Nature Without Borders: Strengthening Transboundary Conservation in the Sharr-Korab Region

On the 20^th of January 2026, the town of Peshkopi, Albania, hosted the closing conference for the project “Protection and Sustainable Use of the Protected Areas of Sharr Mountain, Mavrovo and Korab–Koritnik”, widely known as Nature Without Borders. The event brought together around 60 participants from Albania and North Macedonia, including representatives of local and national institutions, protected area authorities, civil society organisations, community representatives, donors, and technical experts.

The conference served as an important moment to reflect on the project’s results and to highlight the value of cross-border cooperation in conserving the unique biodiversity of the Sharr-Korab massif. Discussions focused on governance, institutional strengthening, community involvement, co-management, and knowledge sharing, the key pillars that have shaped the project’s implementation.

A major achievement of the project has been the strengthening of institutional cooperation between Albania and North Macedonia. Through the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Group (SPG) and the Coordination and Operational Group (COG), protected area authorities were able to improve communication, align management practices, and conduct joint activities, including coordinated patrols and monitoring actions.

“In my 40 years of experience in Mavrovo National Park, this is the first time we have integrated communication and joint patrols involving rangers, protected area specialists, community surveillance networks, and border police. This has significantly strengthened cross-border management and enforcement” said Tomo Georgjevski, Chief Engineer, Mavrovo National Park.

This enhanced cooperation has contributed to more consistent management approaches and stronger enforcement across borders. Clear operational rules and shared guidelines further supported trust and long-term collaboration among institutions responsible for managing the protected areas.

Capacity building was another central component of the project. Protected area managers and technical staff benefited from targeted training, leadership coaching, and joint learning activities, improving their ability to implement management plans and respond to shared challenges effectively.

Local communities were placed at the heart of conservation efforts. Awareness raising campaigns, school programmes, workshops, and media outreach helped strengthen understanding of biodiversity values and the role of communities in protecting natural resources. Mr. Sabri Shahini, from Rabdisht village, said “Thanks to the project, we can contribute to sustainably managed protected areas while promoting local economic development through eco-tourism, medicinal and aromatic plants, and non-timber forest products.”

Cross-border cooperation among communities also increased.

“Villages like Rabdisht and Zhirovnica are geographically close but did not cooperate. Today, through joint visits and initiatives, we are connected. Nature has no borders, and neither should people”, emphasised Mr. Ilber Imerovski, member of Community Surveillance Group in Zirovnica in North Macedonia.

The project worked with 20 pilot villages, promoting community surveillance, sustainable livelihoods, and cross-border cooperation among neighbouring communities.

Co-management structures were reinforced through practical guidance, workshops, and on-the-job coaching, enabling councils and committees to become more transparent and effective. Fire prevention and response capacities were strengthened through joint task forces, training sessions, and the provision of essential equipment, while young people were actively engaged through environmental campaigns, tree planting activities, and local events.

The project also emphasised the importance of science and shared knowledge. Joint monitoring, the use of modern tools such as drones and shared databases, and scientific studies on rare species and pasture productivity supported evidence-based decision-making and reinforced cooperation between institutions.

“Concrete initiatives aligned with management plans, real community needs, and supported by a long-term vision are essential for lasting impact” was the key message from Mrs. Daniela Ruçi, Grants Coordinator of Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust.

Local authorities and project partners highlighted that Nature Without Borders has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives and set an example for sustainable, long-term collaboration in transboundary protected areas.

More than a review of achievements, the closing conference celebrated partnership, shared learning, and a common commitment to protecting a borderless natural heritage. The event was organised by the Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation (ALCDF), in partnership with CSCD and LAG “Dibra Turistike”, within the framework of the project funded by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT).

By: “ALCDF”