Administrative boundaries do not matter for ecosystems, but protecting biodiversity requires joint actions. This is the philosophy adopted by the Narew National Park in Poland and the Nobel National Park in Ukraine, which have joined forces to faces the challenges of nature protection in the cross-border areas. Thanks to the support from the Interreg NEXT Programme Poland – Ukraine 2021-2027, the project "Creation of a Monitoring System for Biodiversity Conservation in Protected Cross-Border Areas" (acronym CBBC) is being implemented. Its implementation has just started. Last month, at the Nature Education Centre "Młynarzówka", the directors of both institutions signed a partnership agreement within the framework of this project.
Where did the idea of the project come from?
Protected areas on both sides of the border – Western Polesie in Ukraine and Eastern Poland – are unique in terms of nature. They are inhabited by rare species of wetland birds, predators and mammals whose populations depend on maintaining appropriate environmental conditions. Climate change, human activity and other threats require constant monitoring and response. However, until now there has been no coherent system that would allow for effective data exchange and joint action. This is where the idea for the project was born.
What will be accomplished?
As part of the project, the Narew National Park and the Nobel National Park will jointly create a system that will not only allow of better monitoring of the state of local ecosystems, but also for more effective response to threats to protected species. Thanks to this, both parks will be able to mutually benefit from each other's experiences and share knowledge, which will contribute to improve nature conservation on both sides of the border.
The first step will be to build and modernise the observation infrastructure. New observation towers in the Narew National Park and the observation hideout near the Topilec ponds will allow not only scientists but also tourists to better understand the secrets of wetlands. The Biodiversity Monitoring Centre will be established in the Nobel National Park, where specialists from both countries will be able to analyse data and develop joint strategies for protecting endangered species.
Thanks to this cooperation, we have the opportunity to draw on the experience of our Polish colleagues who have been developing methods for monitoring wetland ecosystems for years – said the director of the Nobel National Park.
And he adds:
We want to implement similar solutions in our area and build a better future for our nature together.
To better understand the changing conditions in both parks, scientists will conduct a series of research expeditions. Modern equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and acoustic sensors, will allow them to track bird migration and monitor endangered species. Joint research will not only provide valuable information, but also strengthen cooperation between research teams.
We have a lot in common when it comes to nature and the challenges associated with its protection. This partnership allows us to look at our activities with a wider, international context. Together we can do more – not only in terms of research, but also in terms of education and raising public awareness – emphasizes the director of the Narew National Park.
An equally important element of the project is the involvement of local communities. Interactive lesson sets will be created for 50 schools, which will allow young people to better understand why nature conservation is so important. In addition, competitions and promotional campaigns are planned, as well as the production of an educational film that will bring the subject of biodiversity closer to a wide audience.
The project also includes the organisation of two conferences, which will allow experts and representatives of local authorities to discuss achievements and plan further activities. It will also be an opportunity to establish new partnerships and exchange experience at the international level.
These types of initiatives show that nature protection knows no borders. We are united by a common goal: ensuring that future generations can enjoy the richness of nature, just as we do today. Thanks to this project, the Narew and Nobel National Parks are not only strengthening their activities for environmental protection, but also creating lasting foundations for the future cross-border cooperation. This is a story in which nature becomes a bridge connecting people across borders and conflicts – adds the director of the Nobel National Park.
The future of cooperation
This project is just the beginning of a long-term cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian national parks. Its implementation will allow for more effective actions for the protection of nature and will become an example for other border areas in Europe. The partners hope that the experience gained in this project will contribute to further joint initiatives and the implementation of innovative solutions in the field of environmental protection.
The total value of the project is 1 731 331.00 EUR, including the Programme co-financing of 1 558 145.00 EUR.
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