IVY is the Interreg Youth Volunteer initiative. The volunteer will support the Interreg project “GREENHEALTH – Sustainable Protected Areas as a key value for human well-being“, under the Programme “Interreg Europe”.

The objective of the Interreg project “GREENHEALTH” is to improve regional public policies and to create the right regional contexts to maximize the links between Protected Areas, health and well-being.

The volunteer will be carrying out the following tasks and activities:

The tasks and activities for the volunteer would include:

• Support in the development and sharing of a questionnaire to be filled in by partners on Good Practices to be transferred;
• Support in the organisation and technical back-up of a virtual exchange meeting (March-April 2025);
• Support the identification of online mentoring process tools;
• Support in the planning and realisation of an inter-regional learning workshop in Sweden (May 2025);
• Support with communication activities, as posting on social media channels and website, updating the library folder, prepare the project brochure, update the project presentation (with animation), video-editing, etc;
• Prepare updates for Steering Committee meetings;
• Revise the policy instrument page, coordinating with project partners to make it more graphic.

The volunteer will be fully part of the GREENHEALTH project consortium as well as integral part of the Communication and Capacity building unit of EUROPARC Directorate.

Other information:

The volunteer would be working in the EUROPARC Headquarters in Regensburg, for 35 hours a week.

Financial support of: 35 euros per day (week-end and holidays included).

Location: Regensburg, Germany.

Start and duration: February, for 6 months.

Languages*: English (C1).

*Please be aware that the languages mentioned are the minimum level of command required.

Go to the website of the Interreg Project here.

Fundația Conservation Carpathia (FCC), one of Romania’s leading environmental organisations, has officially become a member of the EUROPARC Federation. As Europe’s foremost network of Protected Areas, this partnership represents a milestone in FCC’s mission to restore and safeguard the Carpathian Mountains’ pristine ecosystems. Moreover, it strengthens the alignment of FCC’s efforts with Europe’s most respected conservation initiatives.

A Vision for European Wilderness

Since its founding in 2009, FCC has pioneered large-scale conservation in the Southern Carpathians, often called Europe’s “last great wilderness.” The organisation aims to create a European Yellowstone in the Făgăraș Mountains, preserving biodiversity while simultaneously promoting sustainable development for local communities.

By joining EUROPARC, FCC becomes part of a broader European network that shares its vision of connecting people, nature, and sustainable practices.

Restoring Nature: FCC’s Key Initiatives

Fundația Conservation Carpathia

1. Large-Scale Land Conservation

FCC manages over 25,000 hectares of forests and meadows, transforming them into Protected Areas where nature can regenerate. This strategy directly addresses deforestation and habitat fragmentation, creating safe havens for endangered species.

2. Rewilding Efforts

The foundation has implemented various rewilding projects to restore ecological balance. Notable achievements include:

• Reintroducing European bison, bringing back an iconic species after centuries of absence.
• Beaver recovery programmes, which enhance wetland habitats.
• Monitoring apex predators like wolves, bears, and lynxes to ensure ecosystem health.

3. Forest Restoration

To tackle illegal logging and land degradation, FCC has launched extensive reforestation initiatives. These projects focus on planting native tree species and fostering natural forest regeneration, thereby rebuilding one of Europe’s vital carbon sinks.

4. Advocating for the Făgăraș Mountains National Park

FCC is championing the creation of a national park in the Făgăraș Mountains. This endeavour aims to protect the region’s exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage while serving as a model for conservation-based tourism.

Collaborating with Communities

Central to FCC’s mission is ensuring that local communities benefit from conservation efforts. The organisation supports sustainable livelihoods by:

• Promoting eco-tourism initiatives that drive economic growth.
• Funding educational programmes to raise environmental awareness.
• Encouraging sustainable farming and crafts as alternatives to deforestation.

How Does FCC Leverage Technology, Science, or Local Knowledge to Drive Its Conservation Efforts?

FCC integrates modern technology, scientific research, and local expertise to strengthen its conservation activities.

Technology:

• Camera traps and audio recording devices track wildlife activity efficiently.
• Digital tools streamline operations, while FCC’s facilities use modern technology to enhance productivity.

Science:

• The organisation conducts species studies and population monitoring to collect valuable ecological data.
• Partnerships with academic institutions, like the University of Ljubljana, enable advanced genetic analysis of Carpathian wildlife.

Local Knowledge:

• FCC maintains regular engagement with local communities, incorporating their insights into conservation plans. This ensures regional needs and knowledge are considered.

How Does FCC Plan to Share Its Results Within the EUROPARC Community?

FCC aims to share its achievements and insights through several channels:

Participating in Events:

• The foundation will attend workshops, conferences, and other EUROPARC events to present its findings.
• FCC also plans to host its own events to exchange knowledge and best practices.

Digital Platforms:

• FCC’s social media channels, website, and monthly newsletter provide accessible updates.
• These platforms enable EUROPARC members and the public to stay informed about FCC’s work.

By leveraging these strategies, FCC will actively contribute to EUROPARC’s mission and foster collaboration across Europe’s conservation community.

Fundația Conservation Carpathia

At EUROPARC, we take great pride in the dedication and passion of our members who work tirelessly to protect and preserve Europe’s natural heritage. This year, we are thrilled to recognise and celebrate those who have been part of our network for many years, reflecting their unwavering commitment to conservation across the continent.

We are especially proud to award the Decader Award to those who have been with us for 10, 20, 30, and even 40 years. These milestones represent decades of hard work, collaboration, and shared achievements that have shaped our collective vision for a more sustainable and harmonious future.

In 2024, we honour the following exceptional members:

40 years of partnership:

• Association of German Nature Parks (Germany)

30 years of dedication:

• Thuringian Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Conservation (Germany)
• Xunta de Galicia (Spain)
• Foundation Wildnispark Zürich (Switzerland)
• Diputación de Barcelona (Spain)
• Mercantour National Park (France)
• Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority (Romania)
• Government Agency Sachsenforst, Biosphere Reserve Oberlausitzer Heide and Teichlandschaft (Germany)
• Gauja National Park (Latvia)
• State Office of Environment (Germany)
• Administration of Asturia, Ministry for Agriculture, Department of Mountains and Environment (Spain)
• Ecrins National Park (France)
• Harz National Park (Germany)

20 years of membership:

• Nature Conservation Agency (Latvia)
• Manfred-Hermsen Foundation (Germany)
• Eifel National Park Forestry Office (Germany)
• Brière Regional Nature Park (France)

10 years of commitment:

• Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate (Hungary)
• Biebrza National Park (Poland)
• Vätsäri Wilderness Area, Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland (Finland)
• Alto Minho Intermunicipal Community (CIM Alto Minho) (Portugal)
• Claire Cave (Ireland)

Each of these organisations has shown remarkable perseverance in safeguarding Europe’s rich biodiversity, ensuring that our natural landscapes are protected for future generations to enjoy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all recipients and thank them for their continuous support and invaluable contributions.

We look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared success as we continue our journey together in the preservation of Europe’s natural heritage.

The 13th edition of the ECST Network Meeting brought together over 100 people from 19 countries in Westport, Mayo County, Ireland from 29 – 31 October, 2024.

Networking in the Wild West of Ireland

Discover the event in pictures:

One year after the last network meeting, European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) network members, as well as other participants interested in Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas, had the chance to enjoy a 3-day exchange in the ‘Wild West of Ireland’. The event focussed on visitor management in Protected Areas and provided participants with the chance to discover the West Coast of Ireland, with visits to the beautiful Connemara and Wild Nephin National Parks.

There was a numerous Irish delegation, issued from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, co-organisers of the event, and other Irish nature conservation entities, interested in learning more about sustainble tourism management in Protected Areas. Ireland is new to the ECST in Protected Areas. The Burren NP is the first Irish Park already registered to become part of the programme in 2025.

Through this event, Ireland took a further, important step towards a more sustainable form of tourism. Learn more on the dedicated page on our website:

To the ECST meeting 2024 page!