The People-Friendly Carpathians

The Polish Carpathians are part of a cross-border region of high natural value. The area is part of the Natura 2000 network and at the same time one of the poorest regions of the European Union. Therefore, the local actors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma caused, on the one hand, by the legal prescriptions and the need of protecting the environment, and the need for development of the local economy on the other hand. The regulations accompanying the establishment of the Natura 2000 network are, in many cases, considered by local authorities and entrepreneurs as an important constraint limiting the economic development. At the same time, the pressure on the natural environment from increasing tourism is of concern to the authorities responsible for the management and the protection of natural assets. There is a need to prevent and to mitigate conflicts at the interface of investment activities and natural protection requirements.

The goal of the project is to prevent and mitigate conflicts at the interface of local economic development and the protection of the natural environment of the Polish Carpathians. The specific objectives are a reduced tourist pressure on the Bieszczady National Park and surrounding areas, the provision of reliable, comprehensive support to environmentally friendly investments, and increased awareness of public authorities and entrepreneurs regarding the needs of environmental protection.

Bieszczady National Park, self-government administration and communities of 21 rural communes of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, entrepreneurs of green investments

The main activities are: (i): Construction of 3 sanitary facilities, 1 rest shelter, a footbridge across a peat bog and a parking system; (ii): Set-up of the Green Investment Service Centre and provision of advisory services for green investments; (iii): Organisation of 14 trainings and seminars for local authorities and 40h of trainings for pupils, as well as training for lifesavers; (iv): Procurement of skiing equipment for lifesavers

Erreichte Resultate:  

• 5 tourist facilities improved or established
• 21 local communities supported in a better adaptation to living conditions in the mountain environment in the context of the EU directive NATURA 2000
• On-the-ground protection and restoration measures on 6 intervention sites completed (5 ha)
• 15 trainings by the green investment centre to raise awareness of the target groups with 240 participants
• Environmental awareness of the target groups risen by 30%
• 1 study visit to Großes Walsertal (Austria), Swiss National Park Zernez and Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald (Germany) organized in September 2013 (19 participants)
• 1 seminar on NATURA 2000 with 78 participants

Phase 1 01.10.2011 - 30.04.2015   (Completed)