On July 2, 2018, representatives of Kalkalpen National park organized their first workshop with stakeholders. This way, a first round of workshops with stakeholders in ECO KARST project is successfully completed. 

Numerous experts from business, tourism, agriculture, regional management and mayors of the region gathered to find new ways of cooperation between the Kalkalpen National Park and the region.

In which fields and themes can the goals of a national park and the goals of regional development be jointly achieved and what economic benefit can the region derive from them?

In a workshop lasting several hours, the first approaches for sustainable business ideas were developed.

Participants see potential in the marketing of regional products in connection with the conservation of mountain meadows, expansion of the National Park Partner Programme as a seal of quality for the region, camping and farm holidays could offer additional overnight opportunities for the region. In general, hiking and cycling are very popular in the Kalkalpen National Park region and already offer a varied programme, but it would have to be marketed even more effectively.

The participants were very motivated and are looking forward to the continuation of the workshop in autumn.

All project pilot areas made a significant progress towards sustainable development in their areas, taking into account the needs of stakeholders from different sectors. In autumn 2018, pilot areas will continue to work intensively with stakeholders, creating Action plans for their area and setting a good foundation for the economic development of protected areas in a sustainable and nature-friendly way.

Photo credit: Kalkalpen National park