Тhe Twinning Project “Strengthening the capacities for effective implementation of the acquis in the field of nature protection”, which is a cooperation among the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning in Macedonia with Finnish Institute for Environment, Metsahalitus Park and Wild life Finland, and the State Service for Protected Areas of Lithuania, organised a study visit to Finland, in period 22-29.09.2018.

Representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning -Nature Department, the National Park Pelister and the Municipality of Resen – Environmental Sector who are project members, did participate in this study visit. The objective of the visit was to exchange experience and acquire knowledge from Finland, on issues related to the establishment and development of Natura 2000 network, to prepare and implement management plans for protected areas/Natura 2000 areas, nature goods protection, and to develop monitoring protocols for habitats and species of EU interests in Macedonia. Prior to becoming an EU member, Macedonia needs to fulfill the process of identification of Natura 2000 sites in the State and establish the European Natura 2000 Network.

Several instituttions and protected areas of different protection category belonging to Natura 2000 sites network were visited:

Vallisaari (Island next to Helsinki city centre) recreational / protected area managed by Metsähallitus, Parks and Wlidlife Finland http://www.nationalparks.fi/vallisaari

Ministry of Environment of Finland http://www.ym.fi/en-US

Natural History Museum of Helsinki https://www.luomus.fi/en/natural-history-museum

SYKE, Finish Environmental Institution of Finland http://www.syke.fi/en-US

Metsähallitus, Parks and Wildlife Finland http://www.metsa.fi/web/en/parksandwildlifefinland

Haltia, Finish Nature Centre  https://www.haltia.com/en/haltia-the-finnish-nature-centre/

Nuuksio National Park

Eerikkilä Sport and outdoor resort  https://www.eerikkila.fi/en/

Liesjärvi National Park http://www.nationalparks.fi/liesjarvinp

Korteniemi Heritage Farm in Liesjärvi NP; http://www.nationalparks.fi/korteniemi

 

It is very well accepted by the public the campaign “Healthy Parks – Healthy People” in Finland. All ages people use the state developed trials to walk in forests daily or during the weekends, by using all digitized maps and navigations. https://www.retkikartta.fi/?lang=en

Finland institutions support outdoor activities with many sport centers, like Eerikkilä Sport outdoor resort, so new people generations are growing in healthier persons.

 

The acquired knowledge will help in the preparation of plans for management of National Park Pelister and Monument of Nature Prespa Lake, which are the target areas for the Twinning project.

Comparing the advantages in Finish nature protection and protected area management, some participants recommended prosper developments in Macedonian nature protected areas.

“It is necessary to establish protocols for the monitoring of values and conservation status of natural habitats and wild species in Macedonia, in line with the EU Habitat Directive, using the experiences from Finland.” Vlatko Trpeski, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning

According to Pece Cvetanovski, National Park Pelister „It is recommended for each Natura 2000 area or protected area to have no obligation to prepare a Management Plan, but only to be obligated do design an Action plan, which has a role of an Annual Program for work of one National Park in Macedonia. This type of planning is based on practical approach in line with the current needs.“ 

“Developing ecosystem services concept and concept of eco-tourism is welcomed, in order to improve the socio-economic community development when establishing and maintaining the Macedonian Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas.” Аjman Al Маllа, Resen Municipality

“Natura 2000 can became important income source for local inhabitants by tourism development, promoting family businesses, or compensating the local inhabitants for services of protection in Natura 2000 areas, as well as by financing and improving the infrastructure.” Burbuqe Haxhijaha, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning

“It is necessary to develop a new model of zoning of the protected areas in Republic of Macedonia, in accordance with the positive practices in Finland and the IUCN criteria.” Sashko Јоrdаnоv, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning