BioSvi

Biodiversity for local development. Innovative participatory governance model of the Konjuh Protected Landscape in Bosnia Herzegovina

Thematic areas

Education and culture | Environment and climate

Country

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Beneficiaries

Local authorities
Youth
Civil society organisations

Project's duration

Start dateFebruary 2017

End dateMay 2021

Completed

Description

The project develops a practice of natural resource enhancement and economic development through the promotion of sustainable tourism in the Canton of Tuzla, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder collaborations, it strengthens and consolidates local partnerships on shared objectives. Through enhancing the technical and administrative capacities of the park authority and the relevant local authorities, shared planning with local communities and scientific research and data collection activities, the project improves the management of the Konjuh Protected Landscape and its natural resources and enhances biodiversity.

Through scientific, cultural, sporting and educational events, the project has raised awareness on the importance of biodiversity and environmental protection and of tourism as a lever for diversification of the local economy and sustainable development.

SDGs

Donor

Financing body

AICS - Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo

Budget

1,4M €

Project logo

Partners

Regione Marche
Parco Sasso Simone e Simoncello
CHLORA
Università Politecnica della Regione Marche
Ente pubblico Protected Landscape "Konjuh"
YCK Youth council of Kladanj
Associazione VARDA
CeSBiN Centro Studi Bionaturalistici
Agenda 21
26 OSC locali
Governo del Cantone di Tuzla
Municipalità di Tuzla, Banovići, Živinice e Kladanj
Università di Tuzla

OBJECTIVES

Overall objective

To contribute to the harmonious and sustainable development of protected landscapes and local communities through an effective and participatory system of governance.

Specific objectives

Improving the protection and governance of the Konjuh Protected Landscape public asset through the elaboration of a management plan with an inter-institutional, participatory and cross-sectoral approach.
Promoting the tourist development of the Konjuh Protected Landscape through the improvement of infrastructure, services and tourism promotion.
Improving the resilience of local communities whilst respecting and enhancing the protected area.

Activities

Capacity building

Biodiversity and technical assistance
Technical assistance and training for civil servants and CSO members
Study visits and exchanges in Italy and BiH
Inspections and surveys for the scientific study on the biodiversity of the Konjuh Protected Landscape and elaboration of recommendations for the implementation of biodiversity monitoring measures
Construction of a geo-referenced database (in GIS environment)
Preparation of conditions for ECST certification (European Charter for Sustainable Tourism)
Elaboration of guidelines for the monitoring of natural resources
Implementation of the participatory process: consultations and operational meetings with citizens, CSO members and public officials

Tourism development

Marketing study to identify tourist services and activities to be promoted
Redevelopment of existing tourism infrastructure
Creation of an information and reception centre
Upgrading of recreational and educational facilities
Production of information, dissemination and tourist promotion material
Organisation of guided tours, didactic and educational events
Organisation of cultural and scientific events (in Bosnia Herzegovina and in Italy)
Organisation of internships within the structures of the Konjuh Protected Landscape

Environmental education and awareness raising

Environmental education workshops in cooperation with local schools
Awareness and information campaigns on environmental protection and promotion
Active citizenship workshops
Municipal identification of services and economic activities to be strengthened
Training and technical support for economic activities promoting local products and rural hospitality
Training on environmental protection and enhancement for economic and social operators in the area.

Output and results

Results

Improved planning and operational management capacities of the Konjuh Protected Landscape Authority; improved infrastructure and tourist services offered; increased flow of visitors to the area; differentiated tourist offer of Tuzla Canton
Increased sensitivity and awareness of local communities on the need to protect and preserve the Konjuh Protected Landscape asset
Mobilisation of CSO members and families in the provision of tourism services and environmental protection and promotion actions

Outputs

Scientific study on the biodiversity of the Konjuh Protected Landscape
Guidelines for monitoring the biodiversity of the Konjuh Protected Landscape
Geo-referenced database in GIS environment and flora, fauna and habitat mapping
Scientific and educational herbarium
Community map of the Konjuh Protected Landscape
Four tourism packages tested and promoted (four more to be tested)
Community participation, awareness and environmental education projects in partnership with CSO members and municipalities in the area
Sports and nature tourism events of national and regional importance
Tourist offices and information and education centres in three municipalities
Local actors and authorities networked into a formalised and registered CSOs

Short-term impact

New project involving two more national parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina approved
A new project of an Italian tour operator for the establishment of an operational branch in the Tuzla canton has been approved
The digitisation process of tourist destinations in the Canton of Tuzla has been launched
Sustainable tourism included as a priority in local economic development strategies
Spontaneous initiatives implemented by local actors in the field of both scientific research and sustainable tourism
The Konjuh Protected Landscape Civic Forum created a network of local associations and institutions formally recognised as a local CSO

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