Project code: 0410-2SC-BIO-PC2-006

Project title: Strengthening biodiversity, resilience and connectivity of Pieniny National Park.

Call: Call for Strengthening Biodiversity in Protected Areas (BIO02)

Title of the support measure: Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Strengthening Biodiversity in Protected Areas

Specific Objective: 1. Protecting the environment and climate

Beneficiary: WWF Slovakia

Website:  https://wwfsk.org/

Project grant:  465 163,00 €

Project start date: 2.10.2025

Estimated date of project completion: 31.12.2028

Slovak partners: Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, CYPRIAN

Swiss partners: WWF Switzerland

Project summary: The project aims to strengthen biodiversity, improve resilience and connectivity of Pieniny National Park (PIENAP) and its buffer zone through defining and implementing targeted management measures & inclusive conservation. In cooperation with the land managers measures supporting natural processes contributing to increased biodiversity, improved ecological connectivity & resilience to climate change will be implemented. In cooperation with UMB, monitoring and evaluation of the management measures effectiveness as well as recommendations for habitat management will be developed. This will provide basis for management plan of PIENAP as well as other protected areas. Raising awareness among residents about the protected area and the benefits of biodiversity protection for their quality of life will be implemented in partnership with CYPRIAN n.o. Examples of best practice in the management of protected areas and the involvement of local entities will be shared by WWF Schweiz.

Project outcomes: Improved ecosystem protection and increased resilience to biodiversity loss

Project outputs:

2.1 Environmental education and awareness-raising activities about biodiversity conservation and sustainable forms of tourist services developed

2.2 Local people involved in activities for ecosystem and biodiversity protection

2.3 Pilot initiatives and measures for the biodiversity protection mapped, developed, tested and implemented

Project activities:

  • Management and restoration of forest habitats and increasing their resilience to climate change
  • Management and restoration of non-forest habitats and associated species
  • Improving ecological connectivity, protection of migratory species, and prevention of conflicts
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of habitat and species maintenance measures
  • Cooperation with local communities to raise awareness of the natural values of PIENAP
  • Bilateral cooperation

Project contract:

Link to the published document: Project contract in Central register of contracts