Ways of Innovative Ways of Innovative Partnership DevelopmentPartnership Development

Dubrovnik, March, 2009Dubrovnik, March, 2009

Maria ElenaTEODORESCU – Romania, Maria ElenaTEODORESCU – Romania, GEF Operational Focal PointGEF Operational Focal Point

Project siteProject site

The idea – to protect national and The idea – to protect national and private forestlandprivate forestland

… … small protected areas,small protected areas,

… … biodiversity,biodiversity,

……

……

……

……agricultural land,agricultural land,

and small urban areas.and small urban areas.

Who initiated the project ?Who initiated the project ?

• The Ecological Society of Maramures (ESM) is a dynamic local NGO involved in environmental protection which triggered the Consortium development including NGO sector and government

• The Consortium was founded initially by: Local Prefecture, County Council, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Management Authority, National Forestry Administration - local representative and ESM

Snow Ball effectSnow Ball effect

• ESM leaded the project development and the process which ended with Maramures Mountains Nature Park designation.

• During the project development, other NGOs involved in tourism promotion became interested in the project idea and fully involved in its development (Pro Viseu Foundation)

Leading the processLeading the process

• ESM remained during the entire process the main actor pushing things forward and facilitating the collaboration among all the stakeholders involved.

• As a result, the consortium matured into a dynamic local partnership without precedent in the region, and accomplished its mission

Transferring the leadership and Transferring the leadership and ensuring sustainabilityensuring sustainability

• Transferring the leadership of this initiative was a strategic move in order to ensure the long term impact of the project

• NFA took the responsibility of the project execution and all that it entails: co-financing project activities, premises for the Park Administration, staff payment and ultimately, standing as a guaranty for the sustainability of the project achievements within the Park.

Project implementationProject implementation• The project is currently being implemented

mostly by the NFA, EPA, SEM and other NGOs• Awareness raising activities although could be

implemented only by the Park staff, are greatly facilitated by NGOs due to their good on-the-ground connections and credibility they enjoy among local inhabitants.

• NGOs involvement is of outmost importance because the most sensitive issues of the Park, like raising local awareness on strictly protected area within the Park are always difficult to handle.

NGOs complementing NFA NGOs complementing NFA project implementation effortsproject implementation efforts

• Park’s administration staff skills (mostly environmental conservation related) are complemented by the local NGOs:– Park area management: surveys and GIS

mapping provided by Montana NGO, is a useful tool in management planning

– Tourism promotion: ProViseu NGO has a a well positioned tourism information office providing maps, brochures and leaflets on Maramures Park to tourists.

– Tourist trails: are marked in the field and GIS mapped with NGOs assistance (painting marks on the trees and taking coordinates in the field with GPS equipment)

– Ecological education: SEM is compiling and editing a manual for gymnasium children as an optional curricula

– SEM is leading local campaign ‘Restore our Rivers” and other field activities (such as contests) involving school children.

– Fundraising: in order to solve different problems within the park area, “Ivan Krevan” NGO apply on park’s behalf (according to a pre-established agreement) for getting funds from donors where the park is not eligible

Mutual benefits for NGOs and Mutual benefits for NGOs and public institutionspublic institutions

• A perfect symbiosis emerged between public institutions and local NGOs

• NGOs credibility and grass root connections proved to be beneficial in solving local conflicts regarding strictly protected areas conservation

• NGOs skills in conservation related disciplines harm park’s interests

• Park – NGOs partnerships for specific projects, getting funds from different donors

• NGOs are benefiting from the public institutions support

Thank you for your attention !

Costel BUCURCostel BUCURPark ManagerPark ManagerMaramures Mountains Nature ParkMaramures Mountains Nature Park22 Decembrie, no. 20, Viseu de Sus, RO22 Decembrie, no. 20, Viseu de Sus, ROtel: +40-262-352.216tel: +40-262-352.216fax: +40-262-352.217fax: +40-262-352.217costel.bucur@muntiimaramuresului.ro www.muntiimaramuresului.ro

Maria Elena TEODORESCUMaria Elena TEODORESCU

GEF Operation Focal Point for RomaniaGEF Operation Focal Point for Romania

Head of UnitHead of Unit

Ministry of Environment Ministry of Environment

Directorate for the Management of Structural Directorate for the Management of Structural Instruments Directorate of Technical AssistanceInstruments Directorate of Technical Assistance

Tel.: +40 21 316 61 57Tel.: +40 21 316 61 57

www.mmediu.ro

maria.teodorescu@mmediu.ro