaluation of drought at national level, along with the measures applied regarding this situation.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

The media has an important role in publishing articles in specialized magazines or broadcasting interviews to inform the public about the current state.

3.1.7. Slovenia

Knowledge transfer was achieved with different/several means: an article about project results was prepared and presented at the Slovenian Geological Congress, meetings with relevant stakeholders were held where information about current situation, challenges and best management practices were exchanged, workshop for the identification and feedback on best practices regarding managing the water regime was organized, excursions with Slovenian Forest Service and river supervisor was realised.

3.2. Stakeholder selection and engagement

3.2.1. Austria

Dependent on the relevant subject/topic/problem bilateral conversations or meetings/consultations with the most affected/involved stakeholders are conducted. This method provides the most effective and efficient way to get detailed information (e.g. about their respective problems in their daily work) or to give recommendations tailored to the relevant problems on-site. Concerning the protection of groundwater - as it is the main topic within the Pilot area “Dietacher Holz” – the involvement of the relevant water works is the basic condition for the success of the communication process as the water suppliers are the only institution which guarantees for the interest of drinking water protection. Furthermore the fact that the Lead Partner – the Austrian Federal Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism - has organized these stakeholder events and Pilot Actions was a main trigger for all involved persons, as through this their interest was given on a high level.

In the Gnasbach catchment area, potentially interested farmers were selected based on their former participation in courses on soil and water conservation by reduced tillage practices at AREC Raumberg-Gumpenstein. These farmers are used as pioneers and by means of objective economic efficiency calculations an optimisation in terms of soil protection and yields can be expected. Open and broad discussion processes as well as case studies will become important in the future. Furthermore trainings to become an agricultural skilled worker (“Landwirtschaftlicher Facharbeiter”), who is entitled to manage a farm and to get incentives, are envisaged. This is only partially desirable – on the one hand, the probability of actual implementation of the proposed measures (intercropping and reduced tillage) is higher because the participants are supposed to be genuinely interested – on the other hand, farmers that have not been interested

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so far will miss out. The main hope here is that by communication between these two groups of farmers, the proposed ideas will have a chance to gain momentum.

Stakeholders are selected at the beginning of the measure, on local, regional and/or national level, according to the particular topic and to the area of the pilot action. For involvement of stakeholders in pilot actions personal contacts and co-operations from previous or current projects and activities are one of the most fruitful methods.

The engagement of stakeholders takes place via direct involvement in relevant actions (e.g. involvement of the Mountain and Nature Rescue Service and of the Styrian League for Nature Protection and Schools and population in the pilot action “Management of invasive plant species”), invitation to events (trainings, workshops, study visits) as well as via the joint development of new concepts and further projects. Direct stakeholder integration proves to be of great importance for the knowledge transfer and exchange of experiences.

AREC is a multiplayer in the region Styrian Enns valley and has a very close contact to decision makers as well as practitioners, NGOs, schools and experts in different fields of research and development, education, but also for further education, reviewers and lecturers at universities and schools. Also strategies and working groups are established. Therefore we have a close cooperation to all relevant stakeholders in the region in general. The representatives from AREC are also local councillors and therefore in thematic fields like spatial planning directly involved in implementation processes or can open doors for better connections and networks.

3.2.2. Bulgaria

 Contact per e-mail or phone

 Official invitation to the related services

 Press-release on the EFA web page

 Using of regional EFA experts to invite important stakeholders on regional level /they are familiar with those experts, as they are working on the spot with relevant institutions on regional level/

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3.2.3. Croatia

Adequate preliminary targeting of relevant stakeholders/practitioners will facilitate their timely involvement and effective ongoing communication. Therefore all relevant target groups were identified prior to the first significant project’s communication activity. A contact list of all relevant persons (containing data on the institutions they are working at, mailing addresses etc.) is regularly updated within the projects course. This contact list could be a sort of database for all future related projects.

3.2.4. Germany

The direct contact to lower forestry authorities as well as continuing education events are good ways to select and engage stakeholders. 3.2.5. Hungary

Since there was no Hungarian field study within the project, the below experiences are drawn from other projects carried out by HOI. Within TRIS the Stakeholder selection was carried out by assembling a list of possible experts from the field of circular economy and industrial symbiosis. The list included representatives from the responsible ministries, background, professional associations and NGOs. An invitation letter was sent out to them, and those who agreed to join, a contract was sent for signature asking for a continuous participation in the project. Despite this contract, after a certain amount of time some participants were not so keen on attending the meetings or joining the debate on the current issues. Also there were some institutional changes from time to time. In those cases new contacts were asked to join the IS Local Lab. At the end of the day a very helpful team was formed that gave useful thoughts and insights to the topics. One of the most effective ways of involving stakeholders was in our projects to cooperate with umbrella organizations. They can mobilize the members of the given association easily. In a LIFE Project HOI cooperated with KÖVET Association, which is non-governmental organization for sustainable management. HOI used the contacts of KÖVET for collecting potential voluntary organizations. The action was supported with a ‘Selection methodology’ developed by one of the associated beneficiaries in order to identify the most appropriate end-users with high transferability potential. 3.2.6. Romania

Romanian stakeholders were selected as: local, regional and national authorities in the sectors of agriculture, farmers, water, environment, emergency response, education and public administration; academic institutions. We can say that the project results are useful to a better understanding of the risks that appear in the study area and the best practice measures that are

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applied or can be implemented at regional and local level helping the authorities to have a better response in the future. 3.2.7. Slovenia

To form the group of most relevant stakeholders, selection was made on different levels (local, regional, national), from different sectors (agriculture, environment, spatial planning…) and according to the specifics and characteristics of pilot action area. In project context, the inclusion of waterworks of the area is of vital importance. Finally, acquaintances gained during previous work and projects are also one way of complementing and connecting an interdisciplinary stakeholders group. Engagement of stakeholders will be achieved through a survey and research conducted by sociologists.

3.3. Stakeholders workshops

3.3.1. Austria

In case of workshops with many participants the most effective method to get information from the audience as much as possible is the so-called “Carousel discussion”: due to the different topics the audience is divided into (about 3 – 4) groups. The relevant topic will be discussed in these small groups and documented (e.g. on small papers). After a certain time these groups rotate until each group could give their comments to each topic. With this method you get a quite comprehensive overview about the most relevant problems/solutions etc. – of course dependent from the composition of the audience. A more diverse audience can provide more diverse points of view according to their respective fields of action.

The direct contact to other stakeholders (bringing the groups of interest together to discuss problems and find solutions, networking) is very important and therefore often the most important part of workshops. This can be realised through offering interactive working groups. New knowledge and ideas arise more easily when people work together on relevant issues. Interactive working groups initiate dialogues, promote interdisciplinary exchange of experiences and knowledge, create new cooperation between stakeholders, and develop concrete implementation measures.

An example for an effective interactive working group is the world café: The participants are working on questions in small groups that change after 20 minutes. Only the moderator remains at the table and ensures that the next group of participants does not do the same work again but pushes the topic further. The results are noted and presented later to all participants.

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World cafés are very effective because usable results can be produced very quickly. Everyone is actively involved and can contribute their know-how and experience. The results can be used immediately or can be processed further (prioritization). The integration of all participants increases the acceptance of the results. For students the best involvement and integration in the thematic are hands on workshops or a combination between theory and practice.

3.3.2. Bulgaria

Terrain work and work on the spot with demonstrations of different activities important for the area and for the local population were the most effective part of the stakeholder workshops

3.3.3. Croatia

Round table discussions, rotating panel discussions, educative lectures with graphical simulation models, demonstration models and experiments (see answer to question 5). Also dissemination of educative brochure containing all relevant data on pilot action and identified issues and best practices. 3.3.4. Germany

The most effective part were filed trips with experts, discussions not only with the experts, but also with the land users on site. To have the discussions on site, where the problems can be seen more easily, helps understand possible conflicts between land users, and to see the possible solutions. Very effective is to present a solution that benefits both parties. This is, of course, is not always the case. 3.3.5. Hungary

The implementation of the projects can be supported with different groups of stakeholders. In other international projects, HOI established National Technical Committees with Hungarian environmental experts and decision makers in order to involve the relevant stakeholders. Participants were trained and had regular meetings to discuss the actual issues of the project actions with HOI. The projects of HOI are usually supported by an external Advisory Board as well. The members of the board monitor the project implementation, take part in progress meetings and provide feedbacks on project implementation in order to make it more efficient. The advisory board can consist of representatives of most relevant ministries, relevant local and regional authorities, universities and main stakeholders delegated by the beneficiaries. They can discuss the

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experiences gained in the project, overall strategies, dissemination of lessons learnt and key results or financial issues in order to reach the project objectives. 3.3.6. Romania

At the Romanian national Workshop, organized on June 08 2017, at Covasna, NMA experts presented to the stakeholders the PP7 main objectives in the CAMARO-D project and the related projects to the topic: - Mr. Daniel Alexandru from the Agrometeorological Department, gave a presentation regarding the Pilot area of the Covasna district to assess the possible impact of climate change and the use of land on the quality and quantity of water resources in the catchment Black; - Mrs. Mihaela Caian, from the Numerical Modeling Forecast Department, presented the paper: Climate change at a regional scale for Romania (pilot areas: Covasna and Vrancea) estimated in assemblies multi-numerical models for climate scenarios SPC / IPCC; - Ms. Georgiana Olaru, from the Agrometeorological Department, pointed out a related project with good practices deliverables, Green Path towards Sustainable Development Project, part of RO07 Programme - Adaptation to climate change, financed by funds provided by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway via the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area (EEA), EEA Grants 2009 - 2014. - During the Romanian national Workshop was discussed the issues regarding D 3.1.2. Also, at the Romanian Workshop organized on June 08 2017, at Covasna, PP06, PP07 and PP08 experts debated together with the invited stakeholders the content of the D 3.2.1 National review reports of existing best management practices in Romania and the D 3.1.3 Analysis report of existing policy instruments/strategies resp. governance and cross compliance synergies on national/regional levels and their current practical implementation in Romania. NMA participated at the Romanian National Event organized in 12 December 2017, at Sfântu Gheorghe, by PP08-EPAC in the Black River Pilot Area "Dialogue with stakeholders on the interdependencies of management practices of Natura 2000 sites and the water management in river basin Black", and presented one paper related to Pilot Area Black River. PP07 has disseminated information about current status of the project with focus on the Report DT 2.1.3 Foreseen Pilot Actions and their Characteristics, Definition of the Requirements for the Pilot Actions for Cluster and D. T 1.2.3 Transnational best management practice (BMP) catalogue – Arable Agriculture and Grassland Management documents.

Forest management measures in the water resources protection areas, Romania

Stakeholders got acquainted with the risk of erosion due to improper management and use of vulnerable territories. Presented and discussed are the possible negative results from erosion

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processes for the neighboring settlements. Knowledge transfer to local stakeholders and owners about the silvicultural activities in artificial pine plantations was conducted.

Figure 4. Stakeholder workshops in Romania

3.3.7. Slovenia

Carousel discussions enables exploring multiple perspectives of a topic in a dynamic session. Discussion in smaller groups is very successful, because the participants are more willing and motivated to cooperate creatively. At the end a summary is made and presented to all participants. The second very effective activity is a field trip or excursion, where features and issues of certain area can be introduced most clearly.

3.4. Field trips

3.4.1. Austria

By means of an information event in the Pilot area “Groundwater field Dietacher Holz” with the affected stakeholders (especially forest owners) most of them could be convinced to act according to the developed Forest Hydrotope Model and to apply its recommendations. Due to severe damages within summer 2018 caused by bark beetles the forest owners and farmers were willing to give up their long-established Norway spruce cultivation and to open silvicultural practices towards the cultivation of deciduous tree species or Silver fir. By means of direct information and discussion processes in the field of the Pilot area the involved stakeholders could be directly addressed and open questions could be answered immediately. Within the Gnasbach catchment examples of soil erosion in arable farming were presented and occurred problems and effects discussed. The method for measuring soil erosion was personated and explained directly on-site. The advantages and disadvantages of crop rotation

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and alternative cultures incl. green strips as well as the mix of management and the programme for supporting special crops were discussed.

Within our indirect pilot actions, we combined field trips for students and land users (practitioners) with practical exercises dealing with the protection against natural hazards, protection against erosion, removal of invasive plant species. Each participant is interested in good solutions and needs an exchange of experience with other colleagues. The exchange of best practice among each other and one's own experiences is not conflict-prone but solution- oriented.

Examples: 1) Simulation game: Hazard Zone Maps for the protection against floods (two-day activity) On the first day experts from the Austrian Federal Service for Torrent and Avalanche control (WLV) visited the school and informed the students/ pupils about flood risk and protection measures in the Styrian Enns Valley. For the second day a practical field trip to a nearby stream was organised. The stream was dammed with sandbags. The pupils built a small village in the middle of the streambed and had the task to set measures to protect their houses from floods. Stone walls, dams, retention basis and wooden barriers were constructed to provide as much protection as possible for the settlement area. Then a hazard zone plan was drawn up together with the experts. The young experts drew their houses into a sketched map and assessed the danger area with red (extreme danger of flooding), yellow (danger of damage) or green (safe location). Afterwards the sandbags were removed and the flood occurred. Some houses were damaged but many parts of the settlement were safe from flooding. The young experts had protected their small village very well. The pupils used flags to mark their houses or the areas in which they were originally built. The danger zone map created by the pupils was pretty much in line with the actual danger zones from the experts. Pupils, teachers, parents, interested citizens and the mayor participated in the outdoor experience workshop. The workshop was also a training for the implementation of the new revised hazard zone map in the municipality. It is a qualified expert opinion of the WLV. The local population can thus better understand why and how the danger zones are designated. The experts from WLV achieve a higher acceptance and understanding of danger zoning as well as protective measures where necessary and that areas must also be made available for this purpose.

2) Natural hazards in torrent catchment areas and protective forest (one-day activity) A field trip with experts was organised for students of the elementary school Irdning, in order to learn about the threats of natural hazards (especially floods, debris flows, avalanches, bark beetles and forest fires) and protective measures. Theoretical knowledge about the protection forest was combined with practical inputs.

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Together technical and biological protection measures were visited. The effect of the protective forest against rock fall could be investigated with a small model. Also bark beetles and their larvae were closely observed under microscopes. To protect the settlement area, the pupils reforested an area with different site specific tree species such as spruce, larch and sycamore maple.

3.4.2. Bulgaria

Watershed “Ochindolska reka”, Bulgaria A number of field trips during the implementation of the pilot actions in the watershed „Ochindolska reka“ in Bulgaria were realized together with stakeholder from different institutions. Also local citizens were involved in this process in order to recognize their important role in decision making process.

Figure 5. Field trips in watershed “Ochindolska reka” for raising awareness on the main risks and problems

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3.4.3. Croatia

Previous selection of most representative locations; previous and on-site dissemination of excursion brochure; on-site discussion on identified issues and best practices. 3.4.4. Germany

During field trips, apart from having experts with sound scientific background, both sides of a problem were presented at the same time, e.g. to have people that present the problems the water supplier has, and to show (in the field) the forestry options to help solve those problems. 3.4.5. Hungary

Within the TRIS project every six months an interregional meeting was organized for the project partners, therefore Hungarian, Spanish, Italian, British and Swedish sites were visited. Typically these sites were in connection with the main topic, circular economy or industrial symbiosis, for instance biogas plants, energy recovery plants or used clothing selecting facility with a social sideline. 3.4.6. Romania

Research services in the Black River pilot area about "Identification of optimal management solutions for human-beaver conflict situations (Castor fiber species) and their implementation in a pilot area of the Negru River watershed, in connection with the maintenance of the human population's defense infrastructure against floods”. During the Field trip meeting on 27 august 2018 on Covasna (Lunga, Sausi area) between EPA Covasna and experts from strategic Associated SGA Covasna, when were visited proposal areas to select in which to achieve implementation of a measure of good practice in human –beaver interaction in Black River basin, its tributaries, including areas designated in the preliminary study of ICAS Brasov. The locations were: Papauti creek, Estelnic creek, Ojdula creek, Zabala creek, Hilib creek, Lutoasa and Capolna creek. The first location visit took place at the confluence of streams and Lutoasa Estelnic, which takes place in the middle of the agricultural fields between the villages Estelnic, Lutoasa and Lunga. Portion of land has been identified for the implementation of the proposed measure. Banks have been observed conformation of the dimensions of the dams, interdigurilor width, depth of the bottom. They were observed in the present situation of Beaver dams and dam arrangement in the past, which were dismantled by landowners around the stream. The next visited place were at the confluence Capolna with Black River, on the outskirts Săsăuşi where stream flows arranged Capolna, the village Ojdula parallel to the road leading to the same village. Portion of land has been identified for the implementation of the proposed measure. Banks have been observed conformation of the dimensions of the dams, interdigurilor width, depth of the bottom. There was observed the current location of Beaver dams. 19

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Due to field conditions, the possibility of access to machines and sectional shape area between the dams in the two areas studied, the team moved on land decides creek Capolna to make implementation of a measure of good practices proposed in the preliminary report aforementioned.

Vidra study visit, Romania

Vidra, study visit with the purpose of presenting the works for the correction of the torrents and afforestation of the degraded lands and study visit with students from the Vidra School Group in the pilot area on the following topics: torrents, pollution, resource management measures, conducted in order to improve the knowledge of local students for the importance of protective forest for drinking water and to increase the preparedness and knowledge of students to avoid floods.

Figure 6. Vidra field visit in Romania

3.4.7. Slovenia

/ There were no field trips organized within CAMARO-D project.

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3.5. Trainings

3.5.1. Austria

Our stakeholder training (Cluster training) in Steyr (13.11.2018) nearby the Pilot Area “Dietacher Holz” was very successful: many local and regional stakeholders from different field of actions (water supplier, forestry, agriculture) participated and were very interested in the presentations and discussion processes, also during the field-trip to the Pilot Area. The attendance of international partners was obviously very attractive and an added value for the national stakeholders to see similar problems/challenges in land use from other countries and possible solutions. The possibility to see and to discuss these issues directly in the respective pilot area was very effective and interesting.

Due to our experience trainings, which combine theoretical and practical contents, are the most effective for knowledge transfer. However, they should not take too long. Our trainings usually last one and a half day (maximum two days). In the morning, experts give a technical insight into the topic. In the afternoon, a group work takes place where the participants exchange and discuss their experiences and together develop effective measures. This is also very effective for the development of new cooperation. The following day concludes with an excursion on the topic (e.g. presentation of best practice examples in the pilot region).

The procedure was successfully applied during the first national stakeholder workshop at AREC Raumberg-Gumpenstein. Stakeholders from different fields of action (e.g. agriculture, forestry, spatial planning, nature protection) participated and were very interested in the exchange of know-how and best-practices. The additional involvement of decision makers (representatives from communities, province governments) was very fruitful for networking. Stakeholders had the possibility to communicate their needs to the decision makers and jointly try to find/improve solutions (e.g. funds) for particular problems.

The stakeholder workshop incl. field trip in Gnas was only 2 hours but the land users could get a very compact and understandable information on erosion control measures in the arable farming area. Experts and practitioners discussed at eye level. A field trial demonstrated the problem and showed interesting proposals for solutions with regard to management (technical) and type of culture or intermediate sowing. Both the Chamber of Agriculture (Agricultural Environmental Consultancy), the Federal Office for Water Management and the AREC Raumberg-Gumpenstein were able to jointly identify very interesting solutions.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3.5.2. Bulgaria

Demonstration of forest fire alerting system and training

As example of best practices a demonstration to the stakeholders of the alerting forest fire system was done in June 2018. A simulation of forest fire was conducted during the meeting to show the detection of the forest fire from the surveillance system and its capabilities. At the same time interaction and reaction of different responsible services for fire suppression in the nature was demonstrated. A large group of stakeholders participated in the training and discussed the possibilities of the alerting system and the interaction between the institutions. /Fig…/ Such kind of trainings is of great importance for the stakeholders because of their direct practical knowledge transfer and effect and their direct participation in all activities on the spot.

Figure 7. Stakeholder practical training and direct involvement on the spot in practical measures

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3.5.3. Croatia

Young generations as future stakeholders were engaged through number of educative workshops organized by the HGI-CGS (one was held directly within the pilot area). Main objective of these workshops was to promote the CAMARO-D project, popularize science among young generations and raise awareness on water resources protection, flood mitigation and prevention of environmental risks. The best means of children involvement were interactive demonstration models (e.g. karst model and maps) and experiments (related to water pollution).

First national workshop for the presentation of the CAMARO-D project (held within pilot action area) proved how interactive discussion with the practitioners in form of a round table was the most fruitful way of information gathering and experience exchange. Also, rotating discussion panels represented a chance for a dialogue between different target groups. Furthermore, the most impactful held lectures (i.e. that initiated further discussion) were ones containing graphical simulation models for land use change and flood mitigation on catchment area level. 3.5.4. Germany

There were no extra training events for stakeholders of PP12 in CAMARO-D, only the field trips and stakeholder workshops. 3.5.5. Hungary

In a LIFE project HOI organized 3 trainings for end-users for calculating organisations carbon footprint. Two trainings were held for public- and one for private sector. The content and schedule of the training were designed by a project partner, the educational plan for calculating the carbon footprint of an organisation with the developed tool was available for all project partners. The documents could be modified in each country and all partners had possibility to translate and elaborate new training materials as well. The trainings were divided into four major sessions. All the participants were very actively involved during the seminars. They actively participated in discussions, questioning, and giving ideas about the input data for the carbon footprint. They showed high interest and according to the evaluation quiz, the aims of the training seminars were fulfilled. The end-users found that the 2 days training course were very effective and concise. They learned a lot, the trainings were well-structured and information was understandable. Two days on one hand were too long time to be out of work, some of them couldn’t organize the personal substitution just only for one day. On the other hand from trainers’ perspective two days were very short time to teach everything deeply enough. 3.5.6. Romania

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

The importance of constant communication and interaction between all the stakeholders of this project it is very important. Also, the necessity to disseminate knowledge in an adequate, concise and clear way was highlighted. The necessity to truthfully fill out the project’s questionnaires, so they can provide relevant information, critical.

Demonstration of efficiency of forests in the protection of water resources - Focsani, April, 2018

As example of best practices a demonstration to the stakeholders for the role of forests in the protection of water resources was conducted.

Figure 8. A presentation to show the role of forests (especially degraded land) in the protection of water resources was made during the meeting with the students of a school group in Focsani on the occasion of the Earth Day

3.5.7. Slovenia

We find that workshops and meetings are very efficient, so stakeholder training events were all organized in one or the other way mentioned.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3.6. Online consultations

3.6.1. Austria

Online consultations are not very effective: only a small group of stakeholders answers the questionnaire (for example the questionnaire within WPT1 – D.1.3.2). Furthermore due to security regulations (especially in governmental institutions) many people couldn´t answer. Therefore the results are not really representative.

Within the pilot actions an online consultation for the pilot action “Re-cultivation of Iris sibirica meadows” was applied by the students of AREC. The District Chamber of Agriculture supported the survey. Data was collected in terms of cost-benefit, interest in management of green and blue infrastructure and the preservation of the traditional cultural landscape as well as if there are appropriate subsidies existing.

Depending on the topic and target group (not all target groups can be reached online), online consultations can be very effective and offer many advantages. They are time- and cost-saving. The participants complete the questionnaire directly online, therefore the transfer of data to the computer, which is often associated with errors, is not necessary. The data of online consultations is immediately available. A more honest response behaviour can be assumed, as interviewer effects are eliminated. Due to voluntariness, flexibility and anonymity, online consultations are often highly accepted by the participants. Face-to-face interviews and telephone surveys can be important as additional instrument if the target group of the respondents is not so large and if individual information is needed (e.g. from mayors, Natura 2000 site managers).

3.6.2. Bulgaria

Contacts per e-mail. They are effective for the organization of events or for the quick response to some problems. 3.6.3. Croatia

To this point in project, we didn’t use online consultations. 3.6.4. Germany

The FVA is appointed to advise land owners in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This is usually done via e-mail or telephone. Consultations concerning liming are usually done over the telephone. Liming activities are published and made available to forest owners on the geodata

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

website of the forest administration (ForstBW). These methods are the most effective in our experience, because the land user is in direct contact with the advisor. They can ask individual questions regarding their specific piece of land. 3.6.5. Hungary

So far, we don’t have significant experience with online consultations. 3.6.6. Romania

NMA-PP07 - Black River - Hydrographic basin from Covasna County

Main stakeholders: Decision-makers (Ministery of the Environment, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), farmers Main channels: - Radio ( Village Life) - TV – specialised TV shows (agriculture) - Specialized newspapers (Agricultural Profit - www.profitulagricol.ro, Farm Magazine - www.revista-ferma.ro) - Internet www.meteoromania.ro - PP07 dedicated on the NMA official website, a page about the main objectives, target groups, all the details regarding the CAMARO-D project: http://www.meteoromania.ro/anm2/despre-noi/proiecte/proiecte-europene- 2/camaro-d/

- INOVAGRIA METEO, a mobile application, the latest IT solution dedicated to management and agrometeo weather events in Romania

3.6.7. Slovenia

/ Online consultations were not performed within CAMARO-D project.

3.7. Mobile groups on the spot

3.7.1. Austria

The use of on-the-spot experts turned out as very important and sufficient. In case of the Pilot Area in Steyr the forest owners and foresters were very uncertain what they should do after severe losses due to bark-beetle infestations (especially in 2018), which kind of tree species

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

should be planted? An information event directly in the Pilot Area with the involved stakeholders by forest experts was very important and effective.

Also in the field of Gnasbach the use of on-the-spot expert groups was very effective as the involved persons got an impression of the problems and possible solutions were discussed together in a very open manner by means of knowledge exchange processes.

On-the-spot expert groups are very important for the assessment of site conditions (local inspection), the clarification of potential problems and the joint development of necessary measures, together with practitioners and decision makers. It is important to involve experts from all relevant disciplines, in order to get an interdisciplinary view of the topic, to find broader solutions and to achieve a good cooperation.

For the pilot action “Re-cultivation of fallowed land to Iris sibirica meadows for blue and green infrastructure” a preliminary inspection of the site was carried out together with experts from nature conservation, spatial planning, agriculture, water engineering, torrent and avalanche control, zoology and botany. The planned measures were discussed and adapted, according to different subjects of protection (e.g. dormouse, amphibians and special plant species) which were identified by the experts.

3.7.2. Bulgaria

Direct seeding in torrential area above the village of Eliseina in watershed “Ochindolska reka”, Bulgaria A good practice is sending a mobile expert group on the spot to advise and resolve concrete problems together with stakeholders. Part of the steepest slopes of the watershed “Ochindolska reka”/pilot area/ are situated above the village of Eliseina. The inclination is 30 o. The terrain is steep and rocky with rear vegetation. The stand is poor and dry. The main risk is in case of heavy rain. Floods and landslides cause problems to infrastructure and buildings. No standard planting was possible on this terrain and it was not implemented there many years. Because the watershed is part of Nature Park “Vrachanski Balkan” according to the environmental legislation only native tree species are allowed for afforestation. In that case these are Betula pendula and Syringa vulgaris. No seedlings were produced from these species, because they are not economically efficient and there is no demand in the country.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

Because standard planting of such terrains is expensive and difficult for implementation and requires much efforts and much human power, the method of direct seeding was recommended by the experts from Executive forest agency. It was realized on 4 experimental plots by the local foresters from State forest enterprise “Mezdra”. The selected tree species for the area are Betula pendula and Syringa vulgaris, which are autochthone vegetation and very adaptive in such conditions. First results could be monitored after 3, 4 months and the relevant recommendations could be derived according to the success of the practical measure.

Figure 9. Working together with local foresters on the spot. Stakeholders together with the staff form EFA evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of the method and discussed the possibilities for the implementation of this practice on large areas.

3.7.3. Croatia

See sections 3.1.3. and 3.5.3. 3.7.4. Germany

An on-the-spot expert group is extremely helpful, see sections 3.3.4. and 3.4.4. 3.7.5. Hungary

So far, we don’t have significant experience with on-the –spot expert groups. 3.7.6. Romania

MULTIDIMENSION S.R.L., a company contracted by EPAC PP08 to carry out a scientific study about the Râul Negru/Black River catchment area, with the title ”Interdependencies between land use (vegetation coverage) and adverse effects such as erosion, floods, soil compaction, surface leakage, invasive plant species and water pollution in the Râul Negru/Black River catchment area in the context of climate change”.

3.7.7. Slovenia

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

Such activities were not realized within CAMARO-D project.

3.8. Distribution of information – website, media, newsletters, etc.

3.8.1. Austria

These methods are not so effective like the other ones mentioned above. It’s more a method for experts and scientists. For the Gnasbach catchment, the field day was announced in the quarterly “Water protection bulletin” (Wasserschutzblatt) published by the Styrian soil and water protection consultancy and in the “Agricultural workers´ chamber newspaper” (“Landarbeiterkammerzeitung”) addressing all farmers. Additionally the involved stakeholders were invited personally (that is the most efficient way!). The advantage of this field trip for farmers was that the attendance can be credited by the Austrian Agro-Environmental Programme (ÖPUL).

We use different methods of indirect information transfer, depending on the target group (targeted knowledge transfer): Articles in national, regional and/or local newspapers and magazines as well as information transfer via radio and TV can often reach a high percentage of the population. In this way, also people who have not yet dealt with the subject (e.g. protection against floods, drinking water protection) can be addressed. Newsletters and websites usually reach people who are already specifically interested in the topic (e.g. information of experts, practitioners about CAMARO-D project). Newsletters can have a national and international focus. Information transfer to experts takes place via publications in professional journals, meetings and conferences. The linkage to research platforms (e.g. LTSER platform Eisenwurzen) as well as the presentation at national and international events is also a method for information transfer at scientific and practical level. For decision makers we prefer the direct contact and involvement into the problem.

The indirect distribution of information is an effective complement, but does not replace the direct information transfer, e.g. in the form of various events. For example, one of our highlights were special field trips to the pilot area for local and regional population (as social event) are. In a press conference with experts, official representatives from chamber of agriculture, land users, Natura 2000 site managers and representatives from

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

municipalities, schools and NGOs discussed the benefit of sustainable ecological land use management (a win-win situation for agriculture, flood and water protection and biodiversity). Students and experts were brought together on the same table, a student from AREC was the moderator. The “family day” was combined with an Iris sibirica breakfast in nature and research workshops for all interested groups. 3.8.2. Bulgaria

Most effective are the meetings on the spot with local stakeholders and related decision makers in order to exchange experience and know-how and to discuss the most important solutions of the different problems. Exchange of ideas and local experience is important for the decision making process and for policy development. 3.8.3. Croatia

To this point in project, HGI-CGS used following information distribution methods: newsletters; announcement of stakeholder workshops on online portals and radio; invitation and questionnaire dissemination by post, e-mail and Google documents; media releases on HGI-CGS official website and Facebook page; presentation of project on scientific congresses. 3.8.4. Germany

Websites (www.waldwissen.net) may be the most effective way of distributing information. They are a good platform to present scientific information in a way that is useful to forest owners. 3.8.5. Hungary

Websites are significant for “first contact” distribution of information. They are essential to provide an introduction and an overview of the given project. newsletters on the other hand are equally important to keep interests at a high level. Therefore it is essential that projects provide updates regularly, so stakeholders can see that there is indeed progress.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3.8.6. Romania

NMA-PP07 - Black River - Hydrographic basin from Covasna County

Romanian agrometeorological observation network of NMA provides weekly in-situ monitoring and information are collected, analyzed and compiled by the Agro-meteorological Service. The Agro-meteorological Department of NMA investigates the impact of climate variability and change on crops (including phenology and yield), and on the main components of soil water balance. Currently this service enables the monitoring of drought dynamics and assessing the spatial extent and intensity of drought phenomenon. The monitoring is done daily for agrometeorological parameters and the changes in the soil moisture content at plant level, identifies periods and agricultural areas seriously affected by extreme events, elaborates weekly bulletins, and carries out long-term agro-meteorological forecasts upon soil moisture reserves. Modeling and GIS techniques are used to monitor the spatial extent of extreme weather phenomena, including drought, and to assess the most vulnerable areas.

Main stakeholders: Decision-makers (Ministery of the Environment, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), farmers Main channels: - Radio ( Village Life) - TV – specialised TV shows (agriculture) - Specialized newspapers (Agricultural Profit - www.profitulagricol.ro, Farm Magazine - www.revista-ferma.ro) - Internet www.meteoromania.ro NMA in collaboration with SIVECO Romania launched INOVAGRIA METEO, a mobile application, the latest IT solution dedicated to management and agrometeo weather events in Romania.

Before an event occurs, people can be warned through the media or the internet to take certain measures and to be aware of the danger they will expose. Romanian agrometeorological observation network of NMA provides weekly in-situ monitoring and information are collected, analyzed and compiled by the Agro-meteorological Service. The Agro-meteorological Department of NMA investigates the impact of climate variability and change on crops (including phenology and yield), and on the main components of soil water balance. The National Meteorological Administration holds an early warning system in Romania. The system operating in Romania offers early warnings to the general public, through: 1. Agrometeorological Standard Bulletin: disseminated to the Presidency, the Government, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Waters and Forests, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, for informational and decision-making purposes. 2. Agrometeorological specialty bulletin and forecasts: disseminated to farmers through mass media. Periodical broadcasts (for example, Village Life) are made through public radio and television with national and regional coverage, targeting the rural public.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)

3. Agrometeorological forecasts for more specialized publications and journals: disseminated weekly or monthly in electronic format (www.gazetafermierului.ro; www.profitulagricol.ro; www.revistaferma). The Agrometeorological Laboratory of NMA develops specialized products for drought such as: 1. Basic products:  weekly, monthly and seasonal agrometeorological diagnoses/forecasts agrometeorological dedicated reports 2. Specialized products (i.e. maps):  parameters and maps of thermal vulnerability and risks at sub-regional level (temperature, sunstroke, tropical nights, hot days, etc);  parameters of water stress at regional and sub-regional level (rainfall, ETP, atmospheric relative humidity, soil water shortage, precipitation deficit, etc);  aridity indices (standardized at full network level); The weekly Agrometeorological Bulletin includes the specific information (air temperature, rainfall, ETP, soil moisture, crop water requirement) needed for assessment of drought occurrence. This data collected from the National Observation Network is analyzed and compared with the critical thresholds in order to evaluate the threat and make recommendations to decision-makers and farmers. Also, the soil moisture maps, weekly agrometeorological informations and seasonal forecasts which are updated daily according with the flow operational activity are free on the NMA web- page (www.meteoromania.ro) for informational and decisional purpose in terms of technological measures that can be applied in drought conditions

3.8.7. Slovenia

Information were distributed through brochures with presentation of project objectives, media releases on Facebook page, presentation on geological congress, group meetings, workshop.

Project co-funded by European Union funds (ERDF, IPA)