At the end of October the ProPark team welcomed the visit of some colleagues from the Foundation for the Support of Ecological Initiatives in Poland. The visit aim was an exchange of experience between the projects "Mission NATURA" implemented in Poland and the project "Efficient managers for an Efficient Natura 2000 Network" implemented by ProPark - the Foundation for Protected Areas. Both projects are funded by the European Union through the Life+ Programme.

The discussions showed that Natura 2000 network faces the same problems in both countries, with significant efforts being required to encourage a positive attitude towards the protected area system. Other topics discussed included: the designation process for Natura 2000 sites, management plans, social aspects in protected areas, protection of ecological corridors, compensation payments. Viorel Marean, representative of the Environmental Protection Agency in Brasov, also participated in the meeting.

Over the following days Magdalena Szymańska and Mariola Mroczka visited the Piatra Craiului National Park and received information from the park administration representatives.

This was an important opportunity for ProPark team to get to know colleagues who activate in the same field and to learn about the realities of the protected area system in Poland.