Moronica_PP49 Environmental Study for Moronica Park (1)

7/27/2019 Moronica_PP49 Environmental Study for Moronica Park (1)

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PP49 Environmental Study for Moronica Park, Junik, Kosovo

Submitted to:

Directorate of Urban Development, Junik, Kosovo

Prepared by: Mehmet Metaj, Consultant, UN-Habitat, Kosovo;

September, 2013


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I. ENVIRONMENT.......................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1.Location of Moronica Nature Park.......................................................................................................................................... 4

1.2.Geographical position of Junik Municipality ...........................................................................................................................5

1.3. Geology, bedrock and soil......................................................................................................................................................... 6

1.4. Climatic conditions.................................................................................................................................................................... 6

1.5. Hydrography ..............................................................................................................................................................................7

1.6. Parks infrastructure ................................................................................................................................................................ 8

1.7. Buffer zone of MP .................................................................................................................................................................... 12

1.8. Land Ownership....................................................................................................................................................................... 15

2. BIODIVERSITY............................................................................................................................................................ 16

2.1. Vegetation................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

2.2. Fauna inventory .......................................................................................................................................................................19

2.3. Description of habitat and related species ............................................................................................................................ 20

2.3.1. Main habitat features, ecology and variability .................................................................................................................. 20

2.3.2. Overview of Austrian Pine .................................................................................................................................................. 20

2.3.3. Diagnostic introduction for Thaumetopoea pityocampa ...................................................................................................222.4. Forestry................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

3. Threats and Protection ..................................................................................................................................................27

3.1. Fire ............................................................................................................................................................................................27

3.2. Fire Protection..........................................................................................................................................................................27

3.3.ECOLOGICAL SERVICES AND BENEFITS OF THE HABITAT .................................................................................. 28

3.3.1.Pests control........................................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.3.2.Harmful insects ..................................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.3.3. Invasive alien species............................................................................................................................................................ 28

3.4.Climate change effects ............................................................................................................................................................. 29

3.5. Protection against erosion ...................................................................................................................................................... 29

4. Conservation management ........................................................................................................................................... 31

4.1. Site protection and conservation measures............................................................................................................................ 31


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4.2. Tourism management and sustainable financing..................................................................................................................32

4.3.Visitor information sheet..........................................................................................................................................................33

4.4.Panel Signs.................................................................................................................................................................................34

4.6.Demographic profile .................................................................................................................................................................41

4.7.Public education and consultation .......................................................................................................................................... 42

4.8.Financial Framework................................................................................................................................................................43

5. Generalities on monitoring and evaluation........................................................................................................ 45

5.1.Parameters (indicators) to be measured ................................................................................................................................ 46

5.2.Basics of Monitoring Program ................................................................................................................................................ 47

5.2.1. The Parks Inventory & Monitoring (I&M). ..................................................................................................................... 48

5.2.2. Monitoring parameters indicators .................................................................................................................................... 49

5.3.Annual Monitoring Report...................................................................................................................................................... 50

6. Documents consulted ....................................................................................................................................................52


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I. ENVIRONMENT

1.1. Location of Moronica Nature Park

Moronica Nature Park (FIGURE 1) lies at an altitude of 550-662 m above sea level and is the main featureof the wooded hilly landscape of Junik Municipality, lying to the west of the town and to east of Erenik

river. It marks the beginning of Junik mountain, located in the north-west of the country. According to the

local development plan, this zone is designated as a protected panorama and it also links the National

Park of Bjeshkt e Namuna (Prokletije/Accursed Mountains).The total area of Moronica Nature Park is approximately 40 hectares. The parkland is regarded as both a

gate and buffer protection area to Ereniku Valley and Gjeravica, allowing the connection to Bjeshkt e

Namuna National Park. Study and analysis of Moronica is recommended since it is considered a natural area

of particular recreational importance in the Municipality.

FIGURE 1


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1.2 GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF JUNIKMUNICIPALITY

Junik (Map 1) is situated in the western part of Kosovo, nearby Bjeshkt e Namuna (AcursedMountains/Prokletije). It has a territory of 77.77 km and geographic latitude of 42,22 and geographic

longitude of 20,26. Junik has a suitable geographic position, reaching the northwest of Dukagjini valley,facing the gorge of Erenik River, which flows from the lakes of Gjeravica and serpentines through thevalleys of Albanian Alps.

The territory of Junik Municipality extends to the northern-western part of Dukagjini Plain, and is in border

with municipalities of Dean/Decani, Gjakova/Djakovica, Albania and Montenegro. Distance from Junik

to Peja/Pec is 25 km, Junik to Gjakova/Djakovica 20 km which passes by the village Batusha, whilst the

distance from Juniku to Rastavica (highway Peja/Pec-Gjakova/Djakovica) is 5,5 km. Junik Municipality has

a suitable geographic position, facing the picturesque gorge of Erenik River. The altitude of Junik is

between 450-2600 meters above sea level. The town itself is in a sea level of 593m. The highest mountain

point is Gjeravica, with sea level of 2.656 m, which is also the highest mountain poin t of Albanian Alps in

Kosovo.

Natural features: Junik has different types of landscapes, from the hydrographical (Erenik and Trava rivers),

field landscapes (Junik field) and hilly or mountainous landscapes (Gjeravica, Moronica). On 28.08.2008

The Municipal Assembly of Junik has announces Moronica as special zone of Junik Municipality. It is

presumed for this zone to be the future park of the town(..). which will be as a linking bridge between the

ethnographic park and the national park Bjeshkt e Namuna (Cursed Mountains/Prokletije) In its entirety,

Junik is presented as an entity that has been, is and will be closely linked with the nature.

Junik Municipality Administrative Border Map

MAP 1


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1.3 GEOLOGY , BEDROCK AND SOIL

The MP1bedrock is dominated by the ultrabasic on shallow serpentine bedrock. The site soil is a grey dark

soil which is a typical soil of the black pine forest stands.

Soil classes of Junik Forest Area:

Land

code

Land class Area, ha %

7 Litosol on basic bed-rock formations 206 6

23 Clayey dilution 1 0

44 Typical rendzine soil over strong limestonesubstrate

343 10

57 Typical ranker on Basic bed-rocks (gabbro,

dibasic, basalt)

651 19

120 Shallow grey soil on bed-rock-grill substrates

(filit, mikashist, etc..)

2.243 65

Total area 3.444 100

TAB LE 1

1.4 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Junik has a continental climate but with some Mediterranean features. This climate is suitable for growing

various forest species. The average temperature is 11C- 21C. The average amount of precipitation is 670mm, while the vegetation season (middle of IV-IX) near 330 mm.

Rainfall: The mean annual precipitation in the territory of Municipality move from 900 - 1500 ml/m2. On

average, during the year there are 126 days of the rainfall. There are at least 6 to 8 days during July, August

and September of an average rainfall amount up to 70 ml/m2. The largest amount is during the half cold year

where the amount of precipitation reaches up to 1500ml/m2 day. The Junik Municipality, precipitation ismostly in the form of rain, they often appear in form of snow from November to April and may be levied inOctober and May. Averagely there are 39 snow days with over 10 cm snows and there are 22 days with up

to 30cm snow cover. There are only 6 days with over 50cm.

1Moronica Park


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The amount of monthly and annual rainfall in ml/cm

TAB LE 2

Graph.1. Graph of monthly precipitation

GRAPH 1

Snow cover in the territory of Municipality has different time durations. According to the durability ofrelief, and sea level, stability of snow is on mounts over 2000m in height.

1.5 HYDROGRAPHY

Rivers and water surfaces: Erenik river is the largest and most important river in the region, which also

serves as the water source for irrigation of the Junik field. Erenik stems from the Gjeravica lakes.

Respectively flowing waters coming from the mountains crowns, from the spring of Erenik and drops down

to form surface water flows.If managed well and no misuse of water, also has sufficient quantities of waterfor irrigation and drinking.

I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Yearly

101 102 74 66 57 48 45 34 60 104 114 103 908


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Map of Hydrography (Moronica Natural Park)

MAP 2

1.6 PARKS INFRASTRUCTURE

Camping/Picnicking

Amphitheatre

Pedestrian passes

Promenade

Bar-Restaurant

Meadows


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Points of Interest Mapping (Moronica Natural Park)

MAP 3


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Camping/Picnicking

A camping area of about 1100 m2

(Figure 2) in the northern part of the park and has a water source (Figure 3)

fresh air, tranquility,best for barbecue.

Camping photo

FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

Amphitheatre

It is located in the southern part of the MP (Figure 4 ), with an area of approximately 1000 m2

has started to

be built (from a joint project of UN-Habitat and Junik Municipality). It was constructed by using a

traditional model, with a dry stone wall and fence above it (Figure 5 ).

Amphitheatre photo

FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5


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Pedestrian passes

The pedestrian pass (Figure 6) length is across1600 ml, designed in the park that has access to camping and

amphitheater areas. A traverse across the surface after the park closes and comes in its southern part. Five

bridge woods (Figure 7) are part of pedestrian pass for an easier movement across park.

Pedestrian passes photo

FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7

Promenade

At the entrance of the Amphitheatre there is designed a Promenade (Figure 8) as a facility for visitors to enter

the site and to rest in wooden benches (Figure 9) build across the promenade. This refers to a wooden bridge

with the inhabited area.

Promenade photo

FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9


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Bar-Restaurant

It is located (Figure 10-11) in a western part of Moronica Nature Park accessible by road car and down

pedestrian.

FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11

MeadowsFour meadows were identified in the territory of the park, with bushes grass characteristic vegetation.

1.7 BUFFER ZONE OF MP

The Moronica Parks area (Map 4) is 40 ha of which 21.1 ha is the core zone. The buffer zone is composed

of various vegetation mostly of broadleaved and it is also dense with various vegetation, as of black pine

(P.nigra, Arnold), Quercus species, Chestnut (Castanea sativa, L.). Hornbeam,fraxinus and other shrub

species and herbaceous. The buffer zone as agreed will have to be managed with the same criteria as those

described for Moronica Nature Park.

Buffer zones are areas created to enhance the protection of a conservation area, often peripheral to it, inside

or outside. Within Buffer zones, certain legal and/or customary restrictions are placed upon resource use

and/or is managed to reduce the negative impacts of restrictions on the neighboring communities. A buffer

zone can also be one of the protected area categories (e.g. category V or VI of IUCN Protected Area) or aclassification scheme (e.g.Natura 2000) depending on the conservation objective. The term buffer zone

gained international prominence mainly through UNESCOs Man and Biosphere Program in 1979.

Subsequently, the objectives of the buffer zone approach evolved from a solely geographically delineated

area with resource use restrictions to incorporation of development activities particularly by the Integrated

Conservation and Development Projects (ICDPs) in 1980s. Several buffer zone definitions have been


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proposed since then emphasizing either conservation or both conservation and development objectives.

Buffer zones are an important part of conservation strategies for a wide variety of sites of biodiversity

importance, in particular for World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and IUCN Protected areas

categories.

Map of Moronica Nature Park Zoning

MAP 4


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Criteria

A variety of spatial patterns and arrangements for buffer zones exist, all following the same principle, but

applied under completely different conditions (ecological, political, economic, etc). Hence, a wide diversity

can be observed in the criteria for their creation and management. There are five aspects that are commonly

considered in their creation.

Size

Determined based on factors such as the objectives for creation of buffer zone, availability of land,

traditional land use systems, threats and opportunities.

Ecology

Buffer zones vary depending on their focus on the landscape, habitat and/or species conservation, each of

which demands a different approach for their creation.

Economy

This involves appraisals such as cost-benefit analysis, time frame and discount rate, to assess economic

viability of establishing a buffer zone.

Legislation

Several international,treaties and conventions (e.g. Convention on Biological Diversity, World).

Social and institutional

Creation of buffer zones also involves consideration of issues such as traditional rights of local

communities, type of development activities to minimize negative impacts of conservation, local

organizations to manage buffer zones and land tenure.

Biodiversity

Buffer zones are not sites of biodiversity conservation themselves, but their establishment provides an

additional layer of protection to existing areas of biodiversity importance, and they are often fundamental to

achieving conservation of those areas. In the MP buffer area there is dense vegetation of pine andbroadleaved forest species and especially in the northern part of it. This allows the core black pine area to

gradually turn into a mixed forest stand and multi-species area.


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1.8 LAND OWNERSHIP

All the Moronicas Parks areas land ownership (Map 5) belongs to the public and private ownership of

buffer zone. The core zone, well worth area is public property with a total area of 21.1 ha.

Map of Moronica Nature Park Ownership

MAP 5


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2. BIODIVERSITY

The Phytocenoses that present scientific value and natural resources for Junik Municipality and Moronica

Nature Park are those most of which are present in the Kosovo-Albanian Alps which we can call as park

natural self-defense. In river valleys dominate species of willow (Salix sp) and poplar (Populus spp). The

northern area of MP is mostly covered by forests of oak dominate species like Hungarian oak (Quercus

frainetto), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), Sessile Oak (Quercus petreae), Downy Oak (Quercus pubescent)

and chestnut (Castanea sativa) belonging to the orderQuercetalia pubescentis.

The presence of Thermophiles oak forests include considerable area of forest within Junik, which liee on

altitude of 300-1200 m. In the mountainous massifs where the greatest impact continental climate, these

forests developed mainly in southern and southwestern expositions.

These forests except the Central European plant species are rich with Mediterranean and Sub Mediterranean

species. These forests belong to the class Querco-Fagetea to the orderQuercetalia pubescentis and to the

alliances: Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis, Quercion frainetto and Quercion petraea-cerris. Within the

thermophiles oak forests in Kosovo fall phytocenosis: Quercetum trojanae, Quercetum frainetto cerris

scardicum, Quercetum montanum, Ostryo-Quercetum cerris, Quercetum pubescentis cerris and

Lembotropo-Quercetum cerris.

In these forests at different stages acted anthropogenic factor. This move in woods as potential natural

vegetation is especially expressed in phytocenosis: Quercetum trojanae, Quercetum pubescentis cerrisand

Quercetum farnetto cerris scardicum.

2.1 VEGETATION

The site vegetation of Moronica Nature Park (Map 6) is composed mostly of the planted black pine or

Austrian Pine, (Pinus nigra-Arnold) and is buffered with mixed broadleaved species like: chestnut

(Castanea sativa-L), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus-L), oaks species, several grass-spp., and is evidenced anatural pine regeneration within shelters of the forest stand. The average altitude of the site is: 600 m.


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Vegetation Map

MAP 6

The dominant species of the site and vegetation species of the understory and in the buffer zone identified

are . (Table 3)


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Floristic species of Moronica Park

Nr. Latin name Nr. Latin name Nr. Latin name Nr. Latin name

1 Pinus nigra 16Carpinusbetulus

31Lychnisviscaria

46Asperulaaristata

2 Quercus cerris 17Coryluscolurna

32Tunica

saxifrage47

Hypericumperforatum

3 Quercus petraea 18 Cornus mass 33Clematis

flamula48

Tanacetumvulgaris

4 Castanea sativa 19Prunusprostrata

34Asteralbanicus

49Arimonia

agrimonioides

5Acer

monspesulanum20

Ostria

carpinifolia35

Dorychnium

pentaphyllum50 Seseli elatum

6 Acer tataricum 21Ligustrum

vulgare36 Mashroom 51

Stachys

scardica

7 Acer tataricum 22 Rosa canina 37 Festuca sp. 52Santalusalbus

8 Fraxinus ornus 23 Rosa spp. 38Potentilla

reptans53

Brachipodiumsylvaticum

9Sorbustorminalis

24Prunusprostrata

39Teuchrium

reptans54

Koeleriasplendens

10Ligustrumvulgaris

25Pistaciaterebinthus

40 Crepis sp. 55Trifoliummedium

11Malusdasiphyllus

26Clematis

flamula41

Brachipodiumsp.

56Aspleniumadianthum-

nigrum

12 Acer tataricum 27Pimpinellasaxifraga

42Cynanchum

huteri57

Pteridiumaquilinum

13 Rosa canina 28 Daucus carota 43 Osyris alba 58 Laburnum sp.

14 Cornus mass 29Centaurea

jacea44

Achilleamillefolium

59Cichoriuminthybus

15Prunus

prostrata

30Lotus

corniculatus

45Ononis

spinosa

60Sanguisorba

minor

TAB LE 3


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2.2 FAUNA INVENTORY

Is very difficult to determine inventory of fauna because the rumor intimidate the species and one species

can be count many times especially birds, lizard, butterfly.

These is an approximately value of Moronica Nature Park fauna (Table 4) during 12 days of observation.

It requires being complete with another study for a period of six months minimum.

. Fauna inventory of Moronica Nature Park (On site inventory)

No English name Latin name Nr. of species

1 Greater noctule bat Nyctalus lasiopterus 4

2 Lesser noctule Nyctalus leisleri 10

3 Lolas blue Iolana iolas 4

4 Easern Baton Blue Pseudophilotes vicrama 3

5 Snail Helix aspersa spp. 11

6 Lizard Lacertilia spp. 26

7 Weasel Mustela spp. 1

8 Owl Strigiformes spp. 3

9 Swallow Hirundinidae spp. 5

10 Viper Viperida spp. 1

11 Blackbird Turdus merula spp. 712 Turtles Cryptodira spp. 6

13 Falcon Falco spp. 2

14 Dove Columbidae spp. 19

TAB LE 4


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2.3. DESCRIPTION OF HABITAT AND RELATED SPECIES

2 .3 .1 . M AIN HABITAT FEATURES, ECOLOGY AND VARIABILI TY

Pinus nigra forests, comprising a variety of subspecies, generally occupy medium and high mountain zones,often on substrates rich in magnesium (dolomites, in the case of the Western subspecies, and dolomites and

serpentines in the case of the Eastern subspecies) (Regato et al. 1991). Some sub-types are present on deep

soils, but in most cases the soil is superficial and not matures (Sanchez 2005).Mature Pinus nigra forests can develop a high and closed arboreal canopy, with several classes of ages and

individuals far above 30 m high, and shady undergrowth. Pinus nigra can occur with other coniferous

species, mainly Juniperus species, in areas where pine forest is less thick and there is only a thin

intermediate layer with non-evergreen tree and shrub species.In the Moronica park there was grown the

black juniper/Common juniper (Juniperus communis, L.).

Pinus nigra is a long-lived frugal species able to adapt ecologically and physiologically to very different

environmental conditions; it colonizes various ecological niches and plays a leading role in different stages

within forest succession.

2 .3 .2 . OVERVIEW OF AUSTRIAN PINE

Latin Name: The species name for this pine tree is Pinus nigra

Common Names: Austrian pine, European black pine

Preferred zones: This pine tree grows best in zones above 800 m on sea level

Size & Shape of Austrian Pine: The tree will form in a pyramidal or oval shape while young and may

become irregular as the tree ages. It will grow to be 40-60' tall and 20-40' wide.

Exposure: Grow this tree in a location that receives full sun.

Foliage/Flowers/Fruit of Austrian Pine: There are two needles in each fascicle. They are 2-6 long and darkgreen in color.

. The tree is mo noecious and the male and female flowers are both yellow to yellow-

green. The female flowers may also come in a purple color.

The brown cones are shaped like an egg and measure 2-3" long.


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Design Tips For Austrian Pine: Water regularly for the first year. After that period, this pine will have some

resistance to drought. If you live in an urban area, you may want to consider one of these trees. They are

able to handle salt in the air, as well as pollution and other problems found in the city atmosphere.

Growing Tips: The Austrian pine is able to grow in many different types of soil, especially ones that can be

considered difficult, like clay or sand.

Maintenance/Pruning: As always, you can remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches on the tree.

Otherwise, there should be little pruning involved in the upkeep of your tree unless you need to remove

branches over a street or walkway.

Austrian Pine form

Features: Evergreen needles.

Culture: Full sun; moist, well drained soils; tolerates dry sites, alkaline soils, salt.

Cultivars: (P. nigra, var. austriaca)

Mature Height: 40-60 Feet

Size: Medium, Large

Mature Form: Open, broad- spreading, with a flat top.

Native To: Europe and Asia

Soil Conditions: Dry, Moist, Well-Drained

Bedrock: Limestone, Dolomitic-Limestone, Sedimentary,

Tolerance: Alkaline Soil, Dry Sites, Salt, Wind

Exposure/Light Requirements: Full Sun

Uses: Screen, Specimen, Wind Break

Foliage Color: Green

Fall Foliage Color: Green

Pests and Problems

Environmental damage

Drought

Drowning and Edema


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Fungal disease

Cankers on Pine (Botryosphaeria spp. and other canker fungi)

Diplopia Tip Blight & Canker (Diplodia pinea (Sphaeropsis sapinea))

Dothistroma Needle Blight (Dothistroma septospora)

Lophodermium Needle Cast (Lophodermium sp.)

Sooty Mold (Numerous genus and species)

Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved)

Insect damage

Processionary moth (Thaumatopoea pityocampa-Schiff)

Pine Needle Scale (Phenacaspis pinifoliae)

Pine Root Collar Weevil (Hylobius radicis)

Pine Sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei)

2 .3 .3 . DIAGNOSTIC INTRODUCTION FORTHAUMETOPOEA PITYOCAMPA

Thaumetopoea pityocampa is a pest of Pinus, Cedrus and Larix.The caterpillars cause severe damage to pine

plantations, especially in warm districts and low altitudes. Young pine plantations are the most susceptible,

and may be completely destroyed if the attack is severe enough. Less severe larval feeding damage can pavethe way for harmful secondary pests and pathogens. Mature trees may suffer reductions in growth but are

rarely killed outright by the pest.

The hosts vary in their susceptibility to attack. In order of pest preference, the hosts include the genus Pinus

(Pinus nigra var. austriaca, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra var. laricio, Pinus pinea, Pinus halepensis, Pinus

pinaster, Pinus canariensis), followed by Cedrus atlantica and finally Larix decidua.

The Austrian pine (Figure 12) is able to withstand many of the conditions, like pollution and salinity in the air

that may make life for other urban trees harder.


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Summary

These forests, often thick and dominated by various subspecies of Pinus nigra, are found at mountainous-

Mediterranean level on dolomitic substrate (EC 2007). This habitat type occurs at a few sites in the EU and

has a fragmented distribution area. Mature Pinus nigra forests can develop a high and closed arboreal

canopy, and have several age classes and trees well over 30 meters high, as well as a shaded understory.

These black pine forests both protect against erosion and torrential floods and act as a carbon sink

practically all year round.

The main threats to Pinus nigra forests include unsustainable cutting for production purposes (particularly

timber), the spread of exotic species, and defoliation by insect pests especially Thaumetopoea pityocampa

(Figure 13) overgrazing, fires and genetic pollution.

Management of pine forest containing endemic black pines should involve adequate representation ofassociated species and formation of irregular structures, containing trees of various ages, including very old

specimens in order to secure genetic variability and an appropriate amount of dead wood. The importance of

maintaining a certain volume of dead wood to assure biodiversity conservation and forest functionality has

been acknowledged at international level.

Control of Thaumetopoea pityocampa infestations can be dealt with directly by, for example, aerial and

ground spray treatments and by indirect measures such as thinning, cleaning, pruning and weeding, plus the

use of pine tree species resistant to caterpillar attack.

Extensive and controlled grazing is advisable inside pine forest in an effort to balance the positive and

negative effects (fire prevention and disappearance of species associated with the habitat, respectively).

To reduce the risk of genetic pollution, it is important to avoid planting black pines of unknown origin in the

proximity of autochthonous pinewoods as intraspecific hybridization can easily occur among different

subspecies of black pine.

The management of the black pine forests should also take into consideration the requirements of the

associated fauna of conservation value such as the biggest European raptor, the cinereous vulture (Aegypius

monachus ), which nests on flat-topped Pinus nigra trees in a large part of its distribution area, and a small

passerine bird, the Site whitehead which feeds on insects and pine seeds, and nests in holes in old trees. In

particular, old and mature trees should be favored for their survival and the period of the year for carrying

out the silvicultural interventions should be accurately planned, as the human activity can compromise the

success of their breeding.


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Pinus nigra photo(healthy-left, affected by the Thaumetopoea pityocampa right)

FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13

2.4 FORESTRY

Potential forest in Kosovo level is 41.8%% with around 455,000 ha. Forests (respectively forestry culture

where are include trees mass in agriculture lend) in Junik Municipality cover an area of 3197ha (41% of the

territory of Junik). In private sector is around 22% of forestry. Around 50% of forest is young around the

age of 30 years old with different wood species of Beech, Chestnut, Oak and Alder. Most common types

are: beech (prevalent in 79% of forest area), coniferous: Black Pine, common spruce, fir and black alder

(about 20% of public forests). Chestnut, oak and alder are mostly privately owned, while birch and other

deciduous and coniferous mainly are in public sector and in small area.

Total forest area, 4266 ha, of which,

State Forests: 3339.99 ha, 78% of the surface. 50% are young forests, afforestation, 30-year-old

Natural high forest-public are: 2496 ha (74%) of the total surface), and,

Plantations: 214 ha (6.4% of the total surface), and,

Low-coppice forests are: 243 ha (7.3% of the total surface),

Shrubs: 10 ha

Land available for afforestation: 245 ha

Private Forests: 1415 ha


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Species: spruce/picea, Macedonian pine, Bosnian Pine, black pine, beech, chestnut, oak, Common Alder,

maple, fir,

Annual growth: 5.7 m3/ha/year

Annual growth in the Municipalitys forests: 16900 m3, and,

Average volume per 1 ha: 226 m3;

Forest categories

GRAPH 2 TAB LE 5

(Source: Municipal Development Plan of Junik 2011-2023)

The forest stands crown density is 0.8 and there are inventoried 1000-1200 trees /ha and the trees average

height is 15-16 m. There are evidenced some sporadic illegal logging in the site and understory trees cutting

from the forest department. There are evidenced also the pine trees needles yellowness which is due to the

Forest category %

High forests 74.9

Low/coppice forests 7.29

Plantation forests 6.42

Bushes 0.3

Forest land for

forestation

7.34

Other land 3.83

Forest land use system


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plantation which is out of its habitat/areal. The site has been penetrated from fire and the understory has

been burned and there are rare or almost scarce of understory and grass vegetation grown.

The site is surrounded: in the North from broadleaved forest which belongs to the private owners, in the

southern part from the road, in the western part from the road leading to the site and in the eastern part from

Erenik river. For all types there are optimal conditions for growing trees of high quality. Annual growth of

woody plants throughout the forest area is ~ 5.07m3/ha. The potential of forestry development in Junik in

favor of the timber industry development and final processing is not yet explored. Currently they are used

for production of wood for fire wood as the market and proper organization of a considerable amount of

beech forests used for wood industry needs is missing.(based on data from Spatial Plan of Kosovo, 2009 and

SNV 2011).

On the other hand the difficulties in developing of this sector are seen also in forest management

competencies that were recently delegated to the municipalities and so far have been competencies of thecentral level. Transfer of competencies to protect and use the forest gives us the opportunity to create a new

situation, especially in publicly owned forests. It is necessary that the roles and responsibilities for all

parties involved to be clarified and understand because forest management needs to address the potential of

the area as well as the communitys needs for forest products and services for sustainable management. The

current model of forest management to apply to this new situation with decentralized powers to forests is

not yet clarified. Capacity building of municipal forest management is essential. Private forest sector is

poorly organized and with limited institutionalization, leading to a forestry sector that does not provide the

necessary framework and optimal services to the private sector.

Most forests have no sustainable management and illegal logging remains a serious problem. In the privatesector of the forestry this is because the legal framework for private sector and the decentralization of forest

management is not fully regulated. There is a low level of involvement of local actors, such as

municipalities and communities in the forestry sector, resulting in limited regulation of forest management

related to the needs of these actors and limited opportunities for economic development.

Private sector development and decentralization of the forest provides a good opportunity to rural economic

development. Especially in faraway areas, the forestry sector is one of sector that provides income and

employment opportunities. Currently, due to limited conditions, forests are not used and not managed

properly (there is forest degradation and depletion of resources). Appropriate conditions (institutional, social

and economic) may change this, where private forests and decentralized are contributing to the rural

economy and keeping the forest service to benefit society by contributing to social and economic welfare.


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3. Threats and Protection

Pine forests have some natural enemies which are described by the following, together with measures topreserve the ecosystem.

3.1 FIRE

Fire risk in Moronica Nature Park is current. A few years ago fire broke balances of ecosystems and risk

seriously the existence of the entire pine forest.

The slow decomposition of pine needles and not accumulation of fallen needles in certain parts of controlled

burning, constitutes in serious risk of fire with human origin (cigarettes, fire camping ,etc.) and natureorigin (thunder,etc.)

3.2 FIRE PROTECTION

Program encompasses prevention measures, hazard identification and abatement: Fire prevention systems,

including fire sprinklers, when properly installed and maintained, save lives and conserve natural objects.

The nearby Erenik river and its water in the northern-eastern part of MP and existent access seems to be

sufficient for protection in case of a fire. The important se elements to be considered in fire protection are:

Prevention measures, hazard identification and abatementusually accomplished through building fire

inspections whereby a trained individual inspects buildings for fire hazards and recommends abatement

strategies.

Fixed fire protection systemsthat both alert occupants of a fire so they can quickly escape and can

suppress the fire, holding it in check, until competent firefighting forces arrive.

Fire suppression system is a major improvement to visitor safety and resource protection. It provides

protection not only to visitors and employees, but also to the historic structure itself and the artifacts inside

the park. The MP needs to establish the fire protection and suppression system throughout its area and with

special equipments installed within main active areas as: camping site, amphitheater, during promenade

and other visitors sites using nearby Ereniks water supply.


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3.3. ECOLOGICAL SERVICES AND BENEFITS OF THE HABITAT

3.3.1. Pests control

Harmful insects include Rhyacionia buoliana (European black pine shoot moth), Sphaeropsis sapinea (tip

blight) and Dothistroma septospora (a needle blight known as the red band disease). But the pine

processionary caterpillars of the genus Thaumetopoea, is the most important insect pests of pine forest in the

European Mediterranean countries.

Defoliation caused by these insects weakens and reduces the growth of pines, and the hairs of the larvae can

cause severe irritation to humans and animals. Outbreaks pose a considerable threat to young trees, which

may be completely defoliated. For trees weakened by defoliation, death may be direct or more often

indirect, following a secondary infestation by bark beetles. The damage is extremely serious. As an

example, Thaumetopea spp. has affected about 16% of the pine forest in Albania, and in 1994 this pest

spread to about 70.000 ha, with intensities of attack ranging from 5 to 95%. (Source: MANAGEMENT of

Nature 2000 habitats: (Sub-) Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pine (2008).

3.3.2. Harmful insects

Harmful insects include Rhyacionia buoliana (European black pine shoot moth), Sphaeropsis sapinea (tip

blight) and Dothistroma septospora (a needle blight known as the red band disease). But the pine

processionary caterpillars of the genus Thaumetopoea, is the most important insect pests of pine forest in the

European Mediterranean countries.

3.3.3. Invasive alien species

Pinewoods in Moronica Park are mixed by an exotic species: black locust(Robinia pseudoacacia) which

should not be promoted to spread out and avoid MPs invasion.


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3.4. CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS

Climate changes compounded with the exodus from the countryside are likely to diminish Mediterranean

forest cover, which would be replaced by fire-prone shrub communities. This could be aggravated by

outbreaks of pathogens, fires and other large-scale disturbances (Resco de Dios et al. 2007). For instance,

rising temperatures are encouraging the upward spread ofThaumetopoea pityocampa (Hodaret al. 2003).Its

distribution area is rapidly changing in accordance with climate change because caterpillars develop during

the winter and are sensitive to higher temperatures at that stage.

In a recent study in Greece, experts from the Aegean University used a forest dynamics model, developed

and parameterised for the climatic conditions and forest species of the eastern part of the Mediterranean

basin to identify potential impacts of climate change on the structure of forest communities in the transition

zone between Mediterranean and temperate climate. The results indicate that Pinus nigra forests tend to

colonise areas at higher altitudes, disappearing from the lower ones only when fire frequency increases. At

900 m altitude the normal successional pathway is from P. nigra to Italian oak (Quercus frainetto)

vegetation, and no significant change in the abundance and dynamics ofthese two species is forecast due to

climate change without an increase in fire frequency, as both species are quite drought-tolerant. But when

climatic change is followed by an increase in fire frequency, Q. frainetto seems to perform better as a result

of its resprouting ability and greater heat requirements. At 1,300 m altitude, the number of P. nigra,

normally replaced by Abies borisii-regis (Bulgarian fir) rises due to climate changes, in particular when

there is also an increase in fires.(Sources: MANAGEMENT of Natura 2000 habitats: (Sub-) Mediterranean

pine forests with endemic black pine (2008).

3.5 PROTECTION AGAINST EROSION

Black pine forests play a protective role against erosion and torrential. They reduce soil erosion due to rain

flow by a factor of up to 107 in comparison with bare terrain. In the very eastern part (Figure 14) there is an

area of about 500 m2hitchis partially sided and with collapsing soil and eroded by the effects of the rainfall

and Erenik river overflows.

A critically important and often-overlooked factor in erosion protection and trail construction is that ofdrainage. This area needs to be rehabilitated by filling with stone and wire gabion wall and planting saplings

of the existing vegetation and seeding herbaceous vegetation to stabilize and avoid further jeopardizing

collapse and soil erosion and to preserve the vegetation.


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There are three general types of drainage problems on trails. The first is accumulation of water to the point

that the trail is unusable. The second is erosion from moving water on the trail. The third is the creation of

local mud spots.

Eroded surface

FIGURE 14


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4. CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

4.1 SITE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION MEASURES

The parks development plan will strengthen the management of the terrestrial resources of MP byundertaking a capacity-building program for park staff, implementation of a zoning system and

implementing a series of regulations adapted for each zone (see zoning map). The project will also

strengthen the enforcement of these regulations by initiating a skills development program for enforcementpersonnel, and investing in support equipment (e.g, radios, etc). The current priority is clearly to halt the

destructive activities, falling trees etc. in and around MP areas, although the enforcement of terrestrial

resource use regulations will also need to be addressed, to stop the poaching of game and the destruction ofthe mangrove habitats in the park.

Legal provisions. LAW NO. 03/L-233: "Nature Conservation", September, 30, 2010

Conservation Management Impacts and Mitigation Measure

PROJECT ELEMENT

1. Conservation management Impacts or Risks Responses or Mitigation

Measures

Sub-components:1.1.Developcapacity building for

park staff

1.2.Rehabilitation andspecies management

1.2.Research to support

conservationmanagement

1.3.Implementation of

zonation system andresource use

regulations

1.4.Strengthen

enforcement regime

Positive Impacts:- local communities see wisdom ofimproved natural resource

management to achieve

conservation objectives, andrecognize advantages to them- effective zoning enforcement

--------------------------------------------

Negative Impacts:- enforcement negatively perceived

by local communities with

consequent loss of support for theproject

- difficulties in developing and

obtaining new legal tools impedes

effective enforcement- inadequate enforcement outside

the

park will lead to increasingpressures over the parks resources

- new threats to MPs biodiversity

emerge and prevention measures

Responses:- local communities willing toadapt

their resource use patterns to

conform to park conservationmanagementobjectives/programs, in line

with zoning system

--------------------------------------------

Mitigation measures:

- set clear rules of engagementfor

enforcement, base training on

them,

and follow them rigorously,link

enforcement to stakeholder

consultations and grievanceprocedures

- continuous monitoring and

evaluation of resources and


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programs should be taken

permanently;

resource use will be an

important part of the projects

adaptive managementapproach in addressing new

risks to biodiversity

- all major construction will be

subject to public opinion and(EIA) process for

identification of impacts and

suitable mitigationto address impacts minor

research or management

installations will beundertaken conforming to the

park management plan, and

accepted best practice forpark design and construction.

TAB LE 6

4.2 TOURISM MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCING

The study will establish appropriate roles and responsibilities for park authorities, local communities,

private sector operators and other relevant bodies in the pursuit of coordinated and sustainable management.

The proposal will involve the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for MP and someimprovements in the tourism facilities and services available in the park. The study will also carry out

studies to determine the carrying capacity of MP for a range of tourism activities and resource uses, and will

establish impact mitigation plans and guidelines for tourism development in the buffer zone. The study willdevelop the MP zoning divided into distinguished zones for: recreation, picnicking, amphitheater, pedestrian

areas etc.

The sustainable financing strategy will include implementation of a park entrance fee system, therefore a

gate fee per person and supplements these with a conservation fee and other fees for selected activities. A

large share of this revenue will be retained for direct support to park initiatives such as enforcement, zoning,

monitoring, and staff training. The study will negotiate revenue-sharing terms of the gate fee with the

district, municipal government in the context of the emerging decentralization policies, to channel a

proportion of park revenue to local development initiatives.


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4.3 VISITOR INFORMATION SHEET

Mirsevini n Kullat e Junikut! Welcome to the Juniks towers !

Freskohuni me ujin e Erenikut! Freshen-up with Ereniks water!

Pushoni n Moronic! Rest in Moronica!

Ngjituni n Gjeravic! Climb up to Gjeravica

WELCOME TO

MORONICA

NATURE PARK

WALKING IN

FRESH AIR

CAMPING AND

FRESH WATER

AMPHITHEATRE

AND SERENITY

A WELCOMING

PLACE, GOOD

AND SAFE

ACCESS


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4.4 PANEL SIGNS

The Moronica Park has opened amity -entry access and they should be under control for visitors and tourist

management. There are no high fences, ditches and bridges have been used to limit easy access from theplay park out to the street and road. The visitors recreational areas reflects the demand for an new

guidance: A Guide to Parks Tourists/Visitors Information (Tourist Guide Sheet) which should be produced

based on legal framework of nature conservation and this baseline environmental and biodiversity study.New paths installed and existing paths rehabilitated and furniture with safety facilities. A circular hard

surfaced walk around the middle tier with measurement markers makes the site accessible and allows all

year round enjoyment of the park, and also from the middle tier to the top tier allows safe pedestrian access

to the Park.

There are no buildings on site; however the new signs on site display contact numbers, email address and

the postal address for Moronica Park should be installed. In case of emergencies there should be built

special emergencies entrance/s A new Park Signage for Moronica park should be produced and installedbased on this baseline environmental and biodiversity study and being installed at parks entrance/s.

The most common symbols used in trail blazing

GRAPH 3

Natural surface, single track trails will require some ongoing maintenance. However, if the trail is properly

designed and constructed, maintenance should be limited to clearing downed trees, trimming back brush andclearing drainages. Depending on location, if the trail is properly designed, there should be no need for

major rework such as grading or erosion control efforts. However, mountain trails which see both

significant rainfall and human traffic may require "trail hardening" efforts in order to prevent further

erosion. Most of the seemingly natural rock steps on the mountain trails of the northeast United States are,

in fact, the work of professional and volunteer trail crews.


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A welcoming Place, Good and Safe Access

The Moronica Park has opened amity -entry access and they should be under control for visitors and touristmanagement. There are no high fences, ditches and bridges have been used to limit easy access from the

play park out to the street and road. The visitors recreational areas reflects the demand for an new

guidance: A Guide to Parks Tourists/Visitors Information (Tourist Guide Sheet) which should be producedbased on legal framework of nature conservation and this baseline environmental and biodiversity study.

Good Signage

Park Signage: There are no buildings on site; however the new signs on site display contact numbers, email

address and the postal address for Moronica Park should be installed. In case of emergencies there should bebuilt special emergencies entrance/s A new Park Signage for Moronica park should be produced and

installed based on this baseline environmental and biodiversity study and being installed at parksentrance/s.

Maintenance

Natural surface, single track trails will require some ongoing maintenance. However, if the trail is properly

designed and constructed, maintenance should be limited to clearing downed trees, trimming back brush and

clearing drainages. Depending on location, if the trail is properly designed, there should be no need for

major rework such as grading or erosion control efforts. However, mountain trails which see both

significant rainfall and human traffic may require "trail hardening" efforts in order to prevent further

erosion. Most of the seemingly natural rock steps on the mountain trails of the northeast United States are,in fact, the work of professional and volunteer trail crews.

Park Trails

Trail Way-finding and Signage

The MP Service will work in consultation with residents Junik Municipality to develop and implement anaccurate and comprehensive trail way-finding system as MP Signage System for the dwelling areas,

(including trail names, markers and maps), to improve park accessibility and safety which will be in keeping

with the community's desire forunobtrusive and rustic park signage.

Main Trails: Tourists and visitors trail which will be clearly defined, well used and provide main

connections to all other trails within the park area. These trails will be identified on maps with specific trail

names, identified with markers, and be multi-use (pedestrian, cycling, horseback riding).

Side Trails: In the MP existing narrow trails which currently receive infrequent use and provide access

through environmentally sensitive areas within the park area will be the visitors and tourist passes forentering the park. While being referenced on the park trails map and designated with trail markers, side


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trails will be named and will be limited to pedestrian and cyclist use only. Some existing side trails thatcreate trespassing issues will not be signed or maintained.

Trail difficulty ratings

A simple colored symbol to classify a trail's difficulty was first used for ski trails and is now being used for

hiking, bicycle, other trails and even airport security lines.

Green circle - easyBlue square - moderate

Black diamond - difficult

Other systems may be used in different locations.

Segregation

Trail segregation, the practice of designating certain trails as having a specific preferred or exclusive use, isincreasingly common and diverse. For example, segregated cycle facilities, for bicycles, are used not only

on roads open to motor vehicles, but also in trail systems open to other trail users. Some trails are segregated

for use by both equestrians and mountain bikes or by equestrians only, or by mountain bikes only.Designated "wilderness area" trails may be segregated for non-wheeled use (hence permit backpacking and

horses but exclude mountain bikes and motorized vehicles).

Often, trail segregation for a particular use is accompanied by prohibitions against that use on other trails

within the trail system.

Trail segregation may be supported by signage, markings, trail design and construction (especially selection

of tread materials), and by separation between parallel treads. Separation may be achieved by "natural"barriers including distance, ditching, banking, grading, and vegetation, and by "artificial" barriers including

fencing, curbing, and walls.

The opposite of segregated use is shared use. Shared use may be achieved by sharing a trail easement, but

within it maintaining segregated and sometimes also separated trail treads. This is common in rail trails.

Shared use may also refer to alternate day arrangements, whereby two uses are segregated by being

permitted on alternate days. This is increasingly common in long-distance trails shared by equestrians and

mountain bike users; these two user communities have similar trail requirements but may experience

encounters with each other on the trail as difficult.

Trail administration

A trail may be completely contained within one administration (e.g. a State Parks management team) or it

may pass through multiple administrations, leading to a confusing array of regulations, allowing dogs or

mountain bikes in one segment but not in another, or requiring wilderness permit for a portion of the trail.


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Trail construction

While many trails have arisen through common usage, quality trail design and construction is a complex

process requiring certain sets of skills. When a trail passes across a flat area that is not wet, often all that is

required is to clear brush, tree limbs and undergrowth to produce a clear, walkable trail. When crossing

streams, bridges may or may not be desirable, depending on the size of the stream and the depth of its

banks. In wet areas, it may be necessary to create an elevated trailway with fill or by building a boardwalk.

One problem with boardwalks is that they require frequent maintenance and replacement - boards in poor

condition are often slippery and hazardous.

Trails on slopes

A common mistake in establishing trails is to make them on slopes that are too steep for comfort and the

environment. Such steep trails generally result in serious erosion, a wide swath of impacted area as walkers

go to the sides to find better footing, and the inability of many hikers to walk the trail. Trail gradient should

be determined based on a site specific assessment of soils and geology, drainage patterns of the slope,

surrounding vegetation types, position on the slope of a given trail segment (bottom, mid-slope, ridgeline),

average precipitation, storm intensities, types of use, volume & intensity of use, and a host of other factors

affecting the ability of the trail substrate to resist erosion and provide a navigable surface. Trails that ascend

steep slopes may use switchbacks, but switchback design and construction is a specialized topic that takes

great care.

If a trail is being made to be accessible to off-road wheelchairs, the grade should be no more than one in ten.

If a paved trail has to be accessible to all wheelchairs, the grade must be no more than one in twelve, with

periodic level pull-offs.

The off-slope, orside-slope, of the trail also must be considered. This is the slope of the trail from side to

side, and should never be more than one in twelve. Side-sloped trails are prone to gullying. Ideally, the tread

way of the trail should be almost, but not quite, level in cross-section.

Achieving the proper slope in hilly terrain usually requires the excavation ofside hilltrail. This is trail waythat is constructed by establishing a line of suitable slope across a hillside, then digging out by means of

a mattock or similar tool to create the trail. This may be afull-bench trail, where the tread way is only on

the firm ground surface after the overlying soil is removed and side cast (thrown to the side as waste), or

a half-bench trail, where soil is removed and packed to the side so that the tread way is half on firm old

ground and half on new packed fill. In areas near drainages, creeks and other waterways, excavation spoils


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should be end-hauled (taken away in bulk and deposited in an environmentally benign area). In problem

areas, it may be necessary to establish the trail entirely on fill. In cases where filling is used, it's necessary to

pack it firmly and to revisit the site periodically to add to the fill and repack it until fully stable.

Slope Map

MAP 7


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Drainage

A critically important and often-overlooked factor in trail construction is that of drainage. There are three

general types of drainage problems on trails. The first is accumulation of water to the point that the trail is

unusable. The second is erosion from moving water on the trail. The third is the creation of local mud spots.

The first type of drainage problem is common in places such as the north country. In such places, it is often

necessary to build some type of raised walkway. This is often done by cutting poles from the woods, staking

parallel poles in place on the ground, then filling between them with whatever material is available to create

the raised walkway. The more elaborate option of the deckwalk is by necessity reserved for shorter stretches

in very high-traffic areas.

The second type of problem is caused because trails, by their nature, tend to become drainage channels and

eventually gullies if the drainage is not properly controlled. Where a trail is near the top of a hill or ridge,

this is usually a minor issue, but when it is farther down it can become a very major issue.

In areas of heavy water flow along a trail, it may be necessary to create a ditch on the uphill side of the trail

with drainage points across the trail. The cross-drainage may be accomplished by means of culverts, which

must be cleared on a semi-annual basis, or by means of cross-channels, often created by placing logs or

timbers across the trail in a downhill direction, called "thank-you-marms", "dead men", orwater bars. Using

timbers or rocks for this purpose also creates erosion barriers. Rock paving in the bottom of these channels

and in the trailside ditches may help to maintain stability of these. Ideally, water bars should be created,

with or without ditching, at major points of water flow on or along the trail, and in conjunction, if possible,

with existing drainage channels below the trail. Another important technique is to create Coweta dips, ordrain dips, points on the trail where it falls briefly (for a meter or so) and then rises again. These provide

positive drainage points that are almost never clogged by debris.

The third type of problem can occur both on bottomlands and on ridge tops and a variety of other spots. A

local spot or short stretch of the trail may be chronically wet. If the trail is not directly on rock, then a mud

pit forms. Trail users go to the side of the trail to avoid the mud pit, and the trail becomes widened,

sometimes bizarrely so. If the drainage can be corrected, it must be. A common option if the location cannot

be effectively drained is the "corduroy." This can range from random sticks laid across the path to split logs

being laid across the path. Some of the early turnpikes in the United States were log corduroys, and these

can still be found in third-world forested areas. With recreational trails, it is common to cut sticks that may

be one to three inches thick and lay them in place, as close together as can be achieved. Sometimes, a short

bridge may be a more feasible option.


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Pathways exposed to corrosion

FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16

Water crossings

For pedestrian use, footbridges may be preferred. Other options are culverts, stepping stones, and shallow

fords. For equestrian use, shallow fords may be preferred.

Trail width

Trail width has two main components: width of the trail base or foot bed; and width of the clear space on

either side of the trail, as in cuts on steep slopes, tunnels, and through vegetation. Variants in width

include single track and two track trails.

Multi-use trails

Trails intended for use by bicycles, wheelchairs, equestrians, and pedestrians will often be surfaced,

especially in heavily-used or urban areas. A wide variety of surface materials are used,

including asphalt paving and compressed dust such as: crushed rock fines, cinders, or decomposed granite.

Such trails will also have well-built bridges with a supported deck and side rails. There has been a major

effort to convert abandoned railroad grades to bike paths or multi-use paths. This has been termed "rails-to-

trails". Railroads in use with adjacent trails are rails with trails.

Well Maintained and Clean: There are no buildings or toilet facilities on site and within new settlementsinstalled they should be associated with environmental impact assessment and environmental facilities

installed.


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Management. Moronica Park is managed by Junik Municipality forestry structure within Directorate of

Urban Development. The Park Management is overseen by the Directorate of Urban Development. Day to

Day issues such as damage to fences and infrastructure are dealt with by the Parks management team. The

parks strategic sustainable management remains as responsibility of the Directorate of Urban developmentof the Junik Municipality. The Municipality anticipates every year the parks maintenance and protection

budget within Urban development Budget Plan.

Amenities

Park amenities will be installed at key locations throughout the Moronica Parks area that both suit andenhance the park's wilderness recreation experience. Only park amenities that enhance the park's

recreational function with no negative impact on its ecological and cultural values will be installed along

main trails and accesses. The following amenities are allowed inside the parks area: entrance signage, trail

signage or markers, and rustic benches.

Parking Areas

Parking areas will be developed outside the parks area boundary to minimize impact to park neighbours

and to provide a safe and accessible staging area for all park users, with minimal disturbance to the park's

natural and cultural values

Emergency Access Route

An emergency access route through the parks area will be designated and maintained in collaboration with

the Parks Management Staff, approved by the Urban Development Directorate of the Junik Municipality

4.6 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

The latest official data of the Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK) (2009) of the survey Population,household economies, according to the settlements and territorial organization of Kosovo until 2008,

indicate that Junik, as a settlement, has 624 household economies, 5423 resident members, 1427

construction buildings; whereas, the villages Jasiq - Gjocaj have 2 household economies and a total numberof 7 members and 38 construction buildings.

The table below (Table 7) indicates the data on population according to age and gender. More than 50 %

population is under 26 years old. Gender ratio is almost balanced (F:M=50.26 %: 49.74 %). The population

comprises of Albanian ethnicity Population according to age and gender based on on-site analysis.

(Including diaspora).


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Table 5. Population according to age and gender

Population according to age and gender

1-7 8-18 19 - 25 26 - 40 41 - 64 >65

7.06% 6.54% 9.92% 10.46% 8.48% 7.71% 12.70% 11.67% 8.60% 8.95% 2.98% 4.93%

M F M F M F M F M F M F

13.60% 20.38% 16.19% 24.37% 17.55% 7. 91%

TAB LE

7

4.7 PUBLIC EDUCATION AND CONSULTATION

Collaborative management and ongoing consultation.

The objective of establishing collaborative management in MP is improving the effectiveness of park

management through the adoption of a collaborative management approach, involving all key stakeholder

groups.

A collaborative management approach will be developed for MP, based on a combination of mechanisms,

agreements, and institutions to foster effective partnerships between key stakeholder groups. This will

include: (i) Collaborating of interested stakeholders to run local nature tourism in the p ark, (ii) a

collaborative management agreement between them and local government to define the responsibilities for

park management; and (iii) a series of communication mechanisms to involve local community and private

sector stakeholders. An independent and transparent grievance mechanism will be set up to address

complaints that cannot be resolved through the regular communication and coordination mechanisms, and

an awareness-raising program will encourage the collaboration of local communities in promoting

conservation messages and undertaking on-the-ground conservation activities.


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4.8 FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK

This component will involve the following elements:

(i) research and development into the sustainable use of nature park through alternative management

approaches

(ii) a small grant fund to address urgent community-defined welfare needs

(iii)support for sustainable enterprise development by local community members, through the provision of

technical assistance.

This fund will be administered locally by a the Directorate of Urban Development, which will review

funding proposals from MPs management team within the park and buffer zone.

The parks development plan should avoid the involuntary resettlement as defined under the MP

management Guidelines. Traditional, sustainable resource harvesting will not be allowed and apply nature

conservation traditional zone use. Physical relocation from communities inside the Park will only be

encouraged by positive incentives.

The MP management staff will continue the awareness raising activities based on park management

program for communicating conservation measures to the local communities. Young people and

environmental NGOs should be included to assist in socio-cultural-economic base-line surveys, and

assisting with awareness rising

Mechanisms will build on the successful on-going consultations organized by the MP and will focus on two

groups (i) communities in and around the park, and (ii) locally-based tourism operators. Locally the

activities should be allowed through the existing and effective community-based communication and

decision-making the Local Government, Assembly. The parks management should pay particular attention

to organizing stakeholders to represent themselves at meetings of this organization and will identify steps

needed to ensure the forum provides effective inputs for collaborative management. It is essential for the

parks capacity strengthening to rapidly extend park management capabilities. A strategy to achieve staff

capacity building will involve the following initiatives:

Assessing staff needs of the MP, reviewing the current staff and assessing their ability and willingness to

be retrained to fit their new and expanded roles; Retraining, recruitment and repositioning of staff, as necessary; and

Developing a personnel management system, including staff incentive programs and merit based career

structure


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4.9. Community Consultations

The effectiveness of many of the proposed activities to achieve the MP management objectives will depend

upon cooperation and active participation of MP surroundings community residents. The MP management

team will build on an extensive experience in community consultation. To ensure that the community

awareness programscould facilitate the parks maintenance and long-term management. The management

team should build and follow up the regular and permanent public consultations and synergy with local

environmental NGOs and interested stakeholders for a better and sustainable management of Moronica

Park.


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5. GENERALITIES ON MONITORING AND EVALUATION

In this context, the main functions of the monitoring and evaluation plan are to promote adaptive

management, improve project planning, and promote accountability. Correspondingly, a wide range of

survey and monitoring questions will be addressed. The social and environmental indicators will feed back

into the adaptive management process on an annual basis. This will ensure that outcomes are compared to

project objectives and necessary changes are made in future decisions.

Monitoring Questions:

Is the collaborative management structure (CMS) effective?

What changes are occurring to overall environmental determinants?

Has the MP resource management been strengthened?

What changes have occurred in socio-economic dynamics in and around the MP?

Have alternative livelihood strategies been developed and are they successful?

Have the legislation changes been concluded, and has enforcement been strengthened?

Is the long-term conservation strategy being implemented as planned?

What is the overall achievement of the Management Plan?

What changes in the terrestrial animal populations are occurring?

What changes in vegetation are occurring?

Are mangrove habitats stable and protected?

Monitoring and EvaluationImpacts and Mitigation Measures

Monitoring and evaluation Impacts or Risks Responses or Mitigation Measures

Development and

implementation of a

monitoring and

evaluation plan

Positive Impacts:

- monitoring programs

produce a reliable information

base concerning all aspects of

park management, all

programs being undertaken,

Responses:

- confidence in the collaborative

management initiative

- sponsoring institutions assured of

conduct of the operations of park


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Biological and

resource use

monitoring

Collaborative

management

monitoring and

evaluation

Reporting and

Certification

and the operations of the

tourism

- biological monitoring

enables sound natural resource

management, and

assists in decisions concerning

natural resource and site

carrying capacity

Negative Impacts:

- potential for insufficient or

inadequate monitoring

- poor record keeping and

information

management, joint venture, tourism

concession, etc

- scientific credibility of natural

resource management, and

biodiversity and habitat conservatio

programs undertaken isestablished

--------------------------------------------

Mitigation Measures:

- a high priority will be given torigorous monitoring, including

constant assessment of adequacy

and innovation

- rigorous protocols and procedures

for information gathering, storage,

archiving and retrieval will be

addressed on an ongoing basis

5.1 PARAMETERS (INDICATORS) TO BE MEASURED

This program is an integrated and adaptive monitoring program that aims to inform Moronicas Park of its

management effectiveness by learning to read the signs of the environmental health of parks at a local. It

will be developed across all habitat types and multiple geographic locations and is proposed to roll-out in

the near future (Moronica Parks, Environmental Study, 2013).

The program is likely to involve three types of indicators: environmental, threat and efficiency indicators

(see Tab. 5). The monitoring program primarily is concerned with the first two of these as the third is related

to management activities and is beyond the scope of this report.

The third type of indicator will be discussed in the latest State of the Parks Report (Moronica Parks,

Environmental Study, 2013). However those considered in this report include measurements of selected


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species extent, species number (diversity), number of individuals of selected species, size of individuals of

selected species, rates of recruitment of new individuals into a population or interactions between selected

species in park vegetation communities. These indicators will be primarily used for comparison with

reference areas to measure the performance of the Nature Protected Area in meeting its objectives.

They also have the potential to be used as response indicators to specific threats such as introduced pines

pests, impacts from outfalls or catchment-derived pollutants. Further details of the specific parameters

measured will be discussed in the sections of this report detailing each individual monitoring approach.

5.2 BASICS OF MONITORING PROGRAM

Monitoring programs are particularly important to assess the conditions, conservation status and effects of

activities or interventions carried out on pine forests.The main attributes to be monitored are:

Habitat extent

Vegetation structure: cover of characteristic and associated species, including bryophytes and lichens

Vegetation composition: frequency of characteristic and associated species

Presence and amount of dead wood

The collection and demarcation of habitat type can take place in the context of a site inspection on a scale of

1:10,000. Dissolution accuracy should be at least 0.1 ha). Habitat monitoring can be carried out using theBraun-Blanquet phytosociological methods in sampling areas of 400 m

2.Monitoring programs should

accompany the control measures in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures used and eventually

to re-balance the interventions to be carried out in the following years. Systematic monitoring of pine

processionary caterpillar should be is carried out using pheromone traps and counting the number of males

caught to reveal patterns of adult appearance, flight period and an indication of adult population level. This

is complemented by field observations and sampling.

Monitoring programs are particularly important to assess the conditions, conservation status and effects of

activities or interventions carried out on pine forests.


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5 .2 .1 . THE PARKS INVENTORY & MONITORING (I&M).

At Nature Parks across the country, the Inventory & Monitoring Program is dedicated to providing

managers with the information they need to make sound, science based decisions that will help support theNature Park Service mission of preserving the resources of Kosovos most special and treasured places forfuture generations.

The Inventory &Monitoring Program is designed, and has to be strictly applied with the purpose ofproviding park managers with a broad-based understanding about the status and trends of parks site

biodiversity and overall species and natural amenities to be used in management decision-making, working

with other agencies, and communicating with the public.

The I&M program implementation has to collect, analyze, synthesize, and supply park managers with

reliable scientific information about key park resources, known as vital signs. Vital signs are a subset of

physical, chemical, and biological elements and processes of park ecosystems that are selected to represent

the overall health or condition of park resources, known or hypothesized effects of stressors, or elementsthat have important human values.

The primary goals of the I&M Program are to:

Inventory Parks biodiversity and overall vegetation to determine their nature and status.

Monitor park ecosystems to better understand their dynamic nature and condition and provide reference

points for comparison with other environments.

Establish natural biodiversity spp. inventory and monitoring as a standard practice throughout the Park

System that transcends traditional program, activity, and funding boundaries.

Integrate natural resource inventory and monitoring information into Park planning, management, and

decision-making.

Share Park management accomplishments and information with other natural resource organizations

and form partnerships for attaining common goals and objectives.


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5 .2 .2 . MONITORING PARAMETERS INDICATORS

Parameter Process - Method Frequency Analysis,evaluation

andpresentationofelements

andinformation

Comments

Climate

Temperature

Precipitations

Min - Max Monthly Tables

andombrothermicdiagrams

Ground

General

Description

Natural

attributes

Chemical

attributes

Weight,Humidity,Structure

Determination C, , and

pH

Annually Tables

Vegetation

Trees

Bushy

Grass

Mushrooms

Complete recording

(BraunBlanquet)

andphotographingTaxonomic

April -May

and July

August

September -

November

and May -

June

Comparative presentation,

tables, Photographs

Fauna

Vertebrates

Invertebrates

Complete recording Annually Tables taxonomic


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Damage

Biotic

Abiotic

Complete recording Annually Evaluation of size of

damage

Total

evaluation,

Estimate of

Dynamics

of Ecosystem

Recording, Estimate of

succession

Annually Presentation of

characteristic parameters

that is changed

5.3. ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT

The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) assesses the extent to which policies are being successfully

implemented, monitors the timetable for the preparation of the Local Development Framework, and

identifies areas where new or revised policies or Supplementary Planning Documents may be required.

Monitoring provisions

The Monitoring Provisions involve a comprehensive monitoring program in order to be able to assess

program performance, and to determine whether program objectives are being met. The latter includes

particular need to identify adverse or negative performance, especially that affecting stakeholders and the

community, so that corrective measures can be taken rapidly.

It is important that all physical and socio-economic aspects of the MP, buffer zones and wider region are

understood through the life of the park. Base-line information will be an important input to the design of

monitoring needs. Effective monitoring will focus on the collection of data that will contribute to the

ongoing decision making process regarding the physical condition and socio-economic issues of the area.

The criteria for selecting specific indicators to address the evaluation aspects include the followi