society for the protection of prespa

Future Leaders researchon development possibilities in the protected Prespa region

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Approach, sources and tools used

2.1. SPP – Identity & Actions

2 2 O t h2.2. Our team approach

2.3. Sources and tools used

3. Key findings

3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview

3.2. Main issues

4 Vision and mission statement4. Vision and mission statement

5. Proposals

6. Conclusions / Next steps

7. Learning experience

8. References 2

1. Introduction

“ We are a team of eight graduate students from different educational institutions and disciplines (social, economic, financial, engineering, management, etc.). In the framework of social corporate responsibility, we undertook the exploration of prospects to preserve and develop the natural and cultural values and heritage of the protected area of Prespa, while improving the living standards of the local community in such a feasible and realistic way ”realistic way .

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2. Society for the Protection of Prespa

Society for the Protection of PrespaSociety for the Protection of Prespa4

2.1. SPP’s Vision

S OVISION

«Our actions should inspire and initiate active involvement of all local, national and international stakeholders to protect and promote the natural and cultural Prespa heritage»

P t ti f t l l d lt l h itProtection of natural values and cultural heritage

Stimulating and participation triggering actions

Collaboration of stakeholders in local national and international levelCollaboration of stakeholders in local, national and international level

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WHO IS SPP:

NGO with the mission to protect the natural and cultural heritage and to p gpromote the continuous viable economical development of the entire Prespa region

ACTIONS:ACTIONS:

Protection of the natural heritage

Research and conservation measures for the protection of the Dalmatian pPelican and the Great White Pelican

Monitoring of the fish populations of the two lakes

M it i f bi d l ti (h t d th ti bi dMonitoring of bird populations (herons, cormorants and other aquatic bird species)

Monitoring of certain rare species of fauna and flora

Restoration and management of wet meadows in Lake Mikri Prespa (LIFE-Nature) 6


Protection of the cultural heritage

Restoration of a private building in Lemos PrespaRestoration of a private building in Lemos, Prespa

Establishment of the Prespa Centre for Human and Nature

Public awareness and education

Operation of the SPP Information Centre

Publication of informative material

Support to authorities and bodies for the sustainable development and protection of Prespa

Collaboration with and support to the Municipality of Prespa in its efforts toCollaboration with and support to the Municipality of Prespa in its efforts to protect and develop the area

Support to the newly-established Prespa National Park Management Body

Support of transboundary cooperation in the framework of the Prespa Park

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Support to authorities and bodies for the sustainable development andSupport to authorities and bodies for the sustainable development and protection of Prespa

Collaboration with and support to the Municipality of Prespa in its efforts to protect and develop the areaprotect and develop the area

Support to the newly-established Prespa National Park Management Body

Support of transboundary cooperation in the framework of the Prespa ParkSupport of transboundary cooperation in the framework of the Prespa Park

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2.2. Our team approach

Our research approach was based on the following steps in order to identify, segregate and present the key findings regarding the case study:

Recording opinions in a wide framework of local issuesRecording opinions in a wide framework of local issues

Tracing of current situation & social conditions

Correlating major stakeholders’ concerns with SPP’s needs

Identifying areas of improvement

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2.3. Sources and tools used

Leaflets and other printed material available at local information centers and NGOs’ offices

Internet available data (see references)

Literature and research papers regarding the sustainable economic development of protected areas

S i t t d ti i dd d t t ti fSemi-structured questionnaires addressed to representatives from stakeholder organizations

Informal conversations with locals

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3. Key Findings

K fi diKey findingsStakeholders’ overview

Local AuthoritiesLocal Authorities

Local Community

Cultural Triangle of Prespa

National Park Authority

Primary, secondary and tertiary sectors

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES

AIMS

Development of infrastructure and networking with neighbouring countries

Conservation and enhancement of Prespa’s cultural heritage

Boost of tourism with respect to the environment

Creation of strong organizational mechanisms between local professionals and authoritiesand authorities

Citizen’s satisfaction

BARRIERS

Funding limitations

Environmental restrictions

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LOCAL COMMUNITY

AIMS

Development of infrastructure

Improvement of business activities, health, entertainment and living standards

Preservation of the local element and cultural heritage

Networking with neighbouring regions to increase transboundary tradeNetworking with neighbouring regions to increase transboundary trade

BARRIERS

Lack of unity and communication between local community groupsy y g p

Lack of long term strategy for tourism resulting in relatively low quality of services provided

Environmental restrictions

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CULTURAL TRIANGLE OF PRESPA (CTP)

AIMS

Mitigation of rural isolation effects on local communities (Greece, FYROM, Albania) in terms of culture, economy and education

Engagement of the local community, interaction and support for skills’ development and networking

Creation of opportunities for children and young people in order to enhance pp y g p ptheir creativity, develop their skills in arts and new technologies and take initiatives

BARRIERSBARRIERS

Ineffective collaboration between local authorities, NGOs and the local community

Inadequate social sensitivity and lack of creative activities and employment opportunities for young people

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NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT OF PRESPA

AIMS

Improvement of citizens’ living standards through the conservation of natural and cultural values of region

Promotion of awareness and cooperation between the three countries

Protection of ecological value and biodiversity of Prespa

Wise use of natural resourcesWise use of natural resources

BARRIERS

Funding limitations

Lack of efficient communication among environmental organizations, citizens and entrepreneurs

Infringement of environmental regulations by citizens and local authorities 15


PRIMARY SECTOR (farmers, stock breeders, fishermen)

AIMS

Improvement of infrastructure to increase production

Expansion of product distribution

BARRIERS

Emergence of mislabeling of local products

Ineffective producers’ associations lacking long term strategy

Generation gap between members of primary sectorGeneration gap between members of primary sector

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SECONDARY SECTOR (Rural Cooperative of National Park’s Bean Producers)

AIMS

Standardization and certification of production and packaging processes

Branding and marketing of the Prespa beans

BARRIERSBARRIERS

Emergence of mislabeling of local products

Lack of willingness for collaborative action between local bean producersLack of willingness for collaborative action between local bean producers

Lack of modern infrastructure related to the agriculture (irrigation system)

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TERTIARY SECTOR (tourist industry)

AIMS

Promotion of tourism and attraction of alternative tourist groups (e.g. agro tourism, ecotourism, gastronomic and conference tourism)

Preservation of cultural and natural heritage

BARRIERS

Lack of infrastructure and services (roads transportation banking andLack of infrastructure and services (roads, transportation, banking and medical services)

Absence of collective action between the members of the tertiary sector

Lack of additional activities to extend visitors’ stay in the area

Unavailable infrastructure to host large numbers of visitors, especially in high seasonseason

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3.1. Summary of stakeholders’ concerns and needs

•Entertainment•Retain youth •Human and environment relationship

•Irrigation•Organized Association(Pricing, Standardization, Logistics, Mislabeling)

•Legalization •Legislation

Human and environment relationship (ecological measures allowing economic growth)

•Preservation of local element and heritage

•Infringement of environmental regulations

•Legislation•Generation Gap•Disengaged local services (information services)

Social Production

St tE t hi•Health •Infrastructure•Funding limitations•International collaboration•Town planning

•Various entrepreneur actions (Tourist activities, banking services)

•Poor tourist services (food,

StateEntrepreneurship

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•Town planninglodging)•Branding of Prespa Products•Defining and promoting the Prepsa experience.

3. Key Findings

K fi diKey findingsMain issues

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3.2. SPP SWOT Analysis

Strengths WeaknessesStrengths •Comprised of and supported by 10 NGOs

•Funding from major sponsor

• Support by E U and national legislation

Weaknesses• Ineffective communication of vision and achievements

•limited scope of field activities, unable to • Support by E.U. and national legislation

•Clear vision & tangible achievements

•Transboundary vision of cooperation

•Accumulated knowledge and experience

commit resources on developmental initiatives

•Lack of human resources

•Lack of sufficient funding

•Passion and commitment

Opportunities Threats

g

pp•Bringing people together under a common vision-creating consent for viable economic development

•Leader in the field of transboundary

•Lack of local consensus

•Infringement of legislation

•Insufficient collaboration with Alb i /FYROM l t i ti

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Leader in the field of transboundarycooperation

• Making Prespa a model for sustainable development in protected areas

Albania/FYROM relevant organizations

•Insufficient organization of other stakeholders

3.2. Main SPP’s issues

Economic development projects initiated mainly by SPP, lack ownership fromEconomic development projects initiated mainly by SPP, lack ownership from stakeholders and under communicated (by choice) in the local community

Overextending SPP limited resources in economic development initiatives contrary to organization’s main focus (mainly environmental areas)contrary to organization s main focus (mainly environmental areas)

Crucial scientific areas of interest of SPP are difficult to be communicated to local community

Limited alignment among stakeholders (burden on SPP to facilitate and sustain consensus)

Public perception of SPP as a “substitute” of governmental agency in thePublic perception of SPP as a substitute of governmental agency in the area (adding “work load” and obscuring SPP’s identity)

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3.2. Main SPP’s actions acknowledged by local communitylocal community

1 Research and conservation measures (e g Dalmatian Pelican)1. Research and conservation measures (e.g. Dalmatian Pelican)

2. Monitoring rare species (flora & fauna)

3. Σ.Χ.O.Ο.Α.Π. Implementation (town planning)3. Σ.Χ.O.Ο.Α.Π. Implementation (town planning)

4. Penstock construction

5. Environmental observation in transboundary level

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4. Vision & Mission Statement

Our team Vision & Mi i SMission Statement

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4. Our Vision & Mission Statement

Vision / Perfect Future

We envision to emphasize the importance and illustrate the uniqueness of the Prespa region. The main guidelines upon which this vision will be built are:

The encouragement and support of initiatives towards environmental protection and social cohesion

The recognition and implementation of best sustainable and feasibleThe recognition and implementation of best, sustainable and feasible practices, which will enhance local economic development

Mission StatementOur mission is to reinforce the Society for the Protection of Prespa’s acceptance in local community through creative and effective relations which

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focus on Prespa’s regional and sustainable economic development.

5. Proposals

Proposalsp

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5. Proposals

5 1 Communication Strategy5.1. Communication Strategy

5.2. Creation of the Prespa Branding & Identity

5.3. Creation of the Prespa Experience

5.4. Tourism

5.5. Protected Region Products

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5.1. Communication Strategy

WHAT: Develop a communication strategy that facilitates SPP in achieving theirmission statement and objectives in the very complex social local frameworkmission statement and objectives in the very complex social - local framework.

HOW: The strategy has two axes that aim to:

Broaden the understanding and promote the significanceBroaden the understanding and promote the significance of scientific work among the local community: Disseminating consent among local stakeholders about “the uniqueness and the need for the preservation of the area” that should be the corner stone of every action for p yeconomic viable growth. This will be achieved via the polularisation ofscientific notions

Amplify the SPP research image as perceived to the local community:Amplify the SPP research image, as perceived to the local community: Alleviating SPP from the active participation in the economic development initiatives of the area. This will be achieved with the launch of non-environmental research projects for the viable economic development of the p j parea, initiated by SPP. The project proposals should be easier to implement and sustain (met with less prejudism and bias from the local stakeholders)

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Broaden the understanding and promote the significance of scientific work among the local community

WHAT: Develop a strong communication strategy which will help local community assimilate the significance of SPP’s scientific work, promote the active involvement of the locals providing critical information on how a research project affects them and how they can contribute (volunteering)

WHY: To facilitate the development of environmental consent among local communityy

• To highlight the mutual benefits arising from the tangibles results of scientific work

f f f• To delineate stakeholder priorities, reduce conflict of interest and therefore enhance SPP’s image in the local community

• To promote a strong culture with “environment in mind” in the local community

WHO: Designed and developed by SPP communication and research team 29


Amplification of research image to local community

WHAT: Initiate and communicate research projects on non-environmentalWHAT: Initiate and communicate research projects on non environmental subjects:

Social issues

C i tiCommunication

Marketing fields

WHY: To amplify the SPP image and create stronger acceptance of the role to promote local society

WHO: Students from academic institutions, foreign or Greek, thus deploying inexpensive research capabilities, to work on pressing social issues – structure,inexpensive research capabilities, to work on pressing social issues structure, enhancement of communication tactics and cases, or develop branding strategies for Protected Region Products – and at the same time enabling the development of stronger ties with academia and perhaps cross departmental synergies

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5.2. Creation of the Prespa Branding & Identity

Strengthen the uniqueness of the area to locals and visitors

WHAT: Create the Prespa Area Logo and uniform design as well as the placement of traditional signs around various area spots, local hospitality, food & beverage enterprises, cultural centers, tenable memorials, info centers and historic landmarks.

WHY: To illustrate the uniqueness of the Prespa region and assist in preserving local cultural heritageg

WHO: Design by architects & Fine Art students, in collaboration with local entrepreneurs, placement and preservation by local authorities and volunteers (CTP)(CTP)

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Create the mystique

WHAT: Collect local stories and legends and place them around the area on signs and maps around historical spots, region’s main entrance, village squares (story & legend collection)( y g )

WHY: To create mystique and enhance the Prespa experience

WHO: Design by architects and fine art students, story gathering by local d d h d l id l l i l k hstudents under teacher and parental guidance, cultural triangle workshops,

placing and preservation by local authorities and volunteers (CTP)

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Create the interaction

WHAT: Introduce leisure activities (e.g. bike tours, hiking / mountain climbing, observatories / telescopes, interactive exhibits in information centers, “treasure hunt” activity water buffalo visits kiting) involving both visitors and localhunt activity, water buffalo visits, kiting) involving both visitors and local community

WHY: To create a strong engaging experience for the visitors of the areaWHY: To create a strong, engaging experience for the visitors of the area, increase days of hotel occupancy encourage revisiting and offer viable economic growth opportunities to local entrepreneurs.

WHO:SPP – Observatories, leafletsLocal authorities – Interactive exhibitsL l it Biki d hiki t t h t i ti

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Local community – Biking and hiking tours, treasure hunt organization Involvement and participation of information/communication centers as well as hotels on specially created stands

5.4. Tourism

WHAT: Attract alternative forms of tourism (“eco-tourism”, students, gastronomy tourists). Learn, understand and adjust, if necessary, possible existing models in similar protected areas, combining environmental protection with low-budget accommodation and hotel services

WHY: To promote sustainable economic growth of the area and reinforce the connection and acceptance of SPP in the stakeholders’ group of tourism entrepreneurs and the local community

WHO:Initiative and Planning:Initiative and Planning:

SPP, Cultural Triangle of Prespa, Ecotourism Society of Prespa

Implementation:Implementation:Local tourism entrepreneurs through the coordination of the other two organizations 34

5.5. Protected Region Products

WHAT: Enhance of the image of the local products, distribution and promotion th h l l d b ildi d t ki d t f th i ’through local producers, building on and taking advantage of the region’s uniqueness (protection, preservation, purity).Priority should be given to the unique, local product.

“The Prespa Bean”

WHY: To promote economic growth in harmony with the environmental protection (sustainable practices)p ( p )

WHO:Initiative and Planning:Collaboration between stakeholders and marketing / communicationsCollaboration between stakeholders and marketing / communications students facilitated by SPP; reach strong feasibility studiesImplementation:Producers guided by the outcomes of the studies and strategic action plansg y g p

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F A I t A tiImplementation

Focus Area Improvement Actionptimeframe

Communication StrategyBroaden the understanding and promote the significance of scientific work among the local community


Long-term


Creation of the PrespaBranding & Identity Built on the areas’ uniqueness

Short-term

Short term

Creation of the PrespaExperience

Mystique about Prespa: Story and legend collection and appropriate promotionInteraction: Development of interactive actions which will have a positive effect to the local community as well as the tourists revisiting.

Short-term

Tourism Attract alternative tourism in order to achieve sustainable economic growth.

Long-term

Guidance of local producers by the special studies which will Long-term

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Protected Region Products Guidance of local producers by the special studies which will be prepared by marketing/communications students.

Long term

6. Conclusions

Conclusions

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6. Conclusions

The sustainable socio-economic growth of the Prespa area is very complex.The sustainable socio economic growth of the Prespa area is very complex.

The combination of environmental issues and local stakeholders’ characteristics, as well as the geographical uniqueness (3 nations – 2 lakes) make this task challenging and ambitiousmake this task challenging and ambitious.

Our proposals aim at addressing the main issues we have clearly identified , on a short and long term basis.

At the same time, we set the ground for supplementary research / projects that, upon implementation, will enhance the fulfillment of our shared vision for the area and its people.

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7. Learning Experience

L iLearning iexperience

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7. Learning Experience

The Future Leaders Program of Ηay Group,d fi i i fwas a defining experience for us,

individually, as a team and as futureleaders.

We learned how to highlight the internale ea ed o to g g t t e te avirtues and manage our emotions for thebenefit of the team even in very difficult andcomplex situations.

Th b t f th P j t tThe beauty of the Prespa project was notjust the engagement with nature. It was aninspiring adventure, compelled by the SPPvision that goes beyond borders, cultures,

d l l i t t t th i fand local interests, to preserve the magic ofPrespa.

Thank you for inviting, supporting and inspiring us with your vision, as we

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should do as future leaders in the society.

8. References

References

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8. References

Leaflets:

Cultural Triangle of Prespa( CTP)

Maps of Prespa’s cultural sights

Prespa’s tour guide and mapp g p

Cultural routes

Prespa: « Agriculture & Environment», one Europe, more nature project

Prespa’s information centers

Let’s discover Prespa. People & nature around the lakes

Florina’s municipality tourist guidep y g

Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) for human and nature

Cultural guide of Municipality of Prespa

Project Life-Nature 2002-2007

Bean & Tsironi celebration, municipality of Prespa42

8. References

Books:

Prespa’s Information Center Scripts

«Prespa: a story for man & nature», George Kotsadorakis

Network:

www. spp.gr (Society for the Protection of Prespa)

www. ctp.gr (Cultural Triangle of Prespa)

www. tseaaig.gr (Territorial Quality Mark)g g ( y )

www. prespes.gr ( Municipality of Prespa)

www.ntua.gr/MIRC (The Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center (M.I.R.C.) of the N T U A )N.T.U.A.)

http://www.survey.ntua.gr/main/studies/environ/envir-g.html (Interdisciplinary Program of postgraduate studies “Environment and Development”)

b lk f d ti (B lk F d ti f S t i bl D l t (BFSD))www.balkanfoundation.org (Balkan Foundation for Sustainable Development (BFSD))

www.environmentforeurope.org/themes/biodiversity.html (Environment for Europe: Biodiversity and sustainable development in mountain areas) 43

society for the protection of prespa

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