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

Challenge 

With its national park status pending, Stara Planina lacked clear legal foundations, independent monitoring and citizen involvement. Improving management, ensuring biodiversity protection, and creating inclusive, accountable, and sustainable conservation practices were all necessary actions.

Objective

The project aimed to strengthen the protection of biodiversity on Stara Planina by engaging local communities, young people and the relevant authorities. Within 15 months, the project organised two consultative events, student field visits and capacity-building training sessions. It also produced monitoring reports and proposals to improve the management of protected areas.

Approach

The project achieved its goals by: 

• applying a participatory and evidence-based strategy to improve protected area management;
• monitoring identified key challenges;
• co-creating solutions through consultations with local stakeholders and authorities;
• strengthening community capacities through training sessions and student visits;
• promoting proposals to encourage sustainable and inclusive conservation.

Achieved Results

The project strengthened the protection of biodiversity and local participation. Independent monitoring and citizen involvement were introduced, and 16 local representatives were trained, 27 stakeholders were engaged in consultations, and 18 students visited Stara Planina. Management is now more inclusive, sustainable and accountable.