Description
The project aims to promote female entrepreneurship in rural areas, with a focus on labour opportunities related to protected areas. The project includes a first assessment of the role of women in protected areas in Spain, and in Europe, from two points of view: the role of women in decision-making positions of institutions managing protected areas, taking as example the areas where there are management bodies, as well as an analysis of the relevance of the female population in the socioeconomy of the municipalities included in the protected areas. Some aspects will be analysed deeply working in three specific protected areas in Spain: Biosphere Reserve Sierra del Rincon (Madrid), National Park Tablas de Daimiel (Castilla-La Mancha) and Biosphere Reserve Sierra de Bejar y Francia (Castilla y Leon). One of the results will be the design of entrepreneurial projects that can continue to flourish with the support of telephone and online counseling.
Summary of project results
The main goal of the project was to promote female entrepreneurship in rural areas, making a good use of existing chances around natural protected areas. The project also aimed to research the role and relevance of women in natural protected areas in Spain, raise awareness about gender equality among management teams of natural protected areas, and identify key areas for future work. within management organizations of natural protected areas and about the relevance of female population in local villages of these areas. This research has been based on surveys distributed to management organizations of natural protected areas, local enterprises and local associations and NGOs. Three full day presentations about female entrepreneurship promotion have been held in three different natural protected areas, with the participation of 45 women. These events have encouraged potential entrepreneurs and provided training. The events have also served for the presentation of projects by women entrepreneurs and for the creation of networks among them. Assessment has been provided to 45 local women. This assessment has covered topics such as legal forms, team and economic management, funding, marketing, ITC, and local opportunities for entrepreneurship. 29 women have designed their entrepreneurship projects. A brochure has been made; “Women and protected areas”, which includes the main lessons learnt and conclusions of the project. This brochure (16p, 500 printed copies + available online) has served dissemination and awareness purposes.
Summary of bilateral results