IMPACT Interreg Europe – Innovative Models for Protected Areas: exChange and Transfer

New management models for Protected Areas

Protected Areas and the natural values kept inside them, are without doubt one of the most valuable resources we need to preserve. But, what if these resources can be exploited in a sustainable manner without compromising its preservation? Can protected areas provide additional benefits to our society?

In 2016, different European partners joined efforts and started a new and challenging initiative; the IMPACT Interreg Europe project. This project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to explore new management models to balance preservation and exploitation of Protected Areas.

Through a four year process, different regional administrations around Europe will help to transform the potential of the natural values present at their regions into growth, income and green jobs that will benefit the surrounding communities.

Different challenges for different regions

However, this is not an easy task, and the different project partners will need to face different challenges in every region where the project will be implemented… How can profitable activities and nature preservation be combined? How can different stakeholders with different interests work together towards a common goal? These are just some of the questions that will need to be addressed in order to find more sustainable and efficient ways of managing Europe’s Protected Areas.

As part of the IMPACT Interreg Europe project, EUROPARC will contribute to find ways to integrate nature conservation and sustainable development with the following partners:

Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of Andalusia, Regional Government of Andalucía, Spain – Leader Partner.
EUCC Baltic Office, Lithuania.
Molise Region, Italy.
National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism, Romania.
Espaces naturels régionaux, France.

Want to know more?

Visit IMPACT Interreg Europe website, or keep an eye on our website and social media to find out exciting news and updates on one of Europe’s most thrilling challenges!