The overall objective of the project
is to contribute to the establishment of accountable and inclusive protected area management in Serbia, with a particular focus on monitoring the implementation of biodiversity protection measures on “Stara Planina” mountain, which is currently in the process of being declared a national park. The project involves establishing independent monitoring of nature protection measures and developing mechanisms for citizen participation in accordance with national and international nature protection frameworks.
Expected results and impacts:
- Higher transparency, public participation, and enforcement of biodiversity protection measures.
- Established independent civic oversight over the implementation of nature protection measures in “Stara planina.”
- Increased public awareness of the need for accountable, inclusive, and participatory management.
Activities:
- Organization of capacity-building training for representatives of local civil society organizations (CSOs), informal groups, and activists;
- Organization of two consultative meetings with stakeholders (local community, current protected area managers, representatives of institutions, experts in biodiversity protection, environmental protection, spatial planning, and law);
- Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of biodiversity protection measures on “Stara Planina” mountain within the existing public policies and planning and regulatory frameworks;
- Development of proposals for improving public policies and regulatory frameworks for protected area management.
This project will be realized from October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025, with support by the EU-funded BESTbelt project.