Donor: SIDA (through WWF Adria)
Duration: 4 years
Protected Areas for Nature and People I (PA4NP I) was the first environmental project ever implemented in Germia. During this project, Germia transitioned from being managed only as a city park into a formally designated Protected Landscape, representing a turning point for nature protection in Kosovo. Implemented by Ecopana, the project established the legal, technical, and civic foundations for long-term protection of the area.
For the first time, a comprehensive inventory of Germia was conducted, documenting biodiversity values, existing pressures, and management gaps. PA4NP I also initiated procedures for the preparation of a Management Plan for Germia, which had not existed previously. Addressing pollution and degradation, the project supported surveys and advocacy that led to restrictions on vehicle movement within Germia due to air and noise pollution.
Key activities included engagement of NGOs and community groups, threat analysis and reporting, collaboration with investigative journalists, public awareness campaigns, official policy reactions, preparation of the Germia Management Plan framework, and inventory of the Protected Landscape.
The project strengthened the role of civil society in nature protection, increased public pressure for safeguarding Germia and other protected areas, exposed cases of mismanagement through media, and created a strong foundation for Phase II of the programme.
