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Unfortunately, the states often lacks the means of overcoming the degradation of the natural capital; hence they rely on strong support from all stakeholders involved in the management of the existing resources. Here is where the partners of X-PARC came to join efforts and contribute to finding effective solutions.

The X-PARC project is about to develop a structure capable to offer support to stakeholders involved in nature preservation and sustainable management of natural resources, such as protected area administrators, NGO`s, public authorities, companies, and the inhabitants of the CrisulAlb/Fehér-Körös and the Mures/Maros river basins.

The project is divided in two-phases. As a first step, the infrastructure needed for the ‘Cross-Border Protected Areas Resource Centre’ (X-PARC) will be put in place. Then, various services, in the field of consultancy, support, promotion, dissemination and eco-education will be developed. The X-PARC facilities will be set up in 3 locations, having complementary responsibilities. Main coordination, technical expertise for nature preservation, as well as communication and development activities will be provided from Arad; In Gyula, several educational and promotional activities will be set up. The Békéscsaba X-PARC is set out to provide technical expertise for natural resource management, having further cooperation and development duties.

The technical plans for the building of X-PARC Arad are already prepared. Construction works will start very soon, and they are planned to be finalised by the end of 2014. Developments in Gyula are in a more advanced state, as the construction of the outdoor educational facilities (the School Garden) has already been started. By summer all the X-PARC Gyula facilities will be ready and consequently three Green-School camps will be organized here within the project. X-PARC Békéscsaba is already equipped and functional, offering free consultancy regarding environment and nature protection issues, organizing Youth – Eco Clubs and other activities.

“Through the X-PARC project we will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and to the proper management of the nature protected areas of the region. The X-PARC facilities will help improve the cross-border know–how exchange in the field of environmental protection” – said Mihai Sorin Pascu, the project manager.

Contributions: Mihai Sorin Pascu

Photo credits: © Project partners of X-PARC

Project info
Project number: HURO/1101/187/1.3.1
Title: Development of a Cross-Border Protected Areas Resource Centre, X-PARC
Partners: Association for the Promotion of Natural and Cultural Values of Banat and Crişana “Excelsior” from Arad (Lead Partner), Körös – Maros Foundation for Rural Development and Eco Farming, from Gyula and Zöld 14 Association from Békéscsaba (Partners)
Total ERDF awarded: 816 469,20 €