Transboundary Cooperation Through the Management of Sahred Natural Resources Objectives

The main goal of the project is to enhance cooperation between South Eastern European countries through the management of shared natural resources. An evaluation was made and a strategic plan for  2004-2008 was developed for each of the three sites, based on the achievements in the first two phases of the project. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation decided to fund a third phase of the project, which will run from March 2004 to December 2006. The objectives for the third phase of the project are: Neretva Delta Create the conditions for the integrated management of the Neretva Delta, by: Becoming a centre competent in defining, promoting and defending clear priorities for nature protection and the sustainable development of the Neretva Delta; Fostering a high level of local and regional awareness of natural and cultural values and promoting the wise use of resources; and Increasing the ability of the local population to develop sustainably. Skadar Lake Develop and implement selected activities to further the cross-border management of Skadar Lake, including: Promoting sustainable resource utilization; Capacity building; Fostering dialogue and partnerships; and Education programmes. West Stara Planina Support and implement activities leading to the effective cross-border management of natural resources; and Empower local stakeholders to improve their well-being by supporting and promoting environmentally friendly tourism, agriculture and traditional crafts. During the first two phases (2000-2004), the project had broader objectives in order to lay the groundwork for transboundary cooperation. The three objectives were: 1) Promote cooperation in the management and protection of key transboundary sites. The project brings together stakeholders from cross-border sites in order to develop joint actions that promote sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity. The project also provides a platform for the definition of common approaches for the effective management of shared natural resources and protected areas, as well as assistance in strengthening local institutions. 2) Promote local organisations and cross-border exchanges between local organisations and people interested in the management of shared resources. Successful cross-border development requires the cooperation of various stakeholders. This project establishes contacts between the stakeholders and facilitates the work of those target groups, such as businesses, teachers, etc., who focus on specific cross-border issues. Under this project local teachers and NGOs developed educational and environmental awareness activities.  Small grants to NGOs serve to encourage the practices that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and environmentally friendly businesses in areas such as agriculture and tourism. The project also focused on improving the performance of local institutions by strengthening their ability to protect cross-border sites and to cooperate in other fields at local and regional levels. 3) Promote technical networks to support the effective management of selected transboundary sites at the regional level and to integrate them into other networks at regional and international levels. The project provided assistance to standardise the collection of resource data and the forms of sharing information. The goal of such standardisation is to reach a clear definition of the value of and threats to cross-border sites.

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