On June 12, 2018, Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature park organized their first workshop with stakeholders in the Eco Centre Slani dol. The workshop named „Ecosystem services mapping and Pro Biodiversity businesses identification“gathered 30 participants, interested parties from different sectors, from the area of the Nature park as well as the representatives of public utility Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature park.

After the introductory workshop about the project and the process of ecosystem services mapping, stakeholders were divided in teams. They approached to assessment and thorough analysis of the ecosystem services identified in the Nature park.

In the second part of the workshop, more insight in Pro Biodiversity Businesses (PBB) term and motivation to launch a Pro Biodiversity Business, participants received from Andrea Peiffer (Global Nature Fund). Peiffer talked about the main principles of PBB and showed some of the best PBB practices in the world.

After this inspiring presentation, participants performed a SWOT analysis of the selected ecosystem services in the context of potential for Pro Biodiversity business development.

The workshop was concluded by presenting the most valuable results together with details about future steps towards sustainable development of Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature park.

All stakeholders agreed that there is a high need for regular meetings where they can discuss important topics for the area where they live and work. They emphasized the significance of human resources, involvement of the city,municipality and canton officials.  Besides, there were suggestions to create a database of busines owners in the park as well as establishing a core institution that would manage economical, ecological and institutional structures in the park.

Organizers and Lead partner are extremely satisfied with the organization and results of the first workshop and grateful to all participants willing to contribute to sustainable development of the Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature park.

Photo credit: Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature park