Τσικολάτας Α. (2010) Κοινωνικο-οικονομική Ανάπτυξη του Δήμου Πρεσπών. Αθήνα EN

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1 Τσικολάτας Α. (2010) Κοινωνικο-οικονομική Ανάπτυξη του Δήμου Πρεσπών. Αθήνα March 20, 2010

2 Table of contents 2

3 Table of Contents Sources and tools used Stakeholders analysis Key findings Your Vision & acknowledged actions Main issue Our vision and mission statement Proposals Conclusions / Next steps Learning experience References 3

4 Sources and tools used 4

5 Sources and tools used Leaflets and other printed material available at local information centers and NGOs offices Internet available data (see references) Other literature regarding the sustainable economic development of protected areas Semi-structured questionnaires addressed to representatives from stakeholders organizations Informal conversations with locals 5

6 Stakeholders analysis 6

7 Society for the Protection of Prespa 7

8 Society for the Protection of Prespa WHO IS SPP: NGO with the mission to protect the natural and cultural heritage and to promote the continuous viable economical development of the whole region of Prespa ACTIONS Protection of the natural heritage Research and conservation measures for the protection of the Dalmatian Pelican and the Great White Pelican Monitoring of the fish populations of the two lakes Monitoring of bird populations (herons, cormorants and other aquatic bird species) Monitoring of certain rare species of fauna and flora Restoration and management of wet meadows in Lake Mikri Prespa (LIFE- Nature) 8

9 Society for the Protection of Prespa Protection of the cultural heritage Restoration of a private building in Lemos, Prespa Establishment of the Prespa Centre for Human and Nature Public awareness and education Operation of the SPP Information Centre Publication of informative material Support to authorities and bodies for the sustainable development and protection of Prespa Collaboration with and support to the Municipality of Prespa in its efforts to protect and develop the area Support to the newly-established Prespa National Park Management Body Support of transboundary cooperation in the framework of the Prespa Park 9

10 Society for the Protection of Prespa Support to authorities and bodies for the sustainable development and protection of Prespa Collaboration with and support to the Municipality of Prespa in its efforts to protect and develop the area Support to the newly-established Prespa National Park Management Body Support of transboundary cooperation in the framework of the Prespa Park The above SPP action framework has received wide reception from the local community However the involvement of SPP in various environmental and societal issues, poor knowledge of actions has been recorded 10

11 Society for the Protection of Prespa AIMS Protection of the habitats, wild life and biodiversity Promotion of moderate development Raising awareness of citizens and local authorities around environment protection and cultural protection BARRIERS Insufficient provision of information Lack of effective feasibility studies Breach of rules and agreements by citizens and local authorities 11

12 SPP SWOT Analysis Strengths Comprised of and supported by 10 NGOs Funding from major sponsor EU & national legislation Clear vision & tangible achievements Transboundary vision of cooperation Accumulated knowledge and experience Weaknesses Ineffective communication of vision and achievements limited scope of field activities, unable to commit resources on developmental initiatives Lack of human resources Lack of sufficient funds/funding Passion and commitment Opportunities Bringing people together under a common vision-creating consent for viable economic development Lead in the field of transboundary cooperation Prespa a model for sustainable development in a protected area Threats Lack of local consensus Non compliance with legislation and agreed terms Insufficient collaboration with Albania/FYROM relevant organizations Insufficient organization of other stakeholders 12

13 Other stakeholders Overview 13

14 Other Stakeholders Overview AIMS LOCAL AUTHORITIES Development of infrastructure and networking with neighboring countries Conservation and enhancement of Prespa s cultural heritage Boost of tourism with respect to the environment Creation of strong organizational mechanisms between local professionals and authorities Citizen s satisfaction BARRIERS Limitation of funding Strict enforcement of environmental restrictions 14

15 Stakeholders analysis AIMS LOCAL COMMUNITY Development of infrastructure which will contribute to the improvement of the professional activity, health, entertainment and living standards. Preservation of the local element and cultural heritage Net working with neighboring regions for the growth of trade BARRIERS Deficiency of unity and communication between the factors of local community Speculative exploitation of tourism which resulting in the maintenance of low levels of service Strict enforcement of environmental restrictions which creates the feeling of limitation of their reality 15

16 Other Stakeholders Overview AIMS CULTURAL TRIANGLE OF PRESPA (CTP) Minimizing the effects of rural isolation among local communities in terms of cultural, economic and educational levels Engagement of the local community, interaction and support for skills development and networking Creation of opportunities for children and young people in order to enhance their creativity, develop their skills in arts and new technologies and take initiatives BARRIERS Insufficient interactive collaboration between local authorities, NGOs and the local community. Inadequate social sensitivity and lack of creative activities and employment opportunities for young people 16

17 Other Stakeholders Overview NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT OF PRESPA AIMS Improving living standards of citizens through the conservation of natural and cultural values of region Promotion of awareness and cooperation between the three countries Ensuring the protection of ecological value and biodiversity of Prespa Promotion and control on prudent use of natural resources BARRIERS Limited economical resources Lack of efficient communication among environmental organizations, citizens and entrepreneurs Breach of environmental accords by citizens and local authorities 17

18 Other Stakeholders Overview PRIMARY SECTOR (farmers, stock breeders, fishermen) AIMS Pursuit and strengthening of effective manufacturing and distribution of products and finding ways of their continuous improvement. BARRIERS Emergence of fraud in local products Ineffective associations lacking long term strategy Communication gap between members of primary sector of different ages 18

19 Other Stakeholders Overview SECONDARY SECTOR (Rural Cooperative of National Park s Bean Producers) AIMS Enhancement, promotion, standardization and trade of the regional products (beans) BARRIERS Emergence of fraud in local products Lack of willingness for collaborative action between local bean producers Lack of modern infrastructure related to the agriculture (irrigation system) 19

20 Other Stakeholders Overview TERTIARY SECTOR (entrepreneurs) AIMS Promotion of tourism and attracting alternative groups of tourism (agro tourism, ecotourism, gastronomic and conference tourism) Preservation of the local element and of the cultural and natural heritage BARRIERS Lack of modern infrastructure and other services (roads, transportation, ATM, medical services) Absence of collective action between the factors of the tertiary sector Lack of additional activities, able to extend the visitors stay in the area Non-availability of appropriate infrastructure to host large numbers of visitors. The problem becomes more tense in peak tourist periods 20

21 Key Findings 21

22 Our approach During our research we followed the next steps in order to identify segregate and present the key findings regarding the case in hand. These steps included: Recording opinions in a wide framework of local issues Tracing of current situation and social conditions Correlation Major stakeholders concerns & SPP s needs Indication of areas of improvement within the community Our findings are presented in the following page 22

23 Key findings Needs (2/2) Entertainment Youth attraction need/ new ideas/population influx Human and environment relationship (ecological measures allowing economic growth) Preservation of local element and heritage Breach of terms Generation Gap Slack of local services (service, information) Social Production Irrigation Organized Association (Pricing, Standardization, Logistics, Mislabeling) Legalization Legislation Entrepreneurship State Various entrepreneur actions (Activities, ATM) Tourist exploitation (food, lodging) Branding of Prespa Products Defining and promoting the Prepsa experience. Health (N) Infrastructure (N) Lack Of Financing (P) International collaboration (Borders) Zoning 23

24 SPP vision & acknowledged actions 24

25 The Society for the Protection of Prespa Vision VISION «Our actions should inspire and initiate active involvement of all local, national and international stakeholders to protect and promote the natural and cultural Prespa heritage» o o o Protection of natural values and cultural heritage Stimulating and participation triggering actions Collaboration of stakeholders in local, national and international level 25

26 Acknowledged SPP s actions 1. Research and conservation measures (e.g. Dalmatian Pelican) 2. Monitoring rare species (flora & fauna) 3. Σ.Χ.Ο.Α.Π implementation 4. Penstock construction 5. Environmental observation in transboundary level 26

27 Society for the Protection of Prespa: Main issues 27

28 Main SPP s issues Economic development projects initiated mainly by SPP (lack of ownership from stakeholders) Overextending SPP limited resources in economic development initiatives / contrary to organization s main focus (strictly environmental research) Several economic development actions taken by SPP are under promoted in the local community. Scientific areas of interest of SPP are disengaged and hard to communicate to localities. Limited alignment among stakeholders (burden on SPP to initiate do PR etc) Public perception of SPP as a substitute of governmental organization in the area (adding work load and obscuring SPP\s identify) 28

29 Our Vision & Mission Statement 29

30 Our vision & mission statement Vision / Perfect Future We envision to highlight the importance and illustrate the uniqueness of the Prespa region. The main guidelines upon which this vision will be built are: The recognition and implementation of best, sustainable and feasible practices, which will enhance local economic development. The encouragement and support of initiatives towards environmental protection and social cohesion Mission Statement Our mission is to reinforce the Society for the Protection of Prespa s acceptance in local community through creative and effective relations which focus on Prespa s regional and sustainable economic development. 30

31 Proposal of actions 31

32 Proposal of Actions Communication Creation of the Prespa Branding & Identity Creation of the Prespa Experience Tourism Protected Region Products 32

33 Proposal of Actions (1/5) 1. Simplification of scientific work COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Aim: To engage non scientific audience in SPP s research projects Fact: SPP communicates research to scientific community through press, scientific magazines, internet etc. (and aid fundraising efforts) WHAT/WHY: we propose: The development of a strong communication strategy, that will: Enable conveyance of messages from hard scientific research projects to the non scientific word i.e. Locally Regionally Country wise Neighboring countries Broken down to target critical age groups (especially children, young adults) 33

34 Proposal of Actions (1/5) COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Enhance SPP s image to the local community (impress- explain-engageparticipate) If properly staged will result in creating buzz the talk of the town Contain critical information on how a research project affects the locals and how they can contribute ( through volunteering open and standing invitation to participate) Facilitates consent WHO: Designed and developed by SPP communication and research team WHEN: Upon initiation of research project or submission of a research proposal or receipt of funds to perform research 34

35 Proposal of Actions (1/5) COMMUNICATION STRATEGY 2. Amplification of research image to local community Aim: To initiate and communicate research projects on non-environmental subjects, that will amplify the SPP image and create stronger acceptance of the role to promote local society Fact: Focused scientific research on environmental subjects appeals less to communities WHAT/WHY: We propose to initiate and welcome-promote research on: Social issues Communication Marketing fields (SPP does not have the expertise fills a GAP) 35

36 Proposal of Actions (1/5) COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Deliverables: Deploy inexpensive research capabilities, to work on pressing social issues structure, enhancement of communication tactics and cases (example engaging story telling), or develop branding strategies for Protected Region Products. WHO: Students from academic institutions, foreign or Greek WHEN : Continuously, enabling the development of stronger ties with academia and perhaps cross departmental synergies. 36

37 Proposal of Actions (2/5) CREATE THE PRESPA IDENTITY (BRANDING) Create an identity Aim: Create the Prespa Area Logo and uniform design as well as the placement of traditional signs around various area spots, local hospitality, food & beverage enterprises. WHAT: Uniform design of traditional plates retaining common logo and area traditional character WHY: Formulate area branding and identity WHO: Design by architects & Fine Art students, collaboration with local entrepreneurs, placement and preservation by local authorities and volunteers (CTP) WHERE: Placement at the entrance of the area, forefront of hotels, restaurants, cultural centers, tenable memorials, info centers, historical important spots 37

38 Proposal of Actions (3/5) 1. Create the mystique CREATION OF PRESPA EXPERIENCE Aim: Gathering and collecting local people stories and legends and place them around the area. WHAT: Story & Legend Collection WHY: Create Mystique, Branding, Folklore element. WHERE: Place signs and maps around historical spots, region s main entrance, village squares. WHO: Design by architects and fine art students, story gathering by local students under teacher and parental guidance, cultural triangle workshops, placing and preservation by local authorities and volunteers(ctp). 38

39 Proposal of Actions (3/5) CREATION OF PRESPA EXPERIENCE 2. Create the interaction What: Bike tours, hiking/ mountain climbing, observatories/telescopes, interactive exhibits in information centers, treasure hunt activity, water buffalo visits, kiting Why: Bonding with the area, increase days of hotel occupancy, encourage revisiting, local community involvement, self-sustainable proposal Where: Involvement and participation of information/communication centers as well as hotels on specially created stands Who: SPP Observatories, leaflets Local authorities Interactive exhibits (You can do that too!) Local community Biking and hiking tours, treasure hunt organization When: Short term implementation long term viability How: Promotion through leaflets including maps, list of activities (+ existing ones), general information, time schedule, locations, contact details 39

40 Proposed actions (4/5) TOURISM What: Attraction of alternative forms of tourism ( eco-tourism, students, gastronomy tourists) Why: Sustainable economic growth of the area, connection and acceptance of stakeholders group of tourism entrepreneurs and of the local community Who: Initiative and Planning: SPP, Cultural Triangle of Prespa, Ecotourism Society of Prespa Implementation: Local tourism entrepreneurs through the coordination of the other two organizations How: Learn, understand and adjust if necessary possible existing models in similar protected areas, combining environmental protection with low-budget accommodation and hotel services. 40

41 Proposal of Actions (5/5) PROTECTED REGION PRODUCTS What: Enhancement of the image of the local products, distribution and promotion through local producers building on and taking advantage of the region s uniqueness (protection, preservation, purity) Priority should be given to the unique, local product The Prespa Bean Why: Economic growth in harmony with the environmental protection (sustainable practice) Who: Initiative and Planning: Collaboration between SPP and marketing/ communications students; strong feasibility studies Implementation: Producers guided by the outcomes of the studies and strategic action plans When: Long term need for detailed business plan 41

42 Focus Area Communication Improvement Action Simplification of scientific work Amplification of research image to local community Implementation timeframe Long-term Create Prespa Identity The Prespa Experience Create the region s special logo Mystique about Prespa: Story and legend Collection and appropriate promotion Interaction: Development of interactive actions which will have a positive effect to the local community as well as the tourists revisiting. Short-term Short-term Tourism Protected Region Products Attract alternative tourism in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. Guidance of local producers by the special studies which will be prepared by marketing/communications students. Long-term Long-term 42

43 Conclusions 43

44 Conclusion The sustainable socio-economic growth of the Prespa area is very complex. The combination of environmental issues and local stakeholders characteristics, as well as the geographical uniqueness (3 nations 2 lakes) make this task challenging and ambitious. Our proposals aim at addressing the main issues we have clearly identified, on short and long term basis. At the same time, we set the ground for supplementary research/ project that, upon implementation, will enhance the fulfillment of our shared vision for the area and its people. 44

45 Learning experience 45

46 Future Leaders Living Experience The Future Leader Program of ΗayGroup, was a defining experience for us, individually, as a team and as future leaders. We learned how to highlight the internal virtues and manage our emotions for the benefit of the team even in very difficult and complex situations. The beauty of the Prespa project was not just the engagement with nature. It was an inspiring adventure, compelled by the SPP vision that goes beyond borders, cultures, and local interests, to preserve the magic of Prespa. Thank you for inviting, supporting and inspiring us with your vision, as we should do as future leaders in the society. 46

47 References 47

48 References Leaflets: Cultural Triangle of Prespa( CTP) Maps of Prespa s cultural sights Prespa s tour guide and map Cultural routes Prespa: «Agriculture & Environment», one Europe, more nature project Prespa s information centers Let s discover Prespa. People & nature around the lakes Florina s municipality tourist guide Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) for human and nature Cultural guide of Municipality of Prespa Project Life-Nature Bean & Tsironi celebration, municipality of Prespa 48

49 References Books: Prespa s Information Center Scripts «Prespa: a story for man & nature», George Kotsadorakis Network: www. spp.gr (Society for the Protection of Prespa) www. ctp.gr (Cultural Triangle of Prespa) www. tseaaig.gr (Territorial Quality Mark) www. prespes.gr ( Municipality of Prespa) 49