At the 7th Outdoor Sports Euro’Meet 2024, EUROPARC organised the workshop “Periurban Park Challenges and Innovative Solutions”. The event took place in beautiful LECCO, Lombardia, between the 10th and 12th of September 2024. Furthermore, an exciting new award was announced…

Background of the event

Outdoor Sports are an excellent way to connect people to nature. However, conflicts arise when sports are practised unsustainably, or when different users have conflicting interests. In 2018, EUROPARC signed a memorandum of understanding with ENOS, the European Network of Outdoor Sports, to tackle these challenges together. Fruitful cooperation has been ongoing since then with the development of a common project: the ERASMUS + SEE project and active participation in our mutual conferences.

As such, our colleague and expert on Sustainable Tourism, Outdoor Sports and Periurban Parks, Teresa Pastor was invited to take part in the 7th Euro-Meet. The event followed the theme: “Innovations in Outdoor Sports. Inspiring sustainable and active citizens”. Teresa provided a “Protected Area” lens by:

1. Conducting the workshop on “Periurban Park Challenges and Innovative Solutions.”

2. Participating in a round table moderated by Benjamin Billet on “Innovative ways to integrate environmental sustainability in the outdoors,” alongside Harmut Wimmer, Thomas Knights and Manon Carpenter.

3. Joined a panel discussion on the future “Launch of the ‘European Declaration on Trails” with Harmut Wimmer, Hans Stoops, Mike McClure, and Laura Suau.

Periurban Park Challenges and Innovative Solutions Workshop.

Tackling the conflict: Navigating the Intersection of Digital Tools, Conservation, and Stakeholder Management

The participatory workshop had the following aims:

1. Understanding the main differences in visit features and visitor profiles between remote Protected Areas and Periurban Parks and the associated management challenges and opportunities.
2. Further the thinking on how digital tools are changing the visitation patterns: What opportunities and challenges does this bring?

To set the scene, Teresa presented the Collserola Natural Park, a highly visited Park, located at the heart of the Greater Barcelona Region. Participants were then asked to think on expected differences between visitors of remote vs. Periurban Parks in terms of preferred seasonality, time of outdoor sport practice, origin of visitors, age, outdoor sports practice and group-size. This was followed by a short presentation on how the situation is in Collserola and a discussion on challenges and opportunities that arise from these visit profiles.

In general, outdoor sports visitors in Periurban Parks tend to be locals, going to the Park all year round, in high frequency. Their visiting times cover the whole day, including evenings. This high frequency, non-stop visitation threatens the natural assets. Furthermore, in Periurban Parks, two type of outdoor users share the space: those performing high speed activities (like trail running and biking) and those practicing slow activities (like hiking and walking). Walking is mostly done by senior people and families with young children. This high contrast in users and aims of the visits results in a high likelihood of conflict. However, as visitors are often local, this also means that there is potential to engage with them and work together in putting in place innovative management solutions.

Additionally, participants had to reflect on the benefits that IT tools (GPS based and outdoor sport apps) bring for users. These benefits include, knowing where they are, discovery of new trails and that they are cheap and easy to use, and how these relate with new management challenges and opportunities.

The low cost, easy to use, apps are helping new comers – from traditionally underrepresented groups, to ‘seek adventure’ in the outdoors. This contributes towards a healthier population. However, this increases issues with visitor managers for Park Managers: more people, going everywhere, at any time. However, this new technology can also be part of the solution as it can help managers to get to know visitors better – where they go, when, in a group or alone, gender, etc. This information is essential to plan the trails and other infrastructure better.

The workshop was a perfect venue to discuss different ideas in favour of a better accommodation of Outdoor Sports in Periurban Parks.

A new award

To deepen the relationship between Outdoor Sports and Protected Areas, as well as to highlight best practices, ENOS and EUROPARC are excited to launch a new award! It will recognise outstanding initiatives in the field of outdoor sports & nature restoration. More information will follow soon, so stay tuned!

Want to know more?

If you are interested in further outcomes of the events, as well as other presentations, will be made available on the webpage here.

The EUROPARC Network continues to grow! In this article, meet our newcomer from Italy: Antola Natural Regional Park.

Welcoming Antola Natural Regional Park to the EUROPARC Federation

We are thrilled to welcome the Antola Natural Regional Park as a new member of the EUROPARC Federation! Let’s learn more about this incredible park and how they plan to contribute to our community.

About Antola Natural Regional Park

The Antola Natural Regional Park covers 4,811.77 hectares and includes 13 municipalities. It is located in the Ligurian Apennines, one of the most picturesque areas of this mountain range. The Park features stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unique architecture.

Mount Antola, standing at 1,597 meters above sea level, serves as a key geographic point. It connects the Trebbia, Scrivia, and Borbera valleys, offering breathtaking views from the Ligurian Sea to the northwestern Alps. The Park is home to over 650 plant species, making it a botanist’s paradise. Some notable plants include Arnica montana, Trollius europaeus, Laburnum anagyroides, and the Narcissus pœticus, which is the Park’s symbol.

The diverse landscape is further enriched by the presence of limestone formations. These create gorges, towers, spires, and steep walls, similar to alpine environments, making it a perfect habitat for various birds of prey. The park also manages seven Natura 2000 sites, highlighting its commitment to protecting biodiversity.

Castello della Pietra, picture taken by Antola Park Authority

The Park’s expertise

Antola Natural Regional Park offers a 200-kilometre trail network that attracts hikers and nature lovers. Visitors can explore wild landscapes, enjoy local cuisine, and learn about the area’s cultural traditions. Key attractions include:

• The ‘Rifugio escursionistico Parco Antola’ and ‘Rifugio Castello di Senarega’: Rest and refreshment points for hikers.
• Brugneto Lake and Rocche del Reopasso: Sites of natural beauty.
• Historical Sites: The ‘Vobbia Stone Castle’ and rural villages like Pentema and Senarega.
• Cultural Centres: The Regional Astronomical Observatory and “The Wolf in Liguria” visitor centre.

The Park has been recognised by Regione Liguria for its unique capabilities. It serves as a regional centre for:

• Research and promotion of inland products.
• Study and management of the wolf population.
• Promotion of wellness and conscious lifestyles.

Interview with Antola Natural Regional Park

1. What aspect of EUROPARC’s mission resonates with you the most?

We are aligned with EUROPARC’s focus on natural resource restoration, biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism. Our objectives mirror these priorities. We believe that building partnerships and sharing best practices will strengthen conservation efforts.

2. How do you envision contributing to our community and shared goals?

We aim to create new dialogues and solutions for common challenges. We want to expand our local best practices to a wider audience, making them more visible and impactful.

3. What benefits or resources are you eager to access through EUROPARC membership?

We are excited to connect with other natural parks and protected areas. We also look forward to engaging with stakeholders involved in the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.

Conclusion

We warmly welcome Antola Natural Regional Park to the EUROPARC Federation. Their commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community engagement will undoubtedly enrich our network. We look forward to achieving great things together!

The EUROPARC Network continues to grow! In this article, meet our newcomer from Romania: Retezat National Park.

Retezat National Park, one of Romania’s most cherished natural reserves, has recently become a member of the EUROPARC Federation. This prestigious network connects protected areas across Europe and marks a major step forward for the park. By joining EUROPARC, Retezat National Park reaffirms its dedication to preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable development. This new affiliation enhances the park’s commitment to conservation, community involvement, and responsible tourism.

About Retezat National Park

Nestled in the Southern Carpathians, Retezat National Park spans approximately 38,000 hectares, making it one of Romania’s largest National Parks. The park is famous for its stunning landscapes, which include over 80 glacial lakes—Bucura Lake being the largest—and towering peaks like Peleaga at 2,509 metres. Established in 1935, Retezat is Romania’s oldest National Park and earned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 1979 due to its exceptional biodiversity.

Home to over 1,190 plant species, including some endemic to the Carpathians, Retezat also shelters a variety of wildlife such as bears, wolves, and lynxes. Its diverse habitats, from dense forests to alpine meadows, support a wide range of flora and fauna.

What aspect of EUROPARC’s mission resonates with you the most, and how do you envision contributing to our community?

We are most aligned with EUROPARC’s focus on cooperative and sustainable management of Protected Areas. EUROPARC’s approach to fostering collaboration amongst stakeholders to innovate biodiversity conservation reflects our own values. We aim to contribute by sharing our expertise in conservation, education, and sustainable tourism, thus enhancing efforts to protect Europe’s natural heritage.

What recent conservation projects have been undertaken to protect Retezat’s flora and fauna?

Conservation Efforts in Retezat National Park

Project Overview

Marmot, picture taken by Claudia Dănău

Recent conservation efforts in Retezat National Park have focused on updating the Park’s management plan. This includes the 2494 Gemenele and 2496 Peștera Zeicului Reserves and the partially overlapping Natura 2000 sites: ROSCI0217 Retezat and ROSPA0084 Munții Retezat.

The project, valued at €4 million and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to:

• Conduct a comprehensive inventory of species and habitats of community interest.
• Implement measures to enhance and maintain their conservation status.
• Establish a continuous monitoring and evaluation system.

Goals and Importance

This initiative is crucial for the long-term preservation of the Park’s rich biodiversity. It aligns with updated EU conservation standards and emphasizes sustainable practices and community involvement.

Key Objectives

• Develop a revised management plan through a transparent and participatory process.
• Raise awareness amongst stakeholders about the benefits of protecting natural areas.
• Promote sustainable local development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.
• Ensure the conservation of ecosystems, species, and habitats of national and community interest.

Wildlife Monitoring Project

Another key initiative in Retezat National Park is a wildlife monitoring study. This project, in collaboration with Rewilding Romania, will take place from 2024 to 2026 and focuses on:

• Evaluating species distribution, densities, and population numbers.
• Assessing the ecological capacity of the park.
  

  Brorwn bear, picture taken by Claudia Dănău

Methodology

The study will use wildlife cameras placed throughout the Park. Mixed teams from the Retezat National Park Administration and Rewilding Romania will handle the setup and retrieval of these cameras, following strict protocols to ensure accurate data collection.

Expected Outcomes

The data will be analyzed using advanced models to provide insights into the diversity and behaviour of the Park’s wildlife. The project aims to:

• Improve species and habitat management.
• Promote sustainable tourism.
• Educate locals and visitors on the importance of nature conservation.

Can you elaborate on the types of environmental education and awareness programmes currently being offered?

The Retezat National Park Administration runs various educational and awareness programmes to promote environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation.

Green Week and Educational Initiatives

One key initiative is “Săptămâna Verde” (Green Week), a national programme encouraging pre-university educational institutions to dedicate a week to climate change and environmental protection. This initiative aims to raise awareness amongst students about the importance of protecting natural habitats and combating climate change. In 2023, over 1,000 students participated in activities related to this programme at Retezat National Park.

Junior Ranger Programmes

In 2004, the Romanian Ranger Association, in collaboration with Retezat National Park Administration, launched the first Junior Ranger Camp in Romania. Building on this, in 2015, the “Volunteer Ranger” programme was introduced. This initiative trains community volunteers to assist with monitoring and informational activities within the Park. The activities are educational and help raise awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility towards natural and cultural heritage amongst young participants. The Park continues to offer local youth opportunities to engage in free activities and camps, as well as exchanges with Junior Rangers at both national and international levels.

Annual Events and Activities

Throughout the year, Retezat National Park hosts several events, including:

• Carpathian Mountains Day (“Ziua Munților Carpați”): Junior Rangers watch the film Romania Sălbatică (Wild Romania) and engage in conservation discussions.
• European Youth in Parks Day: Junior Rangers enjoy a weekend at the Nucșoara Visitor Centre, participating in environmental stewardship activities.
• Let’s Do It Romania: Junior Rangers help clean up Lolaia Waterfall.
• International Mountain Day: The event features a screening of La Drum (On the Road) at the Nucșoara Visitor Centre, with the Junior Ranger team and local tourism associations.

Additionally, “Retezat National Park Day” involves Junior Rangers in tracking and identifying wildlife footprints, enhancing their field observation skills. On “European Day of Parks” they participate in events at the Nucșoara Visitor Centre and experience “Noaptea Muzeelor” (Museum Night), exploring the Park’s natural and historical significance.

These activities aim to engage young people in meaningful environmental experiences and nurture a lifelong commitment to conservation.

What are some of the major challenges the park is currently facing, and how are you addressing them?

We face challenges such as illegal activities, visitor impact, and resource limitations. To address illegal activities, we have enhanced surveillance and run public awareness campaigns. We manage visitor impact by promoting sustainable tourism practices and improving visitor management. For resource limitations, we seek financial support through grants and partnerships to ensure the park’s long-term sustainability.

After five years, Parks that have been verified under EUROPARC’s Transboundary Parks programme have to undergo reevaluation. In this article, learn more about the reevaluation of Binntal Veglia Transboundary Area!

About the Binntal Veglia Transboundary Area

The Binntal Veglia Transboundary Area (TBA), a protected region spanning the border between Italy and Switzerland, is currently undergoing a crucial re-evaluation for its continued participation in the EUROPARC Federation’s Transboundary Parks Programme. This initiative promotes cross-border cooperation to safeguard shared natural and cultural heritage whilst advocating for sustainable management practices. Binntal Veglia has been a notable participant in this programme, as well as in EUROPARC’s Charter for Sustainable Tourism.

The Binntal Veglia TBA is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the cultural significance of its mountainous terrain. The collaboration between Italy and Switzerland within this area has facilitated numerous joint efforts, including habitat conservation projects, coordinated visitor management strategies, and cultural exchanges that celebrate the region’s unique alpine heritage.

These efforts have enabled a more integrated and effective approach to managing and preserving the shared natural resources of the Binntal and Veglia-Devero Nature Parks.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Opportunities Identified

In the recent internal review, the Binntal Veglia TBA identified several key strengths. Among them are a strong commitment to environmental protection, a robust partnership between Italian and Swiss authorities, and the active involvement of local communities in conservation and tourism initiatives. The TBA has effectively leveraged these strengths to enhance biodiversity protection, promote sustainable tourism, and foster cultural exchange across the border.

However, the review also highlighted some areas that need improvement. Challenges include addressing the environmental impacts of increasing tourism, ensuring consistent funding for cross-border projects, and enhancing communication between various stakeholders. These weaknesses present opportunities for the TBA to develop more effective management strategies, secure additional funding sources, and strengthen stakeholder collaboration, ultimately bolstering the resilience of the Binntal Veglia region.

Meeting in Park Veglia Devero HQ, picture by Stefano Santi

Insights from the Binntal Veglia Devero Transboundary Area’s 2023 Annual Report

Binntal Veglia Divero TBA, picture by Stefano Santi

The 2023 annual report of the Binntal Veglia TBA underscored the achievements and ongoing efforts within the region. Notable accomplishments included successful habitat restoration projects, increased community engagement through educational programmes, and the implementation of sustainable tourism practices that minimise environmental impact. The report also emphasised the importance of ongoing cross-border cooperation in addressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, which require a united and proactive approach. You can read through this report here.

Stefano Santi’s (evaluator’s) Thoughts and the Way Forward

Stefano Santi, EUROPARC Council member and Transboundary Parks Programme verifier, shared his thoughts on the ongoing re-evaluation process. While acknowledging the significant progress made by the Binntal Veglia TBA, Santi stressed the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving environmental and social challenges. He noted that the strength of the partnership between Italy and Switzerland serves as a model for other Transboundary Areas, highlighting the value of collaborative efforts in preserving shared natural heritage.

As the 2024 re-evaluation progresses, the decision now rests in the hands of the EUROPARC Council. If the Binntal Veglia Transboundary Area will be awarded re-certification this year depends on their assessment of the TBA’s achievements, commitment to improvement, and future potential.