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(2010) -
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tsikolatas@gmail.com

March 20, 2010

Table of contents

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 Table of Contents

Sources and tools used

Stakeholders analysis
Key findings
Your Vision & acknowledged actions
Main issue
Our vision and mission statement
Proposals
Conclusions / Next steps
Learning experience
References

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Sources and tools
used

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 Sources and tools used

Leaflets and other printed material available at local information centers and
NGOs offices
Internet available data (see references)
Other literature regarding the sustainable economic development of protected
areas
Semi-structured questionnaires addressed to representatives from
stakeholders organizations
Informal conversations with locals

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Stakeholders
analysis

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Society for the Protection of Prespa
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 Society for the Protection of Prespa
WHO IS SPP:
NGO with the mission to protect the natural and cultural heritage and to
promote the continuous viable economical development of the whole region
of Prespa
ACTIONS
Protection of the natural heritage
Research and conservation measures for the protection of the Dalmatian
Pelican and the Great White Pelican
Monitoring of the fish populations of the two lakes
Monitoring of bird populations (herons, cormorants and other aquatic bird
species)
Monitoring of certain rare species of fauna and flora
Restoration and management of wet meadows in Lake Mikri Prespa (LIFE-
Nature) 8
 Society for the Protection of Prespa

Protection of the cultural heritage

Restoration of a private building in Lemos, Prespa
Establishment of the Prespa Centre for Human and Nature
Public awareness and education
Operation of the SPP Information Centre
Publication of informative material
Support to authorities and bodies for the sustainable development and
protection of Prespa
Collaboration with and support to the Municipality of Prespa in its efforts to
protect and develop the area
Support to the newly-established Prespa National Park Management Body
Support of transboundary cooperation in the framework of the Prespa Park
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 Society for the Protection of Prespa

Support to authorities and bodies for the sustainable development and

protection of Prespa
Collaboration with and support to the Municipality of Prespa in its efforts to
protect and develop the area
Support to the newly-established Prespa National Park Management Body
Support of transboundary cooperation in the framework of the Prespa Park

The above SPP action framework has received wide reception from the local
community
However the involvement of SPP in various environmental and societal
issues, poor knowledge of actions has been recorded

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 Society for the Protection of Prespa

AIMS
Protection of the habitats, wild life and biodiversity
Promotion of moderate development
Raising awareness of citizens and local authorities around environment
protection and cultural protection

BARRIERS
Insufficient provision of information
Lack of effective feasibility studies
Breach of rules and agreements by citizens and local authorities

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SPP SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses
Comprised of and supported by 10 NGOs Ineffective communication of vision and
Funding from major sponsor achievements

EU & national legislation limited

scope of field activities, unable to
commit resources on developmental initiatives
Clear vision & tangible achievements
Lack of human resources
Transboundary vision of cooperation
Lack of sufficient funds/funding
Accumulated knowledge and experience
Passion and commitment

Opportunities Threats
Bringing people together under a common Lack of local consensus
vision-creating consent for viable economic
Non compliance with legislation and agreed
development
terms
Leadin the field of transboundary
Insufficient
collaboration with Albania/FYROM
cooperation
relevant organizations
Prespa a model for sustainable
Insufficient organization of other stakeholders
development in a protected area

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Other stakeholders
Overview
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 Other Stakeholders Overview
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
AIMS
Development of infrastructure and networking with neighboring countries
Conservation and enhancement of Prespas cultural heritage
Boost of tourism with respect to the environment
Creation of strong organizational mechanisms between local professionals
and authorities
Citizens satisfaction

BARRIERS
Limitation of funding
Strict enforcement of environmental restrictions
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 Stakeholders analysis
LOCAL COMMUNITY
AIMS
Development of infrastructure which will contribute to the improvement of the
professional activity, health, entertainment and living standards.
Preservation of the local element and cultural heritage
Net working with neighboring regions for the growth of trade
BARRIERS
Deficiency of unity and communication between the factors of local
community
Speculative exploitation of tourism which resulting in the maintenance of low
levels of service
Strict enforcement of environmental restrictions which creates the feeling of
limitation of their reality
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 Other Stakeholders Overview
CULTURAL TRIANGLE OF PRESPA (CTP)
AIMS
Minimizing the effects of rural isolation among local communities in terms of
cultural, economic and educational levels
Engagement of the local community, interaction and support for skills
development and networking
Creation of opportunities for children and young people in order to enhance
their creativity, develop their skills in arts and new technologies and take
initiatives
BARRIERS
Insufficient interactive collaboration between local authorities, NGOs and the
local community.
Inadequate social sensitivity and lack of creative activities and employment
opportunities for young people
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 Other Stakeholders Overview
NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT OF PRESPA
AIMS
Improving living standards of citizens through the conservation of natural and
cultural values of region
Promotion of awareness and cooperation between the three countries
Ensuring the protection of ecological value and biodiversity of Prespa
Promotion and control on prudent use of natural resources

BARRIERS
Limited economical resources
Lack of efficient communication among environmental organizations, citizens
and entrepreneurs
Breach of environmental accords by citizens and local authorities 17
 Other Stakeholders Overview
PRIMARY SECTOR (farmers, stock breeders, fishermen)
AIMS
Pursuit and strengthening of effective manufacturing and distribution of
products and finding ways of their continuous improvement.

BARRIERS
Emergence of fraud in local products
Ineffective associations lacking long term strategy
Communication gap between members of primary sector of different ages

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 Other Stakeholders Overview
SECONDARY SECTOR (Rural Cooperative of National Parks Bean
Producers)
AIMS
Enhancement, promotion, standardization and trade of the regional products
(beans)

BARRIERS
Emergence of fraud in local products
Lack of willingness for collaborative action between local bean producers
Lack of modern infrastructure related to the agriculture (irrigation system)

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 Other Stakeholders Overview
TERTIARY SECTOR (entrepreneurs)
AIMS
Promotion of tourism and attracting alternative groups of tourism (agro
tourism, ecotourism, gastronomic and conference tourism)
Preservation of the local element and of the cultural and natural heritage
BARRIERS
Lack of modern infrastructure and other services (roads, transportation,
ATM, medical services)
Absence of collective action between the factors of the tertiary sector
Lack of additional activities, able to extend the visitors stay in the area
Non-availability of appropriate infrastructure to host large numbers of visitors.
The problem becomes more tense in peak tourist periods

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Key Findings

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Our approach

During our research we followed the next steps in order to identify

segregate and present the key findings regarding the case in hand . These
steps included:
Recording opinions in a wide framework of local issues
Tracing of current situation and social conditions
Correlation Major stakeholders concerns & SPPs needs
Indication of areas of improvement within the community

Our findings are presented in the following page

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 Key findings Needs (2/2)

Entertainment
Youth attraction need/ new
ideas/population influx
Human and environment Irrigation
relationship (ecological measures
allowing economic growth) Organized Association
(Pricing,
Preservation of local element and Standardization,
heritage Logistics, Mislabeling)
Breach of terms Legalization
Generation Gap Social Production Legislation
Slack of local services (service,
information)

Entrepreneurship State
Health (N)
Various entrepreneur Infrastructure (N)
actions (Activities, ATM)
Lack Of Financing (P)
Tourist exploitation (food,
lodging) International
collaboration (Borders)
Branding of Prespa
Products Zoning
Defining and promoting the
Prepsa experience.
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 SPP vision &
acknowledged
actions
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The Society for the Protection of
Prespa Vision

VISION
Our actions should inspire and initiate active involvement of all local,
national and international stakeholders to protect and promote the natural
and cultural Prespa heritage

o Protection of natural values and cultural heritage

o Stimulating and participation triggering actions
o Collaboration of stakeholders in local, national and international level

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 Acknowledged SPPs actions

1. Research and conservation measures (e.g. Dalmatian Pelican)

2. Monitoring rare species (flora & fauna)
3. .... implementation
4. Penstock construction
5. Environmental observation in transboundary level

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 Society for the
Protection of Prespa:
Main issues
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 Main SPPs issues

Economic development projects initiated mainly by SPP (lack of ownership from

stakeholders)
Overextending SPP limited resources in economic development initiatives /
contrary to organizations main focus (strictly environmental research)
Several economic development actions taken by SPP are under promoted in the
local community.
Scientific areas of interest of SPP are disengaged and hard to communicate to
localities.
Limited alignment among stakeholders (burden on SPP to initiate do PR etc)
Public perception of SPP as a substitute of governmental organization in the area
(adding work load and obscuring SPP\s identify)

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Our Vision & Mission
Statement

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 Our vision & mission statement

Vision / Perfect Future

We envision to highlight the importance and illustrate the uniqueness of the
Prespa region. The main guidelines upon which this vision will be built are:
The recognition and implementation of best, sustainable and feasible
practices, which will enhance local economic development.
The encouragement and support of initiatives towards environmental
protection and social cohesion

Mission Statement
Our mission is to reinforce the Society for the Protection of Prespas
acceptance in local community through creative and effective relations which
focus on Prespas regional and sustainable economic development.

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Proposal of actions

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 Proposal of Actions

Communication
Creation of the Prespa Branding & Identity
Creation of the Prespa Experience
Tourism
Protected Region Products

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Proposal of Actions (1/5)

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
1. Simplification of scientific work
Aim: To engage non scientific audience in SPPs research projects
Fact: SPP communicates research to scientific community through press,
scientific magazines, internet etc. (and aid fundraising efforts)
WHAT/WHY: we propose: The development of a strong communication
strategy, that will:
Enable conveyance of messages from hard scientific research projects to
the non scientific word i.e.
Locally
Regionally
Country wise
Neighboring countries
Broken down to target critical age groups (especially children, young
adults)
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Proposal of Actions (1/5)

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
Enhance SPPs image to the local community (impress- explain-engage-
participate)
If properly staged will result in creating buzz the talk of the town
Contain critical information on how a research project affects the locals
and how they can contribute ( through volunteering open and standing
invitation to participate)
Facilitates consent
WHO: Designed and developed by SPP communication and research team

WHEN: Upon initiation of research project or submission of a research

proposal or receipt of funds to perform research

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Proposal of Actions (1/5)

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
2. Amplification of research image to local community
Aim: To initiate and communicate research projects on non-environmental
subjects, that will amplify the SPP image and create stronger acceptance of
the role to promote local society
Fact: Focused scientific research on environmental subjects appeals less to
communities
WHAT/WHY: We propose to initiate and welcome-promote research on:
Social issues
Communication
Marketing fields
(SPP does not have the expertise fills a GAP)

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Proposal of Actions (1/5)

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
Deliverables: Deploy inexpensive research capabilities, to work on
pressing social issues structure, enhancement of communication
tactics and cases (example engaging story telling), or develop
branding strategies for Protected Region Products.
WHO: Students from academic institutions, foreign or Greek
WHEN : Continuously, enabling the development of stronger ties
with academia and perhaps cross departmental synergies.

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Proposal of Actions (2/5)

CREATE THE PRESPA IDENTITY (BRANDING)

Create an identity

Aim: Create the Prespa Area Logo and uniform design as well as the
placement of traditional signs around various area spots, local hospitality,
food & beverage enterprises.
WHAT: Uniform design of traditional plates retaining common logo and area
traditional character
WHY: Formulate area branding and identity
WHO: Design by architects & Fine Art students, collaboration with local
entrepreneurs, placement and preservation by local authorities and
volunteers (CTP)
WHERE: Placement at the entrance of the area, forefront of hotels,
restaurants, cultural centers, tenable memorials, info centers, historical
important spots 37
Proposal of Actions (3/5)

CREATION OF PRESPA EXPERIENCE

1. Create the mystique

Aim: Gathering and collecting local people stories and legends and place
them around the area.
WHAT: Story & Legend Collection
WHY: Create Mystique, Branding, Folklore element.
WHERE: Place signs and maps around historical spots, regions main
entrance, village squares.
WHO: Design by architects and fine art students, story gathering by local
students under teacher and parental guidance, cultural triangle workshops,
placing and preservation by local authorities and volunteers(CTP).

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 Proposal of Actions (3/5)

CREATION OF PRESPA EXPERIENCE

2. Create the interaction
What: Bike tours, hiking/ mountain climbing, observatories/telescopes,
interactive exhibits in information centers, treasure hunt activity, water buffalo
visits, kiting
Why: Bonding with the area, increase days of hotel occupancy, encourage
revisiting, local community involvement, self-sustainable proposal
Where: Involvement and participation of information/communication centers as
well as hotels on specially created stands
Who:
SPP Observatories, leaflets
Local authorities Interactive exhibits (You can do that too!)
Local community Biking and hiking tours, treasure hunt organization

When: Short term implementation long term viability

How: Promotion through leaflets including maps, list of activities (+ existing

ones), general information, time schedule, locations, contact details
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 Proposed actions (4/5)

TOURISM
What:
Attraction of alternative forms of tourism (eco-tourism, students, gastronomy tourists)
Why:
Sustainable economic growth of the area, connection and acceptance of stakeholders
group of tourism entrepreneurs and of the local community
Who:
Initiative and Planning:
SPP, Cultural Triangle of Prespa, Ecotourism Society of Prespa

Implementation:
Local tourism entrepreneurs through the coordination of the other two organizations
How:
Learn, understand and adjust if necessary possible existing models in similar
protected areas, combining environmental protection with low-budget accommodation
and hotel services.
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 Proposal of Actions (5/5)

PROTECTED REGION PRODUCTS

What:
Enhancement of the image of the local products, distribution and promotion through local
producers building on and taking advantage of the regions uniqueness (protection,
preservation, purity)
Priority should be given to the unique, local product
The Prespa Bean
Why:
Economic growth in harmony with the environmental protection (sustainable practice)
Who:
Initiative and Planning:
Collaboration between SPP and marketing/ communications students; strong feasibility
studies
Implementation:
Producers guided by the outcomes of the studies and strategic action plans
When:
Long term need for detailed business plan 41
 Implementation
Focus Area Improvement Action
timeframe
Simplification of scientific work Long-term
Communication Amplification of research image to local community

Short-term
Create the regions special logo
Create Prespa Identity

Mystique about Prespa: Story and legend Collection and Short-term

appropriate promotion
Interaction: Development of interactive actions which will
The Prespa Experience
have a positive effect to the local community as well as the
tourists revisiting.

Attract alternative tourism in order to achieve sustainable Long-term

Tourism
economic growth.

Protected Region Guidance of local producers by the special studies which will be Long-term
Products prepared by marketing/communications students.

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Conclusions

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Conclusion

The sustainable socio-economic growth of the Prespa area is very

complex.
The combination of environmental issues and local stakeholders
characteristics, as well as the geographical uniqueness (3 nations
2 lakes) make this task challenging and ambitious.
Our proposals aim at addressing the main issues we have clearly
identified , on short and long term basis.
At the same time, we set the ground for supplementary research/
project that, upon implementation, will enhance the fulfillment of our
shared vision for the area and its people.

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 Learning
experience

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Future Leaders Living Experience

The Future Leader Program of ayGroup, was a

defining experience for us, individually, as a team
and as future leaders.
We learned how to highlight the internal virtues
and manage our emotions for the benefit of the
team even in very difficult and complex situations.
The beauty of the Prespa project was not just the
engagement with nature. It was an inspiring
adventure, compelled by the SPP vision that goes
beyond borders, cultures, and local interests, to
preserve the magic of Prespa.

Thank you for inviting, supporting and inspiring us with your vision, as we
should do as future leaders in the society.

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References

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 References

Leaflets:
Cultural Triangle of Prespa( CTP)
Maps of Prespas cultural sights
Prespas tour guide and map
Cultural routes
Prespa: Agriculture & Environment, one Europe, more nature project
Prespas information centers
Lets discover Prespa. People & nature around the lakes
Florinas municipality tourist guide
Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) for human and nature
Cultural guide of Municipality of Prespa
Project Life-Nature 2002-2007
Bean & Tsironi celebration, municipality of Prespa
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 References

Books:
Prespas Information Center Scripts
Prespa: a story for man & nature, George Kotsadorakis

Network:
www. spp.gr (Society for the Protection of Prespa)
www. ctp.gr (Cultural Triangle of Prespa)
www. tseaaig.gr (Territorial Quality Mark)
www. prespes.gr ( Municipality of Prespa)

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