01 May 2nd Congress of Protected Areas Network in the Carpathians: ‘Challenges and Opportunities in the Carpathians Protected Areas’, Tatranská Javo?ina, Slovakia, 23-26 April 2013

The Second Congress of the Protected Areas Network Carpathian was held from 23 to 26 April in Tatrasnká Javo?ina, within the National Park High Tatras (Slovakia). The conference explored the challenges and opportunities for protected areas in terms of sustainable finance, sustainable development, ecological connectivity and continuity planning and management with a focus on cross-border cooperation. Major international events were organised, such as lectures, workshops and various excursions.

The presentations and discussions incorporated examples of good practices with innovative approaches spanning across Europe, focusing on the Carpathians. On the 25th, the programme featured a side event on the importance of spiritual values in protected areas, coordinated by Josep-Maria Mallarach, The joint coordinator of the Delos Initiative of WCPA, presented an overview of the subject with inputs from the international community to the European perspective, focusing on the Carpathian region. Selected examples to be applied in protected areas in the Carpathians were discussed, including the opportunities for expanding the social support for protected areas.

More information: >>First Conference of the Network of Protected Areas of the Carpathian Mountains