Description
The need of special areas for the conservation of European bison species as priority species in Natura 2000, requires the use of new methods for monitoring the European bison in freedom, namely the GPS telemetry. Lack of knowledge and practice in this field results deficiencies in organizational development of the involved Romanian organizations, and occurs the need of cooperation with organizations that have expertise. The presence of European bison in freedom, as a distinctive element to the area, can contribute to the development of private initiatives related to ecotourism and handicrafts, helping to address some of the specific economic problems. The project aims, through the contribution of NGOs and public participation, valuing the European bison reintroduction program, to support sustainable development and strengthening civil society development in the micro-region "Bison Land". The conservation status of the European bison, ecotourism and information level of locals will be improved. The Norwegian partner, NINA will contribute with their expertise in applied ecological research, capacity building and technology transfer.
Summary of project results
The presence of the European bison in wilderness represents an opportunity which can contribute to the sustainable development of an area. The project sought to demonstrate that using the European bison as a flagship species represents a good way to approach the three components (environmental, economic and social) of the sustainable development concept. The project’s goal was to support sustainable development and strengthen civil society development in the micro-region "Bison Land", through NGOs and public participation, by valuing the bison reintroduction programme. The activities related to improving the conservation status of the European bison species made direct reference to the environmental protection. The main outputs associated with these activities were two European bison released with GPS IRIDIUM collars, 2 trainings about the use of GPS collars and data management, and establishing management measures for a special conservation area dedicated to European bison. The trainings were performed by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, the Norwegian partner. The activities related to ecotourism in the Bison Land area and ecological education addressed the economic and social components of sustainable development. The main outputs were 500 photo albums and 1,000 touristic maps, 2 Junior Ranger camps and 4 graphic sessions for children. The project also envisaged the capacity building of Ecosilvex, the outputs being a training session for volunteers' management, a modified website and developing the annual report of the NGO. The most important results of the project activities were: 4,723 people informed, 2 public consultations, 4 NGOs/managers of forestry and wildlife funds involved and working in partnership, 16 members of NGOs acquiring new skills, one NGO obtaining a new source of funding, 108 students involved in environmental education activities, 43 citizens involved in actions for sustainable development. Through its results, the project contributed to strengthening civil society development and increasing contribution to sustainable development.
Summary of bilateral results
The partner from the donor countries was the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Norway’s leading institution for applied ecological research. Based on its valuable expertise, NINA’s representative provided training for the installation and use of GPS collars in 2014. During training, an expert from Norway shared his experience related to the GPS monitoring and tackled topics such as features, activation and installation method. Theoretical presentations were combined with practical activities. The Norwegian expert's presence was crucial to the implementation of this activity, which constitutes the starting point for subsequent activities (releasing the bisons, data processing resulting after monitoring, elaboration of a set of conservation measures and presentation at a scientific session). The training about the data management based on GPS collars monitoring was organized in 2015. NINA ensured the participation of Mr. Duncan Halley, who conducted the training session. The Norwegian expert's activity was appreciated by Romanian participants at both training courses conducted by NINA. Mr. Duncan Halley compiled a scientific paper that was presented at the international Conference related to European bison conservation organized at Pszczyna, Poland in September 2015. On this occasion, the Romanian - Norwegian partnership results were highlighted and the European bison reintroduction program in Romania was promoted. The NINA representatives provided their expertise throughout the project and contributed decisively to the achievement of project's objectives.