Description
The aim of this project is to strengthen participation of NGOs and the public in decision-making concerning environmental protection in the Sumava National Park, the largest protected area in the Czech Republic famous for its rare ecosystems. In recent years, Sumava National Park has been under threat from various development projects and badly designed legislation proposals. The target groups include majority of national politicians, the public and environmental NGOs. Activities consist of advocacy and media work, public mobilization and networking of NGOs and scientists. Outputs will actively involve hundreds of people, also 100 000 people will be reached through media, all MPs will be informed and their awareness increased. The project partner: Norges Naturvernforbundet/ Friends of the Earth Norwa, will greatly contribute to know-how exchange and especially in the field of environmental advocacy.
Summary of project results
In the past years relevant stakeholders have been deciding whether National Park Šumava (NPŠ) meets high criteria imposed by official standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or the National Park diverts from this goal, because economic interests in the development of this area will prevail over conservation of nature. Citizens of the Czech Republic have a right to be involved in decision¬-making process concerning a National Park Šumava (NPŠ). Project has it´s goal to remind people importance of involvement in this process. The aim of the project was to spread awareness of citizen´s rights that enable them to be involved in future development of the National Park and raise their interest in shaping law¬making processes and subsequent policies regarding conservation of nature in the area of Šumava. More than 60 000 people have signed the petition, demanding Good law for Šumava National Park, other citizens have been informed about the issues Šumava National Park is facing, at information stands and public events, which were organized. Hundreds of citizens did send a personal letters to lawmakers, in which they demanded better protection of nature in the Šumava National Park. Thousands of people have been involved in the decision-making process about the future of Šumava National Park through the debate about acceptance of the good law for Šumava. Politicians have been informed and educated on the topic of protection of nature in Šumava, because they were pushed by active public involvement, and other activities, such as information materials, meetings, excursions and international seminar. . Several important decisions were made during implementation of the project, although final and legally binding position has not been yet concluded .
Summary of bilateral results
Partner’s role has included an exchange of know-how related to advocacy work, media work and work with volunteers. Partner has been informed about the project and the next steps of the project have been consulted with them. Partner has share with us examples of the best practice demonstrated in specific campaigns (as a campaign for founding of a new National Park near Oslo, a campaign for saving the protection status of forests around Oslo, a campaign against filling the fjords with mining waste). We implemented the tips from the partner to the project planning and to the activities. These tips have included the upgrade of the work with the volunteers, tips for improvements of the mobilization sites and the e-mails to politicians and the media work. Project partner has been inspired from us by activities such as excursions for politicians. We cooperate together beyond the project theme during the negotiations on European legislation as a discussion about European protected areas NATURA 2000 or disposal of mining waste.