The Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province organised the Partner training on the stakeholder dialogue for the future UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube”.

The workshop, held between 26 and 28 September 2017 in Novi Sad, Serbia, was a great opportunity for partners to analyse key stakeholders and develop the best approach for their engagement that is necessary for the successful management of the future TBR MDD. Partners also learned about facilitation of meetings and events with stakeholders, and how to plan the whole process in order to reach a common ground.  

The new skills and know-how will immediately be used within the coop MDD pilot implementation actions like Local Action Plans and River Schools. Key targets for the Local Action Plans are institutional and sectoral stakeholders like fishery, agriculture, forestry and water management. For the network of River Schools - focusing on awareness-raising and education - key stakeholders will be schools and kindergartens, tourists and local population.

On the second day a study trip was organised to Special nature reserve “Karadjordjevo”, part of Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve, latest addition to the 5-country UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube”. A guided walking tour with protected area managers was organised, where partners could learn about forest management in the area. In the afternoon, a boat tour with traditional fishing boats followed, to get to know the island habitats and the Danube in this region.