Successful implementation of a three-day training on ecosystem services

In March 2026, a three-day training on ecosystem services was successfully held in Petrich, Bulgaria, bringing together 20 participants from Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The activity was organized as part of the joint efforts to strengthen cross-border knowledge exchange and improve the capacities of local stakeholders for more sustainable development in urban areas.

The training focused on two important types of ecosystem services — provisioning and cultural services. Through presentations, practical discussions and field-based learning, participants explored how natural resources, green spaces and local ecosystems can contribute to quality of life, community well-being and more responsible urban development. The programme also encouraged cooperation among representatives of local authorities, civil society and other community stakeholders from both sides of the border.

Ecosystem services are the benefits that people receive from nature. They include material resources, such as food and raw materials, but also non-material benefits, such as recreation, landscape value, identity and cultural experience. Strengthening understanding of these services is important for promoting more sustainable behaviour, better local planning and stronger community involvement in protecting and improving urban environments.

The training was completed successfully and contributed to stronger networking, knowledge sharing and practical understanding of ecosystem services in the cross-border area.

The Green Pulse Cross-Border Pact project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA CBC Programme Bulgaria-North Macedonia 2021-2027.

This publication is co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Promo Idea Strumica and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.