• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • PROGRAMME
  • REGION
  • DOCUMENTS
  • NEWS
  • DONATE
Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust PONT Logo
Logo Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • PROGRAMME
  • REGION
  • DOCUMENTS
  • NEWS
  • DONATE
2 MIN READ

2020 a year of resilience, partnership working and the sightings of a Balkan Lynx by the Public Institution Galicica National Park (PIGNP)

23 March 2021
-
PONT News
<?php echo pulse_output(); ?>

As we all know 2020 has been a challenging year for the entire world but the COVID 19 pandemic has had a particularly significant impact on tourism. This has had some implications on our financial operations with the income of firewood production having dropped to 0, while the revenues from tourism decreased by an astounding 73% in comparison to the previous year. However, despite this, PIGNP stuck to the decision not to continue with the production of firewood throughout the year and we managed to provide a quality service to mainly domestic and local tourists through new signage and enhanced information.

Advanced METT assessment.

This year also saw the implementation of the ‘2020 Operational Plan’ for Galicica National Park by PIGNP. The plan considers the findings of the Advanced METT assessments and has been a great opportunity for the staff of the institution to learn, practice, and acknowledge the advantages of proper operational planning, and the financing of nature conservation (part of the operational costs). This has been made possible through the support provided by PONT.

Partnership Working.

The grant provided by PONT has financed activities enhancing the tourist offer in Galicica National Park, as well as improving the tourism infrastructure and enabling activities connected to nature conservation. This was the second year of cooperation in the long-term partnership. In 2020 the main support by PONT has been provided through the co-financing of the salaries of employees working on activities in both tourism and conservation, while the rest of the operating expenses have been covered by the institution’s own budget. It should be noted that initially a greater portion of the PONT`s contribution had been planned for purchases and equipment which unfortunately couldn’t go ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Achievements of 2020:

  • Enhancement of the ‘tourist offer’ and management efficiency through physical and human resource capacity building;
  • Enhancement of the efficiency of the biodiversity monitoring and reporting as required by the national authorities and international practices (EU Directives);
  • Enhancement of the environmental education segment of its operations;
  • Enhancement and ensuring positive management practices through the internal development of the Management Plan for 2021-2030 (including a detailed multiple-year operational plan and budget, a five-year sustainable tourism strategy, and a five-year environmental education strategy);
  • Regular sightings of a Balkan Lynx in the Galicica National Park after a long period of absence.

 

What Next?

As required by Law a Strategic Environmental Assessment linked to the new updated Management Plan was conducted on a transboundary level. The PIGNP hopes that the Management Plan (2021-2030) will be approved soon by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.

 

Photo credits: PIGNP

 

  • tweet 
  • share 
  • share 
  • share 
← PREVIOUS POST
“Working towards transboundary conservation of the Prespa region as PrespaNet partners” by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) in Prespa
NEXT POST →
“Transboundary Conservation, Partnership working and the opening of their new office – 2020 an eventful year” by PPNEA

Related News

Other posts that you should not miss.

Overview of 2019 achievements by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES)

17 March 2020
-
Posted by PONT

A year after the opening of its local office, MES and PrespaNet continue to work alongside regional stakeholders for the protection …

Read More →
PONT News
3 MIN READ

Working together on Natura 2000

17 July 2019
-
Posted by PONT

From 8-12 July many stakeholders joined forces in the Wider Prespa Area to work on the implementation of Natura 2000. PONTs …

Read More →
PONT News
2 MIN READ

Restoration work underway to improve priority habitats in Ezerani Nature Park

11 December 2020
-
Posted by PONT

The Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Resen Municipality, managing Ezerani Nature Park and Lake Prespa Monument of Nature, have recently embarked …

Read More →
PONT News
2 MIN READ
Categories
  • PONT News
  • Press Release
Archives
  • May 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • February 2018
  • July 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • September 2016
  • May 2016
  • December 2015
Contact

Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT)
Abdi Toptani Str.,
Torre Drin Tower nr. 35,
Tirana | Albania
info@pont.org

Donations
Bank: GLS Gemeinschaftsbank eG
SWIFT: GENODEM1GLS
IBAN: DE89430609671306276100
Recent Posts
  • PONT supports actions to protect river ecosystems in Mavrovo and Shar Mountain national parks
  • The Vital Role of Shepherds in Preserving Nature’s Beauty in Shebenik National Park
  • Innovative approach in managing tourism impacts!
  • Women Leading the Way in Biodiversity Conservation: PONT’s Commitment to Empowerment
  • PONT and the SPP – working together for Prespa!
PONT
  • About
  • Job Opportunities
  • Documents and Publications
  • Region
  • Contact
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!

LEGAL NOTICE/IMPRESSUM    PRIVACY POLICY    PONT JOBS    DOCUMENTS & PUBLICATIONS

© Prespa-Ohrid Nature Trust

2020 a year of resilience, partnership working and the sightings of a Balkan Lynx by the Public Institution Galicica National Park (PIGNP) - Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust
Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner