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IMPACT

Innovative Models for Protected Areas: exChange and Transfer

Social
Culture and sustainable tourism
2014-2020
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Project summary

New management models to balance preservation and exploitation of protected areas (Natura 2000) has become a priority in most EU regions. Protected areas are primarily defined to preserve biodiversity. This is undoubtedly their main goal. Well managed, protected areas are an opportunity for green jobs creation. However, this does not necessarily mean that they cannot host controlled, biodiversity-friendly, economic activities within and outside their boundaries. Well managed, protected areas are an opportunity for green jobs creation,  with such activities as eco-tourism, outdoors sports or recreational fishing. 
The video below tells the story of "The Amber Catcher", which was collected during the implementation of the IMPACT project. It portrays the description of a commercial activity developed inside a Protected Area that does not impact its natural values.  Some  challenges are :
  • How to combine profitable activities and, at the same time, not damage nature?
  • How to mediate with different stakeholders having diverse (economic and conservationist) interests?
  • How to stabilise green jobs during all seasons?
  • How to involve stakeholders in biodiversity preservation and raise general awareness about natural assets (risks and potential)?
IMPACT project aims at changing management policies in order to promote productive activities in and around protected areas without compromising biodiversity conservation. Interregional cooperation will help to achieve this goal.  Through stakeholder groups meetings, interregional events, study visits and forums the potential of protected areas will be transformed into growth, income and green jobs in and around protected areas. Natura 2000 sites could be turned around more sustainable and efficient if improved policy instruments and approaches are adopted.

What did this project achieve?

IMPACT expected results and changes are, among others

  • improving spatial and management tools for Natura 2000 sites
  • increasing competences of different target groups
  • raising awareness about natural assets (risks and potential)
  • increasing tourism flows in low and medium season
  • involving young people in biodiversity preservation

A few numbers

1,244,837 €
01 Apr 2016-31 Mar 2020
6 partners