About BioNET
In the period of October to December 2016, a process of capacity assessment and self-assessment of biodiversity related CSOs in the SEE region has been conducted by the GIZ ORF Biodiversity project in cooperation with international organizations with nature protection portfolio. The assessment was focused on reliable technical and institutional capacities and financial status in terms of sustainability and midterm perspectives of the CSOs, as well as identification of gaps, needs and challenges in planning and implementation of nature conservation initiatives. The data was structurally analysed, potential members of the network pre-identified and bilaterally interviewed to review and confirm findings from the self-assessment and ensure pre-confirmation for joining the future BD related network i.e. finalise the list of BioNET member organizations
BioNET’s founding
meeting was held in December 2016 discussing the topics of network’s statute, roadmap, registration, position paper, training, participation in the Green Belt campaign, organization of a summer camp, development of a smartphone application, CSO’s inter-cooperation, cooperation potential with EU CSO’s, and option of CIM expert engagement.
BioNET’s mode of operation throughout 2017 and mid 2018 was primarily online communication and individual expert engagement with exception of a joint training in November 2017.
In February 2019
review of the previous cooperation phase and future activities were agreed during the preparatory meeting for the next support phase via GIZ/ORF BDU. BioNET’s support for the period 2019-2020 was agreed to consists of a) strengthening BioNET’s role as CSO interest group for biodiversity in SEE via elaboration of the Position Paper on EU Biodiversity Strategy post-2020 and cooperation establishment with the Biodiversity-Task-Force, b) public outreach via Public Awareness Raising Campaign, establishment and operation joint Facebook Page and public relations with the media and c) capacity building of the network via trainings on biodiversity management and conservation and communication, campaigning and public outreach.
Networks cooperation mode from 2019 on includes regular physical and on-demand skype meetings, regular e-mail exchange and e-collaboration mutually agreed and outlined in the jointly developed strategic documents.