Project Detail

Protection and capitalisation of the high nature value reserve Portile de Fier

The general goal of the project is to promote sustainable development in the communities in the Portile de Fier nature reserve, particularly by means of eco-tourist activities, with special focus on the micro-region Dubova-Berzeasca.

The project intends to empower the local communities, confronted with economical problems, to start using the natural potential of thir region for developing small tourist businesses, and at the same time to learn more about the importance to protect the natural heritage of their region. Consequently, the project's approach will follow three dimensions:
? To clean the area by domestic garbage and prepare the field for replanting the traditional three- Taxus Baccata
? To create a regional strategy for sustainable development with focus on the nature conservation
? To stimulate and increase the quality of the tourist services, to promote the tourist potential of the region at the national and international level
The success of the project is guaranteed by the strong partnership bringing knowledge and experience, as well as the involvement of local communities in the formulation stage of the proposal.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Centrul de Asistenta Rurala

Country:

Romania

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity
International Waters

Operational Phase:

Phase 4

Grant Amount:

US$ 47,950.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 28,163.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 32,411.00

Project Number:

ROM/SGP/OP4/CORE/07/02

Start Date:

12/2007

End Date:

7/2010

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

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Project Characteristics and Results

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

As the local population income was dramatically affected by the closing-up of the mining activities in the area, the project proposes, as alternative income generating activity, the eco-tourism based on the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity.

Notable Community Participation

Six communities from Dubova - Berzasca area (area included in the National Park Portile de Fier) are involved in the development of the Regional Strategy for eco-tourism. Communities from Bigar and Eibenthal participate in the cleaning activities of Tisovita river banks.

Replication of project activities

The Regional Strategy for Eco-Tourism in The Dubova-Berzeasca area can be replicated in a region with similar geographical and vegetational features

Policy Impact

The Regional Strategy for Eco-tourism, adopted by the local authorities, will be included in the Management Plan of the National Park Portile de Fier (part of the Low Danube Green Corridor).

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

The local population (including the minority group of Czech nationality from Bigar, Eibenthal and Baia Noua) - is largely involved in the projects activities. They participate in the formulation of the regional strategy for eco-tourism (thus a better dialogue is facilitated between the communities'members, and between the communities and local authhorities). They also participate in the practical cleaning activities and in the trainings organised within the project.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The project activities promote the public awareness on two topics of global importance: - the connection between the local lifestyle (inapropriate management of municipal waste) and the pollution of the International Waters (Danube); - the importance of biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use (by using traditional species for reforestation) .

Project sustainability

The project activities will continue after the end of SGP financing - The 6 communities involved in the development of the Regional Tourism Strategy will continue to implement its objectives in close cooperation with the local authorities based on the successful partnership established within the project - The local population trained will provide improved tourism services, activities that will generate additional income - The Administration of the National Park Portile de Fier will continue to maintain the reforested area with Taxus Baccata

Policy Influence

The project developed a Regional Strategy for Eco-Tourism in the Dubova-Berzasca area, which was adopted by the local authorities. This Strategy was integrated in the Management Plan of the National Park Portile de Fier.

Capacity - Building Component

The promotion materials and the tranings are increasing the capacity: - of the local authorities and communities on the importance of biodiversity conservation; - of the local population on the possibilities to access financing for eco-tourism activities; - of the potential providers of tourism services on how to improve the service quality.

Gender Focus

The women will be part of the working groups developing the Regional Startegy for Eco-Tourism. They will volunteer in the cleaning activities of Tisovita river and will be the beneficiaries of the training courses for tourism services.

Project Results

1. Tisovita river banks are cleaned from the municipal wastes generated by Bigar and Eibenthal communities.
2. A Regional Strategy for Eco-Tourism, including 6 communities, is developed.
3. Trainings for local population on the improvement of tourism services are provided.
4. A surface of 1 ha is reforested along Tisovita river banks.
5. The tourism potential of the area is promoted through 2 publications (a map and a leaflet) distributed in 7500 copies and a dedicated website.

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Indicators

Biophysical

Number of globally significant species protected by project 1

Biophysical

Number of local policies informed in biodiversity focal area 1

Empowerment

Number of indigenous people participated/involved in SGP project 1500

Livehood

Number of households who have benefited* from SGP project 400

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