NaturBosniaHerzegovina

Protection of biodiversity and promotion of tourist potential

Description

The project strengthens the governance of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina in line with the standards of the European Union, with a focus on the protection of biodiversity and promotion of the tourist potential of the territories, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.

The project originates as a replication of the experience and good practice that CISP has implemented in Tuzla Canton through the implementation of the BIOSVI project (2017-2021).

NaturBosniaHerzegovina focuses on Sutieska National Park in Republika Srpska and Blidinje Nature Park.

SDGs

OBJECTIVES

Overall objective

To contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina's alignment with European directives on environmental protection.

Specific objectives

To implement an economic-environmental spatial valorisation model on the protection and integrated management of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with European Union guidelines, through the strengthening of technical and administrative capacities for the managing bodies of the Blidinje Nature Park and the Sutjeska National Park in order to improve the management of natural resources, develop ecotourism services and raise public awareness, particularly among local communities, on the importance of biodiversity.

Activities

Characterisation and management indications of terrestrial and aquatic habitats and surface water network.
Creation of a geo-referenced database with collation and updating of habitat data.
Capacity building for implementation of conservation measures, habitat monitoring and surveillance plans.
Technical assistance and capacity building for data flow management and application of the Habitats Directive.
Improvement of the functionality of mountain support points linked to protected areas.
Adapting the management and maintenance of the protected areas' trail network to the most modern standards.
Organisation, qualification and networking of the parks' visitor centres/info points.
Participatory process and creation of community maps.
Creation of tested tourist packages/itineraries promoted and managed by local associations and small businesses.
Mapping of agricultural food bio-diversity and its classification for proper valorisation.
Training and business coaching for small businesses in agriculture and sustainable tourism.
Development and implementation of mini-grants for investments improving economic activities in the field of sustainable tourism.
Cultural/educational/scientific days/events and guided tours.
Educational project to train responsible and aware young people.

Output and results

Strengthened management capacity of the Blidinje Nature Park Authority and the Sutjeska National Park Authority, both in terms of environment protection and enhancement.
Infrastructure and services of the Blidinje Nature Park and Sutjeska National Park improved and more in line with European standards, and able to attract more sustainable tourism flows.
Local communities participate in the purposes and management of protected areas and implement sustainable local economic development initiatives that improve their economic conditions.
Blidinje Nature Park and Sutjeska National Park develop greater domestic and international visibility and encourage the development of responsible tourism.

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