Proposal for a pilot project for improvement of basic touristic infrastructure and awareness raising among pupils and teachers for biodiversity and natural values of Sharr National Park The first goal (Goal 1) is improvement of basic touristic infrastructure at CampLimthi close to the boundaries of SharrNational Park. CampLimthi could be connected in the future to a transboundary hiking trail "Popova Shapka -- SharrNational Park -- CampLimthi -- Prizren" as an important destination for resting and environmental education. The second goal (Goal 2) is directly related to Goal 1 by using the improved CampLimthi as a location for educating pupils and teachers about the natural values of SharrNational Park and thus raising their environmental awareness. Teachers will act as multipliers of the knowledge because they can pass on their knowledge, e.g. in Biology lessons, once they are back at their schools. The project proposal at hand directly addresses the issue of improvement of basic capacities and touristic infrastructure at one defined place in close vicinity to the National Park boundary: CampLimthi -- field basis of NGO Finch's bird watching activities. By implementing the proposed measures, the attractiveness for hikers and visitors can be largely improved and information on the natural values of the SharrNational Park can be provided directly to visitors through the installation of information panels. In the future, Camp Limthi as a spot for resting, teaching and research can be connected easily to a transboundary hiking trail Popova Shapka -- Sharr National Park -- Camp Limthi -- Prizren. The establishment of Transboundary hiking trails is another cornerstone of the development of a gentle tourism that was agreed in the Joint Vision in Brod. By creating a spot for information on natural values along with touristic facilities (water fountain, picknick benches) we can directly address this goal and increase the attractiveness of a future transboundary hiking trail Popova Shapka -- SharrNational Park -- CampLimthi -- Prizren. Another important component is an awareness raising programme for teachers and pupils from the DragashMunicipality because the natural values of SharrNational Park are not enough promoted at present. By developing and implementing lessons for pupils and training for teachers on the spot in Camp Limthi, knowledge about biodiversity and endangered species can be multiplied by giving specific lessons on Golden Eagle, Brown Bear and Balkan lynx directly in the mountain environment where they occur.

• published: 13 Oct 2013
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