INDEXATION has been developed as a single instrument for measuring and improving the involvement of local community in the management of protected areas.

The Methodology is based on the collection of information on how protected areas and local community evaluate the existing cooperation, and based on obtained results, recommendations are developed and new initiatives are launched.

The development of this methodology is a unique example of designing an approach and instruments that would encompass the complex interaction of local development actors with organizations responsible for the management of protected areas. The purpose of the research set up in this way is to provide as comprehensive as possible a quantitative and qualitative picture of the needs of individuals and groups of areas and local communities to improve the capacity for cooperation and development.

Encouraging participation through the research methods themselves, directing management towards cooperation with the most diverse groups of interested parties and communication both during the assessment and later, the final goal of this research is to identify those authorities where it is necessary to strengthen capacities, not only through training, intervention “from above “, but also through mutual mentoring activities (areas that have a more developed practice in one authority than those that do not in that authority), proposing local projects in which interested parties will be engaged, networking and exchange of information, mutual visits, etc.

Indexation as a process has been implemented through the two cycles in eight countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Slovenia i Serbia) in period 2017 – 2019. In this proces has been involved in total 86 protected areas and more then 1100 participants. Result of the indexation-s first cycle is developed Capacity Development Plan for further involvement of the community on the territory of Dinaric Arc.

The results of the indexation process with recommendations are presented in the document “Assessment and improvement of the involvement of local communities in the management of protected areas” was prepared.