Logo: Junik Municipality

REPORT (Draft)

PP49 Environmental Study for Moronica Park, Junik, Kosovo,

Submitted to: Directorate of Urban Development, Junik, Kosovo

Prepared by: Mehmet Metaj, Consultant, UN-Habitat, Kosovo, (15 .09.2013)

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................ 3 1.1. Environmental Study for Moronica Park ................................................................................................................... 3 Specific tasks: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Prepare a Baseline Environmental Survey ................................................................................................................................. 4

Prepare Environmental management guidelines.............4 1.2. FOREWORD....4

II. ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.1. Location of Moronica Nature Park ........................................................................................................................ 6 2.1.1. Site Overview......................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.2. Geographical pos..................................7 2.1.3. Geographic characteristics........8 2.1.4. Demographic profile.....9 Natural environment of Moronica Park....10 2.1.5. Site Identity........10 2.1.6. Geology, bedrock and .......................13 2.1.7. Climatic conditions.....13 2.1.8. Hydrography...14 2.2. Parks infrastructure...15
III. BIODIVERSITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 3.1. Vegetation ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 3.1.1. Moronica Park biodiversity status. ...................................................................................................................... 22

3.1.2. MP Biodiversity species.........22 3.2. Forestry...25 3.2.3. Overview of Austrian Pine.....27 3.2.4. Description of habitat and related species..28 3.3.1. Ecological services and benefits of the habitat...29 3.3.2. IUCN Categories of Protected Areas Management....33 3. Legal provisions.....33 4. Site protection and conservation measures.34
4.5. Buffer zone of MP........................................................................................................................................................ 34

5.3. Public educationkey to informing people about fire hazards, how to avoid them and what to do when a fire does occur.37 5.3.1. Collaborative management and ongoing consultation. The objective of establishing......37 5. Tourism management and sustainable financing....37
Monitoring and evaluation indicators ...................................................................................................................................... 42

8.1. Basics of Monitoring Program...42 8.3. The Parks Inventory & Monitoring (I&M)...42 8.4. Parameters (indicators) to be measured.44 8.5. Annual Monitoring Report.44
9. Flora and Fauna of Junik Municipality ................................................................................................................................ 46 Documents consulted: .......................................................................................................................................................... 48

I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1.Environmental Study for Moronica Park The aim of this assignment is to provide an environmental study (including guidelines for the protection of biodiversity) that will support decision making in order to ensure protection of the natural resource base in the Moronica Park area and at the same time the sustainable development in the buffer area. The assignment includes the Site inventory & analysis study of Moronica Park, providing information on the environment of the natural park, management guidelines, measures for protection of the environment and proposed educational activities. The analysis should clearly identify strengths and weaknesses in the area. Main tasks Under the direct supervision of the Human Settlements Officer and in close cooperation with the assigned working group, with the support of the MuSPP team of international and national professional officers and assisted by the Junior Environmental Officer, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: Define and spatially represent the current state of environment in the study area (with emphasis on biodiversity assessment, geologic and topographic constraints, the protection of sensitive environments, biophysical constraints, etc); Based on consultation with relevant interested and affected parties, develop guidelines for the protection of the environment (including Emergency and Maintenance Access needs) allowing for the balanced development of recreational activities in the park; Develop monitoring and reporting systems to measure the success of the implementation of the abovementioned strategies. The study provides information on the environmental conditions, landscape, biodiversity, monitoring measures and guidelines for nature protection in Moronica. For the purpose of this assignment, the study area is Moronica Park within the Municipality of Junik, as well as a buffer area surrounding the Moronica Park. Specific tasks: Initial Meeting with Project Team to confirm the Scope of Work which took place on August 12th, 2013, at the Junik Municipality premises with Mr. Agron Kui, Mayor, Mr. Faik Tofaj, Director, Urban Development Directorate, Mrs. Catarina Camarinhas, UN-Habitat-Kosovo, Mrs. Teuta Jaha, Project-Coordinator, UN-HabitatKosovo, Ms. Doruntin Rexhepi, Junior Environment Specialist, UN-Habitat-Kosovo, Mr. Tafe Tofaj, Forestry Specialist, Junik Municipality, After appointment the consultant team has met with the MuSPP and Municipality and: . Confirmed the scope of the assignment. . Agreed upon time frames for the deliverables. Literature review The literature review includes the following: General environmental legislation:
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. Law n.02/L-18 of 23.03.2005 on Nature Conservation; . Law n.03/L-025 of 26.02.2009 on Environmental Protection; . Law No. 04/L-086 of 13.12.2012 on National Park Bjeshkt e Namuna. Municipal and other documentation/studies: Junik Municipal Development Plan; Junik Urban Development Plan; Moronica Park CIP Project Proposal; Local Environmental Action Plan for Junik (LEAP).

IUCN: Guidelines for Protected Areas Management Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity, 2011-2020 Kosovo Biodiversity Assessment Report, 2009 MESP/INEPP: Group of authors: Study on Bjeshket e Namuna (Accursed mountains/Prokletije), Prishtin, 2003 Co-authors: A. Nikolovski, A. Mehmeti, H.Shabanaj: Regional workshop on implementation of phytosanitary standards in forestry, Sarajevo, 15-18 April, 2013; MANAGEMENT of Natura 2000 habitats(Sub-)Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines 9530; Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora Prepare a Baseline Environmental Survey After the necessary review of the literature and field investigations, the consultant has prepared a report on the current environmental situation. This report address the following aspects: Identification of the key environmental issues (opportunities and constraints) in the study area; Biodiversity and conservation status of fauna and flora in the study area - inventories in selected places within Moronica Park of animals, plants and vegetation; Delimitation of the buffer/peripheral areas surrounding the park (areas in need of protection or special consideration); A spatial representation of the current state of the environment (including sensitive naturalenvironments, National Park delimitation and buffer area). A draft of this report will be submitted to the MUSPP team for comments prior to finalization. Prepare Environmental management guidelines The baseline environmental survey will serve as a basis, together with the consultative process, to establish the Environmental Management guidelines for Park management and maintenance which should address/include guidelines for the protection of biodiversity.

1.2.FOREWORD
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Mirsevini n Kullat e Junikut! Freskohuni me ujin e Erenikut! Pushoni n Moronic! Ngjituni n Gjeravic!

Welcome to the Juniks towers ! Freshen-up with Ereniks water! Rest in Moronica! Climb up to Gjeravica!

"Junik is a unique place, so I believe and I invite all Junikasit to be unique in realizing the vision for future developments in Junik". Junik Municipality is a new Municipality, formed as pilot municipalities on 26 September 2005 and certified on 13 August 2008. Although the new Municipality, with the involvement of Local Government, residents of the Municipality and a number of donors, has managed to compile Junik and approve key strategic documents for the Municipality as an Urban Development Plan (UDP), Urban Regulatory Plan "Center", Development Plan for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Local Development Strategy and now is drafting the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) as one of the most important document for the municipal spatial development. The process of drafting the MDP-Junik is based on the Law on Spatial Planning and guidelines, principles established by this Law. This plan has great importance because it is compiled by municipal staff that includes experts from various fields within the municipal departments, which have been supported by experts from the Program for Support of Municipal Spatial Planning in the UN-HABITAT and non-governmental organization "Cultural Heritage without Borders" (CHWB) both funded, by Swedish Development Agency (Sida). During this process we had the professional support of the Institute for Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. Having developed this plan with our human resources and a very small financial cost, Junik has shown an alternative way of preparing these documents practices used so far in Kosovo municipalities. Municipal Development Plan (MDP) of Junik, for us it is a very important document because it offers us a clear vision and provides guidance to future economic development, social, physical and spatial development of Municipality until 2023. With this plan are coming in evidence the main pillars of the future development of the Municipality as a tourism based on natural and cultural potential of Junik, agriculture and agro-business, research the potential use of forest and alternative energy. To achieve our vision, we must invest in education and advancement of our human capacity in the foregoing areas and those related to them. Here special emphasis will be given to young people considering a new and very enthusiastic to work. Wherefore we wish that this item through the implementation of proposals and projects outlined in this plan to provide employment opportunities. In this manner it will be prevent their migration abroad but also generally improve social welfare for all residents of Junik, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. In the process of drafting this document, we have demonstrated dedication, responsibility at work but are also showing very cooperative in relation to our partners involved in this process. We have been transparent to citizens by involving them in various stages of drafting this document. Therefore, I believe that the implementation of this plan have the support of citizens and first of all whether relevant government representatives, public or private sector and civil society representatives. Of course, taking in consideration very modest budget of the Municipality, the Municipality will be shown Junik dedicated and open for cooperation with donors in the implementation of this plan. Junikas have left positive developments in Kosovo's history; that are willing to do even now. Therefore, Junik is rather unique, and I believe and I invite everyone to show unique Junikas-united in the realization of this vision for future developments in Junik.

II.

ENVIRONMENT
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2.1.Identification of the key environmental issues (opportunities and constraints) in the study area; 2.2.A spatial representation of the current state of the environment (including sensitive natural environments, Park delimitation and buffer area). 2.3.Community and regional settings; 2.4.Interaction between social and physical factors 2.5.Zoning and mapping 2.1.1. Location of Moronica Nature Park

2.1.1. Site Overview

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Moronica Nature Park lies at an altitude of 550-662 m above sea level and is the main feature of the wooded hilly landscape of Junik Municipality, lying to the west of the town and to east of Erenik river. It marks the beginning of Junik mountain, located in the north-west of the country. According to the local development plan, this zone is designated as a protected panorama and it also links the National Park of Bjeshkt e Namuna (Prokletije/Accursed Mountains). The total area of Moronica Nature Park is approximately 40 hectares. The parkland is regarded as both a gate and buffer protection area to Ereniku Valley and Gjeravica, allowing the connection to Bjeshkt e Namuna National Park. Study and analysis of Moronica is recommended since it is considered a natural area of particular recreational importance in the Municipality. Mapping for Moronica Nature Park with buffer areas.

(Source: Cadastral maps and data of Junik Municipality, field survey collected and processed data using GPS) 2.1.2. Geographical position Position: Junik is situated in the western part of Kosovo, nearby Bjeshkt e Namuna (Acursed Mountains/Prokletije). It has a territory of 77.77 km and geographic latitude of 42,22 and geographic longitude of 20,26. Junik has a suitable geographic position, reaching the northwest of Dukagjini valley, facing the gorge of Erenik River, which flows from the lakes of Gjeravica and serpentines through the valleys of Albanian Alps. The territory of Junik Municipality extends to the northern-western part of Dukagjini Plain, and is in border with municipalities of Dean/Decani, Gjakova/Djakovica, Albania and Montenegro. Distance from Junik to Peja/Pec is 25 km, Junik to Gjakova/Djakovica 20 km which passes by the village Batusha, whilst the distance from Juniku to Rastavica (highway Peja/Pec-Gjakova/Djakovica) is 5,5 km.

2.1.3. Geographic characteristics Topography: Junik Municipality has a suitable geographic position, facing the picturesque gorge of Erenik River. The altitude of Junik is between 450-2600 meters above sea level. The town itself is in a sea level of 593m. The highest mountain point is Gjeravica, with sea level of 2.656 m, which is also the highest mountain point of Albanian Alps in Kosovo. Natural features: Junik has different types of landscapes, from the hydrographical (Erenik and Trava rivers), field landscapes (Junik field) and hilly or mountainous landscapes (Gjeravica, Moronica). On 28.08.2008 The Municipal Assembly of Junik has announces Moronica as special zone of Junik Municipality. It is presumed for this zone to be the future park of the town(..). which will be as a linking bridge between the ethnographic park and the national park Bjeshkt e Namuna (Cursed Mountains/Prokletije) In its entirety, Junik is presented as an entity that has been, is and will be closely linked with the nature. Climate conditions: Junik has a continental climate with some Mediterranean influence. This climate is convenient for agricultural. The average temperature
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is 21C in summer and -11C in winter. The average of rain falls is approx. 670 mm, whilst in the vegetation season (from April to September) is approx. 330 mm. Rivers and water areas: Erenik river is the biggest and most important river in the region, also used for irrigation of Junik field. Erenik flows from the lakes of Gjeravica, respectively from the mountains crown, from the hole of Erenik and Bjeshkt e Namuna, creating superficial watercourses. If managed properly and there will be no misuse of water, there will be sufficient amount of water for irrigation and drinking water. Land composition: From the total area of Junik Municipality which is 77 769 ha, there are around 4 439 ha (57.08%) composed of the agricultural land. Meadows and pastures occupy around 2000 ha (45.05%) out from the total area of agricultural land and the forests occupying over 3 029 ha (38.95%) that present potential for development. The urban area of Junik is relatively dominated by quite suitable land for agricultural products. While in other parts outside the urban area dominates the shallow land suitable for fodder and forestry development. Flora and fauna: Being adjacent to the nature has enabled Junik to be enriched in terms of biodiversity. Biodiversity reflects the variety of living beings depending on which area they are developed. This concept also conveys the multi-colorless within the species, between species and ecosystems. 2.1.4. Demographic profile Population: The latest official data of the Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK) (2009) of the survey Population, household economies, according to the settlements and territorial organization of Kosovo until 2008, indicate that Junik, as a settlement, has 624 household economies, 5423 resident members, 1427 construction buildings; whereas, the villages Jasiq - Gjocaj have 2 household economies and a total number of 7 members and 38 construction buildings. The table below indicates the data on population according to age and gender. More than 50 % population is under 26 years old. Gender ratio is almost balanced (F:M=50.26 %: 49.74 %). The population comprises of Albanian ethnicity. Table 2.Population according to age and gender based on on-site analysis. (Including diaspora) Population according to age and gender 1-7 8-18 19 - 25 26 - 40 41 - 64 >65 7.06% 6.54% 9.92% 10.46% 8.48% 7.71% 12.70% 11.67% 8.60% 8.95% 2.98% 4.93% M 13.60% F M 20.38% F M 16.19% F M 24.37% F M 17.55% F M 7. 91% F

Natural environment of Moronica Park

A visitors environment A coffee-bar in the Moronica Nature Park 2.1.5. Site Identity Character Areas: Area 1: Playground, Area 2: Camping/Picnicking Area 3: Amphitheatre, and Area 4: Pedestrian passes Area 5: Promenade access area The planning aim and objectives of the Moronica park establishment are: Camping picnicking area: A campsite area of about 1100 m2 in the northern part of the park is the area enough to manage such site and has a water source and where can install a tap (which can be used as drinking and freshwater for visitors and hydrants for fire protection).

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Amphitheatre area: It is located in the southern part of the MP , with an area of approximately 1000 m2 has started to be built ( from a joint project of UN-Habitat and Junik Municipality). It was constructed by using a traditional model, with a dry stone wall and fence above it.

Promenade: At the entrance of the Amphitheatre there is designed a Promenade as a facility for visitors to enter the site.
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Pedestrian passes: The pedestrian pass is already designed in the park that has access to the amphitheater and traverses across the surface after the park closes and comes in its southern part. During this passage road surfaces and meadows needs to put and garbage bins.

Meadows: 3-4 meadows were identified in the territory of the park, with bushes grass characteristic vegetation. Shelter woods: Inside the park area there are several ( 2-3 ) shelters created by cutting black pine trees, wherein the black pine and other vegetation seedling installed, shrub and herbaceous vegetation due to the shelter conditions are to be preserved to grow up and create and maintain new mixed forest stands which are more resistant against abiotic factors. In the north- eastern parts there are fallen some woody pine trees and they have to be to be either removed or cleaned to avoid the risk of fire. Erosion: In the very eastern part there is an area of about 500 m2hitchis partially slided and with collapsing soil and eroded by the effects of the rainfall and Erenik river overflows. This area needs to be rehabilitated by filling with stone and wire gabion wall and planting saplings of the existing vegetation and seeding herbaceous vegetation to stabilize and avoid further jeopardizing collapse and soil erosion and to preserve the vegetation.

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2.1.6. Geology, bedrock and soil The MP bedrock is dominated by the ultrabasic on shallow serpentine bedrock. The site soil is a grey dark soil which is a typical soil of the black pine forest stands. Soil classes of Junik Forest Area: Land code 7 23 44 57 120 Land class Litosol on basic bed-rock formations Clayey dilution Typical rendzine soil over strong limestone substrate Typical ranker on Basic bed-rocks (gabbro, dibasic, basalt) Shallow grey soil on bed-rock-grill substrates (filit, mikashist, etc..) Total area Area, ha 206 1 343 651 2.243 3.444 % 6 0 10 19 65 100

2.1.7. Climatic conditions Junik has a continental climate but with some Mediterranean features. This climate is suitable for growing various forest species. The average temperature is 11C- 21C. The average amount of precipitation is 670 mm, while the vegetation season (middle of IV-IX) near 330 mm. Rainfall: The mean annual precipitation in the territory of Municipality move from 900 - 1500 ml/m2. On average, during the year there are 126 days of the rainfall. There are at least 6 to 8 days during July, August and September of a average rainfall amount up to 70 ml/m2. The largest amount is during the half cold year where the amount of precipitation reaches up to 1500ml/m2 day.The Junik Municipality, precipitation is mostly in the form of rain, they often appear in form of snow from November to April and may be levied in October and May. Averagely there are 39 snow days with over 10 cm snow and there are 22 days with up to 30cm snow cover. There are only 6 days with over 50cm. The amount of monthly and annual rainfall in ml/cm
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I 101

II 102

III 74

IV 66

V 57

VI 48

VII 45

VIII 34

IX 60

X 104

XI 114

XII 103

Yearly 908

Snow cover in the territory of Municipality has different time durations. According to the durability of relief, and sea level, stability of snow is on mounts over 2000m in height.

2.1.8. Hydrography Rivers and water surfaces: Erenik river is the largest and most important river in the region, which also serves as the water source for irrigation of the Junik field. Erenik stems from the Gjeravica lakes.Respectively flowing waters coming from the mountains crowns, from the spring of Erenik and drops down to form surface water flows. If managed well and no misuse of water, also has sufficient quantities of water for irrigation and drinking.

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2.2. Parks infrastructure Assessment and Analysis A welcoming Place Good and Safe Access The Moronica Park has opened amity -entry access and they should be under control for visitors and tourist management. There are no high fences, ditches and bridges have been used to limit easy access from the play park out to the street and road. The visitors recreational areas reflects the demand for an new guidance: A Guide to Parks Tourists/Visitors Information (Tourist Guide Sheet) which should be produced based on legal framework of nature conservation and this baseline environmental and biodiversity study. Paths and equal access for all. New paths installed and existing paths rehabilitated and furniture with safety facilities. A circular hard surfaced walk around the middle tier with measurement markers makes the site accessible and allows all year round enjoyment of the park, and also from the middle tier to the top tier allows safe pedestrian access to the Park.
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Good Signage Park Signage: There are no buildings on site; however the new signs on site display contact numbers, email address and the postal address for Moronica Park should be installed. In case of emergencies there should be built special emergencies entrance/s A new Park Signage for Moronica park should be produced and installed based on this baseline environmental and biodiversity study and being installed at parks entrance/s. Signage system

The most common symbols used in trail blazing For long-distance trails, or trails where there is any possibility of anyone taking a wrong turn, blazing or signage should be provided. This may be accomplished by using either paint on natural surfaces or by placing pre-made medallions. Horseshoe-shaped blazes are good for bridle trails. Maintenance Natural surface, single track trails will require some ongoing maintenance. However, if the trail is properly designed and constructed, maintenance should be limited to clearing downed trees, trimming back brush and clearing drainages. Depending on location, if the trail is properly designed, there should be no need for major rework such as grading or erosion control efforts. However, mountain trails which see both significant rainfall and human traffic may require "trail hardening" efforts in order to prevent further erosion. Most of the seemingly natural rock steps on the mountain trails of the northeast United States are, in fact, the work of professional and volunteer trail crews. Park Trails Trail Way-finding and Signage The MP Service will work in consultation with residents Junik Municipality to develop and implement an accurate and comprehensive trail way-finding system as MP Signage System for the dwelling areas, (including trail names, markers and maps), to improve park accessibility and safety which will be in keeping with the community's desire for unobtrusive and rustic park signage. Main Trails: Tourists and visitors trail which will be clearly defined, well used and provide main connections to all other trails within the park area. These trails will be identified on maps with specific trail names, identified with markers, and be multi-use (pedestrian, cycling, horseback riding).

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Side Trails: In the MP existing narrow trails which currently receive infrequent use and provide access through environmentally sensitive areas within the park area will be the visitors and tourist passes for entering the park. While being referenced on the park trails map and designated with trail markers, side trails will be named and will be limited to pedestrian and cyclist use only. Some existing side trails that create trespassing issues will not be signed or maintained. Trail difficulty ratings A simple colored symbol to classify a trail's difficulty was first used for ski trails and is now being used for hiking, bicycle, other trails and even airport security lines. Green circle - easy Blue square - moderate Black diamond - difficult Other systems may be used in different locations. Segregation Trail segregation, the practice of designating certain trails as having a specific preferred or exclusive use, is increasingly common and diverse. For example, segregated cycle facilities, for bicycles, are used not only on roads open to motor vehicles, but also in trail systems open to other trail users. Some trails are segregated for use by both equestrians and mountain bikes or by equestrians only, or by mountain bikes only. Designated "wilderness area" trails may be segregated for non-wheeled use (hence permit backpacking and horses but exclude mountain bikes and motorized vehicles). Often, trail segregation for a particular use is accompanied by prohibitions against that use on other trails within the trail system. Trail segregation may be supported by signage, markings, trail design and construction (especially selection of tread materials), and by separation between parallel treads. Separation may be achieved by "natural" barriers including distance, ditching, banking, grading, and vegetation, and by "artificial" barriers including fencing, curbing, and walls. The opposite of segregated use is shared use. Shared use may be achieved by sharing a trail easement, but within it maintaining segregated and sometimes also separated trail treads. This is common in rail trails. Shared use may also refer to alternate day arrangements, whereby two uses are segregated by being permitted on alternate days. This is increasingly common in long-distance trails shared by equestrians and mountain bike users; these two user communities have similar trail requirements but may experience encounters with each other on the trail as difficult. Trail administration A trail may be completely contained within one administration (e.g. a State Parks management team) or it may pass through multiple administrations, leading to a confusing array of regulations, allowing dogs or mountain bikes in one segment but not in another, or requiring wilderness permit for a portion of the trail, but not Trail construction While many trails have arisen through common usage, quality trail design and construction is a complex process requiring certain sets of skills. When a trail passes across a flat area that is not wet, often all that is required is to clear brush, tree limbs and undergrowth to produce a clear, walkable trail. When crossing streams, bridges may or
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may not be desirable, depending on the size of the stream and the depth of its banks. In wet areas, it may be necessary to create an elevated trailway with fill or by building a boardwalk. One problem with boardwalks is that they require frequent maintenance and replacement - boards in poor condition are often slippery and hazardous. Trails on slopes

A common mistake in establishing trails is to make them on slopes that are too steep for comfort and the environment. Such steep trails generally result in serious erosion, a wide swath of impacted area as walkers go to the sides to find better footing, and the inability of many hikers to walk the trail. Trail gradient should be determined based on a site specific assessment of soils & geology, drainage patterns of the slope, surrounding vegetation types, position on the slope of a given trail segment (bottom, mid-slope, ridgeline), average precipitation, storm intensities, types of use, volume & intensity of use, and a host of other factors affecting the ability of the trail substrate to resist erosion and provide a navigable surface. Trails that ascend steep slopes may use switchbacks, but switchback design and construction is a specialized topic that takes great care. If a trail is being made to be accessible to off-road wheelchairs, the grade should be no more than one in ten. If a paved trail has to be accessible to all wheelchairs, the grade must be no more than one in twelve, with periodic level pull-offs. The off-slope, or side-slope, of the trail also must be considered. This is the slope of the trail from side to side, and should never be more than one in twelve. Side-sloped trails are prone to gullying. Ideally, the tread way of the trail should be almost, but not quite, level in cross-section. Achieving the proper slope in hilly terrain usually requires the excavation of side hill trail. This is trail way that is constructed by establishing a line of suitable slope across a hillside, then digging out by means of a mattock or similar tool to create the trail. This may be a full-bench trail, where the tread way is only on the firm ground surface after the overlying soil is removed and side cast (thrown to the side as waste), or a half-bench trail, where soil is removed and packed to the side so that the tread way is half on firm old ground and half on new packed fill. In areas near drainages, creeks and other waterways, excavation spoils should be end-hauled (taken away in bulk and deposited in an environmentally benign area). In problem areas, it may be necessary to establish the trail
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entirely on fill. In cases where filling is used, it's necessary to pack it firmly and to revisit the site periodically to add to the fill and repack it until fully stable. Drainage

A critically important and often-overlooked factor in trail construction is that of drainage. There are three general types of drainage problems on trails. The first is accumulation of water to the point that the trail is unusable. The second is erosion from moving water on the trail. The third is the creation of local mud spots. The first type of drainage problem is common in places such as the north country. In such places, it is often necessary to build some type of raised walkway. This is often done by cutting poles from the woods, staking parallel poles in place on the ground, then filling between them with whatever material is available to create the raised walkway. The more elaborate option of the deckwalk is by necessity reserved for shorter stretches in very high-traffic areas. The second type of problem is caused because trails, by their nature, tend to become drainage channels and eventually gullies if the drainage is not properly controlled. Where a trail is near the top of a hill or ridge, this is usually a minor issue, but when it is farther down it can become a very major issue. In areas of heavy water flow along a trail, it may be necessary to create a ditch on the uphill side of the trail with drainage points across the trail. The cross-drainage may be accomplished by means of culverts, which must be cleared on a semi-annual basis, or by means of cross-channels, often created by placing logs or timbers across the trail in a downhill direction, called "thank-you-marms", "dead men", or water bars. Using timbers or rocks for this purpose also creates erosion barriers. Rock paving in the bottom of these channels and in the trailside ditches may help to maintain stability of these. Ideally, water bars should be created, with or without ditching, at major points of water flow on or along the trail, and in conjunction, if possible, with existing drainage channels below the trail. Another important technique is to create Coweta dips, or drain dips, points on the trail where it falls briefly (for a meter or so) and then rises again. These provide positive drainage points that are almost never clogged by debris. The third type of problem can occur both on bottomlands and on ridge tops and a variety of other spots. A local spot or short stretch of the trail may be chronically wet. If the trail is not directly on rock, then a mud pit forms. Trail users go to the side of the trail to avoid the mud pit, and the trail becomes widened, sometimes bizarrely so. If the drainage can be corrected, it must be. A common option if the location cannot be effectively drained is the
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"corduroy." This can range from random sticks laid across the path to split logs being laid across the path. Some of the early turnpikes in the United States were log corduroys, and these can still be found in third-world forested areas. With recreational trails, it is common to cut sticks that may be one to three inches thick and lay them in place, as close together as can be achieved. Sometimes, a short bridge may be a more feasible option. Water crossings For pedestrian use, footbridges may be preferred. Other options are culverts, stepping stones, and shallow fords. For equestrian use, shallow fords may be preferred. Trail width Trail width has two main components: width of the trail base or foot bed; and width of the clear space on either side of the trail, as in cuts on steep slopes, tunnels, and through vegetation. Variants in width include single track and two track trails. Multi-use trails Trails intended for use by bicycles, wheelchairs, equestrians, and pedestrians will often be surfaced, especially in heavily-used or urban areas. A wide variety of surface materials are used, including asphalt paving and compressed dust such as: crushed rock fines, cinders, or decomposed granite. Such trails will also have well-built bridges with a supported deck and side rails. There has been a major effort to convert abandoned railroad grades to bike paths or multi-use paths. This has been termed "rails-to-trails". Railroads in use with adjacent trails are rails with trails. Well Maintained and Clean: There are no buildings or toilet facilities on site and within new settlements installed they should be associated with environmental impact assessment and environmental facilities installed. Management. Moronica Park is managed by Junik Municipality forestry structure within Directorate of Urban Development. The Park Management is overseen by the Directorate of Urban Development. Day to Day issues such as damage to fences and infrastructure are dealt with by the Parks management team. The parks strategic sustainable management remains as responsibility of the Directorate of Urban development of the Junik Municipality. The Municipality anticipates every year the parks maintenance and protection budget within Urban development Budget Plan. Park Amenities Park amenities will be installed at key locations throughout the Moronica Parks area that both suit and enhance the park's wilderness recreation experience. Only park amenities that enhance the park's recreational function with no negative impact on its ecological and cultural values will be installed along main trails and accesses. The following amenities are allowed inside the parks area: entrance signage, trail signage or markers, and rustic benches. Parking Areas Parking areas will be developed outside the parks area boundary to minimize impact to park neighbours and to provide a safe and accessible staging area for all park users, with minimal disturbance to the park's natural and cultural values Emergency Access Route An emergency access route through the parks area will be designated and maintained in collaboration with the Parks Management Staff, approved by the Urban Development Directorate of the Junik Municipality
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III.

BIODIVERSITY

3.1.Vegetation The Phytocenoses that present scientific value and natural resources for Junik Municipality and Moronica Nature Park are those most of which are present in the Kosovo-Albanian Alps which we can call as park natural selfdefense. In river valleys dominate species of willow (Salix sp . ) and poplar (Populus spp.). The northern area of MP is mostly covered by forests of oak dominate species like Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), Sessile Oak (Quercus petreae), Downy Oak (Quercus pubescent) , and chestnut (Castanea sativa) belonging to the order Quercetalia pubescentis. The presence of Thermophillous oak forests include considerable area of forest within Junik, which liee on altitude of 300-1200 m. In the mountainous massifs where the greatest impact continentalclimate, these forests developed mainly in southern and southwestern expositions. These forests except the Central European plant species are rich with Mediterranean and Submediterranean species. These forests belong to the class Querco-Fagetea, to the order Quercetalia pubescentis and to the alliances: Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis, Quercion frainetto and Quercion petraea-cerris. Within the thermophillous oak forests in Kosovo fall phytocenosis: Quercetum trojanae, Quercetum frainetto cerris scardicum, Quercetum montanum, Ostryo-Quercetum cerris, Quercetum pubescentis cerris and LembotropoQuercetum cerris. In these forests at different stages acted anthropogenic factor. This move in woods as potential natural vegetation is especially expressed in phytocenosis: Quercetum trojanae dukagjini, Quercetum pubescentis cerrisand Quercetum farnetto cerris scardicum.

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3.1.1. Moronica Park biodiversity status.

Photo: Moronica Park (Black pine forest, 13.08.2013)

3.1.2. MP Biodiversity species The site vegetation of Moronica Nature Park is composed mostly of the planted black pine or Austrian Pine, (Pinus nigra-Arnold) and is buffered with mixed broadleaved species like: chestnut (Castanea sativa-L.), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus-L.), oaks species, several grass-spp., and is evidenced a natural pine regeneration within shelters of the forest stand. The average altitude of the site is: 662 m. The dominant species of the site and vegetation species of the understory and in the buffer zone identified are: Forest and shrubs species.The most dominant major forest species are: Black pine or Austrian pine (Pinus Nigra, Arnold), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris, L.), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea, Liebl.), downy oak(Quercus pubescens), Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto_Ten.), chestnut (Castanea sativa, L.), hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia, Scop.), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.), maple spp.(Tartarian maple), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior_L.), manna-ash (Fraxinus ornus), Acer tataricum, Acer monspesulanum, Malus dasiphyllus, Ligustrum vulgaris, turkish hazel (Corylus colurna), wild rose (Rosa cannina), spring heather (Erica carnea, L.), black juniper/Common juniper (Juniperus communis, L.), plum (Prunus spinosa L.), Prunus prostrate, whitebeam (Sorbus aria), Cornus mass,fern (Dryopteris filix-mas, Schott-L.), Herbacous vegetation identified. Among herbaceous species we have identified the following, which are grown mostly within shelters and meadows of MP: Ononis spinosa, Sanguisorba minor, Arimonia agrimonioides, Seseli Santalus albus, Stachys scardica elatum, Brachipodium sylvaticum, Koeleria splendens, Trifolium medium, Asplenium adianthum-nigrum, Pteridium aquilinum, Laburnum sp., Cichorium inthybus, Pimpinella saxifrage, Daucus carota, Centaurea jacea, Lotus corniculatus, Lychnis viscaria, Tunica saxifrage, Clematis flamula, Aster albanicus, Dorychnium pentaphyllum, Festuca sp., Potentilla reptans, Teuchrium reptans, Crepis sp., Brachipodium sp., Cynanchum huteri, Osyris alba, Achillea millefolium, Asperula aristata, Hypericum perforatum, Tanacetum vulgaris, Crepis sp., Hieracium sp, Thimus chamaedrys, Fragaria vesca, Potentilla macrantha, Hypericum perforatum, blackberry (Rubus fruticosa_L.), heart-grass, brachypodium sylvaticum, graminaceous spp., etc. The bedrock is ultrabasics/sedimentary and the soil grey-brown. It is also important to note the lack of organization. In Junik there is still no association of farmers and the agricultural branch is covered with only one professional worker within the Municipality. Another concern is the fact that agriculture is not seen as profitable occupation by the young people.

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Gromatr gjmbae-spiny restharrow( Ononis spinosa)

Tipton's weed/heart-grass (Hypericum perforatum);

Thimus chamaedrys/serpyllum Pteridium aquilinum (common bracken), or "eagle fern

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Trifolium medium or Zigzag Clover

Salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor ), Koeleria splendens

Brown Knapweed(Centaurea jacea )

Asplenium adianthum-nigrum Burnet Saxifrage Potentilla reptans known as the -Pimpinella saxifraga creeping cinquefoil, European, cinquefoil or creeping tormentil
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3.2.Forestry Potential forest in Kosovo level is 41.8%% with around 455,000 ha. Forests (respectively forestry culture where are include trees mass in agriculture lend) in Junik Municipality cover an area of 3197ha (41% of the territory of Junik). In private sector is around 22% of forestry. Around 50% of forestry are young around the age of 30 years old with different wood species of Beech, Chestnut, Oak and Alder. Most common types are: beech (prevalent in 79% of forest area), coniferous: Black Pine, common spruce, fir and black alder (about 20% of public forests). Chestnut, oak and alder are mostly privately owned, while birch and other deciduous and coniferous mainly are in public sector and in small area. 3.2.1. Forests and forest land surface.

Total forest area, 4266 ha, of which, State Forests: 3339.99 ha, 78% of the surface. 50% are young forests, afforestation, 30-year-old Natural high forest-public are: 2496 ha (74%) of the total surface), and, Plantations: 214 ha (6.4% of the total surface), and, Low-coppice forests are: 243 ha (7.3% of the total surface), Shrubs: 10 ha Land available for afforestation: 245 ha Private Forests: 1415 ha Species: spruce/picea, Macedonian pine, Bosnian Pine, black pine, beech, chestnut, oak, Common Alder, maple, fir, Annual growth: 5.7 m3/ha/vit Annual growth in the Municipalitys forests: 16900 m3, and, Average volume per 1 ha: 226 m3; Tabel 1. : Forest category

Forest category High forests Low/coppice forests Plantation forests Bushes Forest land for forestation Other land Forest land use system (Source:Municipal Development Plan of Junik 2011-2023)

% 74.9 7.29 6.42 0.3 7.34 3.83

The forest stands crown density is ca 0.8 and there are inventoried 1000-1200 trees /ha and the trees average height is 15-16 m. There are evidenced some sporadic illegal logging in the site and understory trees cutting from the forest department. There are evidenced also the pine trees needles yellowness which is due to the plantation which is out of its habitat/areal. The site has been penetrated from fire and the understory has been burned and there are rare or almost scarce of understory and grass vegetation grown. The site is surrounded: in the North from broadleaved forest which belongs to the private owners, in the southern part from the road, in the western part from the road leading to the site and in the eastern part from Erenik river.
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For all types there are optimal conditions for growing trees of high quality. Annual growth of woody plants throughout the forest area is ~ 5.07m3/ha. The potential of forestry development in Junik in favor of the timber industry development and final processing is not yet explored. Currently they are used for production of wood for fire wood as the market and proper organization of a considerable amount of beech forests used for wood industry needs is missing.(based on data from Spatial Plan of Kosovo, 2009 and SNV 2011). On the other hand the difficulties in developing of this sector are seen also in forest management competencies that were recently delegated to the municipalities and so far have been competencies of the central level. Transfer of competencies to protect and use the forest gives us the opportunity to create a new situation, especially in publicly owned forests. It is necessary that the roles and responsibilities for all parties involved to be clarified and understand because forest management needs to address the potential of the area as well as thecommunity's needs for forest products and services for sustainable management. The current model of forest management to apply to this new situation with decentralized powers to forests is not yet clarified. Capacity building of municipal forest management is essential. Private forest sector is poorly organized and with limited institutionalization, leading to a forestry sector that does not provide the necessary framework and optimal services to the private sector. Most forests have no sustainable management and illegal logging remains a serious problem. In the private sector of the forestry this is because the legal framework for private sector and the decentralization of forest management is not fully regulated. There is a low level of involvement of local actors, such as municipalities and communities in the forestry sector, resulting in limited regulation of forest management related to the needs of these actors and limited opportunities for economic development. Private sector development and decentralization of the forest provides a good opportunity to rural economic development. Especially in faraway areas, the forestry sector is one of sector that provides income and employment opportunities. Currently, due to limited conditions, forests are not used and not managed properly (there is forest degradation and depletion of resources). Appropriate conditions (institutional, social and economic) may change this, where private forests and decentralized are contributing to the rural economy and keeping the forest service to benefit society by contributing to social and economic welfare. Silviculture: silviculture is developed in Junik. There are two enterprises, Ptuja and Fidanishtja(Nursery) which operate respectively with 0.5ha and 0.6ha. 3.2.2. The pre-dominant species throughout the parks area is the black pine or Austrian pine (Pinus nigra-Arnold). Austrian Pine-Black pine (Pinus nigra-Arnold).Black pineis one of the most common trees in the country. This is a plant with strong axial root, its stem is up to 15 m high. Branch out sideways horizontal stem which form a crown long as umbrella. We place open more branches root and forms a dense crown..The black pine developsin a forest of slender stalks with a quite small conic crown, and crowns on top of the stems. Stem bark is protected by the thick, rift-tiles tiles, chestnut colored in gray and overwhelmed with resin. Resin serves to protect the plant from cold and wound closure if eventually caused them. We begin pine branches pine green leaf pairs in close. The pine needles are 4-16 cm long and stay many years.

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Austrian pine (Pinus nigra-Arnold) 3.2.3. Overview of Austrian Pine: The Austrian pine is able to withstand many of the conditions, like pollution and salinity in the air that may make life for other urban trees harder. Summary These forests, often thick and dominated by various subspecies of Pinus nigra, are found at mountainousMediterranean level on dolomitic substrate (EC 2007). This habitat type occurs at a few sites in the EU and has a fragmented distribution area. Mature Pinus nigra forests can develop a high and closed arboreal canopy, and have several age classes and trees well over 30 meters high, as well as a shaded understory. These black pine forests both protect against erosion and torrential floods and act as a carbon sink practically all year round. The main threats to Pinus nigra forests include unsustainable cutting for production purposes (particularly timber), the spread of exotic species, and defoliation by insect pests (especially Thaumetopoea pityocampa),overgrazing, fires and genetic pollution. Management of pine forest containing endemic black pines should involve adequate representation of associated species and formation of irregular structures, containing trees of various ages, including very old specimens in order to secure genetic variability and an appropriate amount of dead wood. The importance of maintaining a certain volume of dead wood to assure biodiversity conservation and forest functionality has been acknowledged at international level. Control of Thaumetopoea pityocampa infestations can be dealt with directly by, for example, aerial and ground spray treatments and by indirect measures such as thinning, cleaning, pruning and weeding, plus the use of pine tree species resistant to caterpillar attack. Extensive and controlled grazing is advisable inside pine forest in an effort to balance the positive and negative effects (fire prevention and disappearance of species associated with the habitat, respectively). To reduce the risk of genetic pollution, it is important to avoid planting black pines of unknown origin in the proximity of autochthonous pinewoods as intraspecific hybridization can easily occur among different subspecies of black pine. The management of the black pine forests should also take into consideration the requirements of theassociated fauna of conservation value such as the biggest European raptor, the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus ), which nests on flat-topped Pinus nigra trees in a large part of its distribution area, and a small passerine bird, the Sitta whiteheadi (which feeds on insects and pine seeds, and nests in holes in old trees. In particular, old and mature trees should be favoured for their survival and the period of the year for carrying out the silvicultural interventions should be accurately planned, as the human activity can compromise the success of their breeding. The abovedescribet rare species of birds are found in surroundings of Moronica nature Park and Bjeshket e
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Namuna (accursed mountains/prokletije) ant they can populate Moronica park in the future once the forest ecosystems and vegetation will be completely dense and environment silent. 3.2.4. Description of habitat and related species Main habitat features, ecology and variability Pinus nigra forests, comprising a variety of subspecies, generally occupy medium and high mountain zones, often on substrates rich in magnesium (dolomites, in the case of the Western subspecies, and dolomites and serpentines in the case of the Eastern subspecies) (Regato et al. 1991). Some sub-types are present on deep soils, but in most cases the soil is superficial and not matures (Sanchez 2005). Mature Pinus nigra forests can develop a high and closed arboreal canopy, with several classes of ages and individuals far above 30 m high, and shady undergrowth. Pinus nigra can occur with other coniferous species, mainly Juniperus species, in areas where pine forest is less thick and there is only a thin intermediate layer with non-evergreen tree and shrub species.In the Moronica park there was grown the black juniper/Common juniper (Juniperus communis, L.). Pinus nigra is a long-lived frugal species able to adapt ecologically and physiologically to very different environmental conditions; it colonizes various ecological niches and plays a leading role in different stages within forest succession. Birds The area is a refuge for many plant and animal species. Regarding birds, there are significant populations of woodpecker species such as the Black, Grey and White-backed Woodpecker, as well as Black Storks, Golden Eagles and Woodlarks. The black pine forest are rich in birds. Within Mediterranean black pines forest are grown:Aegypius monachus. Very rare in Europe, Aegypius monachus (cinereous vulture) is protected under the 79/409 (Birds) Directive. Breeding requires slopes covered with forest in open valleys and low sierras (Heredia et al. 1996), or in P. nigra with dense undergrowth of oak brushwood. The cinereous vulture breeds in loose colonies or solitarily. It builds a large nest on top of a tree ( Pinus, Quercus, Juniperus, etc.) where it lays one egg. The species invariably nests on flat-topped Pinus nigra trees with a height of about 10.7 and dbh of about 133 cm. These above described birds are not yet found in the Moronica Park but they can populate it in the near future once it will be created required silence and dense vegetation and nesting conditions of growing understory and of broadleaved and shrubs vegetation. Habitat loss (Birdlife International 2006) and the alteration of the breeding habitat are the main causes of the decline of the cinereous vulture population (Heredia et al. 1996). According to the European action plan, the alteration is usually related to forestry operations, including afforestation with exotic species, tree-felling during the breeding season, undergrowth clearing, opening up of fire breaks, etc. Apart from the direct effect on the habitat, these activities cause disturbance to the breeding pairs and facilitate access to otherwise inaccessible areas. Also forest fires play a role (Heredia et al. 1996); for instance, one fire in 1992 in Andaluca destroyed eight nests containing young, as well as 21 empty breeding platforms (Andalus 1993). (Source: Management of Natura 2000 habitats, Sub-Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines) Butteflies: Target species: Pyrgus cinarae, Parnassius mnemosyne, P. apollo, Pieris ergane, Pseudophilotes vicrama, Scolitantides orion,Glaucopsyche alexis, Maculinea alcon, M. arion, Agriades dardanus, Polyommatus eroides, Polyommatus aroaniensis, Polyommatus nephohiptamenos, Coenonympha rhodopensis, Erebia medusa, E. melas, Hipparchia senthes, Pseudochazara orestes, Melitaea trivia. Bats
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Some woodland bats that prefer old-growth forest as they need hollow trees for roosting and/or hibernation, e.g. Barbatella barbastellus (barbastelle), Nyctalus lasiopterus (giant noctule) and N. leisleri (Lesser noctule), are present in black pine forests. Threats to these species are poorly understood, but their low population density and slow population growth make them vulnerable to the loss and fragmentation of ancient deciduous woodland habitat. The bats described may be present in the near future in the Moronica Park. Invertebtrates Graellsia isabellae has been frequently identified in black pine forests as a species that shows a high affinity to the (sub)-Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines. Other Snail (Helix aspersa spp), lizard(Lacertilia spp), weasel(Mustel spp), owl(Strigiformes spp), swallows(Hirundinidae spp), viper (Viperidae spp) , blackbirds (Turdus merula spp), turtles (Cryptodira spp). 3.3. Pests control Harmful insects include Rhyacionia buoliana (European black pine shoot moth), Sphaeropsis sapinea (tip blight) and Dothistroma septospora (a needle blight known as the red band disease). But the pine processionary caterpillars of the genus Thaumetopoea, is the most important insect pests of pine forest in the European Mediterranean countries. Defoliation caused by these insects weakens and reduces the growth of pines, and the hairs of the larvae can cause severe irritation to humans and animals. Outbreaks pose a considerable threat to young trees, which may be completely defoliated. For trees weakened by defoliation, death may be direct or more often indirect, following a secondary infestation by bark beetles. The damage is extremely serious. As an example, Thaumetopea spp. has affected about 16% of the pine forest in Albania, and in 1994 this pest spread to about 70.000 ha, with intensities of attack ranging from 5 to 95%. (Source: MANAGEMENT of Nature 2000 habitats: (Sub-) Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pine (2008). 3.3.1. Ecological services and benefits of the habitat 3.4. Protection against erosion Black pine forests play a protective role against erosion and torrential. They reduce soil erosion due to rain flow by a factor of up to 107 in comparison with bare terrain. 3.5.Threats 3.5.1. Forestry management incompatible with nature conservation Pine forest structure was affected by timber exploitation in the 19th century in that either its structure was simplified or regular and semi-regular structures dominated by one age class or irregular structures with no old specimens were created. In some cases this type of forest management led to soil degradation and encouraged the appearance in the undergrowth of more heliophilous scrubs and grasses. In other cases, short turns of cuttings taking into account species longevity resulted in forest fragmentation. Forest fragmentation and, in particular, isolation of the clusters prevents the necessary genetic interchange between different populations as the prop gules do not spread and the species colonization processes characteristic of these forests that might allow natural recovery of the relict formations do not come into play. One example of this isolation is the reduced genetic diversity of the relict population in comparison with other populations of this species (Climent et al. 2006). Unsuitable forestry management, including unsustainable cutting and total removal of dead trees, results in the decrease of biodiversity, risking the rarefaction of fauna and flora that is important in conservation terms
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(Bensettiti et al. 2001), while the abandonment of forestry practices can lead to an increase in biomass and the attendant increased risk of fire. Pinus nigra plays an important role in soil development on substrates that are difficult for plants to colonize, as in the case of dolomites. Under the environmental conditions in which these forests grow, soil processes are very slow. The presence of good soil conditions is crucial to ensuring sound forest regeneration and development. Some forestry treatments, such as clear cutting in steep slopes, can result in the loss or degradation of forest land, leading to regressive sequential stages and significantly reducing the pines potential` for growth and their regeneration capacity. 2.5.2. Fire Protection Program encompasses prevention measures, hazard identification and abatement: Fire prevention systems, including fire sprinklers, when properly installed and maintained, save lives and conserve natural objects. The nearby Erenik river and its water in the northern-eastern part of MP and existent access seems to be sufficient for protection in case of a fire. The important se elements to be considered in fire protection are: Prevention measures, hazard identification and abatementusually accomplished through building fire inspections whereby a trained individual inspects buildings for fire hazards and recommends abatement strategies. Fixed fire protection systemsthat both alert occupants of a fire so they can quickly escape and can suppress the fire, holding it in check, until competent firefighting forces arrive. Fire suppression system is a major improvement to visitor safety and resource protection. It provides protection not only to visitors and employees, but also to the historic structure itself and the artifacts inside the park. The MP needs to establish the fire protection and suppression system throughout its area and with special equipments installed within main active areas as: camping site, amphitheater, during promenade and other visitors sites using nearby Erenikus water supply. Preventing genetic pollution. The prime principle in reducing the risk of genetic pollution is to avoid planting black pines of unknown origin in the vicinity of native pinewoods, as intraspecific hybridisation is easy among different subspecies of black pines. This is particularly true for localized and fragmented subspecies, such as P. nigra laricio, and for subspecies that are particularly threatened, such as P. nigra salzmanii in France (Isajev et al. 2004). Reduction of genetic pollution should be addressed as follows (Bensettiti et al. 2001): progressively eliminate all introduced black pines - decide on native plants from which to obtain the propagation material - use this material to reconstitute habitat. The effects of creating gaps inside artificial stands of pine forest in order to encourage renaturalisation through colonisation by native species have been studied by Gugliotta et al. (2006), in the Southern Apennines. Pinus nigra seedling establishment was studied in small (380 m), medium (855 m) and large (1,520 m) gaps created in artificial Calabrian pine (Pinus laricio) stands (mean height 22 m). After three growing seasons, the initial results highlight that: a) Calabrian pine seedling density was higher in large gaps than in medium and small ones; silver fir seedlings appear after the second growing season in small and medium gaps; and b) seedling mortality of Calabrian pine was relevant in small and medium gaps. According to this study, it appears that the creation of small and medium gaps can encourage renaturalisation of artificial pine stands.

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2.5.3. Invasive alien species Pinewoods in Moronica Park are mixed by an exotic species: black locust(Robinia pseudoacacia) which should not be promoted to spread out and avoid MPs invasion. 2.6. Climate change effects Climate changes compounded with the exodus from the countryside are likely to diminish Mediterranean forest cover, which would be replaced by fire-prone shrub communities. This could be aggravated by outbreaks of pathogens, fires and other large-scale disturbances (Resco de Dios et al. 2007). For instance, rising temperatures are encouraging the upward spread of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Hodar et al. 2003).Its distribution area is rapidly changing in accordance with climate change because caterpillars develop during the winter and are sensitive to higher temperatures at that stage. In a recent study in Greece, experts from the Aegean University used a forest dynamics model, developed and parameterised for the climatic conditions and forest species of the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin to identify potential impacts of climate change on the structure of forest communities in the transition zone between Mediterranean and temperate climate. The results indicate that Pinus nigra forests tend to colonise areas at higher altitudes, disappearing from the lower ones only when fire frequency increases. At 900 m altitude the normal successional pathway is from P. nigra to Italian oak(Quercus frainetto) vegetation, and no significant change in the abundance and dynamics ofthese two species is forecast due to climate change without an increase in fire frequency, as both species are quite drought-tolerant. But when climatic change is followed by an increase in fire frequency, Q. frainetto seems to perform better as a result of its resprouting ability and greater heat requirements. At 1,300 m altitude, the number of P. nigra, normally replaced by Abies borisii-regis (Bulgarian fir) rises due to climate changes, in particular when there is also an increase in fires.(Sources: MANAGEMENT of Natura 2000 habitats: (Sub-) Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pine (2008). 2.7. Austrian pine bio-ecology(Pinus nigra, Arnold)

The dominant species of Mp is the Black pine or so called Austrian pine (Pinus nigra, Arnold). The black pine has the following bio-ecology: Overview of Austrian Pine: The Austrian pine is able to withstand many of the conditions, like pollution and salinity in the air that may make life for other urban trees harder. Latin Name: The species name for this pine tree is Pinus nigra. Common Names: Austrian pine, European black pine Preferred zones: This pine tree grows best in zones above 600 m on sea level Size & Shape of Austrian Pine: The tree will form in a pyramidal or oval shape while young and may become irregular as the tree ages. It will grow to be 40-60' tall and 20-40' wide. Exposure: Grow this tree in a location that receives full sun. Foliage/Flowers/Fruit of Austrian Pine: There are two needles in each fascicle. They are 2-6 long and dark green in color. <p>. The tree is mo noecious and the male and female flowers are both yellow to yellow-green. The female flowers may also come in a purple color. The brown cones are shaped like an egg and measure 2-3" long.

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Design Tips For Austrian Pine: Water regularly for the first year. After that period, this pine will have some resistance to drought. If you live in an urban area, you may want to consider one of these trees. They are able to handle salt in the air, as well as pollution and other problems found in the city atmosphere. Growing Tips: The Austrian pine is able to grow in many different types of soil, especially ones that can be considered difficult, like clay or sand. Maintenance/Pruning: As always, you can remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches on the tree. Otherwise, there should be little pruning involved in the upkeep of your tree unless you need to remove branches over a street or walkway. Austrian Pine form Features: Evergreen needles. Culture: Full sun; moist, well drained soils; tolerates dry sites, alkaline soils, salt. Cultivars: (P. nigra, var. austriaca) Mature Height: 40-60 Feet Size: Medium, Large Mature Form: Open, broad- spreading, with a flat top. Native To: Europe and Asia Soil Conditions: Dry, Moist, Well-Drained Bedrock: Limestone, Dolomitic-Limestone, Sedimentary, Tolerance: Alkaline Soil, Dry Sites, Salt, Wind Exposure/Light Requirements: Full Sun Uses: Screen, Specimen, Wind Break Foliage Color: Green Fall Foliage Color: Green Pests and Problems Environmental damage Drought Drowning and Edema Fungal disease Cankers on Pine (Botryosphaeria spp. and other canker fungi) Diplopia Tip Blight & Canker (Diplodia pinea (Sphaeropsis sapinea)) Dothistroma Needle Blight (Dothistroma septospora) Lophodermium Needle Cast (Lophodermium sp.) Sooty Mold (Numerous genus and species) Wood Rots and Decays (Many genus and species involved) Insect damage Processionary moth (Thaumatopoea pityocampa-Schiff) Pine Needle Scale (Phenacaspis pinifoliae) Pine Root Collar Weevil (Hylobius radicis) Pine Sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei) Zimmerman Pine Moth (Dioryctria zimmermani) 2.8. Diagnostic introduction for Thaumetopoea pityocampa

Thaumetopoea pityocampa is a pest of Pinus, Cedrus and Larix.The caterpillars cause severe damage to pine plantations, especially in warm districts and low altitudes. Young pine plantations are the most susceptible, and may be completely destroyed if the attack is severe enough. Less severe larval feeding damage can pave the way
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for harmful secondary pests and pathogens. Mature trees may suffer reductions in growth but are rarely killed outright by the pest. The hosts vary in their susceptibility to attack. In order of pest preference, the hosts include the genus Pinus (Pinus nigra var. austriaca, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra var. laricio, Pinus pinea, Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster, Pinus canariensis), followed by Cedrus atlantica and finally Larix decidua. (Source: http://www.phytosanitary.info/content/diagnostic-protocols-regulated-pests-thaumetopoea-pityocampa). Conservation management The Worlds Union for Conservation of Nature is the international organization working on protected areas and landscapes management and produces guidelines for their sustainable management being recognized from almost all over World countries. IUCN Categories of Protected Areas Management Ia. Strict Nature Reserve Ib Wilderness Area II National Park (ecosystem protection; protection of cultural values) III Natural Monument IV Habitat/Species Management V Protected Landscape/Seascape VI Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources 1. Categories I: (Ia and Ib) Strict Nature Reserve and Wilderness Areas: Sacred/forbidden or otherwise no-use groves, lakes, springs, mountains, islands and so on with prohibition on uses except in very particular occasions, such as a once-a-year ceremony, once-a-year collective hunting or fishing strictly regulated by the community. 2. Category II: National Park: Watershed forests above villages, community declared wildlife sanctuaries (at times also for ecotourism use). 3. Category III: Natural Monument: Natural monuments (caves, waterfalls, cliffs, rocks) that are protected by communities for religious, cultural or other reasons. 4. Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area: Heronries and other village tanks, turtle nesting sites, community managed wildlife corridors and riparian vegetation areas. 5. Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape: Traditional grounds of pastoral communities/ mobile peoples, including rangelands, water points and forest patches; sacred and cultural landscapes and seascapes, collectively managed river basins. Such natural & cultural ecosystems have multiple land/water uses integrated into each other, and given a context by the overall sacred/ cultural/ productive nature of the ecosystem; they include areas with high agricultural biodiversity. 6. Category VI: Managed Resource Protected Area: Resource reserves (forests, grasslands, waterways, coastal and marine stretches, including wildlife habitats) under restricted use and communal rules that assure sustainable harvesting through time. Moronica Nature Park belongs to the V-th category (Protected Landscape). 3. Legal provisions

LAW NO. 03/L-233: "Nature Conservation", September, 30, 2010; Article 19

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Protected areas 1. National Park with the law declared by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo. 2. Strict Reserve particular area - SPZ and ZVR, nature park and monument of nature with special significance are declared by Government of the Republic of Kosovo. 3. Nature Monument, protected landscape and architecture monument park, are declared bythe Municipal Assembly whose territory is, with the prior consent of the Ministry. 4. Protected areas in paragraph 3. of this section which lie in two (2) or more Municipalities has to be declaredby the proposal of the Ministry of Government. 5. If protection from paragraph 3, proposed by the Ministry, and the Municipal Assembly within three months of receipt of the proposal does not obtain protection act, it declared nature value of Government. Additional Notes A widely planted tree, but use is somewhat limited by its susceptibility to disease and insects. 4. Site protection and conservation measures

Conservation Management.The parks development plan will strengthen the management of the terrestrial resources of MP by undertaking a capacity-building program for park staff, implementation of a zoning system and implementing a series of regulations adapted for each zone (see zoning map). The project will also strengthen the enforcement of these regulations by initiating a skills development program for enforcement personnel, and investing in support equipment (e.g, radios, etc). The current priority is clearly to halt the destructive activities, falling trees etc. in and around MP areas, although the enforcement of terrestrial resource use regulations will also need to be addressed, to stop the poaching of game and the destruction of the mangrove habitats in the park. 4.5. Buffer zone of MP Designated for additional protection of a conservation area Description The Moronica Parks area of ca 40 ha of which ca 21.1 ha is the buffer zone. The buffer zone is composed of various vegetation mostly of broadleaved and it is also dense with various vegetation, as of black pine ( P.nigra, Arnold), Quercus species, Chestnut (Castanea sativa, L.). Hornbeam, fraxinus and other shrub species and herbaceous as described above. The buffer zone as agreed will have to be managed with the same criteria as those described for Moronica Nature Park. Buffer zones are areas created to enhance the protection of a conservation area, often peripheral to it, inside or outside. Within Buffer zones, certain legal and/or customary restrictions are placed upon resource use and/or is managed to reduce the negative impacts of restrictions on the neighboring communities. A buffer zone can also be one of the protected area categories (e.g. category V or VI of IUCN Protected Area) or a classification scheme (e.g.Natura 2000) depending on the conservation objective. The term buffer zone gained international prominence mainly through UNESCOs Man and Biosphere Program in 1979. Subsequently, the objectives of the buffer zone approach evolved from a solely geographically delineated area with resource use restrictions to incorporation of development activities particularly by the Integrated Conservation and Development Projects (ICDPs) in 1980s. Several buffer zone definitions have been proposed since then emphasizing either conservation or both conservation and development objectives. Buffer zones are an important part of conservation strategies for a wide variety of sites of biodiversity importance, in particular for World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and IUCN Protected areas categories.
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Criteria A variety of spatial patterns and arrangements for buffer zones exist, all following the same principle, but applied under completely different conditions (ecological, political, economic, etc). Hence, a wide diversity can be observed in the criteria for their creation and management. There are five aspects that are commonly considered in their creation. These are: Size: determined based on factors such as the objectives for creation of buffer zone, availability of land, traditional land use systems, threats and opportunities. Ecology: buffer zones vary depending on their focus on the landscape, habitat and/or species conservation, each of which demands a different approach for their creation. Economy: this involves appraisals such as cost-benefit analysis, time frame and discount rate, to assess economic viability of establishing a buffer zone. Legislation: several international treaties and conventions (e.g. Convention on Biological Diversity, World Heritage Convention) and national level guidelines for protected areas (e.g. Nepal) recommend creation of buffer zones. Social and institutional: creation of buffer zones also involves consideration of issues such as traditional rights of local communities, type of development activities to minimize negative impacts of conservation, local organizations to manage buffer zones and land tenure. Management There are various approaches in buffer zone management depending on the type and objectives of the conservation area for which it is created. For instance, activities in the buffer zones around some protected areas or World Heritage Sites are recommended to be regulated so as to protect the core zone. In the Biosphere Reserves and ICDPs, socio-economic developments of local communities play a crucial role. A buffer zone can also be managed as an area for research to develop approaches for sustainable use of resources, for ecosystem restoration, education and training, as well as carefully designed tourism and recreation activities. The degree of legal protection to buffer zone varies. At present, only in a few countries do the protected area management authorities have the legal authority, jurisdiction and mandate to establish and manage buffer zones. In most cases
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where the buffer zones are outside the protected area, they fall under the institutional control and jurisdiction of authorities other than those responsible for management of the protected area.(Source: http://www.biodiversityaz.org/areas/10). Biodiversity Buffer zones are not sites of biodiversity conservation themselves, but their establishment provides an additional layer of protection to existing areas of biodiversity importance, and they are often fundamental to achieving conservation of those areas. In the MP buffer area there is dense vegetation of pine and broadleaved forest species and especially in the northern part of it. This allows the core black pine area to gradually turn into a mixed forest stand and multi-species area. Socio-cultural Buffer zones are important areas for traditional practices, cultural values, rights and involvement of local/indigenous communities in protection, use and management around protected areas. For instance, among different approaches of buffer zone creation, the Social buffer zone uses the culture and sense of identity of indigenous or other population groups, and local organizations, to form a barrier, control and monitoring system between a conservation area and its surroundings. Table 2: Conservation Management Impacts and Mitigation Measure PROJECT ELEMENT 1. Conservation management Sub-components: 1.1.Develop capacity building for park staff 1.2.Rehabilitation and species management 1.2.Research to support conservation management 1.3.Implementation of zonation system and resource use regulations 1.4.Strengthen enforcement regime Impacts or Risks Responses or Mitigation Measures Positive Impacts: Responses: - local communities see wisdom of - local communities willing to adapt improved natural resource their resource use patterns to management to achieve conform conservation objectives, and to park conservation management recognize advantages to them objectives/programs, in line with - effective zoning enforcement zoning system -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------Negative Impacts: Mitigation measures: - enforcement negatively perceived - set clear rules of engagement for by local communities with enforcement, base training on them, consequent loss of support for the and follow them rigorously, link project enforcement to stakeholder - difficulties in developing and consultations and grievance obtaining new legal tools impedes procedures effective enforcement - continuous monitoring and - inadequate enforcement outside evaluation of resources and resource the use will be an important part of the park will lead to increasing projects adaptive management pressures approach in addressing new risks to over the parks resources biodiversity - new threats to MPs biodiversity - all major construction will be emerge and prevention measures subject to public opinion and programmes should be taken (EIA) process for identification of permanently; impacts and suitable mitigation or management plans to address impacts minor research or management installations will be undertaken conforming to the park
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management plan, and accepted best practice for park design and construction. 5.3. Public educationkey to informing people about fire hazards, how to avoid them and what to do when a fire does occur. 5.3.1. Collaborative management and ongoing consultation. The objective of establishing collaborative management in MP is improving the effectiveness of park management through the adoption of a collaborative management approach, involving all key stakeholder groups. A collaborative management approach will be developed for MP, based on a combination of mechanisms, agreements, and institutions to foster effective partnerships between key stakeholder groups. This will include: (i) Collaborating of interested stakeholders to run local nature tourism in the park, (ii) a collaborative management agreement between them and local government to define the responsibilities for park management; and (iii) a series of communication mechanisms to involve local community and private sector stakeholders. An independent and transparent grievance mechanism will be set up to address complaints that cannot be resolved through the regular communication and coordination mechanisms, and an awareness-raising program will encourage the collaboration of local communities in promoting conservation messages and undertaking on-theground conservation activities 5.3.2. Community Consultations The effectiveness of many of the proposed activities to achieve the MP management objectives will depend upon cooperation and active participation of MP surroundings community residents. The MP management team will build on an extensive experience in community consultation. To ensure that the community awareness programscould facilitate the parks maintenance and long-term management. The management team should build and follow up the regular and permanent public consultations and synergy with local environmental NGOs and interested stakeholders for a better and sustainable management of Moronica Park. 5. Tourism management and sustainable financing Tourism Management and Sustainable Financing. The study will establish appropriate roles and responsibilities for park authorities, local communities, private sector operators and other relevant bodies in the pursuit of coordinated and sustainable management. The proposal will involve the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for MP and some improvements in the tourism facilities and services available in the park. The study will also carry out studies to determine the carrying capacity of MP for a range of tourism activities and resource uses, and will establish impact mitigation plans and guidelines for tourism development in the buffer zone. The study will develop the MP zoning divided into distinguished zones for: recreation, picnicking, amphitheater, pedestrian areas etc. The sustainable financing strategy will include implementation of a park entrance fee system, therefore a gate fee per person and supplements these with a conservation fee and other fees for selected activities. A large share of this revenue will be retained for direct support to park initiatives such as enforcement, zoning, monitoring, and staff training. The study will negotiate revenue-sharing terms of the gate fee with the district, municipal government in the context of the emerging decentralization policies, to channel a proportion of park revenue to local development initiatives.

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3.2. Land Ownership. All the Moronicas Parks areas land ownership belongs to the Junik Municipality and both public and private ownership of buffer zone.

3.3. Financial Framework Incentives for Sustainable Management. This component will involve the following elements: (i) research and development into the sustainable use of nature park through alternative management approaches; (ii) a small grant fund to address urgent community-defined welfare needs; and (iii)support for sustainable enterprise development by local community members, through the provision of technical assistance. This fund will be administered locally by a the Directorate of Urban Development, which will review funding proposals from MPs management team within the park and buffer zone. Avoiding Involuntary Resettlement The parks development plan should avoid the involuntary resettlement as defined under the MP management Guidelines. Traditional, sustainable resource harvesting will not be allowed and apply nature conservation traditional zone use. Physical relocation from communities inside the Park will only be encouraged by positive incentives. Community Awareness The MP management staff will continue the awareness raising activities based on park management program for communicating conservation measures to the local communities. Young people and environmental NGOs should be included to assist in socio-cultural-economic base-line surveys, and assisting with awareness rising. Stakeholder Consultations Mechanisms will build on the successful on-going consultations organized by the MP and will focus on two groups (i) communities in and around the park, and (ii) locally-based tourism operators. Locally the activities should be allowed through the existing and effective community-based communication and decision-making the
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Local Government, Assembly. The parks management should pay particular attention to organizing stakeholders to represent themselves at meetings of this organization and will identify steps needed to ensure the forum provides effective inputs for collaborative management. Grievance Mechanisms This is the work through stakeholder consultation mechanisms to identify and try to resolve any emerging points of contention or conflict. This is considered a high priority. Where consultation alone fails, an independent mediation process will be developed and implemented and made available to stakeholders. Formal local and national organizations will be engaged where and when appropriate. Emphasis will at all times be on transparency, accountability, and a responsive case by case basis that takes a special account of equity issues and the ability of complainants to access and use the process. Capacity Strengthening It is essential for the parks capacity strengthening to rapidly extend park management capabilities. A strategy to achieve staff capacity building will involve the following initiatives: assessing staff needs of the MP, reviewing the current staff and assessing their ability and willingness to be retrained to fit their new and expanded roles; retraining, recruitment and repositioning of staff, as necessary; and developing a personnel management system, including staff incentive programs and merit based career structure. Tourism Development of Mitigation Plans and Guidelines Mitigation plans will be drawn up in consultation with tourism operators in the area and based on clear management objectives for tourism zones of the MP, to mitigate any adverse effects of tourism. The plans will cover various aspects: Performance bonds to cover repair, etc.; Licensing system to deal with commercial operators; Managing recreational activities; Managing trekking and hiking. Carrying Capacity Studies It is considered essential for rigorous studies or in-depth assessments to continue to assess the carrying capacity of various natural resource uses in the park, and the carrying capacity of tourist visitors and activities in particular. Any permitted use within the park will be subject to carrying capacity studies and assessment. Construction of Buildings, Facilities and Miscellaneous Land Based Structures It is intended to construct a range of specific facilities in the MP. Some, such as the research center, hatchery and tourist visitor center and facilities, will be major one-off projects. Others, such as trails, signage, bridges, culverts, will be minor and ongoing. These smaller elements will at all times conform to international best practice in park design, planning, construction and maintenance. Manuals from acknowledged centers of nature conservation should be used, and where necessary modified to meet unique conditions in MP. All construction will be subject to the Parks Management Plan procedures and criteria for the identification of impacts and a suitable mitigation or management plan to address negative impacts.
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All buildings and other facilities will meet MP management policies and guidelines. The process will address such issues as: Location and sitting; Site preparation and designation of material set-down areas and storage areas; Transport and access to and from the sites, for construction materials and construction workforce, and visitors and users; Procedures to quarantine materials to prevent unintentional introduction of pests with imported construction materials; Acceptable operation of equipment during construction and operation phases (noise levels, air emissions, hours of operation, safety procedures, storage of hazardous materials); Liquid effluent treatment and disposal; Appropriate architectural design and appearance of structures, with particular attention to visual integration in the landscape-seascape; Control and treatment of surface run-off, particularly vehicle hard-stand and machine storage areas; Collection of all solid waste on a continuous and systematic basis, and disposal outside the MP and buffer zone, at authorized and managed solid waste disposal sites; Ongoing maintenance provisions to ensure structures are secure, meet specified safety standards, and are visually tidy. Table 3: Collaborative Management - Impacts and Mitigation Measures PROJECT ELEMENT 1. Collaborative management Project Sub-components: Additional collaborative and communication mechanisms involving public sector bodies, local community, and private sector stakeholders Impacts or Risks Positive impacts: - promote Moronica Park as local nature-based, environmentally sound tourism destination - application of commercial management operations to harness fee-paying visitors and ecotourists - implement a self-financing plan for park management through user fees - professional and technical capacity of park staff strengthened through training programs - stimulate development of an environmentally sustainable local economy - involved stakeholders Responses or Mitigation Measures Responses: - increase in services to meet international visitor demands - ensure best business management practices are adopted and seek to continually improve and innovate - monitor and manage according to changing fiscal conditions, and through financing training workshops - encourage and facilitate business development in the surrounding area based on sustainable resourceuse principles - build on the development of good will
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perceive their collaboration as worthwhile, with benefits (social, economic, environmental) outweighing the costs (i.e. time and money) Negative impacts: - risks associated with negotiation difficulties with divergent parties may jeopardize progress - achieving workability of collaborative management structure may prove difficult - internal weaknesses in the collaborative management structure allow poor performance and continued over-exploitation of natural resources - risk of resistance from local power groups or stakeholder interests - stakeholders not included directly and without a voice to promote their concerns and interests

and promote a constructive approach amongst wider stakeholders

Mitigation measures: - implement carefully designed external controls including regular auditing and the collaborative management agreement and monitoring by third parties against performance standards - establish a robust system of internal controls and accountabilities, and maintain staff of adequately trained professionals - collaborative management structure subject to regular monitoring and evaluation by third parties

Table 4: Tourism Management and Sustainable Financing Impacts and Mitigation Measures STUDY ELEMENTS 3. Tourism Impacts or Risks Management and Sustainable Financing SubPositive Impacts: components: - local and regional tourism service providers agree on priority needs capacity and work together to fulfill them studies - major barriers to tourism development in the MP region are of reduced, including difficulties in mitigation access (e.g. regular and reliable air Responses or Mitigation Measures

Responses: - additional investment attracted to To provide for increased visitor levels - increase in ancillary tourism support services in the local region (e.g. accommodation, food, transport) - additional tourism destinations and attractions develop in surrounding
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plans and guidelines financial sustainability Sustainable Livelihoods alternative livelihoods development grants microenterprise development

services) - as political stability in region consolidates, MP is increasingly perceived as safe and desirable by high-end tourists ----------------------------------------------Negative Impacts: - visitation levels do not achieve predicted levels in the specified time periods - tourism revenues prove inadequate due to security issues, inadequate facilities/service - excessive tourism demand leads to environmentally unsustainable visitation levels, increased pressures on (local) marine resources for consumption and potential degradation of resources, sites and park facilities

region (e.g. caves, cultural, resorts, etc) to strengthen the region in the international tourism market - economic multiplier from tourism benefits the region ------------------------------------------------Mitigation Measures: - increased marketing effort in line with adopted tourism strategy to raise profile of destination and attractions - tourism marketing strategy will highlight relative safety, and project will concentrate on upgrading visitor facilities and services in the park - any voluntary resettlement should be led by local government. - Plan will support local governments plans to improve economic infrastructure, which in turn will make the area more attractive to visitors/tourists,

Monitoring and evaluation indicators 8.1. Basics of Monitoring Program Monitoring programs are particularly important to assess the conditions, conservation status and effects of activities or interventions carried out on pine forests. The main attributes to be monitored are: Habitat extent Vegetation structure: cover of characteristic and associated species, including bryophytes and lichens Vegetation composition: frequency of characteristic and associated species Presence and amount of dead wood

The collection and demarcation of habitat type can take place in the context of a site inspection on a scale of 1:10,000. Dissolution accuracy should be at least 0.1 ha). Habitat monitoring can be carried out using the BraunBlanquet phytosociological methods in sampling areas of 400 m2.Monitoring programs should accompany the control measures in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures used and eventually to re-balance the interventions to be carried out in the following years. Systematic monitoring of pine processionary caterpillar should be is carried out using pheromone traps and counting the number of males caught to reveal patterns of adult appearance, flight period and an indication of adult population level. This is complemented by field observations and sampling. Monitoring programs are particularly important to assess the conditions, conservation status and effects of activities or interventions carried out on pine forests. 8.3. The Parks Inventory & Monitoring (I&M)

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At Nature Parks across the country, the Inventory & Monitoring Program is dedicated to providing managers with the information they need to make sound, science based decisions that will help support the Nature Park Service mission of preserving the resources of Kosovos most special and treasured places for future generations. The Inventory &Monitoring Program is designed, and has to be strictly applied with the purpose of providing park managers with a broad-based understanding about the status and trends of parks site biodiversity and overall species and natural amenities to be used in management decision-making, working with other agencies, and communicating with the public. The I&M program implementation has to collect, analyze, synthesize, and supply park managers with reliable scientic information about key park resources, known as vital signs. Vital signs are a subset of physical, chemical, and biological elements and processes of park ecosystems that are selected to represent the overall health or condition of park resources, known or hypothesized eects of stressors, or elements that have important human values. The primary goals of the I&M Program are to: Inventory Parks biodiversity and overall vegetation to determine their nature and status. points for comparison with other environments. System that transcends traditional program, activity, and funding boundaries. ource inventory and monitoring information into Park planning, management, and decision-making. management accomplishments and information with other natural resource organizations and form partnerships for attaining common goals and objectives. Tab. 5. Monitoring parameters indicators Parameter Process - Method Frequency Analysis, evaluation and presentation of elements and information Tables and ombrothermic diagrams Tables Comments

Climate Temperature Precipitations Ground General Description Natural attributes Chemical attributes Vegetation Trees Bushy Grass Mushrooms

Min - Max

Monthly

Weight, Humidity, Structure Determination C, , and pH Complete recording (Braun Blanquet) and photographing Taxonomic

Annually

April - May and July - August September November and May - June

Comparative presentation, tables, Photographs

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Fauna Vertebrates Invertebrates Damage Biotic Abiotic Total evaluation, Estimate of Dynamics of Ecosystem

Complete recording

Annually

Tables taxonomic

Complete recording

Annually

Evaluation of size of damage Presentation of characteristic parameters that is changed

Recording, Estimate of succession

Annually

8.4. Parameters (indicators) to be measured This program is an integrated and adaptive monitoring program that aims to inform Moronicas Park of its management effectiveness by learning to read the signs of the environmental health of parks at a local. It will be developed across all habitat types and multiple geographic locations and is proposed to roll-out in the near future (Moronica Parks, Environmental Study, 2013). The program is likely to involve three types of indicators: environmental, threat and efficiency indicators (see Tab. 5). The monitoring program primarily is concerned with the first two of these as the third is related to management activities and is beyond the scope of this report. The third type of indicator will be discussed in the latest State of the Parks Report ( Moronica Parks, Environmental Study, 2013). However those considered in this report include measurements of selected species extent, species number (diversity), number of individuals of selected species, size of individuals of selected species, rates of recruitment of new individuals into a population or interactions between selected species in park vegetation communities. These indicators will be primarily used for comparison with reference areas to measure the performance of the Nature Protected Area in meeting its objectives. They also have the potential to be used as response indicators to specific threats such as introduced pines pests, impacts from outfalls or catchment-derived pollutants. Further details of the specific parameters measured will be discussed in the sections of this report detailing each individual monitoring approach. 8.5. Annual Monitoring Report State of the Nature Park Report. The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) assesses the extent to which policies are being successfully implemented, monitors the timetable for the preparation of the Local Development Framework, and identifies areas where new or revised policies or Supplementary Planning Documents may be required. Monitoring provisions The Monitoring Provisions involve a comprehensive monitoring program in order to be able to assess program performance, and to determine whether program objectives are being met. The latter includes particular need to identify adverse or negative performance, especially that affecting stakeholders and the community, so that corrective measures can be taken rapidly. It is important that all physical and socio-economic aspects of the MP, buffer zones and wider region are understood through the life of the park. Base-line information will be an important input to the design of
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monitoring needs. Effective monitoring will focus on the collection of data that will contribute to the ongoing decision making process regarding the physical condition and socio-economic issues of the area. The criteria for selecting specific indicators to address the evaluation aspects include the following: Significance it can detect a change in the conditions that would disrupt either the social or physical system in which the park management program is operating, and which would cause a negative outcome for the program objectives; Quantitative quantitative measures are preferred over qualitative; Easily measurable the indicator can be measured by field personnel relatively easily using simple methods, or is available from existing and accessible information; Relevant to concerns the indicator genuinely reflects the concern being tracked; Sensitivity the indicator allows easy detection of changes in conditions that occur in the monitoring timeframe/intervals; Reliability monitoring of the indicator can be carried out in the same way during each monitoring cycle; Responsive to management actions the indicator can detect a change in conditions resulting from management actions; and Cost effective it does not require excessive expenditure on equipment or staff time Key Questions for Monitoring and Evaluation In this context, the main functions of the monitoring and evaluation plan are to promote adaptive management, improve project planning, and promote accountability. Correspondingly, a wide range of survey and monitoring questions will be addressed. The social and environmental indicators will feed back into the adaptive management process on an annual basis. This will ensure that outcomes are compared to project objectives and necessary changes are made in future decisions. Monitoring Question Is the collaborative management structure (CMS) effective? What changes are occurring to overall environmental determinants? Has the MP resource management been strengthened? What changes have occurred in socio-economic dynamics in and around the MP? Have alternative livelihood strategies been developed and are they successful? Have the legislation changes been concluded, and has enforcement been strengthened? Is the long-term conservation strategy being implemented as planned? What is the overall achievement of the Management Plan? What changes in the terrestrial animal populations are occurring? What changes in vegetation are occurring? Are mangrove habitats stable and protected? Table 6: Monitoring and EvaluationImpacts and Mitigation Measures Monitoring and Evaluation Impacts or Risks Responses or Mitigation Measures

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Development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation plan

Biological and resource use monitoring

Collaborative management monitoring and evaluation

Responses: - confidence in the collaborative management initiative - sponsoring institutions assured of - monitoring programs conduct of the operations of park produce a reliable information management, joint venture, tourism base concerning all aspects of concession, etc - scientific credibility of natural park management, all resource management, and biodiversity and habitat programs being undertaken, conservation and the operations of the programs undertaken is tourism established -------------------------------------------- biological monitoring enables sound natural resource Mitigation Measures: - a high priority will be given to management, and rigorous monitoring, including assists in decisions concerning constant assessment of adequacy and natural innovation - rigorous protocols and procedures resource and site carrying for capacity information gathering, storage, archiving and retrieval will be Negative Impacts: addressed on an ongoing basis Positive Impacts: - potential for insufficient or inadequate monitoring - poor record keeping and information

Reporting and Certification

9. Flora and Fauna of Junik Municipality Proximity to nature has made it possible Junik be rich in terms of biodiversity. Biodiversity reflects the diversity of living things depending on which area developed. This concept also encompasses the diversity within species, between species and between ecosystems (wider elaboration is made in chapter biodiversity).

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In the area of Juniku relict species of fauna and flora including native herbaceous species endemic high value scientific and pharmaceutical. Due to the especially developed fauna of many bird species present, Mountains erected as evidenced in international lists as IBA (Important Bird Area) 22 and the Red Book of Europe. Types of flora: Studies in this area have identified these types of flora that are and / or should be included in international lists to be protected. It is worth mentioning: the tree species native forest, beech and fir (which grow up mbidetare1300-1500 m), white fir is Arrneni roam and Relic (increases in Gjeravica), Pinetum mugo (krleka) that plays a role in importance in maintaining soil erosion increases up to 2000 m in altitude oak and chestnut forests dominate on 300-900 m. Present Acer are Intermedium (Pafti of Hirkanis), Acer tataricum ( uleza), Ostrya carpinifolia (mlleza) and other types of mountain maple, wild pear, cherry, hazelnut, cornel, hawthorn, and many herbaceous plants. Strictly in defense are: Macedonian pine (Pinus peuche, Gris), Bosnian Pine(Pinus heldreichii_Christ), Mugo pine or mountain pine Pinus mugo/var. Mughus, Turra), Gentiana (G. lutea) etc. In general, all the flora and vegetation of the mountains Junikut is at risk of destruction and disappearance, so the Municipality has taken measures to prevent the negative phenomena caused from anthropogenic factor. Stopping the illegal cutting of forests, preventing accidental burns are some measures. Balkan endemic herbaceous species with scientific and pharmaceuticals, which are found in Gjeravica: karabenis Draba (draba Korab) in danger of extinction, Cerastinum dinarcicum (cerasti Dinaric) at risk of complete extinction; Macedonicum Sempervivum (Macedonian burgulli) Lilium albanicum (Albanian lily), Rumex balcanicus (Balkan sorrel), Gentiana lutea (sanza) etc.

Gentiana lutea Macedonicum Sempervivum (Great Yellow Gentian) (Macedonian burgulli)

Wulfenia baldaccii, an endemic species

Lilium allbanicum

Burgulli Macedonians found in the European Red List, UNESCO (1991) due to the risk of extinction. Types of fauna characteristic Junikut Mountains are: types of amphibian species, reptiles, birds and mammals. There is registered in the Red Book also the largest wild crows (Tetrao urogallus), which is rare because it is very sensitive to noise and human presence and lives in Gjeravica. Then Hazel Grouse (Bonas bonasia), is present in Junikut Mountains, bird of prey family Accipitridae, with some types of dangling her but with Mountain Eagle (Aquila chrysetos type) which has a strong body and a stylish and flight size of 76-89 cm, which lives in high mountains and steep cliffs in Junikut Mountains. In the territory of the Cursed Mountains, mammals live brown bear who threatened the existence (it is sensitive to noise sawmills, human presence, forest cutting, etc.). In danger of extinction threatens the Lynx (Lynx lynx L) because it is sensitive to noise and human presence. Decreasing are in roe deer and chamois, wild cat etc..

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Ancient forests around Gjeravica/eravica

Gjeravica eravica, Bjeshket e Namuna eastern face (2,656 m=(8,714 ft) (Accursed mountainms/Projletije)

Documents consulted: General environmental legislation: Law n.02/L-18 of 23.03.2005 on Nature Conservation; Law n.03/L-025 of 26.02.2009 on Environmental Protection; Law No. 04/L-086 of 13.12.2012 on National Park Bjeshkt e Namuna. Municipal documentation/studies: The current Spatial Development Plans Junik Municipal Development Plan; Junik Urban Development Plan; Moronica Park CIP Project Proposal; Local Environmental Action Plan for Junik (LEAP) Moronica Nature Park, View of Existing Situation of the Entrance, Study on Bjeshkt e Namuna (Accursed Mountains/Prokletije) IUCN: Guidelines for Protected Areas Management Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity, 2011-2020 Kosovo Biodiversity Assessment Report, 2009 MESP/INEPP: Group of authors: Study on Bjeshket e Namuna (Accursed mountains/Prokletije), Prishtin, 2003 Co-authors: A. Nikolovski, A. Mehmeti, H.Shabanaj: Regional workshop on implementation of phytosanitary standards in forestry, Sarajevo, 15-18 April, 2013; MANAGEMENT of Natura 2000 habitats(Sub-)Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines 9530; Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; Group of authors (1985): Study on the reasonableness of the declaration of a portion of the Cursed Mountains in the Municipality of Peja National Park, Regional Office for the Protection of Nature, Prishtina. Group of authors (1984): Social Rationale for the Announcement of the Rugova Gorge as Natural Monument, Institute for the Protection of Nature, Prishtina. Millaku, F. (1999): Subalpine Flora of Albanian Alps (Kosovo), Doctoral dissertation, University of Prishtina, Prishtina. Rexhepi, F. (1986): Flora of the high mountains of Kosovo, ETMMK, Prishtina.
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 Rexhepi, F. (1994): Vegetation of Kosovo (1), Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Prishtina. Zeneli, L. (1975): Balkan endemic flora of the Alps Mountains, Regional Office for the Protection of Nature, Prishtina. Demiri, M. :Excursionist Flora of Albania, Tiran(1983); Bego, F, Co-authors, National Strategy on Biodiversity and Action Plan on Biodiversity (SBAP), Tirana, 2000. Metaj, M., Kola, H., Study of Northern Albania Natural Resources and Biodiversity , GIZ/UNEP, Tiran, 2005; DGFP/DPA/MoEFWA. 2001. Emerald Study, Tirana. IBR. 1995. Study on Albanian Biotops, Tirana. IGS. 2003. Geological Study and Mapping, Instititute of Geological Research, Tirana. IUCN. 1995. The mountains of Central and Eastern Europe. IUCN/WCPA: Protected Araes and NPs Management Guidelines; CGS. 2004. Geographical Atlas of Albania, Centre for Geographic Studies, Tirana. Coordinate system As the basis for mapping, the use of aerial photographs taken no more than 5 years previously is recommended.(ETRS_1989_Kosovo_Grid) ETRS_1989_Kosovo_Grid, WKID: 102157 Authority: ESRI Projection: Gauss Kruger False Easting: 7500000.0 False Northing: 0.0 Central Meridian: 21.0 Scale Factor: 0.9999 Latitude Of Origin: 0.0 Linear Unit: Meter (1.0) Geographic Coordinate System: GCS_ETRS_1989 Angular Unit: Degree (0.0174532925199433) Prime Meridian: Greenwich (0.0) Datum: D_ETRS_1989 Spheroid: GRS_1980 Semi major Axis: 6378137.0 Semi minor Axis: 6356752.314140356 Inverse Flattening: 298.257222101 Prepared by: Mehmet Metaj, Consultant,

Address: AlbaForest, Rruga: "Lidhja e Prizrenit" Pal. 7, 2nd Floor, Ap. 1/1, P.O.Box. 1544, Tirana, Albania Tel/fax: + 355-0-44533280 Mobile: 0682092008 www.albaforest.com albaforest@gmail.com mehmet.metaj@yahoo.com Skype: metaj.mehmet
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