Study tour for Montenegrin delegation in protected areas in Austria
The program is intendent for members of the coordination body and representatives of protected areas in Montenegro. The purpose of the program is to organize a study tour in protected areas in Austria to present the management processes of internationally recognized models of conservation and different categories of protected areas, specifically Natura 2000 area, Biosphere Reserves and Transboundary Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, and UNESCO World Heritage site. Through our expert-led field visits, discussions with park authorities, and exposure to innovative management tools, participants will enhance their understanding of effective governance structures, development of local branded products, sustainable tourism and agriculture, visitor management strategies, biodiversity monitoring, and cross-sector collaboration. The study tour will also allow colleagues from Montenegro to exchange experiences with Austrian practitioners and identify adaptable approaches for improving management practices in protected areas in Montenegro. The program strengthens international capacity for protected area management and promotes long-term, sustainable conservation outcomes. Based on the initial identification of possible project funding within the current GEF7 project, we will continue to support the project team on identifying three financial programs suitable for the protected areas in Montenegro, either from EU financial programs and/or development organizations. For each agreed financial mechanisms, we will develop terms of references for a consulting service in developing a suitable project application. The proposed working tasks are as follows:
- Screening of eligible financial mechanisms for Montenegro
- Mapping of potential project ideas (in cooperation with the client)
- Allocation of suitable project partners
- Developing three terms of references for consultancy services: developing project proposals