CNVP Albania, is seeking to promote and pilot new approaches and practices in biodiversity protection, nature-based tourism and NTFPs management in the protected areas of Korab-Koritnik and Albanian Alps. It is doing so by joining forces and implementing a grant scheme for local stakeholders (local NGOs, local businesses, farmers, and community members) in order to build awareness, enhance capacities and provide incentives for nature conservation and income generation. This is part of the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) funded project, “Sustainable Use of Natural Resources for Transboundary Socio-Economic Development of Protected Areas in North Macedonia and Albania (Korab-Koritnik, Sharr, and Albanian Alps)”.
Regional Meetings in Kukes and Theth focuses on Sustainable Development in Albania’s Protected Areas
On July 23rd, 2024, a regional meeting was organised with the latest grantees from the Korab-Koritnik and Albanian Alps villages, including Valbona Valley. The meeting focused on sharing experiences and fostering cooperation in project implementation, covering areas such as:
- Beekeeping in Protected Areas: Enhancing biodiversity while increasing local incomes.
- Yellow Gentian Cultivation: Protecting this at-risk species through sustainable practices.
- Sustainable Harvesting: Ensuring the sustainability of wild medicinal plants through technical training.
- Quality Production: Improving the quality of medicinal plants from harvesting to storage.
- Business and Farming Connections: Identifying key cultivation areas to link local farmers with businesses.
On July 25th, 2024, a second regional meeting was held in Theth, Shkodra, organised by CNVP Albania, it brought together local stakeholders, including NGOs, businesses, farmers, and community members, to discuss strategies for nature conservation and sustainable income generation in the region. The meeting was attended by the PONT Programme Coordinator, representatives from the Shkoder Regional Agency for Protected Areas (RAPA), and other key stakeholders. The discussions were productive, emphasising the critical role of project support in enhancing the region’s socio-economic and environmental sustainability.
Focus Areas and Initiatives
The grant scheme implemented by CNVP Albania under this project is designed to address key issues and support local initiatives in several areas:
- Ecotourism Promotion: The project is boosting ecotourism in Theth through the creation of informative materials, media promotion, and organising expeditions with future tourist guides.
- Sustainable Forest and Plant Management: Community involvement is a priority in the sustainable management of forests, medicinal and aromatic plants, aiming to preserve natural values while improving local living conditions.
- Educational Outreach: The project is educating medicinal plant collectors on sustainable harvesting techniques and informing residents about fire prevention measures in the Albanian Alps Park.
- Renewable Energy: Emphasising the role of renewable energy, the project aims to preserve biodiversity and support sustainable business development in the area.
Future Plans
The meetings concluded with a commitment to strengthen coordination amongst Regional Agency for Protected Areas (RAPA) in Shkoder, Kukes, and Diber, ensuring a unified approach to sustainable development in these regions.
Did you know that caves represent unique ecosystems in which the cave fauna adapts to live in complete darkness, high air …
In protected areas, small, well-thought-out infrastructure can have a much bigger impact than it seems at first glance. A cleared path, …
Following on from the Call for Proposals in September 2022, PONT is pleased to announce it has awarded grants to 5 National-Level …