PONT Grantees are driving conservation through collaboration

“We are strong in our differences” perfectly captures the spirit of the fourth meeting of the national PONT grantees, held on September 20 in Tirana. This gathering brought together five organisations with diverse expertise and approaches in nature conservation, where they shared their unique experiences, challenges, and achievements. Their diversity in focus—ranging from eco-tourism and ecological research to community engagement and technological innovation—has strengthened their collective efforts in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable development across Albania and North Macedonia.

The collaboration among PONT grantees, including CNVP, PPNEA, ALCDF, Eco-Albania, and Build Green Group (BGG), demonstrates the power of working together to tackle complex nature conservation challenges. By exchanging best practices, avoiding duplication, and leveraging modern technology, these organisations have made significant steps in conservation. Their efforts encompass everything from building eco-tourism frameworks to advocating for legal reforms and using data-driven platforms to ensure that nature conservation benefits both the environment and local communities.

CNVP (Connecting Natural Values & People) has been a pivotal force in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in cross-border areas between Albania and North Macedonia. With their grant in its second year, CNVP Albania has laid a strong foundation for eco-tourism, engaging local businesses, civil society organisations (CSOs), and farmers. Their efforts focus on municipalities like Malesi e Madhe, Dibër, Kukës, and Tropoja, where eco-tourism and biodiversity protection go hand-in-hand. Through three open grant calls, CNVP secured 28 winning projects that promote nature conservation and boost the local economy by fostering sustainable tourism. By supporting small-scale initiatives, CNVP has fostered cooperation between regional stakeholders, creating a cohesive framework for tourism that benefits both the environment and the community.

PPNEA (Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania) has taken a research-driven approach to conserving ecological corridors. These corridors are essential for wildlife movement and biodiversity connectivity, particularly in areas threatened by development. Using the Transect Approach, an innovative method evaluating ecological, social, and cultural aspects, PPNEA maps opportunities and barriers within these corridors.

Their work, especially in the northern part of Albania in the  ’Cukal-Munelle-Balgjaj-Martanesh’’ Connectivity Conservation Area (CCA) and PONT Focus Area, aims to identify critical habitats for species conservation. This research will guide future strategies for maintaining and restoring these ecological networks, ensuring species can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

The Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation (ALCDF) has been actively involved in conservation efforts in the Korab-Koritnik region of Albania and the Sharr and Mavrovo regions in North Macedonia. ALCDF’s approach fosters collaboration between local communities, civil society, and decision-makers to manage protected areas effectively.

One of their key achievements is an ongoing study of endemic species in the Korab-Koritnik area. This study, along with the documentation of wildfires and hiking trails, helps preserve valuable ecological data while providing opportunities for youth engagement. By involving young people in these conservation activities, ALCDF is nurturing the next generation of conservation advocates deeply connected to their natural surroundings.

Eco-Albania has been dedicated to promoting the northern ecological corridor in the Polis-Valamare-Rungaje-Morave-Gramoz CCA, that links the Shebenik, Tomorri, and Valamare regions. Their grant focuses on raising awareness of the importance of these corridors and the ecosystem services they provide. By working closely with municipalities and local authorities, Eco-Albania has promoted sustainable natural resource management while advocating for integrating ecological corridors into regional planning processes.

Build Green Group (BGG), a newer player in the conservation field, brings cutting-edge technology into nature conservation efforts. BGG has developed a GIS platform to monitor environmental threats, particularly from tourism, in the Korab-Koritnik area. This open-source application allows stakeholders like RAPAs (Regional Administration of Protected Areas) to track natural resources in real time, using GPS data and photo documentation to provide accurate and timely information for conservation decisions.

BGG’s approach also actively involves young people, injecting fresh perspectives and energy into the conservation movement. They are creating a more dynamic and responsive approach to environmental protection by bridging traditional conservation practices with modern, data-driven methods.

Collaboration is essential for PONT grantees because it enhances conservation projects’ effectiveness, cohesion, and impact. In regions like Albania and North Macedonia, where ecosystems cross borders and involve multiple stakeholders, working together allows grantees to pool resources, share expertise, and avoid duplicating efforts. This cooperative approach ensures that conservation initiatives are well-coordinated and address environmental and community needs.

As these projects evolve, the lessons learned from collaboration will be critical in expanding regional conservation efforts. By working together, PONT grantees demonstrate that “we are strong in our differences” and that unity through diversity can create lasting solutions for the environment and local communities.