BioSvi

jasmina.ovcina@cisp.ba

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.

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.

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.

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