BIALOWIEZA-KAMENYUKI APPEAL 2000
The participants of the cross-border conference held at Kamenyuki (Belarus) and Bialowieza (Poland) from the 27th to 29th June 2000 support the following statement:
Motivation:
1. The approximately 150,000 ha of the Bialowieza Forest constitute a unique area within Europe. This uniqueness can be attributed to the forest's extensive area and spatial cohesion, its ecosystems that are both natural and complete, and the long history of protection of the area.2. The Bialowieza Forest performs many essential ecological functions, these include the facts that it serves as a gene pool for endangered species, and that it is a vital core area within the Pan European Ecological Network for populations of critical species.
3. There are two National Parks in the Bialowieza Forest on both sides of the international border, and in recognition of its unique status parts of the Parks have been designated as a UNESCO transboundary World Heritage Site. At the moment there are two separate Biosphere Reserves in the Bialowieza Forest, which in future should be joined into one Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.
Challenges:
4. The sustainable ecological and economic development, and the conservation of nature and cultural heritage of the area in collaboration with local inhabitants.5. Development of natural values through a bioregional approach. In the ecology-orientated management of the area, it is essential to follow the water catchment approach.
6. The exchange of information between the Polish and Belarus park managers, local authorities and scientific experts is a precondition for the optimal management of the Bialowieza Forest as a whole.
Future directions:
7. A transboundary integrated development plan should form the basis for the long-term sustainable management of the whole area including cultural, ecological, and socio-economic aspects. It should integrate the existing plans of the Polish and the Belarussian partners as well as developing new ideas.8. Such a plan should accommodate the following fields: integral water management, environmental and nature conservation, ecological forestry, game management, sustainable agriculture and other socio-economic sectors, cultural history, ecotourism, and education. The plan should identify potential pilot projects on these topics.
9. An internal border crossing point for tourists (pedestrians and cyclists) along a touristic trail through the Bialowieza Forest would enhance international interest in the Forest's values and would stimulate the local economies.
10. Global awareness of the uniqueness of the Bialowieza Forest should be increased and this should include raising funds internationally to conserve and develop the value of the area.