Duration: February 2006 - August 2008

Brief project description:

The project deals with the development of strategies for communication and interpretation to foster a sound balance of nature conservation and tourism development in protected areas in the region of the Lower Tatra/Slovak Republic. The effective communication of existing and future management and development plans within a participatory process with the local stakeholders supports the resolution of conflicts arising from the establishment of NATURA 2000 areas.

After elaborating a communication strategy in the first phase of the project, it is being implemented in the second project phase in form of several model activities such as the production of information material for visitors, experts, developers and local people, merchandising products that raise the awareness and improve the national park's image and information boards and signs. Workshops with the participation of local experts and stakeholders foster the cooperation of nature protection and development planners.

Supported by:

Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), Osnabrück

www.dbu.de