Strengthening Education and Training Capacity on Natural Resource Conservation in Ohrid – Prespa Basins

(Build TRACA)

Final ConferencePogradec, 14 October 2013

• The overall objective: to improve professional performance in the environmental education contributing to a sustainable development of the cross border Ohrid-Prespa Basin

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Specific objectives:1. Improve environmental education capacity by raising

competence levels on both sides of the border; 2. Encourage knowledge transfer by establishing networks

among the local government authorities, academics, training institutions and NGO’s, and

3. Promote joint activities for environmental education and sustainable development.

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Studies and surveys developed under the project:• Analysis of Regional Policies and Level of Cooperation • SWOT Analysis• Identification of Best Practices• Environmental Baseline Surveys:

– Flora and Habitats– Fishes and Fisheries; – Fauna in the Protected Areas– Sources of Environmental Stress– Socio-economic Assessment

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

• Setting up Environmental Education Network Centers in Pogradec and Struga (PEEN & SEEN)

• Focal Point for Training on Environmental Issues– Facilitating Environmental Education and Training– Offering Training, Knowledge Transfer & Joint Activities

• Struga: – Office at Green Center “Krste Jon”

• Pogradec: – Water Quality Environmental Lab– Private Office– Bilateral Secretariat Office (more sustainability)

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

IPA Cross Border Program between Republic of Albania and Republic of MacedoniaProgrami IPA p ër bashkepunimin nd ërkufitar Republika e Shqipërisë-Republika e Maqedonisë

A project implemented by:

Project founded by the European Union

PEEN - Pogradec Environmental Education Network

QEMP - Qëndra për Edukimin Mjedisor, Pogradec

All partners meeting in PEEN centerNew office in city center in PogradecJanuary 2013

Strengthening Human Capacities on Environmental Management through mobility:• Identification of Best Practices (Macedonian partners)• About 50 persons to visit the Macedonian Protected Areas

(Struga, Ohrid and Galicica Park) – 15-16 April 2013(i) implementation of integrated sustainable development plans,(ii) level of participation of businesses in environmental education,(iii) financial contribution of the hoteliers businesses,(iv) involvement of public authorities in environmental protection, (v) level of action of local NGOs in environmental management, etc.

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Best Practices: Strengthening Human Capacities through mobility – April 2013

Training of Trainers – March-April Pogradec & Struga:• Development of Training Course in “Sustainable

Development and Environmental Education”• Four-course modules training (4 international experts):

(i) Environmental Management(ii) Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development,

Territory Planning, (iii)Tourism Businesses(iv)Issue-based Courses for Environmental Educators

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Training of TrainersPogradec & Struga

Activity Who? Outputs When?

(i) two ecological camps organised in Struga (5 days) and Pogradec (5 days)

(ii) More than 100 Albanian and Macedonian youngsters participated

2 camps (one in Albania and one in Macedonia) during 2012

2 camps (one in Albania and one in Macedonia) during 2013

“Krste Jon” organised camp at summer centre in Struga;

“Kadmi & Harmonia” carried out the camp at Hotel Kalaja

Better knowledge for students of high schools of the region

Ecological awareness and environmental education for youths.

2 eco-camps in Albania & Macedonia

1-11 August 2012

2 eco-camps in Albania & Macedonia

21 – 31 August 2013

Eco-camps (2012 and 2013 in both Struga & Pogradec)

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Eco camps in Pogradec and StrugaEnvironment, learning, fun

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Eco camps in Pogradec and Struga

• Environmental awareness• Learning about protected areas• Wastewater Treatment Plant • Water Quality Monitoring Lab• Learning about eco-projects• Drawing lessons & competition• Cleaning the environment• Swimming and other games• Fun quiz, etc.

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Eco camps in Pogradec and StrugaEnvironment, learning, fun

Activity Who? Outputs When?

Three workshops will be organised in Pogradec and Librazhd)

13 May 2013: Rrajce

14 May 2013: Tushemisht

15 May 2013: Stebleve

SOEK and “Kadmi & Harmonia”

3 training and information workshops

13, 14 and 15 May 2013

Three regional workshops organized

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Regional workshops: Rrajce (13 May 2013), Tushemisht (14 May 2013), Stebleve (15 May 2013)

How did we do on the following?1. Improve environmental education capacity by raising competence

levels on both sides of the border; 2. Encourage knowledge transfer by establishing networks among

the local government authorities, academics, training institutions and NGO’s, and

3. Promote joint activities for environmental education and sustainable development.

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Activities in a nutshell:

• Studies and Surveys• Consolidated database• SEEN & PEEN• Eco-camps with kids (two in both

countries in two years)• Four daily modules for Training of

Trainers with four international experts

• Three Regional Workshops• Human Mobility: Sharing Best

Practices• Publication of the whole package.

Concluding remarks: How did we do?1. More than 150 professionals trained, fostered contacts and exchanged views on both

sides of the border; 2. More than 100 kids trained together in joint eco-camps;3. Consolidated review of Environmental Baseline;4. Environmental studies and reports easily accessible – large database available to the

public either in a disc or on website5. Promoted synergies and encouraged knowledge transfer by establishing networks

among the local government authorities, academics, training institutions and NGO’s, and

6. Eco-camps and human mobility programs further promoted joint activities for environmental education and sustainable development.

“Strengthening education and training capacity on natural resource conservation in Ohrid –

Prespa basins”Project funded by the European Union

Thank you for your attention!