New GC Video: Protecting the Heart of the Balkans

Protecting the Heart of the Balkans Script

Shar Mountains National Park is a stunning example of high elevation mountains and forests in the heart of the Balkans. Established in 2021, this wilderness and rich local culture represents a major hope for revitalizing local communities through ecotourism.

Combining spectacular mountain landscapes, lakes, river valleys and ancient cultural heritage, Shar Mountains is the last chance for critically endangered wildlife including bear, lynx and the iconic golden eagle.

The new park is threatened by wildlife poaching, illegal logging, unplanned development, over-grazing of livestock, construction waste dumps and illegal settlements.

A new National Park Authority has been created and Global Conservation is funding its first critical equipment, communications, training and SMART patrolling. This single National Park Authority is now responsible for all management of lands and wildlife, as well as working closely with local communities on park and wildlife protection along with sustainable tourism development.

Last year, Shar Mountains was awarded "Best European Tourism Project” for its High Scardus Trail at the International Tourism Award. Being adjacent to the European Union, there is a huge demand for new trekking destinations and cultural tourism in nearby regions, especially in magnificent national parks like Shar Mountains.

Unauthorized construction, urban encroachment, illegal off-roading, water redirection, and continued deforestation for construction materials and firewood threaten the national park’s potential for UNESCO World Heritage status.

75% of Shar Mountain’s forests are single-tree species - beech or oak. Reforesting with mixed forests must be implemented to increase plant biodiversity for quality habitats to support critically endangered wildlife. As the trees have disappeared, flash flooding has also increased significantly.

Smoldering campfires from non-permitted visitors have been the cause of many forest fires. Illegal loggers are operating in the national park and surrounding forests seeking timber for local and international construction . . .  and for firewood to heat their homes. Removing construction debris and long-abandoned villages will be extremely expensive for the new Park Authority.  

We are working to expand existing park boundaries and connect wildlife corridors with nearby Mavrovo National Park. In order to achieve critical success with North Macedonia’s newest national park, Global Conservation is also securing multi-lateral and sustainable financing for ongoing park protection. 

Global Park Defense is a proven methodology for the successful protection of national parks, including marine parks. Global Park Defense brings technology, knowledge and training to park authorities, as well as the critical funding to get things started.

Since the deployment of Global Park Defense in Shar Mountains National Park, the Park Authority has a new command center, much-needed ranger training and equipment, and new collaboration with the North Macedonian Border Police who now welcome joint patrols and cooperation with the Park Authority. 

To protect and preserve this European treasure for future generations, Global Conservation is investing heavily and needs your support today. Help us train and outfit more rangers and community ecoguards to conduct 24/7 surveillance and SMART patrolling. 100% of donations to Global Conservation go directly to the parks where we work.

Join us in Saving the New Wild. Go to globalconservation.org now.