Community Driven Development in Natural Resource Management in Romania From biodiversity project to country- wide forestry sector reform

Experiences We Want to Share Biodiversity projects require CDD approaches to natural resource management How participatory biodiversity operations in Romania are leading to: –improving relations between local Governments and communities –a sector wide forestry reform operation incorporating CDD approaches

Context On-going redefinition of role of the state: –decentralization: expanded roles for local governments but with reduced budgets –Rural poverty: close link between service delivery and potential for sustainable development Role of forestry in Romania: –macro (economic value) –micro (community impact, targeted rural poverty reduction) BUT important threats undermining potential

Map of Forests In SE Europe

Picture of Forest Industry

Economic Importance of Romanian Forests % GDP and 10% exports ($860 million) Annual value of all products and services $3.1 billion 1980s 4th largest exporter of furniture in Europe and among top 10 in the world (this status lost along with markets in the former Soviet Union) Great potential to significantly increase contribution to the national economy and addressing poverty

Romanian Forests and Biodiversity Great international significance in terms of biodiversity Potential for additional national benefits from tourism, and also research Last and largest tracts of virgin and natural forest ecosystems in Europe

Wolf with flower

Brown Bear

Threats to Biodiversity include: Unsustainable use of forest resources (timber, grazing, hunting) by local stakeholders—exacerbated by: –poverty –lack of awareness –land restitution –destructive harvesting techniques Unplanned development (e.g., construction of private chalets and hotels, “buffer” zone encroachment) Displacement of community interests by local elites

Biodiversity: Local-Level Threats and Solutions Unsustainable use of forest resources (timber, grazing, hunting) by local stakeholders—exacerbated by: –poverty –lack of awareness –land restitution –destructive harvesting techniques Unplanned development (e.g., construction of private chalets and hotels, “buffer” zone encroachment) Displacement of community interests by local elites Solutions include: –Recognition by local stakeholders of economic benefits of sustainable use and planned development –Activities and processes that promote collective action by stakeholders

Picture of bad forest harvesting

Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives in Romania Danube Delta Project Request for 2nd GEF – 1994 Preparation and appraisal of 2nd GEF Implementation of GEF II CDD approaches to protected area management linked to: opportunities for sustainable development Recognition of threats: Participatory tools and approaches initiated National Biodiversity Strategy

Forests in Romania with BD sites

Important Tools and Approaches - three steps Facilitated, systemic participatory process to empower and assist counterpart team to prepare their own project Stakeholder analysis (by counterparts) CDD approaches to planning and implementation by counterparts

Initial Influence and Final Impact of Project on Different Stakeholder Groups

Vehicles for Local Participation and CDD in the Biodiversity Project Protected area planning - including participation of local stakeholders. This entails: –meetings between local governments, park staff and community representatives/whole community –technical planning meetings with park staff –formation of village committees and user groups Small grants program - to catalyze CDD that is linked with conservation - Designed and managed by local stakeholders Forest Authorities new role as agents of change

Process for Participatory Design of the Small Grants Programs

Benefits for Communities Economic –Income derived from involvement in park management, e.g., guiding and education, increased markets for cottage industries, rural and eco-tourism, and sustainable resource use (forest and pastures, etc.) Social –Improved relations between local governments and resource managers (park authorities and communities, etc.)-- responsiveness and accountability –Greater involvement and control over decisions that affect daily lives--empowerment

Forestry Sector - Threats Potential for unsustainable harvesting and management due to: Restitution of up to half all forest land to more than half a million new private individuals in the absence of adequate Government, industry and community based structures to ensure sustainable use. Privatization and reform of State forest management functions Incentives for unsustainable harvesting, including removal of control on log exports All at the same time!

Biodiversity Conservation InitiativesForestry Sector Reform Danube Delta Project Request for 2nd GEF Preparation of 2nd GEF Implementation of GEF II CDD approaches to protected area management linked to: opportunities for sustainable economic and social development COMMUNITIES Development of forestry sector vision and strategy 1999 National Forest Policy 2000 Forestry project including Forest Owners’ Associations Threats: Restitution process Introduction of market reforms Recognition of threats: Participatory tools and approaches initiated

Forestry: Threats and Solutions Threats - Potential unsustainable harvesting and management due to: –Unplanned restitution of up to half all forest land to more than half a million new private individuals –Privatization and reform of State forest management functions –Incentives for unsustainable harvesting, including removal of control on log exports CDD Solutions supported by project –Inform new owners of opportunities and obligations –Form new forest owners associations and private management organizations –Advisory and extension services for forest owners and new forest industries. –Availability of credit for rural enterprises (separate operation)

Conclusions and Lessons Success of biodiversity project reliant on CDD approaches to land and natural resource use planning and management Success of CDD approaches reliant on: – leadership by counterpart team equipped with practical skills in participatory techniques and processes –flexible framework responsive to stakeholder needs –taking the time to get it right Skills and concepts acquired can be transferable to sector wide reform operations at the national and local level Success of sector wide forestry reform is also reliant on CDD