Society for the Protection of Prespa
- 1. Future Leaders research on development possibilities in the protected Prespa region
- 2. Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Approach, sources and tools used 2.1. SPP – Identity & Actions 2.2. Our team approach 22 O t h 2.3. Sources and tools used 3. Key findings 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 3.2. Main issues 4. 4 Vision and mission statement 5. Proposals 6. Conclusions / Next steps 7. Learning experience 8. References 2
- 3. 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 .” 3
- 4. 2. Society for the Protection of Prespa Society for the Protection of Prespa 4
- 5. 2.1. SPP’s Vision VISION SO «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» Protection f t l l P t ti of natural values and cultural heritage d lt l h it Stimulating and participation triggering actions Collaboration of stakeholders in local national and international level local, 5
- 6. 2.1. SPP – Identity & Actions WHO IS SPP: NGO with the mission to protect the natural and cultural heritage and to p g promote the continuous viable economical development of the entire Prespa region ACTIONS: Protection of the natural heritage Research and conservation measures for the protection of the Dalmatian p Pelican and the Great White Pelican Monitoring of the fish populations of the two lakes Monitoring f bird M it i of bi d populations (h l ti (herons, cormorants and other aquatic bi d t d th ti bird species) Monitoring of certain rare species of fauna and flora Restoration and management of wet meadows in Lake Mikri Prespa (LIFENature) 6
- 7. 2.1. SPP – Identity & Actions Protection of the cultural heritage Restoration of a private building in Lemos Prespa Lemos, 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 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 7
- 8. 2.1. SPP – Identity & Actions 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 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 8
- 9. 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 issues Tracing of current situation & social conditions Correlating major stakeholders’ concerns with SPP’s needs Identifying areas of improvement 9
- 10. 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 Semi-structured S i t t d questionnaires addressed t representatives f ti i dd d to t ti from stakeholder organizations Informal conversations with locals 10
- 11. 3. Key Findings Key findings K fi di Stakeholders’ overview Local Authorities Local Community Cultural Triangle of Prespa National Park Authority Primary, secondary and tertiary sectors 11
- 12. 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 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 authorities Citizen’s satisfaction BARRIERS Funding limitations Environmental restrictions 12
- 13. 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 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 trade BARRIERS Lack of unity and communication between local community g p y y groups Lack of long term strategy for tourism resulting in relatively low quality of services provided Environmental restrictions 13
- 14. 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 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 y pp young p p in order to enhance g people their creativity, develop their skills in arts and new technologies and take initiatives BARRIERS Ineffective collaboration between local authorities, NGOs and the local community Inadequate social sensitivity and lack of creative activities and employment opportunities for young people 14
- 15. 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 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 resources BARRIERS Funding limitations Lack of efficient communication among environmental organizations, citizens and entrepreneurs Infringement of environmental regulations by citizens and local authorities 15
- 16. 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 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 sector 16
- 17. 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 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 BARRIERS Emergence of mislabeling of local products Lack of willingness for collaborative action between local bean producers Lack of modern infrastructure related to the agriculture (irrigation system) 17
- 18. 3.1. Stakeholders’ Overview 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 and (roads transportation 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 season 18
- 19. 3.1. Summary of stakeholders’ concerns and needs •Entertainment •Retain youth Human •Human and environment relationship (ecological measures allowing economic growth) •Preservation of local element and heritage •Infringement of environmental regulations •Generation Gap •Disengaged local services (information services) •Irrigation •Organized Association (Pricing, Standardization, Logistics, Mislabeling) •Legalization •Legislation Production Entrepreneurship E t hi •Various entrepreneur actions (Tourist activities, banking services) •Poor tourist services (food, lodging) •Branding of Prespa Products •Defining and promoting the Prepsa experience. Social State St t •Health •Infrastructure •Funding limitations •International collaboration •Town planning 19
- 20. 3. Key Findings Key findings K fi di Main issues 20
- 21. 3.2. SPP SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses •Comprised • •Funding • of and supported by 10 NGOs from major sponsor Support by E.U. and national legislation EU •Clear vision & tangible achievements •Transboundary •Accumulated •Passion vision of cooperation knowledge and experience Ineffective communication of vision and achievements •limited scope of field activities, unable to commit resources on developmental initiatives •Lack of human resources •Lack of sufficient funding g and commitment Opportunities pp Threats •Bringing •Lack people together under a common vision-creating consent for viable economic development •Leader in the field of transboundary cooperation Making Prespa a model for sustainable development in protected areas • of local consensus •Infringement of legislation •Insufficient collaboration with Albania/FYROM Alb i /FYROM relevant organizations l t i ti •Insufficient organization of other stakeholders 21
- 22. 3.2. Main SPP’s issues Economic 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) organization’s 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 the substitute area (adding “work load” and obscuring SPP’s identity) 22
- 23. 3.2. Main SPP’s actions acknowledged by local community 1. 1 Research and conservation measures (e g Dalmatian Pelican) (e.g. 2. Monitoring rare species (flora & fauna) 3. Σ.Χ.O.Ο.Α.Π. Implementation (town planning) 4. Penstock construction 5. Environmental observation in transboundary level 23
- 24. 4. Vision & Mission Statement Our team Vision & Mission S Mi i Statement 24
- 25. 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 feasible best, practices, which will enhance local economic development Mission Statement Our mission is to reinforce the Society for the Protection of Prespa’s acceptance in local community through creative and effective relations which focus on Prespa’s regional and sustainable economic development. 25
- 27. 5. Proposals 5.1. 5 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 27
- 28. 5.1. Communication Strategy WHAT: Develop a communication strategy that facilitates SPP in achieving their mission statement and objectives in the very complex social - local framework framework. HOW: The strategy has two axes that aim to: Broaden 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 p preservation of the area” that should be the corner stone of every action for y economic viable growth. This will be achieved via the polularisation of scientific notions Amplify the SPP research image as perceived to the local community: image, Alleviating SPP from the active participation in the economic development initiatives of the area. This will be achieved with the launch of nonp j p environmental research projects for the viable economic development of the area, initiated by SPP. The project proposals should be easier to implement and sustain (met with less prejudism and bias from the local stakeholders) 28
- 29. 5.1. Communication Strategy 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 community y • To highlight the mutual benefits arising from the tangibles results of scientific work • To delineate stakeholder priorities, reduce conflict of interest and therefore f f f 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
- 30. 5.1. Communication Strategy Amplification of research image to local community WHAT: Initiate and communicate research projects on non-environmental non environmental subjects: Social issues Communication C i ti 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, 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 30
- 31. 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 heritage g WHO: Design by architects & Fine Art students, in collaboration with local entrepreneurs, placement and preservation by local authorities and volunteers (CTP) 31
- 32. 5.3. Creation of the Prespa Experience 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 students under teacher and parental guidance, cultural triangle workshops, d d h d l id l l i l k h placing and preservation by local authorities and volunteers (CTP) 32
- 33. 5.3. Creation of the Prespa Experience Create the interaction WHAT: Introduce leisure activities (e.g. bike tours, hiking / mountain climbing, observatories / telescopes, interactive exhibits in information centers, “treasure hunt activity, hunt” activity water buffalo visits, kiting) involving both visitors and local visits community WHY: To create a strong, engaging experience for the visitors of the area strong area, increase days of hotel occupancy encourage revisiting and offer viable economic growth opportunities to local entrepreneurs. WHO: SPP – Observatories, leaflets Local authorities – Interactive exhibits Local community – Biki and hiki t L l it Biking d hiking tours, t treasure h t organization hunt i ti Involvement and participation of information/communication centers as well as hotels on specially created stands 33
- 34. 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: SPP, Cultural Triangle of Prespa, Ecotourism Society of Prespa Implementation: Local tourism entrepreneurs through the coordination of the other two organizations 34
- 35. 5.5. Protected Region Products WHAT: Enhance of the image of the local products, distribution and promotion through local producers, building on and t ki advantage of th region’s th hl l d b ildi d taking d t f the i ’ 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 p protection ( (sustainable p practices) ) WHO: Initiative and Planning: Collaboration between stakeholders and marketing / communications students facilitated by SPP; reach strong feasibility studies Implementation: Producers guided by the outcomes of the studies and strategic action p g y g plans 35
- 36. Focus Area F A Communication Strategy Improvement Action I t A ti Broaden the understanding and promote the significance of scientific work among the local community Implementation p timeframe Long-term Amplification of research image to local community Creation of the Prespa Branding & Identity Creation of the Prespa Experience Built on the areas’ uniqueness Mystique about Prespa: Story and legend collection and appropriate promotion Interaction: Development of interactive actions which will have a positive effect to the local community as well as the tourists revisiting. Tourism Attract alternative tourism in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. Protected Region Products Guidance of local producers by the special studies which will be prepared by marketing/communications students. Short-term Short-term Short term Long-term Long term Long-term 36
- 38. 6. Conclusions The sustainable socio-economic growth of the Prespa area is very complex. socio economic The combination of environmental issues and local stakeholders’ characteristics, as well as the geographical uniqueness (3 nations – 2 lakes) make this task challenging and ambitious 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. 38
- 40. 7. Learning Experience The Future Leaders Program of Ηay Group, was a d fi i defining experience f i for us, individually, as a team and as future leaders. e ea ed o g g t t e te a We learned how to highlight the internal virtues and manage our emotions for the benefit of the team even in very difficult and complex situations. The beauty of th P Th b t f the Prespa project was not j t t just the engagement with nature. It was an inspiring adventure, compelled by the SPP vision that goes beyond borders, cultures, and l d local i t l interests, t preserve th magic of t to the i f Prespa. Thank you for inviting, supporting and inspiring us with your vision, as we should do as future leaders in the society. 40
- 42. 8. References Leaflets: Cultural Triangle of Prespa( CTP) Maps of Prespa’s cultural sights Prespa’s tour g p guide and map 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 g p y guide 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 Prespa 42
- 43. 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 ( g g (Territorial Quality Mark) 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.) NTUA) http://www.survey.ntua.gr/main/studies/environ/envir-g.html (Interdisciplinary Program of postgraduate studies “Environment and Development”) www.balkanfoundation.org (B lk F b lk f d ti (Balkan Foundation for Sustainable D d ti f S t i bl Development (BFSD)) l t www.environmentforeurope.org/themes/biodiversity.html (Environment for Europe: Biodiversity and sustainable development in mountain areas) 43