Ecological Network map of the word famous Bialowieza Forest

ECNC together with Vereniging Natuurmonumenten (NM) finalised the transboundary European Ecological Network pilot project between Poland and Belarus for the world-famous Bialowieza Forest in 2005 with the completion of an indicate map of ecological network of this internationally renowned area and a summary of the technical back ground documents on hydrology, forestry, tourism and ecological networks.  This was the first time ever such cross-border ecological network was prepared and published for this international forest area, also indicating search areas for potential gateways for the migration of species between the Polish and Belarus sides of this forest. Migration is hampered by the border fence which splits this area in two parts.

Other outcomes of this project include the Bialowieza Forest of Hope Appeal 2006, which resulted from a stakeholder seminar.

The project was implemented together with the National Park Departments on the Polish and Belarus sides of the Forest, while involving all relevant stakeholders, in particular the Forest Departments and local stakeholders. The project duration was 18 months and the final report was submitted by the end of July 2006 to the funder, the BBI Matra Programma of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The project aimed to further develop this important forest as one coherent natural and self-maintaining ecological core area of the European Ecological Network. It  highlighted the role of forestry, hydrology, tourism and agriculture in enhancing the ecological coherence of the area, these being the themes that were prioritized by park managers of the Bialowieza Forest on both sides of the border. The project also focused on enhancing the social coherence within this cross-border forest, to foster harmony with the demands of the local communities, while respecting both natural and cultural values. The project contributed to the development of an integrated management plan for the Forest, and highlighted the prospects of the Bialowieza Forest to become a testing ground in Europe for sustainable development.

The project outcome received very favorable feedback from stakeholders in the Bialowieza region and also from international organizations and finance institutions.

For the map and the technical summary report, see http://www.ecnc.org/jump/page/469/Output.html