2025 at a Glance – Shar Mountain National Park

Despite institutional instability and financial pressure, 2025 marked a year of measurable conservation progress and strengthened local engagement in the Shar Mountain National Park. With continued support from PONT, the Park demonstrated resilience, safeguarded key biodiversity values, and laid foundations for long-term sustainability.

Biodiversity Protection Delivered Real Results

Monitoring of five key species and three priority habitats continued throughout 2025, providing evidence-based guidance for management decisions. One of the most significant conservation achievements was the confirmation of two new Balkan lynx individuals, including a female with offspring—an important indicator of habitat stability and effective protection. Populations of chamois and Apollo butterfly remained stable or showed positive trends, while targeted measures continued for vulnerable plant species such as Sideritis scardica, including a maintained ban on collection and public awareness actions.

Habitat monitoring under the Natura 2000 framework focused on montane spruce forests, alpine lakes, and peatlands, with particular attention to climate-related pressures and forest health. Trial plots were established to support long-term monitoring and adaptive management.

Stronger On-the-Ground Protection

The ranger service played a central role in enforcing protection measures, including controls on motor vehicle access, illegal activities, and disturbance in sensitive areas. Field cameras were installed at seven locations, strengthening wildlife monitoring and law enforcement. Fire prevention measures proved effective although nine wildfires were recorded, the total burned area was significantly lower than in 2024, reflecting faster responses and better coordination.

Visitor and ranger infrastructure was improved through the installation of informational boards, signage, shelters, and rest areas—many were constructed using damaged spruce wood, aligning conservation with resource efficiency.

Balancing Conservation and Sustainable Use

In line with its founding principles, the Park did not pursue commercial exploitation of natural resources. Instead, strict controls were applied to forest use, non-timber forest products, and high-mountain pastures. Collection of wild plants and fruits was limited to local residents for personal use only, while all commercial requests were denied pending proper management plans.

For the first time, freeride ski operators operated under formal agreements defining routes, seasons, and environmental limits. An important step toward regulating tourism pressures while supporting local livelihoods.

Communities, Education, and Youth Engagement

Community outreach intensified during a politically sensitive election year. Daily communication with local leaders and residents helped maintain trust and institutional continuity. Educational activities expanded significantly, with 643 children visiting the Park’s educational trail, an increase compared to 2024.

With PONT support, 10 volunteer rangers from local communities were trained, strengthening the Park’s presence on the ground and reinforcing local ownership of conservation efforts.

Building Foundations for Financial Sustainability

2025 was also a year of hard lessons. The withdrawal of a major international donor and delays in state funding caused serious operational challenges, including unpaid salaries during the summer. In response, the Park accelerated efforts to diversify income sources. An electronic entrance fee system became operational in May, generating the first direct revenues from ecosystem services—a significant step, even if still modest.

Looking Ahead

The experience of 2025 underscored the importance of stable leadership, diversified financing, and strong partnerships. With its core systems now in place and lessons learned, Shar Mountain National Park enters 2026 better equipped to protect biodiversity, support local communities, and strengthen long-term sustainability—with PONT remaining a key partner in this journey.

By: “SHMNP”