amendments to park management plan 2015 eng

GALIČHICA NATIONAL PARK

MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR THE PERIOD 2011-2020

2015 AMENDMENTS

-PROPOSAL-

OHRID, JUNE 2015

ORIGINAL VERSION JULY 2014 PREPARED BY: Association for Environmental Research, Biodiversity Protection and Sustainable Development Improvement BIOEKO – Skopje Svetozar Petkovski, PhD Vesna Sidorovska, PhD Prof. Aleksandar Trendafilov, PhD UPDATED VERSION JUNE 2015 PREPARED BY: Citrus Partners LLP Public Institution National Park Galichica

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 1

2. LEGAL GROUNDS FOR THE AMENDMENTS TO THE GALIČICA NATIONAL PARK

MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2011-2020, WITH ARGUMENTATIONS AND

ASSUMPTIONS .................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1. GALICHICA SKI CENTRE ............................................................................................................. 8

2.2. A3 EXPRESSWAY OHRID – PEŠTANI - STATE BORDER OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA ................. 19

2.3. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT ZONES ............................................................................................... 28

2.4. ‘LJUBANISHTA’ TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ZONE .......................................................................... 29

2.5. ‘OTESHEVO’ TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ZONE ............................................................................. 31

2.6. ‘STENJE’ TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ZONE .................................................................................. 32

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ................ 33

4. DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO THE MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................. 33

4.1. AMENDED CHAPTER 1.2.1 ("OWNERSHIP") ............................................................................... 36

4.2. AMENDED CHAPTER 5.2.1.5 ("URBANIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE") ...................................... 36

4.3. AMENDED TABLE 5.1: ("OVERVIEW OF GENERAL, SPECIFIC AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

OBJECTIVES FOR NATIONAL PARK GALIČICA") OF CHAPTER 5.4 (MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES) .................. 37

4.4. AMENDED CHAPTER 6.2.2. ("DESCRIPTION OF THE ZONES") ...................................................... 46

4.5. TABLES THAT HAVE BEEN CHANGED IN CHAPTER 6.4 (“PROGRAMS OF PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES“)

51

4.6. ANNEX 2 TABLES THAT HAVE BEEN CHANGED ............................................................................ 55

5. MANAGEMENT, OFFSETTING AND MONITORING OF ADVERSE EFFECTS.......................... 56

5.1. PRINCIPLES FOR COMPENSATING AND OFFSETTING FOR PROJECT EFFECTS .............................. 56

5.2. PROJECT OFFSETS .................................................................................................................. 57

5.3. PROJECT DESIGN AND PREPARATION ....................................................................................... 59

5.4. PROJECT ESIA PREPARATION ................................................................................................. 59

5.5. PROJECT EFFECT MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ................................................................... 60

5.6. INDEPENDENT MONITORING ..................................................................................................... 61

6. ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................................ 62

Annex 1 Extract from the draft Minutes - 142nd

session of the Government of the Republic of

Macedonia, held on 24.06.2013 .................................................................................................... 63

Annex 2 Extract from the draft Minutes - 152nd

session of the Government of the Republic of

Macedonia, held on 03.09.2013 .................................................................................................... 67

Annex 3 Interpretation of the legal provisions ......................................................................... 68

Annex 4 Decision of the Management Board of the Public Institution – National Park Galičica

for start of the procedure for changes in the Management Plan for the National Park Galičica for

the period 2011-2020 .................................................................................................................... 72

ii

Annex 5 Decision of the Management Board of the Public Institution – National Park

Galičicafor change of the Annual Plan for Public Procurements for 2013 .................................... 74

Annex 6 Overview of the Oteševo Tourism Development Zone, CadastralMunicipality of

Oteševo, Municipality of Resen, along with zoning of the National Park Galičica ........................ 75

Annex 7 Overview of the Stenje Tourism Development Zone, CadastralMunicipality ofStenje,

Municipality of Resen, along with zoning of the National Park Galičica ....................................... 76

Annex 8 Overview of the Ljubaništa Tourism Development Zone (tourism development zone

“Ljubaništa 1”; tourism development zone “Ljubaništa 2” and tourism development zone

“Ljubaništa 3”), CadastralMunicipality of Ljubaništa, Municipality of Ohrid, along with zoning of

the National Park Galičica ............................................................................................................. 77

Annex 9 Overview of an express road А3, Kosel – Ohrid – Albanian border, the Vrshe-Racha

section, along with zoning in the National Park - Galičica ............................................................ 78

Annex 10 Overview of an express road А3, Kosel – Ohrid – Albanian border, the “Vršek” traffic

node, along with zoning in the National Park - Galičica ................................................................ 79

Annex 11 Overview of an express road А3, Kosel – Ohrid – Albanian border, the “Trpejca”

traffic node, along with zoning in the National Park - Galičica ...................................................... 80

Annex12 Scope map of the Ljubaništa tourist development zone ........................................... 81

Annex13 Letter from MEPSO (09.06.2014) regarding the final version of the Feasibility Stidy

and the Master Plan for the ski center in the National Park Galičica ............................................ 82

Annex14 Areas covered by the additional content described in the final version of the

Feasibility Stidy and the Master Plan for the ski center in the National Park Galičica .................. 83

Annex15 Opinion with regards to proposed changes, submitted by the Public Enterprise for

State Roads (letter No. 03-773/1 from 19.12.2013) ...................................................................... 84

Annex16 Opinion with regards to proposed changes, submitted by the Authority for Protection

of the Cultural Heritage under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture (letter No. 17-440/2 from

31.12.2013) 86

Annex17 Galichica National Park Zoning – Proposed Amendments 2015 (Map 7) ................ 88

Annex18 Potential Offset Area for Habitat 6170 Alpine & Subapline Calcareous Grasslands 89

Annex19 Potential Offset Area for Habitat 5130Juniperus ....................................................... 90

Annex20 Potential Offset Area for Beech (Fagus sylvativa) Habitat 91K0 ............................. 91

J337/ Galichica NP Amended Management Plan - SEA P a g e | 1

1. Introduction

The amendments to the Management Plan of the Galičica National Park for the period 2011-2020 have been drafted at the request by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia which entrusted the Galičica National Park Public Institution with the modification of the Management Plan for the purposes of enabling the construction of the following development projects:

1. Construction of the Tourism Development Zone “Oteševo”, CM Oteševo, Municipality of Resen;

2. Construction of the Tourism Development Zone “Stenje”, CM Stenje, Municipality of Resen;

3. Construction of the Tourism Development Zone “Ljubaništa”, CM Ljubaništa, Municipality of

Ohrid;

4. Construction of a ski centre in the Galičica National Park;

5. Construction of the Expressway А3, Kosel – Ohrid – border with the Republic of Albania;

Acting on the request by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, the Management Board of the Galičica National Park Public Institution adopted a decision to launch the procedure for amending the Management Plan.In a public procurement procedure the non-governmental organisation BIOEKO from Skopje was selected to draft the original Management Plan amendments published in July 2014.

Pursuant to Article 99, Paragraph (2) of the Law on Nature Protection (The Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia Nos.67/04, 14/06, 84/07, 35/10, 47/11, 148/11, 59/12, 13/13, 163/13 and 41/14) the Management Plan amending procedure was conducted in the following stages:

Development of Draft Amendments to the Management Plan, for the purposes of which a Public Hearing and two Public Polls in the Municipalities of Ohrid and Resen were carried out;

Development of Proposed Amendments to the Management Plan, which integrate the comments and proposals from the Public Hearing and which will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP), along with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Report, for the purposes of obtaining their consent;

Adoption of the Amendments to the Management Plan by the Management Board of the Galičica National Park Public Institution, after a prior consent by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.

Following the consultation on the draft SEA in January 2015 a decision was made to update and revise the SEA and therefore this has resulted in alterations to the amendments to the Management Plan (AMP). This revised AMP has been developed and will be submitted to the MoEPP along with the updated SEA (see below).

The Proposed Amendments to the Management Plan presented in the original document were developed in the period October 2013 – June 2014 by BIOEKO, in close cooperation with the Galičica National Park Public Institution, based on the information available with this institution.In the process of developing the amendments, no new research or study was conducted.

When preparing the Proposed Amendments to the Management Plan originally (2013-2014), first, the information about the concerned development projects was analysed, as submitted by the Galičica National Park Public Institution and the institutions or organisations who are carriers of these projects or developers of the planning documents:Spatial Planning Agency of the Republic of Macedonia, Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones,Public Enterprise for State Roads, and theElectricity Transmission System Operator of Macedonia JSC.In the next step, drawing on the spatial data for the proposed projects’ intrusioninto the Park’s management zones, the threatened natural resources were identified.Based on the spatial data for the natural zones (StrictlyProtectedZone, ActivelyManagedZone, and Buffer Zone)intruded by the planning areas of the proposed projects, specific areas with significant types of habitats in the Park were identified, as the key components of the Park’s biodiversity.By combining the data on species that are typically found in these habitats it was possible to identify the potential impacts on other key components of the Park’s biodiversity.In the further stage, specific species of greater importance for biodiversity conservation were identified.A number of standard criteria were used to this end.

Drawing on the analysis of the existing data on the natural resources in the Galičica National Park and the data about the development projects the original Draft Amendments to the Management Plan were


developed, including the modifications in the zoning, which creates the necessary preconditions for the realisation of the projects by minimising the negative impacts on the Park’s key natural resources.

With the original Draft Amendments to the Management Plan in hand, the Environmental Department of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and the Galičica National Park Public Institution organised a Public Hearing, in the period between 19.12.2013 and 22.01.2014, as part of the amending procedure for the Management Plan of the Galičica National Park for the period 2011-2020.As part of the Public Hearing process, two Public Polls were conducted in the Municipalities of Ohrid and Resen, on 09.01.2014 and 10.01.2014.The opinions, proposals and recommendations gathered during the Public Hearing process were considered when designing the Proposed Amendments to the Management Plan.

On 09.06.2014, theElectricity Transmission System Operator of MacedoniaJSC submitted to the Galičica National Park Public Institution the final version of the Ski Centre Feasibility Study and Master Plan.According to this document, the planning area has been increased significantly, and new features have been added. This updated Amendments to Management Plan has incorporated changes due to the final master plan and feasibility study proposals.

In May 2014 the Government determined that a SEA of the draft Amendments to the MP was required to be undertaken. A draft SEA was prepared and submitted to the MoEPP. The draft SEA was submitted to 55 stakeholders for comment and a Public Hearing was held in January 2015. The Governments of Greece and Albania were also invited to provide comments given the transboundary context of the National Park Galichica. In response to the consultation process a number of concerns and comments were received from stakeholders on the draft SEA. The overriding theme that some stakeholders wanted the SEA to pay more consideration to the impacts of the projects that had resulted in the amendments to the Management Plan and on the compatibility with legislation and standards (e.g. IUCN categorisation) of implementing projects in a National Park with the current status of protection. Remarks were made regarding nature conservation effects and the effects on the UNESCO man & biosphere reserve status specifically and potential for objections from other stakeholders regarding potential effects on this designation.

Following review of the comments received the PINPG made the decision in March 2015 to withdraw the draft SEA report from the MoEPP. PINPG informed the MoEPP that having in mind the stakeholder comments, and specifically the letters received from two international financial institutions (KfW and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development [EBRD]), they considered it necessary that the draft SEA report be revised to fully address the issues raised by stakeholders and then be resubmitted to the MoEPP for their approval. The comments on the SEA also result in further amendments to the Management Plan being necessary the key ones being inconnection to:

Amending the zoning of the Park, where some areas need to be re-zoned to allow project infrastructure to be developed. The key change contained in this Amendments to Management Plan is the re-zoning of areas from being in the Zone of Active Management (ZAM) to the Zone of Sustainable Use (ZSU) to allow project infrastructure to be developed. A total of approximately 604 ha from the ZAM needs to be reduced in status to the ZSU. A total of 5.22 ha of the Buffer Zone (around Stenje Marsh) is also infringed upon. The amendments to the Management Plan seeks to compensate for this loss and ensure the same (if not an increased) level of protection is afforded to the Park. Approximately 854 ha have therefore been identified of alpine and subalpine habitats that are proposed to be up-zoned from ZSU to ZAM (see Figure in Annex 17 and Figure 1 below);

Committing to ‘No Net Loss’ which means that the effects of the planned development projects on key habitats and species in the Park are assessed, and areas in the Park are identified for ‘offsetting’, which is a process where areas that may be negatively affected by the planned development projects are replaced with others, where possible – an additional section has been added to this AMP to cover this change (section 5) ;

Updated project information and recommendations on how to assess the planned projects;

Monitoring recommendation for the planned projects;

Updates to the table in the Management Plan which defines what activities are allowed and what activities are prohibited in each zone;

Updates based on land ownership by the Macedonian Orthodox Church;

An Additional section (section 4) which ensures that the outcomes of the SEA are fully taken into account in the planning of the developments – this AMP should be read inconjunction with the SEA.


The baseline and impact assessment within the SEA form a key part of the AMP. As the purpose of the SEA is to undertake the assessment of effects of the AMP (and the impacts on the NPG of the planned development projects) this AMP should be read inconjunction with the SEA and its contents are not repeated within this document.


Figure 1: Galichica National Park Zoning –Proposed Amendments 2015 (Map 7 of Management

Plan 2011-2020)(Annex 17)

To expedite the preparation of the revised SEA and updates to the AMP the EBRD provided technical assistance to PINPG by engaging a consultant (Citrus Partners LLP [‘Citrus’] and a team of Macedonian experts including experts drawn from the original team who prepared the AMP in July 2014) to support PINPG in finalising revisions to the SEA and AMP.


This document is the draft of the revised AMP (hereinafter known as the ‘revised AMP’ or ‘updated AMP’).

As noted, above a draft AMP was prepared and disclosed publically in July 2014 and subject to public debate. A draft SEA was then prepared, disclosed to stakeholders and subject to a public hearing in Januray 2015. In light of the comments received on the draft SEA and updated information on the planned development projects in the Park there have been further amendments to the AMP during the preparation of this revised SEA which are also summarised within this report. The revised draft AMP will also be made available during the disclosure and public hearing process for the revised SEA. Following submission of the revised SEA to the MoEPP (Sustainable Development Department) the revised draft AMP will be submitted to the MoEPP (Nature Conservation Department) for approval. Following approval of the revised draft AMP by the MoEPP it will be submitted to the NPG Management Board for final ratification.

2. Legal Grounds for the Amendments to the Galičica National Park Management Plan for the period 2011-2020, with Argumentations and Assumptions

The Amendments to the Galičica National Park Management Plan for the period 2011-2020 (hereinafter:MP) have been drafted at the request by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, which entrusted the Galičica National Park Public Institution (hereinafter:PINPG) with the work to modify the MP so as to enable the construction of a ski centre, construction of a newly designed road А3, Kosel – Ohrid – border with the Republic of Albania, building activities throughout the area of the Tourism Development Zone “Ljubaništa” in the Cadastral Municipality (CM) of Ljubaništa, Municipality of Ohrid (hereinafter:Ljubaništa TDZ), building activities throughout the Tourism Development Zone “Stenje”, CM Stenje,Municipality of Resen (hereinafter: Stenje TDZ), and building activities throughout the Tourism Development Zone “Oteševo”, CM Oteševo,Municipality of Resen (hereinafter: Oteševo TDZ). The need to amend the MP was discussed by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia at two sessions: (1) the One-hundred-forty-second Session (Annex 1 – Excerpt from the Draft Minutes of the one-hundred-forty-second session of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia held on 24.06.2013) and (2) the One-hundred-fifty-second Session (Annex 2 – Excerpt from the Draft Minutes of the One-hundred-fifty-second Session of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia held on 03.09.2013).

The amending process of the MP was conducted having in mind the Article 99, Paragraph (2) of the Law on Nature Protection (The Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia Nos. 67/04, 14/06, 84/07, 35/10, 47/11, 148/11, 59/12, 13/13, 163/13 and 41/14 (hereinafter: LNP), as well as the interpretation by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (hereinafter: MoEPP) of the possibility to amend the MP, submitted to the PINPG (Annex 3).

The amending process of the MP has been implemented pursuant to Articles 17, 73, 99, 100 and 101 of the LNP. To this end, the Management Board of the PINPG, at its fifteenth session held on 02.09.2013, adopted the Decision to launch the procedure for amendment of the MP (Annex 4). At the same session, the Management Board of the PINPG adopted a Decision to also modify its 2013 Public Procurements Annual Plan (Annex 5), so as to carry out the public procurement of services for the development of amendments to the MP.Once the procedure was completed for public procurement of services for amending the MP, the BIOEKO association from Skopje was selected as the best bidder.

The amending process of the MP has been implemented in the following stages:

Development of Draft Amendments to the MP, for the purposes of which a Public Hearing and two Public Polls in the Municipalities of Ohrid and Resen were carried out;

Development of Proposed Amendments to the MP, which integrate the comments and proposals from the Public Hearing and which will be submitted to the MoEPP, along with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Report, for the purposes of obtaining their consent;

Adoption of the Amendments to the MP by the Management Board of the PINPG, after a prior consent from the MoEPP;

Following the consultation on the draft SEA in January 2015 a decision was made to update and revise the SEA and therefore this has resulted in alterations to the amendments to the Management Plan (AMP). This revised AMP has been developed and will be submitted to the MoEPP along with the updated SEA.

At its One-hundred-fifty-second Session, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia obliged:the Spatial Planning Agency of the Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter:SPA) to submit to the PINPG the


planning area for the Oteševo TDZ, Stenje TDZ and Ljubaništa TDZ; then, the Electricity Transmission System Operator of Macedonia JSC (hereinafter: MEPSO) to submit the planning area for the development and construction of a ski centre in the Galičica National Park; and the Public Enterprise for State Roads to submit the planning area for the newly designed Expressway А3 Ohrid – border with the Republic of Albania. Further in this Chapter we briefly present the development projects that were referred to in the obligations delegated by the Government. The original planning area in June 2014 of all development projects are shown in Figure 2, on page 9. It needs to be underlined that this Figure does not show the areas covered by the additional features described in the final Galičica National Park Ski Centre Feasibility Study and Master Plan.The materials submitted by MEPSO to PINPG on 09.06.2014 are missing the spatial data for the newly proposed features. Therefore, we are not in the position to show these features on the map in Figure 2, but these are shown in Section 2 below figures and Annex 14 and the footprint in the Central Plateau for the Nordic Ski Area is indicated in area on Figure 1 in the area reduced from ZAM to ZSU.

Updated information on the planned development projects is shown below this is also presented in Chapter 4 of the SEA(Figures as far as possible have been included in the main text, with a few supporting figures contained in the Annexes):


Figure 2: Planning areas of the development projects within the Galičica National Park


2.1. Galichica Ski Centre

Horwath and Horwath Consulting, in Zagreb, Croatia and Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners Ltd. at Whistler, Canada (together with Ecosign Europa Mountain Recreation Planners GmbH of Wolfurt, Austria as subcontractor), were assigned the task of providing professional planning services related to the Drafting of a Feasibility Study and Master Plan for the Development and Construction of a Ski Centre in Galichica.

The Galichica Ski Centre Project’s objective is to establish a regional sporting and recreational centre in the Park for all seasons. The following project information provides a summary of the planned Ski Centre and all information has been taken from the Feasibility Study and Master Plan (May 2014).

The Ski Centre build out is described below in 3 phases.


Galichica Ski Centre Components

All ski centre component locations can be seen in the figures below which are extracted from the Master Plan& Feasibility Study (original provided by MEPSO on 09.06.2014 (see Annex 13) and provided during the updating of the SEA in May 2015, the main figures of which arecontained in Annex 14. A description ofeach component is presented below in this Chapter.

Figure 3: Galichica Ski Centre Main Components1

1 Source for all figures in Section 4.3: MASTER PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SKI CENTER IN THE GALICICA NATIONAL PARK – (May 2014 – Horwath & Ecosign)


Base Area – Lake Ohrid

The base area for the ski centre is indicated in the figure below and contains two main components: the Gradiste Lakeside Village and the Upper Peštani Base Area:

Figure 4: Galichica Ski Centre – Base Area Plan ‘Lake Ohrid’

Gradiste Lakeside Village

The Gradiste Lakeside Village development zone overall includes 9.6 ha of which could contain 1,600 beds. The proposed resort is spread over three parcels, with the following elements:

hotel with a footprint of approximately 4,000 m2 and total of 16,000 m

2development area.

300 apartments on a 6 ha parcel, made up of 75 buildings (4 apartments each) with total of 24,000 m

2development area.

A lakeside area that will be landscaped with typical Mediterranean horticulture. This parcel contains the beach and additional resort facilities like swimming pools.

Upper Peštani Base

The Upper Peštani Base is planned at the base of Lift 1a (gondola terminal), which will provide year round access to the Galichica Ski Centre’s four-season recreation facilities. This site was identified in the base area development analysis due to the large area with gentle slopes suitable for development and potential connection to the proposed future highway, the A3 expressway just south of Peštani.

Three parking lots with a total area of 3 ha are accessed by 1,000 m of proposed road from the proposed future A3 expressway (just south of Peštani.) The parking lots will have a capacity of 935 cars and 12 buses which could generate approximately 3,000 visitors during peak periods.


The development area will be accessed beyond the day visitor parking area with 2.2 km of proposed road that climbs to an elevation of 900 m. There will be a cluster of hotels surrounding pedestrian areas that connect to the gondola terminal and surrounding hiking trails. There may be a spa, retreat centre, conference facilities, restaurants and retail space.

There will be low density single-family units and medium density apartments. The Master Plan notes these will be carefully integrated into the landscape with as much natural vegetation preserved as possible.

The Base Area Lodge will designed on one level and will connect with the gondola terminal building. It will be made up of ticket facilities, restrooms, guest services, rentals, a café, small retail shop, office space and employee space.

There will be appropriate power and water supply, and sewage and waste disposal facilities.

Mid-Mountain Zone/Snow Play Area

The Mid-Mountain Zone components are shown in the below figure:

Figure 5: Galichica Ski Centre Mid-Mountain Zone

The mid mountain lodge (0.25 ha) will be situated centrally between the alpine ski trails, the beginner ski zone and snow play area in the mid-mountain zone. The lodge will provide staging facilities for all summer and winter activities in this area as well as rentals, restrooms, lockers and seating areas for skiers and non-skiers, ski school, children’s programs, a cafeteria style restaurant, a retail shop, ski patrol space, employee space and some office space. The building will have a total gross floor area of 1,500 m² which is planned over two floors.

A maintenance shop will be built (150 m²) which will accommodate two grooming machines and the snowmobiles, include a sign shop, and will be used for lift maintenance, electrical maintenance, etc. The maintenance facility should provide a washroom and employee area, as well as parts storage.

There will be a 2 ha area designated for snow play and a snow sliding zone (tubing, sledding, children’s snowplay zone, children’s snowmobile course etc.). A 21.5 ha area is designated for proposed winter Nordic ski trails and snowshoe trails that in summer could be used for mountain biking and hiking.

A small beginner centre will be situated between the mid-station of Lift 1 and the proposed mid-mountain lodge. This beginner centre would comprise of 1 moving carpet conveyor belt lift of about 50 meters


length and Lift 2. The moving carpet conveyor belt lift will have a capacity of 1,000 passengers per hour and can accommodate approximately 60 skiers at one time.

Galichica Ski Centre - Main Ski Area

The main ski area for the proposed Galichica Ski Centre is indicated in the figure below.

Figure 6: Galichica Ski Centre Main Ski Area

The Mountain Top Lodge is an area of 0.2 ha and has two levels: the main level is at the same elevation as the gondola and snow front while the lower level can be accessed from the west side of the building from snow at lower elevation. The main level includes food service seating, kitchen and scramble and a small retail shop. Restrooms, storage, ski patrol space, employee space and a small office are planned for the lower level.

The proposed Galichica Ski Centre will offer approximately 15 km of ski pistes with a total surface of approximately 52.5 ha. The pistes typically vary between 30 and 60 m wide, “Ski ways” are mountain roads that are 6-10 m wide with longitudinal slope gradients between 8-12%. Subsequent to rough grading practices for each site, pistes require fine grooming and seeding to establish a grass cover. This grass cover prevents erosion and helps to minimize hazards and damage to skiers’ and snowboarders’ equipment and to the area’s snow grooming fleet during low snowpack periods.

Artificial snowmaking will be required as the natural snowpack varies from year to year. Estimated water requirements in the Master Plan for Phase I of the development (see below) are that approximately


38,500m³ will be required per season and when the resort is fully operational, approximately 104,500m³ of water will be required per season. There will be a snow making pond on the eastern/Lake Prespa side within the Main Ski Area, as indicated in the figure below. This will it is understood potentially be constructed on the site of a previous pond used for livestock watering some time ago:

Figure 7 Snowmaking Pond/Lake Indicative Location

The following list describes the locations that will require significant earthworks according to the available information:

Levelling of the mountain top area to 1,895m elevation;

Piste/skiway construction from the mountain top (1,895m) towards the north down to the top of Piste 1A (1,815m);

Construction of a skiway on piste 1D between the 1,870m contour and the 1,850m contour;

Construction of the beginner area and levelling of Piste 2A at the mid-mountain zone; and

Construction of a skiway at the lower section of piste 1D leading to the mid station.

Nordic Ski Area (Central Plateau Zone) & Upper Mountain Zone

Nordic / Cross-country ski trails will be developed on gentle terrain that is too flat for commercial skiing – the area is indicated on the figure below:


Figure 8: Galichica Ski Centre – Nordic Ski Area on the Central Plateau

Nordic skiing is proposed to the north of the mid-mountain zone on the Lake Ohrid side as well as at the Central Plateau (approximately 221 ha) at the top of Lift 5. The gently sloped terrain between the summit of Mt. Tomoros and Krle Gola Buka is identified as the Central Plateau Zone. Lift 3 provides a connection to this area in the winter when the road over between the east and west side of the Park is closed. Cross country ski trails are typically 6m wide to allow for two-way circulation.

In the summer, this area is accessible by the pass road and has a small pullout area for parking. A building (Backside Lodge) is planned at the base of Lift 3 to provide services for skiers and other recreationalists in this area and will include a restaurant, restrooms and a small ski patrol space located at the bottom of Lift 3. The Backside Lodge could be considered for summer use by hikers and would also be used by Nordic skiers if the proposed cross-country trail network is developed.

A summer parking lot is proposed to the south of the Backside Lodge. In the winter, the existing unpaved access road will remain snow covered and be used as part of the winter recreation trail network.

The cross-country trail network will be maintained by the staff of the ski center and the mid-mountain lodge and skier services there can be used by Alpine and Nordic skiers.

The development of extensive Nordic facilities creates a secondary venue for competitions at the ski center and can contribute to attracting a broader range of resort guests.

Lake Prespa Base Area

The Oteshevo Base is located on the Lake Prespa side of the study area and is integrated into the bottom terminal of the potential future Oteshevo Connector Lift (lift 5), see the figure below:


Figure 9: Galichica Ski Centre Lake Prespa Base Area

The Oteshevo base is planned in a 5 ha parcel on the west side of the existing road along Lake Prespaand has been designed with a mix of accommodation with 968 beds and some surface parking. As the Oteshevo Gondola has been planned as a future development beyond Phase 3 of the ski area development, the base area plan will be re-evaluated at a later date if/when detailed planning for the gondola is underway.

Lifts

Lift/Gondola West – Ski Area to Lake Ohrid side

Lift 1 (gondola from Upper Peštani Base to Ski Area) will have capacity of 1,500 passengers per hour. The first section (Lift 1a) is for access from and egress to the base area of skiers and non-skiing visitors only. The second section provides return-cycle-skiing at west-facing slopes above Lake Ohrid. This section will be able to support approximately 740 skiers at one time. Lift right of-ways are generally estimated to be 12 to 15 m in width.

Lift/Gondola East – Ski Area to Lake Prespa side

The proposed gondola is technically viable but has not been recommended in the initial investment as it is not feasible without a more substantial tourist destination being created at Lake Prespa. As an alternative to this access lift system, it has been suggested that road access from Oteshevo to the Central Plateau is provided. The existing road could be redeveloped and used for guests arriving from the Lake Prespa side to access the Galichica Ski Centre.

Other Lift Systems

There are other lifts proposed at the Galichica Ski Centre, these are summarised below:

Lift 2 will be a surface button/platter lift and caters ideally for beginner’s terrain. Lift 2 has a capacity of 600 passengers per hour and can support up to 140 skiers at one time.These lifts are generally aerial cable systems with steel towers and concrete foundations every 45 to 75 m.

Lift 3 is envisioned to be a T-Bar lift located approximately 180 m south of the mid-station. A skiway will be built for skiers to get there and back again. This T-Bar has an hourly capacity of 1,000 passengers and will be able to support 170 skiers at one time.

Lift 4 is located about 430 m south of the mid-station and can be accessed either from the top of Lift 1b or from the mid-mountain area via Lift 3. This lift is proposed as a fixed grip four-passenger chairlift with an hourly rated capacity of 1,600 skiers. Lift 4 serves six pistes and will be able to comfortably support approximately 980 skiers at one time.

Lift 5 provides skiing on the east side of the mountain and is proposed as a fixed grip quadruple chairlift with a rated capacity of 1,600 skiers per hour. This lift will support approximately 820 skiers at one time and provides 230 meters of vertical.


Infrastructure & Utilities

Access Road

The existing main pass road connecting the two lake areas in summer will be used by the Ski Centre. From there, the existing road leading to the central plateau will be used. This is a paved road which leads to the proposed bottom station location of Lift 3.

At the elevation of 1,560 m, a 6.6 km long new gravel road is planned, leading towards the location of the new mountain top (1,895m) and from there down to the Mid-Mountain zone (1,580m).

In Phase 2 the same road would be used for construction of Lift 3. For installation of Lift 4, a new road section is proposed from above the snowmaking pond (approximately 1,880m elevation) along the ridge to the top station of Lift 4. For construction of the bottom terminal an approximately 430m long gravel road section is proposed which connects from the Mid-Mountain Zone to the bottom of Lift 4.

Construction Road (Temporary)

In Phase 2 the same road would be used for construction of Lift 3. For installation of Lift 4, a new road section is proposed from the saddle above the snowmaking pond (approximately 1,880 m elevation) along the ridge to the top station of Lift 4. For construction of the bottom terminal an approximately 430 m long gravel road section is proposed which connects from the Mid-Mountain Zone to the bottom of Lift 4. The mountain access roads should be 1-1.5 lanes wide (5-8 m wide) over its entire length.

Power Line

It has been assumed that 3-phase power will be supplied to the base of the ski facility by the local electrical utility company. It is recommended that the power line is in a trench to avoid visual impact however an overhead line may be installed.

From the base area, a direct connection to the Mid-Mountain Zone is planned. From there it is proposed that there is a power line along Piste 1C to the Mountain Top, dimensioned big enough to support the ski system and restaurant infrastructure at build-out, and one power line along the proposed construction road to the bottom of Lift 4. If there is no power supply available on the Central Plateau, it is suggested they will connect from the mountain top along Piste 3D and 3G to the Backside Lodge and the bottom terminal of Lift 3 respectively. Transformers will be required on the mountain to convert the primary voltage to the required volts for the lift drive station and the requirements of the mountain restaurant. These electrical power supplies are for facilities including the lifts, snowmaking and general building use. Details need to be refined during the next stage of project development the Master Plan indicates.

Potable Water and Sewer

A pipeline from the base facilities to the Mid-Mountain locations will be required. This would pump water at just enough pressure and at a low volume to fill a reservoir in the Mid- Mountain zone. Then a pressure pump and pressure tank would be used to supply water to the buildings located at the Mid-Mountain zone.

For the mountain top restaurant scheduled for construction in Phase 2, connection to the fresh water supply with a small diameter water pipe will need to continue to the Mountain Top, fed by a booster pump. If a trench is opened to the top during Phase 1 construction, it is recommended in the Master Plan to install these pipes in Phase 1 to avoid unnecessary construction and soil disturbance in Phase 2.

Depending on whether or not there is enough potable water available at the Central Plateau, a water pipe connection from the Mountain Top to the Backside Lodge may also be required. For the water pipelines described above, the same routing as for the power supply is suggested but depending on local regulations the water pipes may need to be in a separate trench.

A septic tank and drainage field may be installed at the Mid-Mountain zone for Phase 1. A temporary composting toilet could be installed at the Mountain Top. Ultimately, a sewage line from the Mountain Top to the base will be needed when business level increases towards buildout (i.e. full Galichica Ski Centre development). For the Backside Lodge a septic tank and drainage field should suffice even at build-out.

The potable water and sewer lines should be installed on the same ski piste as the primary electrical power lines to minimise disruption to the piste system.


Galichica Ski Centre Proposed Winter & Summer Activities

The following activities are planned and their locations can be seen in the figures contained in the Master Plan.

Summer Activities:

Lift Accessed Sightseeing and Hiking;

Nature Interpretive Hikes;

Mountain Cinema in the Main Ski Area;

Camping in the Upper Mountain Zone;

Mountain Biking: mountain bikers will utilise Lift 1 (the Gondola) to access the mountain or they can ride the pass road to the Central Plateau and from there further up to the highest point. Mountain biking is proposed on existing paved and gravel roads, however some new single trails dedicated for bikers are also proposed to be built;

Zip Line: is proposed to be installed starting from the top station of Lift 1 going down and crossing the proposed snowmaking pond to the southeast. Then after a short hike another Zip-Line could be installed to bring passengers back to the starting point;

Climbing Wall: is proposed at the Mid-Mountain zone;

Paragliding/Hang Gliding: the ski area’s lift system can be used to allow paragliders to access a high elevation launch area;

Euro Bungee Trampoline: which could be located on the Mid-Mountain or at the Mountain Top both during the summer and winter if desired;

Events: such as conferences, seminars and weddings, these events could be held at the Mountain Top building.

Winter Activities:

Alpine skiing;

Children`s Activity Zone: several Children’s Activity Zones have been included in the design: one at the Mid-Mountain, the Mountain Top and another one at the top of Lift 1;

Children´s Skidoo Course: Mid-Mountain zone, requiring an area equivalent to two tennis courts for a “closed circuit” track for children;

Snow Tubing: Mid mountain;

Snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing: both mid mountain and upper mountain zones.

Estimated/Proposed Visitor Numbers

There is a proposed mountain capacity of 3,500 people which is made up of 3,000 skiers and 500 non-skiers who will participate in snow play, snow sliding, Nordic skiing or will simply be sightseeing on the gondola.

As non-skiers tend to spend less time at the Ski Centre, it is expected that there will be turnover throughout the day and the total number of sightseers during peak periods could be up to 1,000 visitors.

Proposed Phased Development

The proposed development of the Galichica Ski Centre is planned in three phases as follows:

Phase I:

On Mountain:

- Lift 1 (gondola);

- The Beginner Zone (Lift 2 and Magic Carpets);

- 7 pistes (4.2.km and 13.6 ha) for return-cycle skiing;


- Mid-mountain lodge and activities for non-skiers, including outdoor patios, picnic zones, snow tubing or mini snowmobile track, pedestrian walkway, snowplay and sliding zones and a trail network for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing;

- Maintenance building for the service of two grooming machines;

- Artificial snowmaking facilities and water supply;

- Utility supplies (power, water, communication lines);

- New mountain access/construction road (6.6 km);

- Viewing platform on Mountain Top

Accommodation and base area facilities:

- Gradiste Lakeside Village: including 200 hotel units/400 beds; 300 multifamily/apartment units/1,200 beds; 2.6 ha of public green space; and 925 m of paved road;

- Upper Peštani Base: including 33 single-family/chalet units/198 beds south of gondola line; day visitor parking lot 1 for 1,604 visitors; paved 750 m access road connecting the proposed future highway; base service area service building adjacent to gondola station; and picnic area, viewpoint and network of pedestrian paths.

Phase 2:

On Mountain:

- Construction of Lift 3, a fixed-grip four passenger chairlift providing access to the east-facing terrain of the mountain;

- 7 additional pistes;

- One additional standard grooming machine;

- 1.2km long new gravel road leading from mountain top to Lift 4 top station and from the Mid-Mountain zone to the Lift 4 bottom station;

- Construction of the proposed 850m² Mountain Top lodge.


- Upper Peštani Base: 38 additional single-family / chalet units / 228 beds; 78 Apartments; 430 Hotel units / 860 beds; Day visitor parking lot for 446 visitors.

Phase 3 (Build out):

On Mountain:

- Implementation of Lift 4 to compliment the on-mountain lift infrastructure;

- 8 additional pistes;

- Implementation/expansion of snowmaking system;

- Overall the ski resort offers 16km (49ha) of groomed ski terrain on 22 pistes plusattractive off-piste terrain;

- One additional winch-equipped grooming machine;

- Add-on to the existing maintenance building (+150m²);

- Construction of the proposed 500 m² Backside Lodge.


- Upper Peštani Base: 28 additional single-family / chalet units / 168 beds; 50 Apartments / 200 beds; 170 Hotel units / 340 beds; Day visitor parking for 955 visitors.


2.2. A3 Expressway Ohrid – Peštani - State Border of the Republic of Albania

Project Sponsor & Information

The Public Enterprise for State Roads (PESR) is responsible for the development of the A3 Expressway Ohrid to the State Border with the Republic of Albanian and for provision of information on the scheme to PINPG for the purposes of informing the SEA.

The following information has been provided by PESR for the SEA (and AMP):

Updated draft Project Description for Expressway A3 Section Ohrid to Peštani (April & May 2015 – and topographic map showing proposed Ohrid to Peštani Expressway routing from PESR/ESIA Consultants (see figures below and Annex 9 of the SEA));

Satellite Map images of route corridor (and high-level route variants) for both expressway sections -Ohrid to Peštani & Peštani to the Albanian Border (May 2015);

Technical report on the proposed road section ‘Ohrid to Peštani’ as part of the Expressway A3 Kosel – Ohrid – border with the Republic of Albanian (with map);

Technical report on the proposed road section Peštani to the border with Albania as part of the Expressway A3 Kosel – Ohrid – border with the Republic of Albanian (with map – see Annex 10 of the SEA).

Project Delivery Sections

The proposed A3 Expressway between Kosel to Ohrid to the Albanian State has been divided into 3 delivery sections by PESR:

Kosel to Ohrid Section;

Ohrid to Peštani Section (Approx. 13.3 km) (runs within the NPG);

Peštani to the Albanian Border (approximately 12,940 m) (runs within the NPG).

The proposals for the two sections that run through the National Park Galichica, Ohrid-Peštani and Peštani-the Albanian Border, are described within this SEA. The Ohrid to Peštani section has been assigned priority for construction because of the expected traffic growth along this section, largely estimated to be as a result of the growth of tourism.

The A3 Expressway - Ohrid to Peštani Section is under preparation by PESR as part of their current proposed roads programme. The Peštani to Albanian border section of the proposed A3 Expressway is still in the relatively early stages of development compared to the planned Ohrid to Peštani section. It is understood the Peštani to Albanian borderSection is not presently in the current roads programme being delivered by PESR and the potential timing of its further development and preparation is still to be confirmed.

Ohrid to Peštani Section

The new expressway starts in Ohrid and runs through the National Park Galichica along the eastern slopes of Mount Galichica to the community of Peštani. The figures below indicate the route:


Figure 10: Planned Expressway Ohrid to Peštani Section – Part 1 (Ohrid to Velestovo)


Figure 11: Planned Expressway Ohrid to Peštani Section – Part 2 (Velestovo to Crno Brdo)

(Note: for Legend see Figure 10))


Figure 12: Planned Expressway Ohrid to Peštani Section – Part 3 (Crno Brdo to Peštani)

(Note: for Legend see Figure 10)

The new road section will be approx. 13.3km long. It will be set back from the lakeshore from a maximum of 1.5 km in the vicinity of Racha, to running at its closest 250m from the lakeshore at Crno Brdo. At this point the route runs through an original Zone of Active Management (ZAM) for the National Park under the NPG Management Plan (2011-2020). Part of this ZAM is proposed to be rezoned within the AMP. The overall route alignment passes through the original ZAM in the localities of Racha, Crno Brdo and Coprila. Annexes 9 & 10 show the intrusion of the route into the ZAM.

This road section is estimated to start construction currently in mid 2016 with a 3 year construction period.

The route is generally planned outside the boundaries of the urban settlements, passing through the hilly terrain of the slopes of Mount Galichica. The route is mostly through forest vegetation. The route connects the City of Ohrid with settlements within the NPG and along the lake shore including: Velestovo, Racha, Shipokno, Sveti Stefan, Dolno Konsko, Gorno Konsko, Lagadin, Eleshec, Elshani and Peštani

Summary of Proposed Route:

The proposed Expressway starts at the intersection of Karposh Vojvoda Streets in Ohrid then passing over the catchment intakes Bej Bunar heading southwards and following an existing road (the road to Velestovo).

Thereafter the routing heads towards Racha where the expressway crosses the valley on the upslope side of Racha, on two consecutive viaducts of 58 m and 198 m in length. Following the second viaduct the expressway turns sharply westward and then southwards again towards Shipokno.


Just adjacent to Shipokno an intersection will be built connecting the new expressway to the existing road in Racha.

The expressway continues southwards past Belina and where it passes the existing Metropol Hotel complex an intersection will be built, again providing access to the existing road.

The expressway continues southwards into an area of steep slopes and rocky outcrops at Crno Brdo with a viaduct of 118 m followed by a gallery of 184 m – the gallery is through the section which was within the ZAM in the original NPG Management Plan (2011-2020). This is the point at which the new expressway is closest to the lake.

A fourth viaduct of 118 m would then be constructed adjacent to the settlement of Coprila to cross a stream valley. The expressway routing then continues southwards crossing a fifth viaduct of 118 m and then a second gallery of 195 m, followed by a third gallery, which at 277 m is the longest gallery section.

The gallery is then almost immediately followed by a sixth viaduct of 148 m, which is due east of Eleshec.

The next intersection is planned just after this point to provide access to Elshani, which would be on the eastern side of the roadway. The seventh viaduct is planned for just southwest of Elshani and with a length of 88 m.

The routing requires a further two viaducts (viaducts eight and nine which are 73 and 28 m respectively). The last two viaducts are due east of Peštani. The expressway would then end due south of Peštani where connecting roads would be provided to join the existing road.

Summary of Key Features along the Proposed Route – Structures, Junctions & Intersections:

As indicated in the route summary above there are 9 viaducts along this section with heights of these viaducts varying from 18 to 43 m. Galleries have been used for three sections where there are steep slopes (e.g. at Crno Brdo). Mechanical excavation and blasting will be required for the construction of these gallery structures. The route also incorporates box and tubular culverts.

There are a number of interchanges and road crossings planned along the route, the key ones are summarised below and indicated in the summary of the routing above:

Interchange in Ohrid with ASNOM Street.

Road crossing with local road Ohrid-Velestovo.

Racha traffic junction on regional road R1301.

Surface interchange and access road near Metropol Hotel.

Access road Racha to St. Stefan Junction (A3 Expressway).

Junction at St. Stefan.

Road crossing with local road for Konsko village.

Road crossing and surface intersection with local road Eleshec-Elshani.

Road crossing for old road for Konsko village.

Junction/connection with regional road R1301 at the end of the expressway section.

Cross Section of Proposed Expressway & Connecting Roads:

Main expressway:

The road configuration for the expressway is two-way traffic with a maximum speed of 80 km/h. There will be two main lanes each with a width of 3.5 m, edge lanes each with width of 0.2 m and two emergency stopping lanes each with a width of 2m. The total width of the carriageway profile thus amounts to 11.4 m and there is no physical separation (barrier) between the traffic lanes – the figure below shows the main expressway cross-section. A 40 m safety buffer /shelter belt is also required from the edge of the road corridor on both sides of the road.


Figure 13: Schematic of Main Expressway Cross-Section

(Source: PESR/Chakar Parners (April 2015 – Project Description)

Connecting roads:

The connecting roads (i.e. those that connect the expressway to the other roads and settlements) are slightly narrower at 9.6 m because the connecting roads will have traffic lanes at a width of 3 m, edge lanes at 0.2 m but no emergency lanes. However, the connecting roads will have a third lane for passing slower vehicles – the figure below indicates the cross-section for these connecting roads.

Figure 14: Schematic of Connecting Road Cross-Section

Lighting, Road Furniture & Road Safety:

The key components of road furniture and lighting along this section are summarised below:

Vertical signalisation: standard & non-standard traffic signs and panels placed within the road corridor at a distance of 1 m from the road edge.

Horizontal signalisation: marked traffic lanes, stop land, direction of movement markings and arrows/diving islands etc.

Lighted intersections at ASNOM Street in Ohrid, Velestovo, St.Stephen, Metropol, Elshani and Desaret (nr. Peštani). Lighting is proposed to be with 12 m high lanterns equipped with energy saving lamps and an automatic control system.

Road safety: will be facilitated through the provision of road markings and road signs, the use of Armco railings on the roadside and mast lighting at the points of intersection. New Jersey style ‘concrete’ safety barriers will be used to protect embankments, bridges, viaducts and galleries.

Fencing: the entire road section will be fenced with wire fencing to prevent people and animals from accessing the roadway. Given that the road is an expressway, no pedestrians, bicycles or mechanical equipment such as harvesters or tractors will be allowed on the road.

Drainage:

All runoff will be collected and transported by a road drainage system. Releases of runoff water from the route would be planned to occur at locations where there are planned facilities (such as bridges, culverts etc.). Oil separators will be placed at the end of drainage runs before discharge of runoff. Oil separators are standard equipment for such expressways and there are estimated to be approximately 52 planned along this road section.


Peštani to Albanian Border Section

The Peštani to Albanian border section of the proposed A3 Expressway is still in the relatively early stages of development compared to the planned Ohrid to Peštani section. It is understood the Peštani to the Albanian borderSection is not presently in the current roads programme being delivered by PESR and the potential timing of its further development and preparation is still to be confirmed. The data available on this Section is presented below. As this road section would be an extension to the Ohrid to Peštani Section it is likely the approach to road safety, drainage, lighting and road furniture could potentially be similar but would be reviewed for the specific conditions of the route from Peštani to the Albanian border.

This road section runs through generally a less developed area, passing through natural areas of the NPG running from Peštani past the village of Trpejca on the lake shore down to the populated community of Ljubanishta at the southern end of Lake Ohrid. The intrusion of the route into the ZAM is shown in Annex 11. The proposed expressway then runs from Ljubanishta to Sveti Naum (also referred to as St. Naum) near the Albanian Border – see figure below which indicates the current route between Peštani and Sveti Naum (R1301/P501):

Figure 15: Existing Route – Peštani to Sveti Naum/Albanian Border

(Source: Google maps)

According to the submitted technical report and the maps(see the figures below), the section Peštani – the border with the Republic of Albania as part of the Express Road A3 Kosel – Ohrid – border with the Republic of Albania is composed of two parts with a total length of 12,940 m approx.:

Part 1: Peštani – Ljubanishta has a length of 11,149 m approx.

Part 2: Ljubanishta – Sveti Naum (near the border with the Republic Albania) is 1,791 m long approx.


Figure 16: Proposed A3 Expressway Peštani to the Albanian Border - Peštani to Trpejca


Figure 17: Proposed A3 Expressway Peštani to the Albanian Border – Trpejca to Ljubanishta to Sveti Naum/Albanian Border


Cross-Section:

The width of the full profile of the road amounts to 14.40 m, and in some parts it is wider by 3.55 m because of the third lane for heavy goods vehicles. It is anticipated that a 40 m safety buffer /shelter belt is also required from the edge of the road corridor on both sides of the expressway for this stretch.

Road Connections/Junctions/Intersections:

The framework of the project for the section Peštani – the border with the Republic of Albania, envisages the following road connections& junctions:

The junction Trpejca in which the regional roads R1301 Ohrid – Peštani – Trpejca – Ljubanishta and the Trpejca – Carina Local road is crossed with the newly planned express road A3;

The junction Ljubanishta in which the newly planned route of the connection of the tourist sites along the south coast of the Ohrid Lake (i.e. TDZ at Ljubanishta) joins the newly planned express road;

A connection/junction for joining the populated place Ljubanishta with the new express road A3;

A surface junction/connection between the existing road Ljubanishta – to the border crossing near Sveti Naum, with the new regional road A3, which enables direct connection of the tourist sites Ljubanishta and Sveti Naum with the newly planned road.

Structures & Earthworks:

Additionally, within the framework of the project for the section Peštani – border with the Republic of Albania, it is foreseen that viaducts, bearing walls and embankments will need to be constructed (some of which are indicated in the figures above).

Shelter Belt/Buffer Zone for Expressway A3 Ohrid-Peštani-Albanian Border

Following the whole length of the road, there will be a shelter-belt / buffer zone. The width of the shelter-belt along the road, in which no buildings can be constructed or no construction works can be performed that are not functional to the road should amount to 40 metres for an express road (from edge of road corridor) and 20 metres for a regional road. Pursuant to the Law on Public Roads (The Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia, no. 84/08, 52/09, 114/09, 124/10, 23/11, 53/11, 44/12, 168/12, 163/13 and 187/13), the width of the shelter-belt is calculated from the outer edge of the road strip from each side of the road separately. In this strip, the woods and bushes obscuring the clarity of moving traffic may be cut down.

Based on this data, the total amount encompassed in the express road A3, Kosel – Ohrid – border with the Republic of Albania, including the access roads, amounts to approximately 325 ha out of which approximately 95% are within the borders of the National Park Galichica. This allows for the initial estimated ‘direct footprint’ of the expressway including the shelter belt – loss of habitat in the NPG is further evaluated in Chapter 7 of the SEA which includes for induced effects.

2.3. Tourist Development Zones

Three Tourism Development Zones (TDZs) have been proposed which lie within the National Park Galichica boundary:

‘Ljubanishta’ Tourism Development Zone;

‘Oteshevo’ Tourism Development Zone;

‘Stenje’ Tourism Development Zone.

These TDZs are the initiative of the Ministry of Transport & Communication (MoTC). It is understood that these TDZs would be planned and zoned by the Spatial Planning Agency (SPA) at the request of MoTC and would be implemented by private investors. A meeting was held during the revision process for this SEA (and the AMP) with the SPA in May 2015. Key points regarding status of the TDZ’s is provided below:

Ljubanishta TDZ: this is divided into 3 components (see below) – Ljubanishta 1, 2 & 3. Urban Planning Documentation has been prepared by SPA and adopted by the MoTC for Ljubanishta 1 (January 2014). The planning documentation for Ljubanishta 2 is under development. According to the SPA the MoTC have indicated they will not be proceeding with Ljubanishta 3, which is


proposed in the area of St. Naum Springs that is within the Zone of Strict Protection (ZSP) within the NPG. However, confirmation of whether MoTC have decided to not proceed with Ljubanishta 3 has not been provided at the point of preparing this AMP and the SEA to PINPG.

Oteshevo TDZ: the SPA have not yet been requested to commence preparation of the planning and zoning documentation for this TDZ.

Stenje TDZ: the SPA have not yet been requested to commence preparation of the planning and zoning documentation for this TDZ. This TDZ breaches the Buffer Zone for a ZSP related to Stenje Blato/Marsh. SPA understand that possibly this TDZ will not proceed but MoTC have not provided confirmation of this in writing at the time of the preparation of this AMP and the SEA.

Due to the differences in the status and planning stage of the various TDZs there are some differences in the available information on these proposals. Detailed information on the TDZs is not available at this time, except some additional information provided within the Planning Documentation for Ljubanishta 1. It is expected that the TDZs will be urban developments that are likely to include: hotels, apartments, restaurants, Parks and other services and facilities related to tourism and visitor activities.

The construction process typically involved in the TDZs is likely to comprise: land clearance, excavations, building work, and landscaping and construction traffic to deliver materials. During operations impacts will arise from increased visitor numbers in the area and positive economic effects from increased tourism and employment locally.

2.4. ‘Ljubanishta’ Tourism Development Zone

The Ljubanishta TDZ is divided into three components – Ljubanishta 1, 2 and 3; these are indicated in the figure below (and Annex 8 and Annex 12). The TDZ covers a part of Lake Ohrid which is outside the limits of the Park land boundary.


Figure 18: Ljubanishta TDZ – Overview Map with NPG Zoning

The total TDZ is estimated in the available information to contains approx. 336.1 ha out of which an estimated 20% lies in Lake Ohrid with most of the remaining in the National Park Galichica. The estimated intrusion into the Park’s Zones of each part of the TDZ are summarised below

2:

Ljubanishta 1: 26.79 ha in the ZSU;

Ljubanishta 2: 266.26 ha in the ZSU and 0.69 ha in the ZAM;

Ljubanishta 3: 0.22 ha in the Buffer Zone to the ZSP.

Ljubanishta 1 and 2 will largely be established in the existing semi-urban, semi-agricultural areas surrounding the existing village. However, Ljubanishta 3 has been to be located in the area of the St Naum Springs, which is part of NPG’s Zone of Strict Protection. This spring is a karstic spring, adjacent to an old monastery and is unique.Much of the aquatic biodiversity in the spring is endemic

2 Hectares associated with the 3 parts of Ljubanishta do slightly vary across the available documentation – however this is an insignificant

variation and does not affect the outcomes of the AMP/ SEA.


and is not represented in the adjacent Lake Ohrid. For these reasons, any additional plans to develop tourism facilities in this area are of concern. Even though the area is currently a pilgrimage site, and does attract visitors, any increased development physically adjacent to the protected area will induce additional risks.

The Planning Document prepared by the SPA entitled: ‘Urban Planning Documentation for Tourism Development Zone’ Ljubanishta 1 (CM Ljubanishta Municipality of Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia – Jan 2014)’ confirms the main purposes of the land for the TDZ as: Housing (Class A: Temporary); Commercial & Business (Class B), Greenery & Recreation (Class D) and Infrastructure (Class E). The Planning Document sets out also the measures for cultural heritage, nature and environmental protection. The map from the planning document is provided in Annex 12.

2.5. ‘Oteshevo’ Tourism Development Zone

The figure (and Annex 6) below indicates the Oteshevo TDZ. This TDZ is within the borders of the NPG and located between Margarina and the Oteshevo Resort on the shores of Lake Prespa.

Figure 19: Oteshevo TDZ – Overview Map with NPG Zoning

This is a proposed development of accommodation and tourism infrastructure on an area of approx. 58.95 ha located on the southern slopes of Sirhansko Kale Hill, on the edge of Lake Prespa. The entire area is populated by a Hungarian Oak forest characterised by the Quercetum frainetto – cerris macedonicum tree species, and associated communities. The TDZ is located on 57.39 ha of ZAM with the remaining 1.56 ha being within the ZSU.


2.6. ‘Stenje’ Tourism Development Zone

The figure below (and Annex 7) indicates the Stenje TDZ which is in the borders of the NPG and located between the shore line of Lake Prespa and Stenje Marsh/Blato:

Figure 20: Overview Map with NPG Zoning

The proposed Stenje TDZ is located on the shore of Lake Prespa, between the lake and the Stenje Marsh. The TDZ covers an area of 7.92 Ha. The Stenje Marsh has been declared a Zone of Strict Protection by NPG, due to the high number of endemic species and endangered such as rotifers, crustaceans, gastropod mollusks, dragonflies, reptiles and birds. The marsh is surrounded by a Buffer Zone, extending 50 m from the border of the Zone of Strict Protection (ZSP). The proposed TDZ extends into the Buffer Zone by 5 ha with the remaining TDZ being within the ZSU. The Stenje Marsh is a unique area of saturated ground, whose water levels and aerial extent rise and fall with the level of Lake Prespa.


3. Environmental impact assessment of the development projects

Within the revised SEA an updated assessmet has been undertaken of the impacts of the development project. Chapter 5-4 contains the biodiveristy baseline and Chapter 7 contains the impact assessment. This replaces the original impact assessment contained within the Draft AMP July 2014.

Impacts to the key important habitats within the Park are focused on in the SEA. The SEA

contains key datasets which were original included within the Annexes to the original draft

AMP in July 2014.

4. Draft amendments to the Management Plan

The amendment of the MP is implemented upon a request of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.As per the request, the amendments should be made to allow the implementation of several development projects which are of importance for the Republic of Macedonia and the municipalities of Ohrid and Resen.The proposed amendments are acted upon as per the request from the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and the circumstances affecting future protection and conservation of nature and the natural processes in the National Park Galičica were taken into account. The amendments have considered the findings of the impact assessment undertaken as part of the updated SEA which this AMP should be read inconjunction with.

The current Management Plan has for the first time provided for synthetized and long-term governed management of the Galičica National Park.Due to the lack of personal experience and data on the nature in the park, some of the planned measures and activities were designed over optimistically.Therefore, the provision of additional data and knowledge, as well as implementation of measures and activities and long-term monitoring of some important habitats and species significant for protection purposes, are not maintaining the planned pace.The lack of this type of data made the analysis of the impact of the planned development projects on the park nature difficult and partially defined and limited the design of the draft amendments.

Considering the available data on habitats and species present in the area of the three tourism development zones (Ljubaništa, Oteševo and Stenje), the ski centre and the newly projected road A3 from Ohrid to the Albania border crossing, some amendments were made in the MP towards realization of development projects planned by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.This has been provided by changing the zoning that is the protection and management regime.Additionally, when designing the changes, despite the change in the zones, several limitations have been proposed, as well as measures and activities to reduce the negative impact as much as possible.

Based on the analysis elaborated in the SEA, a conversion of 604ha from the Zone of Active Management (ZAM) to the Zone of Sustainable Use (ZSU)s proposed in certain areas associated with the proposed Projects. However, to compensate for this, an additional 854 ha of grassland will be converted from ZSU to ZAM. Thus, with the adoption of these amendments, the areas of the management zones in the Park will be as follows:

1. Zone of strict protection with an area of 2,117 ha or 8.8% of the total area of the Park;

2. Zone of active management with an area of 12,525 ha or 51.8 % of the total area of the Park;

3. Zone of sustainable management with an area of 9,362ha or 38.8% of the total area of the Park;

4. A buffer zone with an area of 147 ha or 0.6% of the total area of the park.

Therefore, the surface area of the natural zone or mostly unaltered Park area will be 14,642ha which represents an increase of about 1% compared to the existing zoning.

The estimated intrusion of each project on the Park’s original zones contained within the NPG MP (2011-2020) is summarised in the table below.


Table 1: Estimated Direct Intrusion of Proposed Projects on Park Management Zones

Planned Development Project

Areas of Planned Development Projects (Hectares/ha)

Total Footprint in Park ZSP ZAM BZ ZSU

TDZ Oteshevo 58.95 0 57.39 0 1.56

TDZ Stenje 7.92 0 0 5.0 2.92

TDZ Ljubanishta 293.96 0 0.69 0.22 293.05

Express Road A3 307.62 0 49.85 0 257.77

Ski Resort (including Central Plateau Nordic Ski Area)

529.55 0 496.15 0 33.4

Total 1,198 0 604.08 5.22 588.7

This change will allow the implementation of development projects for Oteševo TDZ and Ljubaništa TDZ, the ski resort in the Park and the two sections of the express road A3 Kosel - Ohrid - border crossing with the Republic of Albania (road section Ohrid - Peštani and Peštani – border crossing with the Republic of Albania) in accordance with the existing rules applicable for the Park management zones.

For the realization of the development project for StenjeTDZ we propose amendments to the Table 6-9 ("Permitted and prohibited activities in zones") with a special activity "new infrastructure in the buffer area of the Strict protection zone - Stenjsko Blato part according to the urban planning documentation for theStenje Tourism Development Zone.It should be noted that, PINPG will require cooperation with the Agency for Spatial Planning, which is the only authorized developer of such documents, in order to identify the limitations of the buffer zone around Stenjsko Blato that will reduce the impact of StenjeTDZStenje and they be part of the future urban planning documentation for this TDZ.

For the realization of the development project for Galichica Ski Centre we propose amendments to the Table 6-9 ("Permitted and prohibited activities in zones"). The Galichica Ski Centre will result in some specific infrastucture development, development of new trails and the introduction of winter and summer activities into the area; these result in re-zoning of areas of ZAM to ZSU as some of these are potentially beyond the activities allowed in the ZAM (e.g. mountain biking outside of trails). The reduction in the ZAM for the Nordic Ski Area in the Central Plateau results in a specific additional recommendation in the AMP of ‘No additional infrastructure beyond that presented in the Galichica Ski Resort Master Plan & Feaasibility Study (May 2014) can be developed within the area rezoned from ZAM to ZSU in the AMP associated with the Nordic Ski Area in the Central Plateau’.This additional is to avoid the risk of incremental additional infrastructure being developed in the Cetral Plateau as an area of this has been rezoned from ZAM to ZSU as a result of the proposed ski centre.

Given the fact that development projects include the habitats of species that are important for conservation purposes, including strictly protected species in accordance with the LNP, it will be necessary to undertake concrete action to reduce the impact on them.PINPGwill within budget limitations conduct special studies and research in order to collect accurate data on the presence of strictly protected species in the planned project areas by mapping their micro habitats.Such studies will be undertaken primarily for Cvijić crocus, Živojin everlasting and Apollo butterfly, as well as for some species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that currently PINPG does not provide for necessary data.However at a project level the Project Sponsors will be expected to undertake sufficient baseline surveys in order to inform a robust Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (see Chapters 8-10 of the SEA). Data from these project (and any available PINPG) studies will serve to the project contractor when building the ski resort to choose the best solutions in terms of reducing the negative impacts on the environment.

Based on the opinion of the Cultural Heritage Protection Office within the Ministry of Culture (correspondence letter no. 17-440/2 from 31.12.2013, see Annex 16), within the proposed amendments some changes in PRG 4.6A are also proposed.


Given the fact that after the adoption of the MP in accordance with the decision DN. No. 19-620/03-2 from 20. 03. 2009 adopted by the Minister of Finance through the Commission that decides upon denationalisation claims submitted by the heads of the religious communities in Macedonia, the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archbishopric, Debar and Kičevo Diocese became the owner of a significant land area within the park. This opportunity was used to make some changes to the MP in the Ownership chapter (1. 2.1).

Consequently, modification to the MP is also proposed in the following chapters:

Amendment to the Chapter "Ownership" (1.2.1.), including Tables 8-2 and 8-3;

Amendment of chapter on ‘Urbanisation and Infrastructure’ (5.2.1.5);

Amendment of Chapter "Management objectives" (5.4), including Table 5-1 – this includes some specific additional mapping requirements for the protected species in the area of the proposed footprint of Galichci Ski Centre (e.g. Crocus Cvijic, PArnassius Apollo, Helichrysumzivojinii etc.) by Project Sponsors etc.;

Amendment of Chapter "Zoning and regulations" (6.2.)including AMP Figure 1 (Management Plan Volume 4: Map 7 – Annex 17 AMP);

Amendments to Tables 6-5, 6-6, 6-7, 6-8, and 6-9. Specific amendments have been made to 6-9 (“Permitted and prohibited activities in the zones”) for the TDZ Stenje (re: Stenjsko Blato) and the proposed Galichica Ski Centre (re: the Central Plateau). This includes the amendment to Table 6-9 that in the Original Management Plan when the applicability of alpine skiing was reviewed for the Zone of Active Management assuming low-scale rural tourism it was allowed, given the proposed scale of the Galichica Ski Centre it has been determined by the PINPG that Alpine Skiing of this scale is not allowed in the ZAM. Also an amendment has been included to allow alignment with the Law on Nature Protection that cultivation crops using traditional approaches will be allowed in the ZAM;

Amendments in the Chapter "Project program and activities" (6.3.);

Change in the Map 7 (Zoning) in the Volume 4 (attached to this document as AMP Annex 17 & Figure 1 of this AMP).

An additional Section 5 has been included in the AMP this would therefore become new Chapter 9 of the NPG Management Plan Volume 1 titled ‘Management, Offsetting & Monitoring of Adverse Effects’. This chapter ensures the outcomes of the SEA are fully taken account of in the AMP and provides the framework for the management, offsetting and monitoring of adverse effects of the amendments to the Management Plan and the planned development projects. The Section includes the following contents:

Principles for Compensation & Offsetting for Project Effects;

Summary of Development Project Offsets;

Project Design & Preparation Recommendations/Assumptions – including related to ESIA, Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), Appropriate Assessment style reporting etc.

Project Effect Management & Monitoring – including the proposed role and activities of PINPG;

Independent Monitoring.

It is necessary to mention that, taking into account that planned areas of Ljubaništa TDZ, express road A3 and ski resort are located within the borders of the World Heritage of Ohrid region, one should take into account the obligations arising from the Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention, 1972).Pursuant to paragraph 172 of the Operational Guide for implementation of the World Heritage Convention (2012), countries - parties to the Convention are invited to inform the World Heritage Committee, through its Secretariat, about their intentions to take or permit in any area which is protected by the World Heritage Convention, major restoration activities or projects for construction of new buildings that can affect the remarkable universal values of the area.The notification must be sent as early as possible, for instance prior to preparation of the draft decisions that are later more difficult to revoke, allowing the Committee to provide


assistance in finding appropriate solutions to ensure complete conservation of remarkable universal values. This is fully covered within the SEA.

In continuation of this chapter, the content of the proposed changes in the individual chapters of the Management Plan is given.The changes made in the original text of sections or tables are underlined/highlighted.

4.1. Amended Chapter 1.2.1 ("Ownership")

Most of the land within the Park is state-owned. PINPG does not have an updated inventory of state-owned cadastral parcels within the park nor inventory of parcels that are privately owned.According to data from the Geodetic Administration of the Municipality of Ohrid in 1976, the area of the state-owned parcels within the Park is 21,849 ha (90% of the total area of the Park).On the other hand, according to the statistical service in Ohrid in 1985, the area of the state-owned parcels within the Park is 22,184 ha, and privately owned 2,498 ha.Significant change in the ownership structure occurred with the changes according to the Denationalisation certificate DN. no.19-620/03-2 from 20.03.2009 issued by the Minister of Finance by the Denationalisation Commission which decides upon claims submitted by the heads of the religious communities in Macedonia and subsequently the area of the state owned plots in the park reduce to 19,502 ha, and the area of privately owned plots increased to 5,180. Currently 79% of the total area of the park is state-owned.More details about the land ownership in the park, divided in cadastral municipalities are given in Tables 8-1, 8-2 and 8-3 of Annex 2 of the MP.

4.2. Amended Chapter 5.2.1.5 ("Urbanization and infrastructure")

Along with the abandonment of marginal agricultural land in the Park, an extensive urbanization of the fertile land in the coastal area is also occurring.Namely, in the late 60s of last century an intensive process of internal migration of the population began - from mountain villages in the Park to the cities or in the lower parts of the park, along the Ohrid Lake coastal area.As a result of this process, entirely new areas were established, such as Rača, Sveti Stefan, Istok, Dolno Konsko and Elešec.Some of this newly established neighbourhoods, such as Elešec and Lagadin are mainly inhabited by part-time inhabitants.At the same time, older neighbourhoods, such as Leskoec, Oteševo, Ramne, and Šipokno and Konsko were almost completely abandoned.In the past two decades, increasing urbanization is noticeable in the coastal area, but also in the mountainous part.Old, abandoned villages gradually develop into weekend settlements.Most of the new residents permanently reside outside of the Park, and they reside in this area mainly in the summer periods or on the weekends.The modernization of the settlements in the mountainous part of the Park is accompanied by increased infrastructure, greater water consumption and increased pollution with municipal wastewater and solid waste (municipal waste and construction debris).Due to the great interest in the constriction plots in these settlements, the price of the former agricultural land is constantly increasing which in turn contributes to further reducing the attractiveness of the agriculture or other traditional economic activities amongst the local population.

Lately, besides urbanization due to migration processes there is significant pressure for urbanization of Park areas in order to provide conditions for the development of tourism.These initiatives are supported by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.The focus of the interest are the coastal sections of the Park suitable for the development of summer/lake tourism (Oteševo, Stenje and Ljubaništa), but also the significant high mountainous area of the park (Lako Signoj-Bugarska Čuka) suitable for development of winter tourism.

It is important to mention that the accelerated urbanization is continuously accompanied by numerous attempts for illegal construction, usurpation of state-owned land and inadequate infrastructure.Especially worrying are the persistent attempts for illegal construction of buildings alongside the Ohrid lake, especially in and around the strict protection zone starting from Peštani to Gradište, from Gradište to Trpejca and the site called Nadol - place down south of the Trpejca village.

Growing urbanization of the Park, although concentrated on a relatively small area, can cause disproportionately large impact on biodiversity.The negative effects of urbanization include destruction and fragmentation of habitats, through expansion of existing and construction of new infrastructure (roads, power supply, water supply and telecommunication installations etc.), increased intake of natural resources (especially water) and pollution (solid waste, construction waste, wastewater, air pollution, noise, etc.).

Therefore, the existing trends point to the conclusion that, in the future, the expansion of urbanization will be one of the most serious threats to the integrity of biodiversity, especially in some parts of the


park, including those that are extremely important for the preservation of some of the key Park values.For example, coastal cliffs alongside the Ohrid lake are the habitat of the Blue-throated Keeled Lizard (Algyroides nigropunctatus) which is one of the key Park values (Balkan endemic).This species has disjunctive areal and the small population in the Park is located on the eastern border of its distribution.Hence, even small pressure on the habitat might have a large effect on this vulnerable population.The construction of facilities and infrastructure along the cliffs from Peštani to Gradište and near the Trpejca village impedes the communication of the metapopulations in the Park, thereby jeopardizing the survival of this species in this area.

4.3. Amended Table 5.1: ("Overview of general, specific and operational management objectives for National Park Galičica") of Chapter 5.4 (management objectives)


Table 5.1: Overview of general, specific and operational management objectives for National Park Galičica

Overall objective Code Special objective Code Operational objective Code Priority

The key natural values of the Park exist in favourable condition

OC-I The populations of key Park species are in a favourable condition

PC-I.1 Development and implementation of an action plan for the conservation of Galičica catnip (Nepeta ernesti-mayeri)

OPC-I.1.1 H

Setting Arboretum and small Botanical Garden nearby Ohrid visitors centre aimed at ex-situ conservation of affected, rare and endemic plant species in the Park

OPC-I.1.2 L

Establishment of seed collection of affected, rare and endemic plant species in the Park

OPC-I.1.3 L

Implementation of an action plan for sustainable use of a part of the population of Ohrid herb tea (Sideritis raeseri)

OPC-I.1.4 H

Introducing and implementing a ban on logging the Mountain maple (Acer heldreichii)

OPC-I.1.5 M

Determining the presence, distribution and status of populations (number, structure) of the following species:Bupleurum mayeri, Ajuga piskoi, Caesar's mushroom (Amanita caesarea), Stone Crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium macedonicus), Buprestis splendens, Morimus funereus, Osmoderma eremita, meadow viper (Vipera ursinii) and Balkan snow field snake (Dinaromis bogdanovii)

OPC-I.1.6 H

Detailed mapping of population of Cvijić crocus (Crocus cvijicii) and Živojin everlasting (Helichrysum zivojinii), to be carried out before layout design of Ski Centre Project – PINPG to undertake as far as possible and encourage Project Sponsor for ski centre to undertake as part of ESIA.

OPC-I.1.6a H

Detailed mapping of the populations of strictly protected species of butterflies in the planning areas of development projects of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, with particular focus on apollo parnassius in area of proposed Ski Centre Project - – PINPG to undertake as far as possible and encourage Project Sponsor for ski centre to undertake as part of ESIA.

OPC-I.1.6b H

Providing detailed information about the use of habitat in the planning areas of development projects of the Government of RM by the strictly protected bird species

OPC-I.1.c H

Providing detailed information about the use of habitat in the planning areas of development projects of the Government of RM by the strictly protected mammal species

OPC-I.1.d H

Development and implementation of an action plan for the conservation of the great northern goosander (Mergus merganser)

OPC-I.1.7 M

Development and implementation of an action plan for the conservation of the following species of large mammals:chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica), brown bear (Ursus arctos), the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) and wolf (Canis lupus)

OPC-I.1.8 M


Developemnt of feasibility study and action plan for reintroduction of fallow deer (Dama dama)

OPC-I.1.9 M

Establishment and implementation of standards for collection of wild plant species throughout the park:for personal, scientific, research and commercial purposes

OPC-I.1.10 H

Establishment and implementation of a permanent ban on collection of wild animal species, except for scientific purposes, on the whole territory of the park

OPC-I.1.11 H

Establishing long-term monitoring of populations of species in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, Annex I of the Birds Directive and other species, according to the concept of integrated, long-term monitoring of the Park

OPC-I.1.12 H

Key habitats in the Park are in favorable condition

PC-I.2 Establishment and implementation of a permanent ban on all human activities (except visit and recreation in a way that does not cause significant biological and environmental changes) in representative habitats in the park that are listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, with the exception of habitat "Elino -balkanic steppes with Satureja Montana”

OPC-I.2.1 H

Determination of the parameters of the "favourable condition" and action plan for active habitat management of the "Elino-Balcanic steppes with Satureja montana" from the village Velgošti to Glajšo

OPC-I.2.2 H

Implementation of the Plan for sustainable use of the Park forests

OPC-I.2.3 H

Implementing a ban on all interventions of all permanent and temporary sources of tepid, including coastal springs, which are still found in natural or near natural state

OPC-I.2.4 H

Implementing a ban on all interventions of all permanent and temporary natural waterflows

OPC-I.2.5 H

Implementing a ban on all interventions and a ban on visiting all natural underground karst forms except Samatska Hole cave

OPC-I.2.6 H

Development and implementation of an action plan for environmental restoration of natural and artificial pools OPC-I.2.7

H

Establishing long-term monitoring of the soil, water and air pollution in the Park in accordance with the concept of integrated, long-term monitoring of the Park

OPC -I.2.8 H

Development and implementation of multi-annual programs and plans for fire protection in the Park OPC-I.2.9

H

Establishing long-term monitoring of populations of species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, according to the concept of integrated, long-term monitoring of the Park

OPC-I.2.10 H


Prevent soil, water and air contamination in the Park

OPC-I.2.11

H

Work with proponents of proposed Projects to ensure that environmental threats are avoided or minimised as far as possible Project design. Act as a consultee during Project ESIA and ensure that information on Park resources and sensitive areas, and PINPG’s concerns over impacts and management controls are made known. Provide advice to Project proponent on plans for Biodiversity Offsets.

OPC-1.2.12 H

During Project construction, review Project plans for envirornmental risk controls (e.g. the CESMP and BMP), and meet regularly with Project team to discuss concerns.

OPC-1.2.13 H

During Project operation, include Project risks to the environment in Park Monitoring Programme. OPC-1.2.14

H

Commission independent Biodiversity Audit, to examine implementation and effect of biodiversity offsets, and Project impacts, including cumulative impacts. Commission on an annual basis following commencement of first Project, and continue annually for at least five years after completion of last Project. Frequency to be revised for future audits, depending on results.

OPC-1.2.15 H

Key geomorphological features are protected

PC-I.3 Establishing and implementing a ban on all human activities on grass terraces (except visit and recreation in a way that does not cause significant changes)

OPC-I.3.1 H

Basic ecological processes are proceeding smoothly in most of the park which allows long-term protection of the characteristic species and ecosystems in the Park

OC-II Basic ecological processes are proceeding smoothly at 60% or more of the territory of the Park (Natural Area)

PC -II.1 Establishing strict protection zone on Old Galičica at about 2,040 ha OPC -II.1.1

H

Establishing a zone of strict protection and protective zone around the Stenjsko Blato at about 17.5 ha (21 ha of Buffer zone)

OPC -II.1.2 H

Establishing a zone of strict protection for the cliffs in Konjsko village up to the border with Albania OPC-II.1.3

H

Establishing a zone of strict protection of the cliffs in Peštani village to Gradište OPC-II.1.4

H

Establishing a zone of strict protection of the cliffs in Gradište to Trpejca OPC-II.1.5

H

Establishing a zone of strict protection of the cliffs and coastal area of the village Trpejca up to the cave church of St. Nikola OPC-II.1.6

H

Establishing a zone of strict protection of the cliffs of the church Holy Mary (Pure) near the village of Stene to the Church of St. Ilija in the village ofKonjsko

OPC-II.1.7 H


Establishing strict protection zone throughout the island of Golem Grad OPC-II.1.8

H

Establishing a zone of strict protection at the springs in Sveti Naum OPC-II.1.9

H

Establishing a zone of active management covering about 11,478 ha in 2010 OPC-II.1.10

H

Extending the zone of active management with additional 797 ha in 2013 OPC-II.1.11

H

Atering zone of active management to re-zoning proposal in AMP 2015 – i.e. ZAM to be 12,525 ha total. OPC-II.1.12

H

There knowledge of trends and status of the species, habitats and ecosystems in the Park as well as the effects of the management measures

PC-I.2 Development and implementation of a monitoring program in accordance with the concept of integrated, long-term monitoring of the Park

OPC-II.2.1 H

Incorporating research institutions and organizations, domestic and international, in the implementation of the monitoring program

OPC-II.2.2 H

Knowledge about biodiversity, processes and functions of natural ecosystems constantly updated and deepen

PC-I.3 Developing an overview of priority research activities in the Park OPC-II.3.1

H

Development and implementation of a program to attract domestic and international institutions and organizations working in the field of nature conservation, in order to implement the scientific and research activities in the Park

OPC-II.3.2

H

Ecosystems in the National Park Galičica are associated with those in the region, thus ensuring their mutual functioning and effective protection

OC-III There is a functional ecological links with the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

PC-III.1 Establishment of an ecological corridor for the purpose of environmental connection with the National Parks Mavrovo and Pelister through the Plaćenska, Ilinska and Bigla mountains

OPC-III.1.1 Н

Determination of the need to regulate and restrict human activities and the establishment of a protection zone in Prespa Lake section of the village of Konjsko to the Golem Grad island and to the border with Albania

OPC-III.1.2 Н

Restitution of ecological corridor at the Čerti Kamen site OPC-III.1.3 В

Harmonization of measures to conserve and protect the species and habitats in Prespa National Park in Albania OPC-III.1.4 M

Park Urbanization is controlled and aimed at sustainable development and quality of life in local communities

OC-IV There is space planning documentation which provides a strong legal basis for the implementation of the new zoning in the Park

PC-IV.1

Active participation of the PINPG in the working team of the Agency for Spatial Planning which will be working on drafting the Park zoning

OPC-IV.1.1 H

There is cooperation and coordination between PINPG and relevant state and local authorities in the adoption and implementation of urban documentation for settlements in the Park and its immediate surroundings

PC-IV.2

Active participation of the PINPG in the making of the urban documentation for settlements in the Park and its immediate surroundings

OPC-IV.2.1 H


Active participation of the PINPG in preparation of documentation for the development and construction of a ski resort in the Park

OPC-IV.2.2 H

In the park, there are numerous opportunities for inspiration, memorable experiences and recreation in a natural, non urban environment without causing significant disturbance of the nature

OC-V In the park, there is a proper and modern physical infrastructure and facilities to support the stay and the activities of visitors

PC-V.1 Establish and maintain a system of marked and defined hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty (physical effort) that connect the natural, historical and cultural values of the Park with the accompanying activities

OPC-V.1.1 H

Establish and maintain a system of marked and defined bike paths with varying degrees of difficulty (physical effort)

OPC-V.1.2 H

Establish and maintain a system of dirt roads intended for movement of motor vehicles (cars and off-road motorcycles)

OPC-V.1.3 H

Manage and maintain the sites for observation of animals in different ecosystems (water, forests, high mountain)

OPC-V.1.4 L

Construction and maintenance of mountain houses and shelters OPC-V.1.5 L

Construction and maintenance of regulated areas for camping in the wilderness

OPC-V.1.6 H

Manage and maintain places for rocks climbing and paragliding OPC-V.1.7 M

Landscaping and maintenance of picnic spots OPC-V.1.8 H

Manage and maintain lookouts OPC-V.1.9 H

The park is known for its variety of sports and recreational events and competitions

PC-V.2 Promotion and maintenance of traditional excursion Dva Javori - Ohrid

OPC-V.2.1 H

Promotion and maintenance of traditional mountain bike cross (Visitor Center Ohrid – Dva Javori and backwards

OPC-V.2.2 H

Promotion and maintenance of national / international competition in paragliding (various disciplines)

OPC-V.2.3 M

Promotion and maintenance of national / international competition in rocks climbing

OPC-V.2.4 L

Organising exercise:finding and extracting mountaineer / paragliders / climber

OPC-V.2.5 L

Stay for visitors and their activities supported by appropriate PINPG services

PC-V.3 Organize and maintain a training system and rental system of licensed tourist guides in the Park

OPC-V.3.1 L

Organize and maintain a system for using mountain house Šarbojca and camps in the wilderness

OPC-V.3.2 L

Organize and implement the system of boat rides in the Sveti Naum springs and up to the Golem Grad island

OPC-V.3.3 H

Organize and implement a program for watching birds and large mammals

OPC-V.3.4 L

Visitor’s activity in the park do not cause significant biological and ecological disturbances

PC-V.4 Establish a system to monitor the visitors in the Park OPC-V.4.1 M

Developing plans for managing visitors inthe popular Park destinations OPC-V.4.2 H


Various and adequate infrastructure and direct contact with nature attracts the visitors and support the interest for nature conservation

OC-VI There is an infrastructure for information and environmental education for visitors

PC-VI.1 Construction, equipping and management of visitor centers in Ohrid and Customs

OPC-VI.1.1 H

Construction, equipping and management of information points in Derven, Sveti Naum and Korita

OPC-VI.1.2 M-L

Manage and maintain the walkways for environmental education in Peštani, Sveti Naum and near the visitors center Prespa

OPC-VI.1.3 H

Promotion of small arboretum and botanical garden in the center for visitors in Ohrid for educational purposes

OPC-VI.1.4 L

There are printed, video and audio materials with educational and informative nature

PC-VI.2 Publication of materials for environmental education of target groups

OPC-VI.2.1 H

Promotion of cultural and historical heritage in the Park OPC-VI.2.2 H

Informing more target groups about the areas in the Park (permitted and prohibited activities)

OPC-VI.2.3 L

Informing visitors about he PINPG infrastructure and services OPC-VI.2.4 H

Preparation and distribution of information materials about popular sites in the Park

OPC-VI.2.5 H

PINPG’s activities contribute towards raising public awareness of the need for nature conservation

PC-VI.3 Organizing regular educational programs for students group visits

OPC-VI.3.1 H

Organizing traditional spring action for waste disposal OPC-VI.3.2 H

Marking the International Day of the European Parks OPC-VI.3.3 H

The celebration of the Park proclamation Day - 25 October OPC-VI.3.4 H

Organizing an open day in the Visitors Centers OPC-VI.3.5 M

Organizing summer camps for youth research OPC-VI.3.6 M

Revenues that local communities gain from sustainable tourism compensate the lost revenue from the direct use of natural resources

OC-VII PINPG contributes to enhanced and extended stay for the visitors of the local communities in the Park

PC-VII.1 Promotion of infrastructure and services for visitors of the Park (through the implementation of relevant activities of OC-V and OC -VI)

OPC-VII.1.1 H

Implementation of small grants programs for the local communities in the Park through the Environment Forum

ОPC-VII.1.2 H

Providing technical support for capacity development for sustainable tourism in local communities

OPC-VII.1.3 M-L

PINPG contributes to increase the income of local communities

PC-VII.2 Support for the development of organic production mountain tea, dog rose and juniperus in the Park (cultivated and wild)

OPC-VII.2.1 H

Support for the development of organic livestock production OPC-VII.2.2 M

Support for the development and production of memorabilia related to the Park and its natural values

OPC-VII.2.3 M

Support the development of associations of local producers of organic and traditional food and souvenirs

OPC-VII.2.4 L

Support for branding and direct marketing of local products OPC-VII.2.5 L

Park residents understand the need to protect the Park natural and cultural values and that it contributes to the development of sustainable tourism as an important economic activity in local

OC-VIII

There are data and knowledge about the effects of tourism activities in the Park

PC-VIII.1 Conducting studies and scientific research to determine the effects of tourism activities in the Park

OPC-VIII.1.1 M

Establishing a comprehensive system for collecting and processing data on the effects of tourism activities in the Park

ОPC-VIII.1.2 M

Local communities are aware of the Park’s contribution in the development of sustainable tourism

PC-VIII.2 Preparation of Annual Report on tourist activities in the Park ОPC-VIII.2.1 M

Regular information for the local community about the effects of tourism activities in the Park

OPC-VIII.2.2 M


communities Local communities take an active participation in the planning of the development and management of tourism in the Park

PC-VIII.3 Review and regularly update the Strategy for Development of Sustainable Tourism in National Park Galičica through participation of local communities and other key stakeholders

OPC-VIII.1.3 M

PINPG has diverse, motivated and professional staff who contribut towards making it effective, efficient and accountable institution

OC-IX The internal organization of PINPG enables the successful implementation of the Management Plan

PC-IX.1 Assessment of human resources needed to implement the Management Plan

OPC-IX.1.1 H

Development and adoption of new regulations for the internal organization of PINPG

OPC-IX.1.2 H

Development and implementation of an action plan for the establishment of new internal organization of PINPG

OPC-IX.1.3 H

There is capacity and established administrative procedures for the implementation of relevant laws and regulations

PC-IX.2 Conduct staff training in relation to the legal framework and procedures for the inspection and reporting of illegal constructions or misuse of state land

OPC-IX.2.1 H

Conduct staff training on the legal framework and procedures for assessing the environmental impact of certain planning documents, projects and activities

OPC-IX.2.2 H

Implementation of general staff training on the legal framework and treatment in case of illegal actions

OPC-IX.2.3 H

Conduct staff training on the monitoring in the Park OPC-IX.2.4 H

Conduct training for Park rangers according to the bylaws of the Law on Nature Protection

OPC-IX.2.5 M

Participation of employees in the training on the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Macedonia

ОPC-IX.2.6 M

PINPG is an active factor in the nature preservation in Macedonia, the region and Europe

PC-IX.3 Active participation of PINPG in national and international associations, initiatives, projects and activities

ОPC-IX.3.1 M

Maintenance of the existing and establishing new partnerships with relevant national and international institutions and organizations (protected areas, professional associations, etc.).

OPC-IX.3.2 H

PINPG possesses material and technical resources and infrastructure to implement the Management Plan

PC-IX.4 Analysis of the material and technical resources necessary to implement the Management Plan

ОPC-IX.4.1 H

Development and implementation of an action plan for providing the necessary technical resources

ОPC-IX.4.2 H

Preparation of annual programs for maintenance of PINPG facilities and infrastructure

ОPC-IX.4.3 H

The main activity of PINPG is financed from public revenues, while the development of the Park is funded by public revenues or income generated by the institution (entrance fees, rental of buildings and land, etc.), donations and

OC-X PINPG is actively seeking to establish a legal framework for financing activities from public revenues

PC-X.1 Elaboration facts and arguments about the need for funding the core activity of PINPG from public revenues and their presentation to the competent authorities and to the public

OPC-X.1.1 H

PINPG is providing adequate financial resources for the implementation of the Management Plan

PC-X.2 Developing business plan for the implementation of the Management Plan

ОPC-X.2.1 H

Regular submission of funding applications for projects in the Management Plan through the Programme for investements in the environment of the Government of the Republic of

ОPC-X.2.2 H


projects Macedonia

Establishing long-term partnerships and cooperation with international foundations and organizations for joint implementation of activities provided by the Management Plan

ОPC-X.2.3 M

Development of additional income sources that do not rely on direct use of Park natural resources

ОPC-X.2.4 H

Production and sale of firewood and industrial wood in amounts necessary to cover the costs of implementing the Management Plan according to Plan for sustainable use of Park forests

ОPC-X.2.5 H

Extension of existing and signing new contracts for lease of land and buildings of the Park ОPC-X.2.6 H-M

Providing continuous development and sale of souvenirs and other materials produced for PINPG.

ОPC-X.2.7 H

In carrying out its functions PINPG enjoys strong support from local communities, central and local authorities and the general public

OC-XI There is regular communication and cooperation between PINPG and relevant departments, agencies and public companies on a national and local level

PC-XI.1 Involving PINPG employees in MoEPP activities and in the activities of the other relevant departments, agencies and public enterprises at national and local level

ОPC-XI.1.1 H

Efforts by PINPG to include representatives from the MoEPP and other relevant departments, agencies and public companies on a national and local level in the implementation of the activities of the institution

ОPC-XI.1.2 H

Participation of PINPG representatives in relevant state, regional and local management bodies, committees and working groups (Coordinating Body of the Prespa Park, Lake Ohrid Basin Management Committee, Lake Prespa Basin Management Committee, working bodies for development of Local Agenda 21 et seq.)

ОPC-XI.1.3 H

Cooperation with the Department of Environment, Cultural Heritage Protection Directorate and other competent authorities in the implementation of the Plan for Management of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region and other activities for the protection of cultural heritage by the Prespa Park.

ОPC-XI.1.4 H

PINPG enjoys support and actively cooperates with relevant NGOs

PC-XI.2

Developing long-term partnerships with relevant associations of local, national and international level, especially in the field of sustainable tourism development, environmental education and public awareness

OPC-XI.2.1 H

Environment Forum for the Park plays an active role in the involvement of local communities in the Park management

PC-XI.3

Promote and support the regular work of the Environment Forum of the Park

OPC-XI.3.1 H

PINPG enjoys support from local and national media in the promotion of thwe Park to the public and implementation of the Management Plan

PC-XI.4

Preparation and implementation of annual programs for cooperation with local and national media

ОPC-XI.4.1 H


4.4. Amended Chapter 6.2.2. ("Description of the zones")

According to the LNP and management objectives set by this Management Plan, the following areas are established in the park (see Figure 1 AMP and Map 7 of Volume 4 of MP (and Annex 17 of this AMP)):

1. Zone of strict protection with an area of 2,117 ha or 8.8% of the total area of the Park;

2. Zone of active management with an area of 12,525 ha or 51.8% of the total area of the Park;

3. Zone of strict protection with an area of 9,362ha or 38.8% of the total area of the Park;

4. Zone of strict protection with an area of 147 ha or 0.6% of the total area of the Park;

Therefore, the surface area of natural or mostly unaltered area in the Park will be 14,642 ha which is 60.6% of its total territory. Detailed description of areas and activities and actions that can be performed is given in the Tables 6-5, 6-6, 6-7, 6-8 and 6-9.

Table 6.5: Zone of Strict Protection(ZSP)

Zone of strict protection(ZSU)

Size 2,117 ha, which represents 8.8% of the total area of the Park

Attributes

Natural area with slightly altered habitats of primary origin and insignificant human influence after the proclamation of the park.There were a number of key habitats, species and geomorphological phenomena.There are no infrastructure facilities, with the exception of (inert) radio communication panel.

The primary management goal

The smooth running of the natural processes aimed at long-term protection of the characteristic ecosystems and associated species.

Secondary management goal Scientific research studies.In certain parts of this zone the visits are allowed under strictly regulated conditions as follows:hiking on the Golem Grad island trail, boating on the Sveti Naum springs organized by PINPG and climbing up Magaro peak on the marked hiking trail.

Description of certain parts of the zone

Zone of strict protection – parts of the Lake Ohrid Cliffs

It covers an area of 31 hectares.It stretches along the rocks and cliffs south of the village of Peštani, all the way to the Ljubaništa auto camp. They have been created through mechanical actions caused by the waves and they are typical abrasive relief. In addition to the geomorphological value, the cliffs are also habitats of the local endemic species Centaurea soškae. This part of the zone is discontinued i.e. consisted of the following 5 parts:

Orevče, with a total area of 4 hectares;

Veli Dab, with a total area of 3 hectares;

Čokolsko, with a total area of 12 hectares;

Trpejca, with a total area of 1 hectar, and

Osoj, with a total area of 11 hectares.

There is no infrastructure in this zone of strict protection. The human influence is minimal and it is only about occasional visits.

Zone of strict protection – the Stara Galičica part

It covers an area of 2025 hectares. It stretches through the most part of Stara Galičica. This zone includes the west-oriented mountains above the Vojtino site forests, as well as the rocks and cliffs of the Stara Galičica drift, the Zli Dol site, the beech and beech-fir forest above the sites of Lipona Livada and Volko legalo, the small and large circle, the grass terasses and the grass communities at and around the highest peaks. This part of the strict protection zone is the most valuable part of the Parks’ nature, which includes geomorphic features (fossil glacial relief and recent periglacial relief), as well as important habitats and species.

From infrastructure perspective, this part of the strict protection zone includes inert radio-communication panel. There was Alpine skiing on the norther slopes in the past and becase of that the beech forest was cuit down. However, that ski slope has not been used in the past 25 years so the succession process significantly replenished the beech forest. Since the highest peak of Galičica (the peak of Magaro) is located in this zone, there is a marked mountain trail that leads to it. If we exclude the significant presence of mountaineers during the summer period along the marked trail, the human presence through rest of the year is minimal.

Zone of strict protection – the Stenjsko Blato part

It covers an area of 18 hectares. The borders of this part of the strict protection zone match the borders of the blato. In the past large quantities of construction and demolition waste as well as solid communal waste from the village of Stenje were deposited in the Stenjsko Blato thus completely changing one part of this habitat. Furthermore,the changes in the water levels of the Prespa lake i.e. the general hydrological conditions in the confluency of the lake have significant influence on the blato. In the past several decades there is continuous reduction of its total area. As the water retracts the surrounding arable land is increasing on the account of


the blato.

Zone of strict protection – the Prespa Lake Cliffs part

It covers and area of 18 hectares. It stretches along the rocks and cliffs of Prechna Planina mounting. They have been created through mechanical actions caused by the waves and they are typical abrasive relief. In addition to the geomorphological value the priority habitat od Peonski Šumi is also developed in the cliffs, which includes Foya Juniper and the local endemic species of Centaurea galicicae. This part of the zone is discontinued i.e. consisted of the following 2 parts:

Kjoshe, with a total area of 10 hectares; and

Zandana, with a total area of 8 hectares

There is no infrastructure in this zone of strict protection. The human influence is minimal and it is only about occasional visits.

Zone of strict protection – The Sveti Naum springs part

It covers and area of 4 hectares. The borders of this part of the strict protection zone match the borders of the small lake that is created by the coastal and underground sources of, including the largest (southern) island. The Sveti Naum Izvorište (the spings) is exceptional and rare hydrological and endemic phenomenon in Macedonia. It is a habitat od significant number of endemic silicate algae (that can be found only in the waters of the spring) as well as part of the endemic ichtiofauna present in the Ohrid Lake.

There is no infrastructure in this zone of strict protection. The human influence is minimal and it is only about organized visits which are controlled by the administration of the Park – in the part of the zone using small boat, and only during summer.

Zone of strict protection – the Golem Grad island part

It covers and area of 21 hectares. The wild and unusual landscape of this island is due to its geomorphology and the long-term developed of rare flora, uninterrupted by humans. The island includes development of the priority habitat of Peonski Šumi with Foya, which is the preferred nesting place for the significantly large population of the great cormorant. The island also features a cave, which is a home of three bat species: Greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), Long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii) andthe Common bant-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii).

The lake is rich with fish, which is the favorite feeding ground for the pelikans. There are several buildings present in this part of the strict protection zone (the St.Peter church along with the accommodation premises) as well as seveal archeological sites dating from different historic periods. Due to presence of the above, the Golem Grad island is very often visited by tourists and locals during summer. In order to limit the movement on the island there is a marked trail that leads to the most important buildings (archeological sites).

Table 6.6: Zone of Active Management(ZAM)

Zone of Active Management (ZAM)

Size 12.525ha, which is 51,8% of the total territory of the Park

Attributes

Natural zonein which most of the habitats are of secondary origin. As the Park was proclaimed with such status, the human influence was gradually reduced to insignificant level. There are a lot of kye habitats and species. In the terms of infrastructure, there are telecommunication towers with additional buildings, asphalt and earth roads as well as smaller buildings owned by PINPG.

Primary goal of the management

Smooth flow of the natural processes in order to ensure long-term protection of the typical eco-systems and other species.

Secondary goal of the management

Environmentally compliant spiritual, scientific, educational and recreational activities.

Table 6.7: Sustainable use zone

Sustainable use zone

Size 9.362ha, which is 38,8% of the total territory of the Park

Attributes Zone intended for housing and economic activities. There are many key haibtats and species which are mainly covered in the natural zone. There are many populated areas, tourist resorts and significant infrastructure.


Environmental linking of the habitats and control of the human influence over the natural zone.

Secondary goals of the management

- Housing

- Tourist activities

- Production of wood for heating purposes

- Collection of medicinal herbs and fungae


- Agricultural production

Table 6.8: Buffer Zone

Buffer Zone (BZ)

Size 147 ha,which is 0,6% of the total territory of the Park

Attributes Natural of semi-natural habitats or urbanized areas, with or without significant infrastructure and human influence.


Control of the human influence from the sustainable use zone over the strict protection zone.

Secondary goals of the management

Environmentally compliant spiritual, scientific, educational and recreational activities.

Description on specific parts of the zone

Protective belt of the strict protection zone – the Stara Galičica part

It covers an area of 105 hectares. It stretches at the sites of Lipona Livala and Volko Legalo where there is dominant beech and beech-fir forest. It was introduced in order to separate the strict protection zone from the sustainable use zone, in which the PINPG does exploitation of the forests. Except these activities, the human presence is minimal

Protective belt of the strict protection zone – the Stenjsko Blato part

It covers an area of 21 hectares. On part of the protective belt on the eastern side of the blato is covered by the development project for the Stenje Tourism Development Zone. The PINPG will request cooperation with the Agency for Spatial Planning, which is the only authority authorized for development of these documents, in order to identify the limitations to the protective belt around Stenjsko Blato that will reduce the impact from the Stenje Tourism Development Zone and they will be incorporated in the future urban planning documentation for this technological development zone.

Protective belt of the strict protection zone – The Sveti Naum springs part

It covers an area of 21 hectares. It goes completely around the strict protection zone – the Izvorishte Sveti Naum part. It was introduced in order to separate the strict protection zone from the sustainable use zone which features intensive tourist activities during activities summer. This protective belt includes the small (northern) island and the part of the lake created by the coastal and underground springs as well as land belt around the coastal line which is 100 meters wide.


Table 6.9: Allowed and prohibited activities in the zones

Activities

Zones

Strict protection

Active management

Sustainable use

Buffer Zone

Scientific research, including archeological (only with initially obtained license) YES YES YES YES

Hiking (along the marked trails) YES YES YES YES

Hiking (beyond the marked trails) NO NO YES YES

Skiing NO YES YES YES

Setting up of information tables NO YES YES YES

Installation of signs YES YES YES YES

Arranged rest sites (benches, chairs and canopies) NO YES YES NO

Wild camping at specific sites NO YES YES NO

Observation points and posts NO YES YES YES

Lighting fires out in the open NO NO NO NO

Gathering of fungae, berries and plants (such as tea, mushrooms, etc.) NO NO YES NO

Gathering of animals (such as butterflies, turtles, etc.) NO NO NO NO

Grazing of livestock NO NO YES YES

Cultivating of crops using traditional approach NO YES YES NO

Grass mowing NO NO YES YES

Breeding of bees – temporary setting up of bee hives NO YES YES YES

Breeding of bees – additional objects NO NO YES NO

Commercial forestry NO NO YES NO

Intensive agricultural production NO NO YES NO

Gathering of woods and branches NO NO YES NO

Fishing NO NO NO NO

Hunting NO NO NO NO

Alpine skiing (at non-arranged locations) NO NO YES YES

Alpinism at arranged locations NO YES YES NO

Mountain biking at arranged trails NO YES YES YES

Locations for take-off paragliding NO YES YES NO

Vehicles (field cars and motorcycles) at the current asphalt and earth roads NO YES YES YES

Riding NO YES YES YES

Arrangement of the unarranged springs NO NO NO NO

Arrangement of the current puddles NO YES YES YES

Arrangement of wells NO YES YES YES

New buildings for catchment of water from springs and rivers in the Park NO NO NO NO

New housing buildings NO NO YES NO

New tourist buildings (hotels, restaurants, camps, etc.) NO NO YES NO

New buildings for other purposes (for JUNPH management) NO YES YES YES

New buildings for agricultural activities (warehouses, pens, barns) NO NO YES NO

New infrastructure – water supply pipes NO NO YES NO

New infrastructure – tourist purposes NO NO YES YES

New infrastructure – electrical energy NO NO YES YES

New infrastructure – asphalt roads NO NO YES YES

New infrastructure – earth roads NO NO YES YES


New infrastructure – sewage system NO NO YES YES

New infrastructure – erosion control structures NO YES YES YES

New infrastructure in the Protective Belt of the Strict Protection Zone – the Stenjsko Blato part, in accordance with the urban planning documentation of the Stenje Tourism Development Zone

NO NO NO YES

New infrastructure beyond that presented in the Galichica Ski Centre Master Plan & Feasibility Study (May 2014) can be developed within the area rezoned from ZAM to ZSU in the AMP associated with the Nordic Ski Area in the Central Plataeu’

NO NO NO NO


4.5. Tables that have been changed in Chapter 6.4 (“Programs of projects and activities“)

Programs of projects and activities below are the original version of the amendments to the

Management Plan from 2014. In the Table 5-1 Overview of general, specific and operational

management objectives for National Park Galičica, within the special objective PC-I.2 Key habitats in

the Park are in favorable condition four objectives are added (OPC-I.2.12, OPC-I.2.13, OPC and

OPC-I.2.14-I.2.15). At the moment there is insufficient information to prepare projects or activities to

achieve these operational objectives. In case of implementation of any of the development projects,

PINPG has an obligation to prepare appropriate projects or activities.

TITLE OF THE PROJECT OR ACTIVITY CODE

DETAILED MAPPING OF THE POPULATION OF Crocus cvijiciiAND THE Helichrysum zivojinii PRG- 1.6a

LINK WITH THE OVERAL OBJECTIVE LINK WITH THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE

LINK WITH THE OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVE

OO-I andOO-IV SO-I.1 andSO-IV.2 OpO-I.1.6а andOpO-IV.2.2

LOCATION NPG

RESPONSIBLE PERSON Head of the Nature Protection Program

DESCRIPTION The Crocus cvijiciispecies are endemic for the Southern Balkan. It was described by Koshanin using samples gathered at Galičica mountain in 1926. It flourishes on locations where the snow is melting during spring period, in addition to chalk rocky surfaces, in the sub-Alpine belt. As for the Republic of Macedonia, it is mentioned only for the Galičica mountain. Vangjeli (1995) also mentions it on the mountains of eastern Albania and Papanicolaou & Zacharov (1980) mention it in Greece. On Galičica it is identified at several sites such as Stara Galičica in the frames of the small and large circle, as well as around the Magaro peak and in the sub-Alpine belt of the Lako Signoj - Bukarska Čuka. This part of the wider habitat of this species is covered by the project for construction of Ski Center in the Park. The Crocus cvijiciiis included in the list of strictly protected species in the Republic of Macedonia. At present there is no information about its endangerment level. It is also included in the Red Book of the Republic of Albania (Vangjeli, 1995) and is allocated the K status (Insufficiently known). Due to the insufficient information about the presence and distribution of the species at the Lako Signoj – Bugarska Čuka line, it is necessary to make more detailed and precise mapping of all micro sites of these species in this section of the Park. The Helichrysum zivojiniiis local endemic species with limited and isolated spread in the Park. According to the current information, the main population of this species is located on the warm, dry and rocky locations between the Tomoros peak to the east and the Lako Signoj – Bugarska Čuka line. Furthermore, this species is also identified on the Stara Galičica where it seems it has a population which is significantly less compared to the main population. According to Soshka, this species can be also fond on the Margarina site, south-west of Sirhansko Kale, in the Prespa part of the Park, at the height of around 1,000 meters above the sea level. Most individuals of these species were noticed at the eastern slopes of Mala Galičica, between the peaks of Lako Signoj and Bugarska Čuka, above the beech zone. It is important to mention that the distribution of the species is discontinued and it mainly occurs in local groups, with larger number of individuals. One part of the wider habitat of this species between the Lako Signoj and Bugarska Čuka peaks is covered by the project for construction of ski center in the Park. The Helichrysum zivojiniiis on the list of strictly protected species in the Republic of Macedonia. There is no information at the moment about the level of endangerment. Due to the insufficient information about the presence and spread of this species along the Lako Signoj – Bugarska Čuka line, it is necessary to map precisely and in details all the micro-sites of this species in this part of the Park. The mapping of the micro-sites of these two species will be carried out during 2014.

MANNER OF IMPLEMENTATION PINPG using own resources (staff and equipment)


SPECIAL EQUIPMENT None

RESULTS/ INDICATORS Spread, mapped micros-ites and the population size of both species

AUDIT METHOD Report for implementation of the annual programs for implementation of the Management Plan

PERMITS/ ENDORSEMENTS FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS LINKS WITH OTHER PRG

- -

IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD 2014 PRIORITY HIGH

ENGAGEMENT OF THE PINPG STAFF DIRECT COSTS (in thousands denars)

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Year

University - - - - 24 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Secondary - - - - - - - - - 15000

Unqualified - - - - -


DETAILED MAPPING OF THE POPULATIONS OF THE STRICTLY PROTECTED BUTTERFYL SPECIES IN THE PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

PRG- 1.6b

LINK WITH THE OVERAL OBJECTIVE

LINK WITH THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE


OO-I SO-I.1 OpO-I.1.6а

LOCATION NPG


DESCRIPTION According to the Law on Nature Protection, the Apollo Butterfly (Parnassius apollo), the Large Copper (Lycaena dispar) and the Large Blue (Maculinea arion) are included in the list of strictly protected species. PINPG does not have information about this species in the habitats covered by the development projects of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. This activity will help to make detailed and precise mapping of all micro-sites of these species in the mountains, both the larvae and the butterfly phases

MANNER OF IMPLEMENTATION External contractors

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT The equipment required will be provided by the contractor

RESULTS/ INDICATORS Micro-sites mapped

AUDIT METHOD Report


- -

IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD 2014, 2015 и 2016 PRIORITY HIGH


Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

University - - - - - 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Secondary - - - - - - 120 120 120 -



OBTAINING OF DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE USE OF THE HABITATS BY THE STRICTLY PROTECTED BIRD SPECIES IN THE MOUNTAINS COVERED BY THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

PRG- 1.6c






LOCATION NPG


DESCRIPTION According to the Law on Nature Protection, theLevant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes), the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), the Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops), the Little Owl (Athene noctua), the Long Eared Owl (Asio otus), the Eurasian Golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) and the Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) are included in the list of strictly protected species. PINPG does not have information about this species in the habitats covered by the development projects of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. This activity will help to obtain detailed information about the use of the habitats, especially for nesting, by the species in the mountain coverage of the above projects.



RESULTS/ INDICATORS Detailed information about the use of the habitats, especially for nesting, by the strictly protected species in the mountain coverage of the development projects of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia

AUDIT METHOD Report


- -

IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD 2014, 2015, 2016 PRIORITY HIGH


Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

University - - - - - 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Secondary - - - - - - 300 300 300 -



OBTAINING OF DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE USE OF THE HABITATS BY THE STRICTLY PROTECTED MAMMAL SPECIES IN THE MOUNTAINS COVERED BY THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

PRG- 1.6d





LOCATION NPG


DESCRIPTION According to the Law on Nature Protection, theWidlcat (Felis silvestris), the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) and the Balkan Lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) are included in the list of strictly protected species. PINPG does not have information about this species in the habitats covered by the development projects of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. This activity will help to obtain detailed information about the use of the habitats, especially for breeding and hibernation by the species in the mountain coverage of the above projects.



RESULTS/ INDICATORS Detailed information about the use of the habitats, especially for breeding and hybernation, by the strictly protected species in the mountain coverage of the development projects of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia

AUDIT METHOD Report



- -

IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD 2014, 2015 и 2016 PRIORITY HIGH


Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

University - - - - - 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Secondary - - - - - - 300 300 300 -



COOPERATION WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN CHARGE OF PROTECTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE

PRG-4.6А




OO-I, IV, XI SO-XI.1 OpO-XI.1.4

LOCATION NPG

RESPONSIBLE PERSON Director of the PINPG

DESCRIPTION Since most of the territory of the Park is included in the borders of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region, the Law on Management with the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region provides the relevant legal framework for cooperation between the PINPG and the services in charge of protection of the cultural heritage in the Park, such as the Authority for Protection of the Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Macedonia, the National Institution – Institute for Protection of the Cultural Monuments and Museum-Ohrid, and the National Institution – Institute for Protection of the Cultural Monuments and Museum-Bitola.

The involvement of the PINPG in the development of the draft Plan for Management with the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region is a good example of cooperation with the relevant institutions when it comes to protection of the cultural heritage. In accordance with Article 13 of the Law, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia adopts a Plan for Management on the basis of initial opinion of the National UNESCO Commission. Before the procedure for adoption of this Management Plan even started, the National UNESCO Commission has not yet provided its opinion on the document. In accordance with Article 16 of the same Law, the Plan is implemented by the Authority for Environmental Protection and the Authority for Protection of the Cultural Heritage, the Mayor of the Municipality of Ohrid, the holders of the natural and cultural heritage and other entities – each in the frames of their respective competencies and mandate and in accordance with the activities foreseen by the Plan.

In accordance with this legal framework, then developing the annual programs for protection, the PINPG will include activities, in the frames of its mandate, in consultation with the Authority for Environment and the relevant institutions in charge of protection of the cultural heritage, related to protection of the cultural heritage located within the borders of the Park. Furthermore, PINPG will communicate with the relevant institutions in charge of protection of the cultural heritage, for submission of information about the activities planned in the Park during that time period. On the basis of this information, PINPG will propose measures and activities, if necessary, for mitigation of the environmental impact and will submit those to the relevant institutions.

It should be emphasized that some part of the cultural heritage in the Park (for example, the archeological sites at the Golem Grad island and other sites on the Prespa side) are not covered by the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region. During the public discussion on the changes related to the Management Plan, the PINPG cooperated with the Authority for Protection of the Cultural Heritage in the frames of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia. In that regard several field activities were carried out for charting of several archeological sites on the Ohrid side of the Park. The plan for the future is to continue charting the archeological sites on the Prespa side of the Park as


well.

MANNER OF IMPLEMENTATION PINPG

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT None

RESULTS/ INDICATORS There are no conflicts betweem the Management Plan and the Plan for Managing the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region

AUDIT METHOD Through the annual programs for implementation of the Management Plan


- -

IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD PRIORITY HIGH


Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Year

University 10 10 10 10 10 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Secondary - - - - -

- - - - Unqualified - - - - -

4.6. Annex 2 tables that have been changed

Table 8.2: Overview of state owned land within the borders of the Park, in accordance with the

information from 1985 from the State Statistical office in Ohrid and the changes in accordance with

the Resolution DN No. 19-620/03-2 from 20.03.2009 adopted by the Minister of Finance through the

Commission in Charge of Making Decisions with regards to Denationalization, for the

denationalization claims filed by the heads of religious temples and buildings of the religious

communities in the Republic of Macedonia.

Cadaster Municipality Land area (ha)

Ljubaništa 1226

Trpejca 1303

Peštani 652

Elšani 1687

Konjsko-Šipokno 2012

Velestovo 2977

Ramne 1919

Velgošti 1775

Total in the Municipality of Ohrid 13551

Leskoec 2491

Stenje 1743

Oteševo 1321

Konjsko 396


Total in the Municipality of Resen 5.951

Total in the Park 19.502

Table 8.3: Overview of private owned land within the borders of the Park,in accordance with the

information from 1985 from the State Statistical office in Ohrid and the changes in accordance with

the Resolution DN No. 19-620/03-2 from 20.03.2009 adopted by the Minister of Finance through the

Commission in Charge of Making Decisions with regards to Denationalization, for the

denationalization claims filed by the heads of religious temples and buildings of the religious

communities in the Republic of Macedonia.

Cadaster Municipality Land area (ha)

Ljubaništa 2991

Trpejca 170

Peštani 186

Elšani 269

Konjsko-Šipokno 362

Velestovo 373

Ramne 114

Velgošti 326

Total in the Municipality of Ohrid 4.791

Leskoec 111

Stenje 241

Oteševo 19

Konjsko 18

Total in the Municipality of Resen 389

Total in the Park 5.180

5. Management, Offsetting and Monitoring of Adverse Effects

5.1. Principles for Compensating and Offsetting for Project Effects

Given the importance of the natural and cultural resources of National Park Galichica (NPG), the adverse impacts of the changes to this Management Plan, and of the Projects, need to be addressed and managed. The mitigation hierarchy is to be followed, where measures are first taken to avoid creating environmental or social impacts from the outset, and where this is not possible, to implement additional measures that would minimise, mitigate and, as a last resort, offset and/or compensate any potential residual adverse impacts.

The protection level (zoning) of some areas of the Park have been revised, to downgrade the protection status in order to permit Project activities. The following table summarises the aerial footprints which have been changed in order to permit implementation of the Projects.


Table 2: Estimated Direct Intrusion of Proposed Projects on Park Management Zones

Planned Development Project

Areas of Planned Development Projects (Hectares/Ha)

Total Footprint in Park ZSP ZAM BZ ZSU

TDZ Oteshevo 58.95 0 57.39 0 1.56

TDZ Stenje 7.92 0 0 5.0 2.92

TDZ Ljubanishta 293.96 0 0.69 0.22 293.05

Express road A3 307.62 0 49.85 0 257.77

Ski Resort (including Central Plateau Nordic Ski Centre)

529.55 0 496.15 0 33.4

Total 1,198 0 604.08 5,22 588.7

604.08 Ha of the Zone of Active Management has been downgraded to Zone of Sustainable Use. However, to partially compensate for this, an area of 854 Ha has had its protection status upgraded from ZSU to ZAM. This is an area of Apline and subapline calcareous grasslands in the northern area of the Park which PINPG wishes to place into active management in order to improve its condition. This habitat is listed in Annex I of the Habitat Directive Annex I, with reference 6170.

The revised Park zoning map is found in Figure 1 and Annex 17 of the AMP (and forms replacement Map 7 of Volume 4 of the MP).

5.2. Project Offsets

An initial appraisal has identified that certain biodiversity impacts of some of the proposed Project

cannot be mitigated adequately, and that compensation for the biodiversity loss must be made by

taking specific actions to offset the loss.

The following biodiversity offsets must be implemented by each Project Proponent – these are

detailed within Chapter 9 of the SEA. It may be during the project development and the project level

ESIA’s the Project Proponent identify additional offsets are required to achieve No Net Loss to

habitats and secies within the Park.

Oteshevo TDZ

The loss of 60 Ha of forest needs to be offset. An area of 540 Ha of degraded Quercetum frainetto

woodland needs to be identified, and its condition improved by active management, over and above

its natural progression. Such an area cannot be found within National ParkGalichica, without its

removal from PINPG’s tree-cutting programme. Therefore, the Project Proponent needs to work with

PINPG and other stakeholders, landowners, local authorities, etc, to identify such an area outside

National ParkGalichica, and agree appropriate management measures and monitoring indicators, in

order to demonstrate a compensatory gain in Quercetum frainetto habitat. These actions must be

planned and budgetted, and a firm commitment made by the Project Proponent, to meet the cost of

the necessary offset measures and monitoring.

Stenje TDZ

Given the unique biodiversity of the Stenje Marsh, it is considered that is loss cannot be offset.

Ljubanishta TDZ

Given the unique biodiversity of the Sveti Naum Spring, it is considered that is loss cannot be offset.


Ski Centre Project

6170 alpine and subapline calcareous grasslands;

The loss of 320 Ha of alpine and subapline calcareous grasslands needs to be offset. An area of

1,344 Ha of degraded grasslands needs to have its condition improved by active management in

order to achieve this. An area of 1,600 Ha has been identified in the north of the Park which although

within the ZAM, is degraded or at risk from degradation, and is therefore suitable to have its condition

improved by active management. This area is shown in Annex 18. To offset the loss from the Ski

Centre Project, this area will be managed by using grazing to curtail the succession of juniperus

communis and other shrubs. PINPG will demarcate this area and either encourage grazing by local

communities, or actively introduce grazing animals into this area, and manage their activities, so as to

maintain and improve the state of the grasslands. In this case, although community grazing is not

permitted in the ZAM, it will be regarded as a management action, under the control of the PINPG.

This action must be planned and budgetted, and a firm commitment made by the Project Proponent,

to meet the cost of the measures and monitoring. If PINPG deems that there will be insufficient

demand for grazing in this area by local communities, the cost should include purchase and

introduction of grazing animals, and their management under the authority of PINPG.

5130 Juniperus communis;

The loss of 106 Ha of Juniperus communis heathland needs to be offset. An area of 541 Ha of

degraded juniper area needs to have its condition improved by active management in order to

achieve this. An area of over 540 Ha has been identified in the north of the Park which is currently

within the ZSU, and where grazing is carried out under the management of local communities, and

where a combination of past fires and grazing pressure has degraded the condition of the juniper, and

is therefore suitable to have its condition improved by active management. This area is shown in

Annex 19. To offset the loss from the Ski Centre Project, this area will be managed by actively

preventing grazing in this area. PINPG will determine what actions are appropriate to achieve this,

e.g. fencing, signage, patrols, etc. This action must be planned and budgetted, and a firm

commitment made by the Project Proponent, to meet the cost of the measures and monitoring.

91K0 Illyrian Fagus sylvatica forest;

The loss of 87 Ha of Fagus sylvatica forest needs to be offset. An area of 783 Ha of degraded Fagus

sylvatica forest needs to have its condition improved by active management in order to achieve this.

This significantly larger offset area is needed to take account of the longer time required for beech

trees to grow to maturity. An area of around 300 Ha has been identified in the north of the Park

which is currently degraded by past fires and is therefore suitable to have its condition improved by

active management. This area is shown in Annex 20. To offset the loss from the Ski Centre Project,

this area will be placed into active management by PINPG in order to prevent illegal firewood

collection, grazing and other activities which degrade the forest habitat, and improve its condition over

time. PINPG will determine what actions are appropriate to achieve this. This action must be planned

and budgetted, and a firm commitment made by the Project Proponent, to meet the cost of the

measures and monitoring.

The additional area of 483 Ha of Fagus sylvatica suitable for upgrading cannot be found within

Galichica National Park. Therefore, the Project Proponent needs to work with PINPG and other

stakeholders, landowners, local authorities, etc, to identify such an area outside Galichica National

Park, and agree appropriate management measures and monitoring indicators, in order to

demonstrate a compensatory gain in Fagus sylvatica habitat. These actions must be planned and

budgetted, and a firm commitment made by the Project Proponent, to meet the cost of the necessary

offset measures and monitoring.


A3 Expresssway Road Project (Peshtani – State Border Section)

The loss of 84 Ha of Macedonia Oak forest (Quercetum trojanae macedonicum)needs to be offset.

An area of 504 Ha of degraded Quercetum trojanae macedonicum woodland needs to be identified,

and its condition improved by active management, over and above its natural progression. Such an

area cannot be found within Galichica National Park, without its removal from PINPG’s tree-cutting

programme. Therefore, the Project Proponent needs to work with PINPG and other stakeholders,

landowners, local authorities, etc, to identify such an area outside National ParkGalichica, and agree

appropriate management measures and monitoring indicators, in order to demonstrate a

compensatory gain in Quercetum trojanae macedonicumhabitat. These actions must be planned and

budgetted, and a firm commitment made by the Project Proponent, to meet the cost of the necessary

offset measures and monitoring.

5.3. Project Design and Preparation

For each Project proposed within the National ParkGalichica, before detailed design occurs, the

Project Proponent must make available to the designer certain documentation on the environmental

and cultural resources of the Park. This information should include:

Baseline information on the environmental baseline of the Park, including the areas of particular sensitivity, available from PINPG;

This Park Management Plan 2011 – 2020 (revised);

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on the Amendments to the Park Management Plan, which indicates key issues that need to be addressed in the Project design, including avoidance measures, recommendations for Project alteration, and biodiversity offset requirements.

The Project Proponent must instruct the designer to address the recommendations in the SEA, and to

make revisions to the Project design to reduce the environmental impact. Revisions may include:

relocation of some or all of the Project infrastructure; alterations to the Project footprint or layout;

changes to the design of the infrastructure; design of facilities in order to reduce impact on the

landscape; and/or other measures relating to the construction or operation of the Project. When

condsidering the final design recommendations, the Project Proponent must consider the cost to the

Project of any necessary environmental mitigation, compensation and offsetting measures, for the

various Project alternatives. Environmental mitigation, compensation and offsetting costs may be

reduced by relatively minor design alterations.

The Project Proponet should ensure that the designer meets with PINPG to understand their

concerns over the risks to the Park, at the outset of the design process.

5.4. Project ESIA Preparation

For each Project, a thorough Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) must be carried

out. The ESIA must review and take into account the assessment and recommendations in the SEA,

and must meet the requirements of the Macedonian Law of Nature and related Decrees, as well as

complying with requirements of the EU EIA Directive (2014/52/EU.

During the scoping process, the ESIA team must meet with PINPG to understand PINPG’s concerns

over the Project risks to the Park, and include these within the scope of the assessment.

The ESIA must clearly set out Project alternatives, and discuss the environmental and social risks of

each, including setting out the justification for the selection of the chosen alternative.

Each ESIA must include both a Construction Environmental & Social Management Plan (CESMP) and

an Operational Environmental & Social Management Plan (OESMP), which contain clear and practical

actions to mitigate environmental risks.


The ESIA must also develop a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) which sets out specific

measures for the reduction of impacts to biodiversity, and must involve Macedonian ecological

experts in the development of this BMP.

Where biodiversity offsetting is required, the ESIA and design teams must wrok with the Project

Proponent and PINPG to identify the final offset areas, and offset actions, and identify a budget and a

timeline for the establishment of biodiversity offsets. Where offset areas cannot be found within the

Park, the Project Owner must identify alternative areas, and negotiate with the relevant landowners,

local authorities, and other stakeholders to establish a firm plan, budget and schedule for offsets.

The Project Proponent must make an explicit commitment to implement (and finance) the

implementation of the CESMP, OESMP, BMP, and all biodiversity offset measures.

PINPG will be a key consultee to the ESIA process, and will review the draft ESIA document, and

provide comments on the impacts and mitigation measures proposed. Any concerns PINPG has will

be passed to the ESIA team, th Project Owner and MoEPP. It is assumed no ESIA will be approved

by MoEPP without PINPG being satisfied as to the mitigation measures proposed.

In addition, each Project must conduct an ICOMOS Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) which

examines how the Project may affect the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the World Heritage

Site and proposes mitigation to protect the OUV of the area.

5.5. Project Effect Management and Monitoring

During Project Preparation and Design

Depending on resources being made available PINPG will establish a Monitoring Unit within its

Department for the Conservation of Nature. Part of the task of the Monitoring Unit will be to liaise with

the Projects, as follows:

Make available to each Project Owner/Sponsor at the outline design stage, any relevant information on the biological and ecological resources of the area in question, including locations of resources of particular value or sensitivity;

Meet with the design teams and the ESIA teams to make clear PINPG’s concerns over impacts, and to discuss the Project’s proposals to avoid and reduce negative effects;

Review the Construction Environmental & Social Management Plan (CESMP) and Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), and Terms of Reference for the Supervising Engineer, and make comments and concerns known to the Project Owner.

During Project Construction

Meet regularly (monthly) with the Project Team and the Supervising Engineer during construction, to discuss implementation of the CESMP, BMP, project effects on biological resources, and any other concerns;

Possibly be involved in the design and implantation of biodiversity offsets, depending upon how these are to be implemented.

During Project Operation

PINPG will expand its ongoing monitoring activities to include implementation of specific monitoring actions to monitor the key resources under threat from each Project.

Implementation and Resourcing

To resource this new Project monitoring function,it is estimated that PINPG needs the following

resources:


Galichica Ski Centre: At a project level for the ski centre it is recommended an allowance is made to provide financial support for 1-2 full-time equivalent staff members and resources (e.g 1 field vehicle) during the pre-construction, construction and operational monitoring phase of the project.

A3 Expressway: At a project level (for each road section) it is recommended an allowance is made by PESR to provide financial support for 1 full-time equivalent staff member and resources (e.g 1 field vehicle) during the pre-construction, construction and operational monitoring phase of the project.

TDZs: At a project level (for each TDZ) it is recommended an allowance is made to provide financial support resources during the pre-construction, construction and operational monitoring phase of the project – estimated 1 full-time equivalent for 3 TDZs.

The officer(s) should be qualified in biology or ecology or a related subject, and should have practical

experience in biodiversity and/or Park management. GIS experience will be an asset. Ideally, the Unit

would be staffed by two full time officers, dedicated to the operation of the Unit, and allowing other

PINPG staff to carry out their own activities.

The officer(s) should be equipped with a dedicated vehicle to allow him/her/them to access all areas

of the Park at any time. The post(s) should come with dedicated office space including a dedicated

computer, phone line, and a GIS management/mapping system which will allow the mapping and

recording of the Park’s resources and impacts on them.

Given that the Park Management Plan is being changed due to the pressure for development, and

that the additional pressure on biodiversity and PINPG is a direct result of these changes, the

provision of additional resources to PINPG should be an integral part of the decision to amend the

Park Management Plan.

A commitment from central government should be sought, for the supplementation of PINPG’s

budget, and/or for the identification of other ways to finance the additional responsibilities which

PINPG must take on, if the biodiversity pressures on the Park are be managed.

5.6. Independent Monitoring

Given the multiple designations associated with National ParkGalichica, and the transboundary

agreements in place in relation to the area, some aspects of the biodiversity and heritage effects of

the amended Management Plan and the proposed Projects should be monitored independently by

external, independent parties. Key issues that need to be monitored independently include:

The establishment and effect of the biodiversity offsets;

The long term cumulative effect of the proposed Projects;

The adequacy of the resourcing and support given to the PINPG for Park management and monitoring.

It is recommended that:

The Biodiversity Offset Plan for each Project is reviewed by an independent party during the ESIA stage;

An annual audit is carried out by an independent party, of the Project impacts on the Park, the Project’s success and ability to monitor and manage the environmental risks, and the management and condition of the biodiversity offsets.

The annual audit should be carried out for at least five years, and should continue for five years after

the completion of the construction phase of each final Project. After five years, depending on the

results of the audit, PINPG may reduce the frequency of audits.

These audits should be commissioned by PINPG, but the resources for them should be identified and

ideally be met by a contribution from the Projects.


6. Annexes


Annex 1 Extract from the draft Minutes - 142nd session of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, held on 24.06.2013


Annex 2 Extract from the draft Minutes - 152nd session of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, held on 03.09.2013


Annex 3 Interpretation of the legal provisions


ОБРАЗЛОЖЕНИЕ

Во врска со заклучокот на Владата на Република Македонија

од 148 седница одржана на 30.07.2013 година со кој е задолженo

Министерството за економија во соработка со Министерството за

животна средина и просторно планирање во рок од 30 дена до

Владата на Република Македонија да достави Предлог – закон за

изменување и дополнување на Законот за заштита на природата

(во делот на членот 99 со што ќе се овозможи градба во границите

на Националниорт парк Галичица) следи следното образложение:

Во членот 99 од Законот за заштита на природата ("Сл.весник

на РМ" бр. 67/04, 14/06, 84/07, 35/10, 47/11, 148/11, 59/12 и 13/13)

се посочува дека плановите за управување со заштитените

подрачја се донесуваат за период од десет години, а најдоцна во

рок од две години од денот на прогласувањето на заштитено

подрачје. Воедно, во ставот 2 од истиот член е наведена обврската

за субјектите се задолжени да управуваат со заштитените подрачја,

да вршат оцена на резултатите постигнати со примената на планот

за управување по истекот на петтата година од неговото

спроведување. има право да изврши ревизија на Планот за

управување со заштитеното подрачје. Дополнително, со ставот 3

субјектот кој управува е должен да отпочнe изготвување на нови

планови за управување со заштитените подрачја, најдоцна една

година пред истекот на рокот за кој е донесен планот.

Во овој член не се уредува прашањето на промена на Планот

за управување со заштитеното подрачје. Воедно Законот за

заштита на природата не го уредува ова прашање освен во делот

дека промената на планот мора да се врши на ист начин како и што

е донесен планот. Согласно ова, субјектот кој управува со

заштитеното подрачје има право да го промени планот пред истекот


на рокот на важење на исиот согласно потребите на самиот субјект

или поради други развојни планови и стратегии.

Оттука би сакале да напоменеме дека нема потреба да се

изготвува Предлог - закон за изменување и дополнување на

Законот за заштита на природата во врска со членот 99 бидејки

истиот се однесува на важноста на плановите за управување

со сите заштитените подрачја во Република Македонија.

Во насока на дефинирање на идните активности околу изградба

и спроведување на инфраструктурни проект/и во Националниот

парк Галичица потребно е да се спроведат следните активности:

- да се дефинираат опфатот на проeктот/тите со картографски прилог на карта со размер 1 : 25 000 и координати на опфатот во државен координатен систем,

- да се побара мислење од Јавната установа Национален парк Галичица, Охрид како надлежен субјект за управување со паркот во однос на опфатот на проектот/тите, со цел да се утврди дали истите ја опфаќаат зоната на активно управување или зоната на строга заштита,

- Јавната установа НП Галичица да отпочне со активности за презонирање односно промена на Планот за управување, во колку опфатот на проектот ја тангира зоната на активно управување или евентуално зоната на строга заштита,

- да се почитува уранистичко планската документиција (да се изготви ваква документација во колку не постои за предметната локација на опфатот на проектот)


- Согласно Законот за животната средина да се спроведе Стратешка оцена на влијанието врз животната средина (SEA) на урбанистичко планската документација

- Извештајот од стратешката оцена на влијанието врз животната средина ќе служи како основа за изработка на Студијата за валоризација која треба да ја подготви Националниот парк заради промена на планот.


Annex 4 Decision of the Management Board of the Public Institution – National Park Galičica for start of the procedure for changes in the Management Plan for the National Park Galičica for the period 2011-2020


Annex 5 Decision of the Management Board of the Public Institution – National Park Galičicafor change of the Annual Plan for Public Procurements for 2013


Annex 6 Overview of the Oteševo Tourism Development Zone, CadastralMunicipality of Oteševo, Municipality of Resen, along with zoning of the National Park Galičica


Annex 7 Overview of the Stenje Tourism Development Zone, CadastralMunicipality ofStenje, Municipality of Resen, along with zoning of the National Park Galičica


Annex 8 Overview of the Ljubaništa Tourism Development Zone (tourism development zone “Ljubaništa 1”; tourism development zone “Ljubaništa 2” and tourism development zone “Ljubaništa 3”), CadastralMunicipality of Ljubaništa, Municipality of Ohrid, along with zoning of the National Park Galičica


Annex 9 Overview of an express road А3, Kosel – Ohrid – Albanian border, the Vrshe-Racha section, along with zoning in the National Park - Galičica


Annex 10 Overview of an express road А3, Kosel – Ohrid – Albanian border, the “Vršek” traffic node, along with zoning in the National Park - Galičica


Annex 11 Overview of an express road А3, Kosel – Ohrid – Albanian border, the “Trpejca” traffic node, along with zoning in the National Park - Galičica


Annex12 Scope map of the Ljubaništa tourist development zone


Annex13 Letter from MEPSO (09.06.2014) regarding the final version of the Feasibility Stidy and the Master Plan for the ski center in the National Park Galičica


Annex14 Areas covered by the additional content described in the final version of the Feasibility Stidy and the Master Plan for the ski center in the National Park Galičica

(please refer to file “Annex 14“ in the Annexes folder of theCD or separate document

containing Annex)


Annex15 Opinion with regards to proposed changes, submitted by the Public Enterprise for State Roads (letter No. 03-773/1 from 19.12.2013)


Annex16 Opinion with regards to proposed changes, submitted by the Authority for Protection of the Cultural Heritage under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture (letter No. 17-440/2 from 31.12.2013)


Annex17 Galichica National Park Zoning – Proposed Amendments 2015 (Map 7)


Annex18 Potential Offset Area for Habitat 6170 Alpine & Subapline Calcareous Grasslands


Annex19 Potential Offset Area for Habitat 5130Juniperus


Annex20 Potential Offset Area for Beech (Fagus sylvativa) Habitat 91K0

amendments to park management plan 2015 eng

Documents

project effect management

development projects

project effects

tourist development

project design

project offsets

project esia preparation

amendments proposal