National Park Pelister collaborates with funds, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and other entities that propose effective biodiversity protection measures, conduct scientific research, and provide training and education for staff and the local population.
Project
Cross-Border Fund for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development
Partner: PONT (Prespa-Ohrid Nature Trust)
Prespa-Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) is a cross-border conservation fund established in 2015 with financial support from the MAVA Foundation and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), coordinated through KfW.
The main objective of PONT is to provide stable, long-term funding for the conservation of biodiversity, natural processes, and ecosystem services in the wider Prespa-Ohrid region, thereby creating lasting benefits for nature and the local community.
Role and Key Activities
Direct Grants and Co-Financing: Provides financial support for essential conservation activities implemented by national parks, nature protection institutions, and civil society organizations.
Long-Term Vision and Stability: Through a specialized endowment fund, PONT enables an average annual allocation of approximately €3 million until 2040, ensuring continuity in nature conservation efforts.
Cross-Border Cooperation: Actively promotes networking and joint initiatives among public management bodies and the civil sector across borders to maximize conservation impact.
Significance for National Park Pelister
Strategic Planning: Through targeted grants, PONT made a direct contribution to the detailed revision and upgrading of the Management Plan for National Park Pelister, serving as a vital blueprint for the park’s future.
Regional Networking: On December 7, 2022, the Visitor Center of NP Pelister hosted the 3rd coordination meeting of protected area management bodies, during which PONT reaffirmed its role as a primary grant provider for public institutions and the NGO sector in the region.
Support for Local Environmental Actors: The fund continuously backs civil society organizations (Environmental Actors) operating within the territory of Pelister and the wider region.
Project
PREVENT – Advanced Early Warning and Risk Management Tools for Wildfires and Floods
International Hellenic University (Greece) – Lead Partner, Military Academy "General Mihailo Apostolski" – Skopje, National Park "Pelister"
The PREVENT project aims to improve the operational efficiency and administrative capacity of institutions managing natural disasters, particularly wildfires and floods.
Implemented within the framework of cross-border cooperation, the project focuses on developing modern monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems utilizing innovative technologies.
Duration: 2022 – 2024
Budget: Approx. €687,585
Key Activities and Technologies
The PREVENT project encompasses the development and implementation of advanced risk management systems:
Wildfire Early Detection System: Development of an intelligent forest monitoring system for real-time fire detection.
Meteorological and Climate Models: Establishing systems for measuring temperature, wind, precipitation, and solar radiation to improve risk forecasting.
Hydrological Models: Analysis of surface waters and flood risks within the National Park.
Capacity Building and Training: Organization of training sessions, educational programs, and the application of VR/AR technologies to raise awareness and readiness.
Information Systems and Laboratories: Development of information systems and laboratory facilities for research and education.
Within the project, modern monitoring systems have been installed across the territory of NP Pelister:
Solar-powered fire detection cameras.
Automatic meteorological stations.
Climate parameter tracking systems.
Remote field surveillance.
These systems enable continuous monitoring of natural conditions and rapid response upon the emergence of risks.
Key Activities and Technologies
The PREVENT project encompasses the development and implementation of advanced risk management systems:
Wildfire Early Detection System: Development of an intelligent forest monitoring system for real-time fire detection.
Meteorological and Climate Models: Establishing systems for measuring temperature, wind, precipitation, and solar radiation to improve risk forecasting.
Hydrological Models: Analysis of surface waters and flood risks within the National Park.
Capacity Building and Training: Organization of training sessions, educational programs, and the application of VR/AR technologies to raise awareness and readiness.
Benefits for National Park “Pelister”
The PREVENT project has a significant impact on the protection and management of the park:
Improved Fire Protection: Early detection and faster intervention during forest fires.
Better Risk Management: Precise data on climatic and hydrological conditions.
System Modernization: Through training and knowledge transfer.
Cross-Border Cooperation and Significance
The PREVENT project strengthens cooperation between institutions from Macedonia and Greece, enabling:
A joint approach to natural risk management.
Exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Development of joint protection models.
This creates a more efficient system for dealing with natural disasters at a regional level.
Useful Information
Deliverables:
Partners:
Additional Information: