TRANSBOUNDARY EXPERT GROUP OF “OPEN BORDERS FOR WILDLIFE IN THE CARPATHIANS” (OBWIC) PROJECT

The role of the transboundary expert group during project implementation period (october 2019-march 2022):

Provide expert input on project related documents:

  • the harmonized methodology for identification and designation of ecological corridors of transboundary interest (Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine); working methods: online discusions on draft versions and 1 physical meeting in Ukraine; (project activity 1.1. Development of harmonized methodology for identification and designation of ecological corridors)
  • the report on recording of large carnivore species (brown bear – Ursus arctos, grey wolf – Canis lupus, lynx – Eurasian lynx) in project area, (project activity 1.3. Monitoring of ecological corridors of transboundary interest and of human activities in proximity of ecological corridors); working methods: online discusions on draft versions and 1 physical meeting;
  • management measures for ecological corridors of transboundary interest (project activity 2.1. Development of management measures for the identified key ecological corridors of transboundary interest); working methods: online discusions on draft versions and 1 physical meeting in Ukraine;

Provide expert input on project related documents:

to participate in the consultation platform, www.openbordersforbears.com and provide input on specific project documents: the harmonized methodology for identification and designation of ecological corridors of transboundary interest (Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine transboundary), validate the report on recording of large carnivore species in project area, management measures for ecological corridors of transboundary interest.

List of experts:

Cristian-Remus Papp

Wildlife and Landscape National Manager WWF Romania

Radu Grigore Vlad

Forest habitats coordinator Romania, OBWIC project

Călin Ardelean

Technical expert 1 Romania, OBWIC project

Raluca Peternel

Technical expert 2 Romania, OBWIC project

Tereza Thompson

Technical expert Slovakia, OBWIC project

Milan Janak

Technical expert, WWF Slovakia

Dr. Jakub Kubala

Wildlife expert Slovakia (lynx)

Jerguš Tesák

Wildlife expert Slovakia

Nuno Guimaraes

Wildlife expert Slovakia
University of Presov – Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences – Department of Ecology (UNIPO-FHPV-KE).

Dr. Taras Bashta

Technical expert Ukraine, OBWIC project

Bohdan Vykhor

Wildlife manager WWF Ukraine

Ádám Szabó

Lead technical expert Hungary OBWIC project, Aggtelek National Park Directorate

László Lontay

Technical expert 1 Hungary OBWIC project, Aggtelek National Park Directorate

Gábor Firmánszky

Field researcher Hungary, Aggtelek National Park Directorate

Péter Tóth

Ranger Hungary, Aggtelek National Park Directorate/ Technical expert 2 Hungary, OBWIC project

Dr.László Patkó

Large Carnivore Programme Manager WWF Hungary Foundation

CONSULTATIVE FORUM

OBWIC PROJECT TRANSBOUNDARY EXPERT GROUP is responsible for:

1. DEVELOPING:

i) the harmonized methodology for identification and designation of ecological corridors of transboundary interest,

ii) the report on recording of large carnivore species in project area

iii) management measures for ecological corridors of transboundary interest.

2. SETTING UP A CONSULTATIVE FORUM

to provide suggestions for the improvement of documents mentioned above (i-iii).

The role of the Consultative Forum is to ensure that all factors interested or affected by the implementation of harmonized methodology for identification and designation of ecological corridors , management measures for ecological corridors of transboundary interest have the opportunity to formally submit comments during the process regarding its content.

The Consultative Forum will be kept up to date and will be consulted on each stage of the project.

Participation as a member of the Consultative Forum is open to any interested party based on a written request and officially addressed to the Working Group at: [email protected]

The Transboundary Expert Group now encourages the registration of as many stakeholders as possible in the Consultative Forum.

APPLICATION PROCESS IN THE CONSULTATIVE FORUM!

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

FACILITATOR

The facilitator is responsible for communication, correspondence and reporting to OBWIC Steering Committee (decision making body within OBWIC project).

She coordinates and facilitates the meetings of the Transboundary Expert Group and prepares the agenda and the related technical documentation. She ensures that all members have the opportunity to express their views regarding the standard, in order to have a consensus.

Other roles:

  • Supervises the implementation of the work plan as approved by OBWIC Steering Committee.

  • Keeps all the documents regarding the elaboration of: i) the harmonized methodology for identification and designation of ecological corridors of transboundary interest, ii) the report on recording of LC species in project area, iii) management measures for ecological corridors of transboundary interest.

  • Liaises with project partners and other stakeholders on all issues related to the process of drafting project documents.

  • Communicates with stakeholders at the request of the Transboundary Expert Group for the development of i) harmonized methodology for identification and designation of ecological corridors of transboundary interest, ii) the report on recording of large carnivore species in project area, iii) management measures for ecological corridors of transboundary interest.

  • The facilitator of the Transboundary Expert Working Group is Mrs. Alexandra Puşcaş.

  • Alexandra Puşcaş, WWF Romania Danube Carpathian Programme, Maramures Branch – project manager 

      • Graduate of Babes Bolyai University, Faculty of Geography, MSc from Wageningen University, specialized in Environmental Sciences has more than 15 years experience in project management in nature conservation related projects (ecological connectivity, sustainable grassland and forest management, evaluation of ecosystem services, development of N2000 management plans) as well as ecotourism development and promotion of High Nature Farmlands products. Coordinates the conservation programme of WWF Maramures Priority Conservation Area.

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