Dinaric Parks – The world undiscovered
07 December 2012
27 November 2012 - The international conference "Dinaric Arc Parks" organized by the Mediterranean Office of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) took place from 19 to 23rd November in Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The conference is part of the activities the WWF is having in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Slovenia and Serbia.
The project called "Dinaric Parks - The world undiscovered" aims to promote Dinaric Arc Parks as a region with diversified panorama, but above all of a unique culture.
The project is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affaires and MAVA Foundation and implemented by the Mediterranean Program of WWF.
Kosovo is represented at the project with National Park of "Sharr Mountains", the would-be National Park "Bjeshket e Nemuna" and parks of "Gërmia" and "Mirusha".
The project of "Dinaric Arc Parks" was launched in January 2012 and aims to create a network of 75 parks in the region and also of teaching the employees in management of the parks and sustainable tourism. The project also aims of working on better knowledge of the Dinaric Park which according to many should be treated of same importance as the Alps and Karpat mountains are. The Dinaric Arc Parks could be a synonym for sustainable development, according to participants at the conference.
The aim of the project at the same time is to improve and strengthen the dialogue and cooperation in the region by developing an affiliation sentiment based on common nature heritage and building positive image of the region.
One of the main speakers at the conference was Lučka Kajfež Bogataj (the winner of Nobel Price for Peace in 2007) who made a presentation on climate changes and their impact on protected zones, the nature and environment. Nigel Dudly presented the benefits and values of the protected zones in the region, while Erica Fente from Europark Consulting held a lecture on training in sustainable tourism. The conference was welcomed by the Norwegian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Lilloe Anne Vibeke.
The Kosovo delegation presented at the conference protected zones in Kosovo and focused on the parks included in the project, the manner these parks are managed and related challenges.
When it comes to the sustainable development of the tourism through the inclusion of National Parks in the EuroParks network, the Kosovo delegation is aiming to be represented with the National Park of "Sharr Mountains".
In mean time, the participants visited the National Park of Kozara.
WWF if the world's leading independent conservation organisation with a truly global network, working in more than 100 countries. It's a challenging, constructive, science-based organisation that addresses issues from the survival of species and habitats to climate change, sustainable business and environmental education. It aims of creating solutions to the most important environmental challenges facing the planet so people and nature can thrive.
