Ways of Innovative Partnership Development Dubrovnik, March, 2009 Maria ElenaTEODORESCU – Romania, GEF Operational Focal Point

Project site

The idea – to protect national and private forestland

… small protected areas,

… biodiversity,

…

…

…

…agricultural land,

and small urban areas.

Who initiated the project ? The Ecological Society of Maramures (ESM) is a dynamic local NGO involved in environmental protection which triggered the Consortium development including NGO sector and government The Consortium was founded initially by: Local Prefecture, County Council, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Management Authority, National Forestry Administration - local representative and ESM

Snow Ball effect ESM leaded the project development and the process which ended with Maramures Mountains Nature Park designation. During the project development, other NGOs involved in tourism promotion became interested in the project idea and fully involved in its development (Pro Viseu Foundation)

Leading the process ESM remained during the entire process the main actor pushing things forward and facilitating the collaboration among all the stakeholders involved. As a result, the consortium matured into a dynamic local partnership without precedent in the region, and accomplished its mission

Transferring the leadership and ensuring sustainability Transferring the leadership of this initiative was a strategic move in order to ensure the long term impact of the project NFA took the responsibility of the project execution and all that it entails: co-financing project activities, premises for the Park Administration, staff payment and ultimately, standing as a guaranty for the sustainability of the project achievements within the Park.

Project implementation The project is currently being implemented mostly by the NFA, EPA, SEM and other NGOs Awareness raising activities although could be implemented only by the Park staff, are greatly facilitated by NGOs due to their good on-the- ground connections and credibility they enjoy among local inhabitants. NGOs involvement is of outmost importance because the most sensitive issues of the Park, like raising local awareness on strictly protected area within the Park are always difficult to handle.

NGOs complementing NFA project implementation efforts Parks administration staff skills (mostly environmental conservation related) are complemented by the local NGOs: –Park area management: surveys and GIS mapping provided by Montana NGO, is a useful tool in management planning –Tourism promotion: ProViseu NGO has a a well positioned tourism information office providing maps, brochures and leaflets on Maramures Park to tourists.

–Tourist trails: are marked in the field and GIS mapped with NGOs assistance (painting marks on the trees and taking coordinates in the field with GPS equipment) –Ecological education: SEM is compiling and editing a manual for gymnasium children as an optional curricula

–SEM is leading local campaign Restore our Rivers and other field activities (such as contests) involving school children. –Fundraising: in order to solve different problems within the park area, Ivan Krevan NGO apply on parks behalf (according to a pre- established agreement) for getting funds from donors where the park is not eligible

Mutual benefits for NGOs and public institutions A perfect symbiosis emerged between public institutions and local NGOs NGOs credibility and grass root connections proved to be beneficial in solving local conflicts regarding strictly protected areas conservation NGOs skills in conservation related disciplines harm parks interests

Park – NGOs partnerships for specific projects, getting funds from different donors NGOs are benefiting from the public institutions support

Thank you for your attention !

Costel BUCUR Park Manager Maramures Mountains Nature Park 22 Decembrie, no. 20, Viseu de Sus, RO tel: fax: Maria Elena TEODORESCU GEF Operation Focal Point for Romania Head of Unit Ministry of Environment Directorate for the Management of Structural Instruments Directorate of Technical Assistance Tel.: