Sustainable Rural Development Model Project in the Carpathians

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Background information

The Carpathian Convention has identified strategic priorities for the protection and sustainable development of the Carpathians with a view to inter alia improving quality of life, strengthening local economies and communities, and conserving natural values and cultural heritage.

The Carpathian countries, mostly being new EU member states or candidate countries, have been and will highly focus on the common market of the European Union, resulting in significant changes in rural landscapes and land use patterns. The preservation of rural economy can only be ensured by the creation of a competitive regional environment, through an integrated and multi-sectoral approach, taking into account natural and cultural values, as well as socio-

economic factors. Increased service-based industries, viable local market and competitive local economy are crucial to the sustainable use of the rich heritage in the Carpathians, in line with the Convention of Biological Diversity and its relevant guidelines and work programs (e.g. on mountain areas, tourism and biodiversity, forests).

Wild life - some species of the region’s flora and fauna

Plants:

• Oak (Quercus robur, Quercus petreae),
• Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus),
• Beech tree (Fagus sylvaticus),
• Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica),
• Trolius europeus,
• Bug Orchis (Orchis coriophora),
• Burnt Orchid (Orchis ustulata),
• Marsh Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe),
• Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea).

Birds:

• Black Stork (Ciconia nigra),
• White Stork (Ciconia ciconia),
• Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina),
• Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus),
• Corncrake (Crex crex),
• Ural Owl (Strix uralensis),
• Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus),
• Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius),
• Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus),
• Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius),
• Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio),
• Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor),
• Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria).

Mammals:

• Wolf (Canis lupus),
• Brown Bear (Ursus arctos),
• Wild Boar (Sus scrofa),
• Red Deer (Cervus elaphus),
• Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus),
• Wildcat (Felis sylvestris),
• Badger (Meles meles),
• Rabbit (Lepus europeus),
• Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes),
• Edible Dormouse (Myoxus glis),
• Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius),
• Stone Marten (Martes foina),
• Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor),
• Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).