Old mountain for new generations - Towards accountable and inclusive biodiversity protection

Challenge 

Stara Planina is about to become a national park, thereby enhancing biodiversity protection. However, the lack of a regulatory framework poses risks like deforestation and illegal construction. This project aims to empower local communities through training for independent monitoring and facilitate stakeholder dialogue. Consultative events and field visits will engage stakeholders, fostering accountable management to protect Stara Planina’s biodiversity for future generations.

Objective

The project aims to ensure sustainable management of Stara Planina as a national park, focusing on biodiversity protection. It will initiate a consultative process for community input and provide training for locals in independent monitoring. Research will identify conservation challenges. The goal is to safeguard Stara Planina’s ecosystems and engage communities in management for future generations.

Approach

Our strategy is to empower local communities and stakeholders for sustainable management of protected areas, in particular Stara Planina, through education and cooperation. Key actions include monitoring harmful practices, advocating for evidence-based policy improvements, training local civil society organisations and activists, conducting public consultations and running awareness campaigns.

Expected Results

The project aims to achieve:

1. Transparency: RERI will analyse the biodiversity policy and regulatory framework for Stara Planina and present proposals for improvement.

2. Civic Oversight: Training will empower 15 civil society representatives in monitoring and public participation and initiate a consultative process.

3.Public Awareness: The values of the European Green Belt Initiative will be promoted through field visits, a social media campaign and a video to promote inclusive management.