Regional Conference Promotes Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in the Balkans

A two-day regional conference on the sustainable use of natural resources took place in Mavrovo on November 14-15, 2024. The event brought together over 100 participants, including local NGOs, business representatives, experts, and community leaders from North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. Organized by CNVP North Macedonia with financial backing from PONT, the conference aimed to foster sustainable tourism and protect biodiversity in the Shar, Korab Koritnik, and Albanian Alps regions.

The conference began with a welcome address by Nehat Ramadani, Director of CNVP North Macedonia. He emphasized the importance of gathering esteemed scholars, practitioners, business leaders, farmers, and policymakers from across the Balkans to share knowledge and discuss sustainable practices.

Flakron Bexheti, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, echoed this sentiment in his address, stating, “The natural wealth of our land represents a strong potential for alternative tourism, which increasingly attracts both foreign and domestic visitors. Today’s tourists seek an authentic experience that connects them to nature, local culture, and traditional cuisine. This presents both an opportunity and responsibility for us to cultivate a thriving tourism sector while ensuring the preservation of our natural resources for future generations.”

Mirjam de Koning, Executive Director of PONT, emphasized the significance of involving and coordinating stakeholders in the development and management of nature-based tourism products. She noted that cross-border hiking trails transcend national park boundaries and stressed the need for collaborative efforts among park authorities, municipalities, local communities, and hiking clubs to create a safer and more sustainable tourism experience. De Koning introduced a new initiative called ‘PONT Connect,’ designed to foster a holistic approach to conservation actions in critical Connectivity Conservation Areas that link various national parks.

Local leaders, including Valbon Limani, Mayor of Gostivar, Haris Ibraimi, Director of Mavrovo National Park and Ibrahim Dehari – Director of Sar Mountain National Park also addressed the attendees, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable practices in developing nature-based tourism and responsible resource usage.

The first day of the conference featured two panel discussions focusing on key themes: “Nature-Based Tourism – Challenges and Solutions” and “Nature-Based Tourism – Success Stories from Local Stakeholders.” Experts shared insights into the regional tourism landscape, pinpointed challenges, and discussed potential solutions, highlighting the critical role of responsible resource management. Civil society organizations and local businesses showcased success stories, illustrating the positive impact of sustainable tourism initiatives on local communities.

The second day of the conference shifted focus to biodiversity protection and sustainable resource use, particularly regarding non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and medicinal aromatic plants. Local businesses and NGOs from across the three countries shared innovative practices and successes in preserving and sustainably utilizing natural resources.

Key takeaways from the conference included:

• Emphasizing the need for capacity-building among all stakeholders to develop concepts that are environmentally friendly and attractive to diverse age groups of visitors.
• Recognizing the necessity of enhancing digital marketing skills to promote the region effectively while ensuring access to contemporary options for mountain communities.
• Addressing the challenge of retaining youth in rural areas by increasing interest in nature-based tourism and NTFPs.
• Acknowledging the need for continued investment in hiking and biking trails, as well as engagement zones for tourists to interact with local populations while prioritizing maintenance and professional training for guides.
• Ensuring that the exploitation of endangered species is closely monitored and controlled.
• Encouraging the development of user-friendly digital platforms that connect producers with end users.
• Implementing mandatory training for NTFP pickers to protect plant species and promote quality through exchanges of experiences between pickers and producers.
• Highlighting the significance of certification and quality assurance for NTFPs, which can enhance their market value.
• Increasing support for women-led businesses in rural and mountainous areas, recognizing their pivotal role in driving local economies and transforming socio-economic and cultural values.

This conference was part of the “Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Korab Koritnik, Shar, and the Albanian Alps” project, which is being implemented by CNVP offices in North Macedonia and Albania with financial support from Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT). The collaborative efforts aim to create a sustainable future for these ecologically rich regions while strengthening local communities and economies.

By: CNVP