Rewilding Stara Planina

Serbia
Stara Planina
23,000 ha

are being restored

5000

people positively impacted

200,000

trees being planted

70,000

tonnes CO₂ to be captured

Project Summary

Stara Planina is Serbia’s sprawling treasure trove of biodiversity and cultural heritage nestled within majestic mountains. This project will conduct a landscape-level restoration of mosaic forests and semi-natural grasslands. This will help revive natural dynamics, increase biodiversity and improve connectivity among habitat fragments. The project also seeks to promote the sustainable development of local livelihoods based on ecotourism and regenerative agriculture.
Focal species
European bison, busha cattle, horses, ground squirrel, vultures
Key habitats
Forest, semi-alpine grasslands, semi-natural grasslands, streams and rivers
Project Focus
  • Biodiversity
  • ·
  • Capacity development
  • ·
  • Education
  • ·
  • Forest restoration
  • ·
  • Reforestation
  • ·
  • Regenerative agriculture
SDGs

Project area

Nestled within the majestic Stara Planina mountains of Serbia lies a European biodiversity hotspot, boasting a rich tapestry of wildlife with over 30 mammal and 200 bird species. Recently upgraded to National Park status, Stara Planina spans an impressive 114,332 hectares, securing its position as Serbia’s largest protected area. Beyond its ecological significance, this region is steeped in cultural heritage and home to a diverse array of autochthonous breeds.

The problem

For centuries, the Balkan Peninsula has relied on the traditional practice of transhumance for livestock production. However, the emergence of new state borders halted the large-scale migrations inherent to transhumant activities, necessitating a reorganization between lower and higher elevations. Unfortunately, post-World War II policies promoted the intensification of transhumance, resulting in premature grazing of lower-elevation grasslands and the abandonment of higher-elevation areas. These shifts have contributed to land degradation, erosion, and the proliferation of undesirable plant species, ultimately leading to a decline in biodiversity across the region.

What the project does

Our collaborative project is dedicated to developing a landscape-level restoration effort that focuses on rejuvenating mosaic forests and semi-natural grasslands through regenerative grazing practices. By harnessing the power of nature’s own mechanisms, we aim to reinvigorate natural dynamics, enhance biodiversity, and bolster the productivity of rangelands. Furthermore, the project will improve connectivity among fragmented habitats, amplifying the effectiveness of conservation efforts within the park. In addition to our conservation activities, the project will foster sustainable development opportunities for local communities. Through the promotion of ecotourism initiatives and local products, we aim to boost livelihoods based on the natural splendor of Stara Planina.

The project has 3 focus areas:

  1. Rewilding of degraded landscapes
    Restoration of degraded areas and reintroduction of native herbivores and natural, regenerative grazing to areas which were overgrazed or abandoned and where biodiversity loss is the highest. Large herbivores aid in seed spreading and germination and control of wild fires and invasive plant species.
  2. Reforestation
    Reforestation of degraded landscapes through native trees with water management techniques, as a local nature based climate mitigation solution.
  3. Growth of rural entrepreneurship
    Expansion of rural tourism beyond accommodation towards outdoor recreation activities. Utilization of regenerative agriculture for land restoration and business development at lower elevation sites with road access.

Through ecosystem restoration, the project aims to increase the populations of endangered species, including ground squirrels and Griffon vultures.

Aligned with SDGs 1, 8, 11, 13, 15 and 17, the project conducts 5 activities: Collaborative Surveys, Training, Baseline Study, Restoration, and Livelihood Development. A collaborative survey facilitated by key stakeholders provided insights into ecological conditions, restoration opportunities and livelihood dynamics.
Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards ecological restoration and community empowerment in Stara Planina National Park!

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