“Theth as the Ecotourism Hub of the Albanian Alps National Park” is a project being implemented by the Aarhus Information Centre Shkodër. It is being supported by the CNVP Foundation and PONT from June 2024 to January 2025. This ambitious initiative, carried out in the village of Theth, emphasises the importance of ecotourism as a tool for the socio-economic development of local communities and for creating a sustainable environment for both residents and tourists.
The Shala area, particularly the village of Theth, has experienced an increase in visitors drawn in by the region’s natural beauty. However, tourists often face challenges due to poor infrastructure and a lack of ecotourism services. This project addresses these issues by improving conditions and services for tourists through various activities.
One of the key activities to enhance ecotourism services in the region was the restoration of the Grunas Bridge, a vital structure for tourists exploring Theth and the Grunas Waterfall—one of the area’s most popular natural landmarks. Previously unsafe and on the verge of collapse, the bridge has been fully restored to a functional state. Thanks to project funding and careful renovations, it now provides safe access for visitors. The repair utilised environmentally friendly materials, ensuring durability while complementing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Another notable innovation introduced by the project was the discovery, in partnership with the local community, of a unique natural resource in the village of Theth: the “Cave of the Rings.” This karst cave, formed in limestone rocks, is located at an altitude of 1,370 meters above sea level. It is a remarkable natural monument that features significant speleological elements, including underground lakes, galleries, massive siphons, and intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations.
This natural resource, still unexplored, is an important attraction for nature lovers to visit, offering them more opportunities to discover while staying in the Theth area. To enable its safe exploration, the project has mapped, opened, marked, and upgraded the new mountain path from Theth to the “Cave of the Rings”, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors who do not want to miss the natural beauty of the area.
Proper information for tourists is a key element of an invaluable and captivating tourist experience. Located at the beginning of the trail, a sign serves as an orienteering tool for tourists and an itinerary to follow, depicted on the map placed on it. The signage for the trail contains pertinent information about the trail in both Albanian and English and a map, both visible even at night thanks to the phosphorescent materials used in it. This has been a welcomed addition.
A natural asset such as the “Cave of the Rings” needs to be more widely recognised, not only by the local accommodation businesses in Theth itself but also by national and international visitors. Therefore, its recognition and promotion have been part of various activities carried out by the Aarhus Information Centre Shkodra within the framework of the project. The expedition organised along this trail to the “Cave of the Rings,” involving many important stakeholders in the promotion of natural resources in the country, included television shows, radio programs, publications on YouTube, and various social media. The use of different online applications for mapping the trail has significantly increased information and interest among tourists to visit Theth and this new natural attraction.
To leave a lasting impact on this new ecotourism destination and further its promotion, brochures about the trail and the “Cave of the Rings” were created. These informative and promotional materials, featuring detailed information, scenic views, maps, and QR codes, were distributed to all local accommodations in Theth.
This initiative was well-received by local businesses, as it provides visitors with an additional ecotourism attraction and encourages longer stays in the area. Moreover, it creates opportunities for employment as trail guides, contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy.
A model for sustainable development
The success of this project exemplifies how ecotourism can have a positive and long-term impact on community development while also protecting the environment. These initiatives aim to help residents of Theth increase their income, while simultaneously offering tourists the opportunity to enjoy the area’s untouched nature.
This project represents a valuable step toward sustainable development in Albania, demonstrating how cooperation between communities, authorities, and non-governmental organisations can have a positive effect and help preserve the country’s natural beauty. Such an investment can serve as a model for other projects in Albania and beyond that aim to preserve nature and promote local development.
By: Alminda Mema, “Aarhus Information Centre Shkodër”
The Wider Prespa Region covers parts of Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Greece. The transboundary area houses five …
The challenge A Biodiversity Monitoring Scheme (BMS) is a long-term array of complementary surveys, censuses, surveillance and monitoring referring to a well-defined …
Living in Pogradec, pampered by Nature, you can become a poet or an environmentalist, or both! Living in Pogradec, gazing at …