The Bug river - Corridor in the Pan European

This is the final report of the BBI/Matra project 2006/015 “Protection and Management of the Bug as an Ecological Corridor in the Pan European Ecological Network” and is based on “status reports” written for each of the three riparian countries. The purpose of the project was to investigate the options for developing and managing a transboundary ecological network along the Western Bug River and for designating a tri-lateral Ramsar Site as a constituent part of this ecological network. Status reports written for each of the three countries presented options for the establishment of a transboundary ecological network which were discussed during an international seminar held in Lublin (Poland) in November 2008. The Joint Statement that was produced as an output of this seminar bears proof of the support of all participants for the design, designation and management of the ecological network along the Bug River. However, the project also revealed how difficult it is to establish effective cooperation across the border of the European Union. The knotty visa procedures for persons from the three countries and from Belarus and Poland in particular stand in the way of smooth and effective cooperation. Also political differences between the countries hamper the smooth cooperation needed to tune activities related to the protection and management of the Bug River and its landscape and biodiversity. There is however both a basis and a need to proceed with the cooperation that exists on various levels.