The EUROPARC Expertise Exchange

Protecting nature in Central and Eastern Europe

During the last decade we have witnessed huge political and economic changes in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. As a consequence, the environment of these countries "in transition" has been exposed to new dangers as a result of rapid development. As such, many natural and cultural landscapes with high biodiversity are under increasing threat. National parks, nature parks and biosphere reserves across Europe preserve species and habitats and thus help to safeguard Europe's environment for future generations.

The role of such protected areas in maintaining the integrity of landscapes and preserving biodiversity in Central and Eastern Europe has become increasingly important. Yet the protected areas themselves are facing new challenges, such as changes in land ownership, growing numbers of visitors and diminishing financial resources.

In order to cope with these new challenges, the protected areas of Central and Eastern Europe need to have strong management and well trained, experienced and motivated staff. To meet these needs and thereby to support nature conservation and biodiversity in Central and Eastern European countries, the European Union's Phare Multi-beneficiary Environment Programme financed the EUROPARC Expertise Exchange project. The project was implemented in two phases over a four year period.

· 1997 - 1999 Phase I (completed 17 February 1999)

· 2000 - 2001 Phase II (ended 31 December 2001)

· Phase II Executive Summary

· Diagram of activities 1997/1998 and 2000/2001

For further information on the aims of the project and the extensive activities carried out during the two project phases, please click on the links above.

The team responsible for delivering the project was multinational, consisting of Croatian, German and British nationals. Based at the EUROPARC Headquarters in Grafenau, Germany, the team was co-ordinated by Zeljko Kramaric (CRO) with project assistance from Armin Wolf (D) and Paul Hotham (GB). Secretarial support was provided by Alexandra Biebl (D) and Hildegard Fürst (D).

A number of publications resulting from project activities is available upon request.