A Revitalisation of Prespa – ACEG’s journey towards sustainable tourism in Prespa

On May 24th 2024, the European Day of Parks, the Albanian Center for Environmental Governance (ACEG) organised the closing meeting for the Project “Promoting Sustainable Tourism through Increasing the Capacities of Municipalities and Entrepreneurship in the Prespa Region“. This project, which has been one of ACEG’s most important initiatives, targeted the sustainable economic development of the protected area of Prespa National Park through the promotion of nature-based tourism.

Piloting the “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” initiative was an approach embraced by RAPA Korçë, the business community and the public administration. This initiative exceeded our expectations by having a significant number of businesses embracing it as well as participating individuals. As a result of this initiative to promote natural tourism in Prespa and the development of the area in a sustainable manner, local and national businesses joined, but also supported by the administration of the Municipalities and ADZM Korce itself.

Gjergji Koki, Director of ADZM Korce:

The cooperation with the ACEG Center in the framework of the promotion of sustainable tourism in the Prespë National Park has brought a new approach for the proper promotion of the natural resources of this extraordinary region. The “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” initiative is an invitation to do tourism, which ADZM Korca has supported and wants to take to another level together with the ACEG Center.

The focus has been on the promotion of nature sports as a mechanism that brings health benefits to citizens but also increases the economic potential of the Park by valorising natural and cultural assets. An innovative approach helping all local actors and national businesses network to increase service standards but also make the community aware that protected areas offer much more than a tourist visit – the Park can have a positive effect on their physical and mental health.  As with the presentation of the initiative and its implementation, we had the honor to be assisted by the Europark Federation with representatives Mr. Carls Castell Puig who held a presentation at the meeting with messages to continue working in this direction.

Mr. Carls Castell Puig, Commissioner of the Europarc Federation

I am happy to participate in this closing event of a project which piloted for the first time the “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” program of the Europarc Federation. I personally and the Europarc Federation encourage you to continue this initiative and we hope that in the future we will have the opportunity to deepen the cooperation with the ACEG Center in the implementation of this program, which basically has the valorisation of natural resources for health benefits in the well-being of citizens, suggesting that the health sector be included in this initiative to further fulfill this program.

Another essential aspect was the inter-municipal cooperation between Pustec Municipality and Devoll Municipality. ACEG thanks both municipalities for the readiness and support shown throughout the project. The final activity of this initiative aimed to further strengthen cooperation and develop innovative programs that will make the Prespa area competitive for all-season tourist packages. The promotion of natural tourism as an alternative for the sustainable development of the area and the promotion of the local economy was and remains one of the main goals of ACEG

Mr. Pali Kolefski, the mayor of Pustec Municipality

The ACEG center, during the period it has been operating in the Pustec Municipality, has given a great help to the institution of the Pustec Municipality in improving the capacities of the Municipality’s administration in the field of natural tourism but also for local businesses. It has been a valuable support for a small municipality which needs administration training from time to time and training for businesses which also need it, to provide services in tourism with improved standards.

The ACEG Center thanks all supporters and partners for their trust and contribution to this successful project, including PONT and NATGA, ADZM Korçë, Kayak Albania, Korça Alpin, Elisabeta Balance, Panorama Restaurant, Prespa Balcony Guest House, Ferma Kitan and Ferma Gjaci. This project is clear evidence of how cooperation and commitment can bring about positive changes in the community and promote sustainable development.

By ACEG