Bio-diversity

Project Description The project overall objective was to ensure networking and partnership between the Local Municipality Vevcani and Local Civic associations as a model for preservation and protection of endangered plant and animal species and sustainable management of protected areas by providing social and economic prosperity. The following project activities were planned: Raised awareness and changed public attitude for the preservation of biodiversity and natural resources of the visitors, local population and the general public; Achieve local sustainable tourism development in Vevcani / Vevcani water spring complex; Promoting Vevcani water spring complex declared as Monument of Nature, a national treasure of Macedonia; Achieving long term sustainability of the project results. Project achievements Three information boards, consisting of map, general information on significance of the water spring complex as well as rules for appropriate behavior during visitors` stay were prepared and placed; Infrastructure: electrical lights along the water spring complex were installed, wood inventory (2 sets of tables, benches and 6 waste bins) were constructed and placed; Tourist Info Centre was opened (8 October 2008) and as part of the agreement for cooperation with the Local Municipality Vevcani, one person from the Local Municipality was employed; in addition the Local Municipality Vevcani provides logistical support to the Tourist Info Centre; Inclusion of the local travel agencies and national tour operators in promotion of Vevcani water spring complex; Organized visit to the villages of Ribarsko Selo and Brajcino, Prespa region, as a successful models for sustainable rural tourist centers; Prepared and adopted two years Management plan for Vevcani water spring complex and Tourist Info Centre; Organized National meeting for promotion of joint achievements of implementation of GEF SGP projects and Green Agenda implemented in the Local Municipalities of Bitola, Vevcani & Delcevo; Designing and printing promotional materials for the Vevcani water springs complex (5 types of postcards, local passport, local currency licnici , mugs, tourist map and pin). Follow up With the financial support of the second co-funder Milieukontakt International the project continues with project activities focusing on securing long term sustainability on Tourist Info Centre, as focal point for promotion of rural tourism development in the Municipality and place for networking between the Local Municipality and citizens of Vevcani.

Macedonia