Sub-Grants as a Catalyst for Impact: Connecting Conservation and Community Development leads to effective Protected Area Management

Remzie Noka, a member of the rural women’s group in Kukes, has benefited from a grant dedicated to the cultivation of yellow gentian (Gentiana Lutea) within her village. Like many residents of Novosej (a village in Korab-Koritnik National Park), Remzie earns a significant part of her family’s income from harvesting Medicinal Aromatic Plants (MAPs). Recently, she noticed a decrease in yellow gentian yields, attributed to the overharvesting of natural areas, which has led to ecological degradation. In recent years, the market price of yellow gentians had increased, encouraging locals to harvest as much as possible, often ignoring proper and sustainable practices and standards.

Upon learning about PONT, Ramzie decided to apply for a small grant to cultivate yellow gentian on a plot of land adjacent to her residence. As part of her initiative, she also organised meetings with fellow women from the association to discuss sustainable harvesting techniques. Additionally, she plans to invest in drying equipment to enhance the quality of her product and increase its market value. Ramzie believes that only through such collaborative efforts could they effectively protect, conserve and extend the life of the natural yellow gentian population and other plants habitats.

But Ramzie is not a one-off case! She is one of 77 projects across Albania and North Macedonia, benefiting from the sub-granting scheme implemented by CNVP with direct support from PONT.

PONT is a dedicated trust fund committed to fostering long-term conservation within protected areas and ecological corridors. While its primary focus is on providing direct grants to park authorities and civil society organisations (CSOs), PONT recognises that local communities and grassroots groups are essential drivers of sustainable change. To amplify its impact, PONT strategically leverages its sub-granting schemes, positioning them as catalysts that empower local beneficiaries and balance conservation with community development.

The pivotal role of PONT’s sub-grants lies in transforming conservation initiatives into locally owned and sustainable projects. By channelling funds to community-based groups, PONT enables grassroots actors—mountaineering clubs, women’s associations, youth organisations, small businesses, and local action groups—to lead conservation efforts while generating socio-economic benefits. This approach ensures that environmental initiatives are rooted in local realities, fostering ownership and long-term commitment.

In line with its belief that environmental conservation and community development must go hand in hand, PONT supported the innovative approach of the CNVP Foundation as part of their programme “Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Korab-Koritnik, Shar, and the Albanian Alps,” which designed a sub-granting scheme targeting community-based groups and local organisations focused on nature conservation and the sustainable use of resources.

Through CNVP’s sub-grants, PONT has facilitated innovative community-led initiatives that have tangible outcomes:

• Cultivation of endangered species like yellow gentian or mountain tea (Sideritis scardica), which led to the first certified organic mountain tea from Mavrovo—boosting local incomes and conservation of threatened species.
• Development of new eco-tourism infrastructure, including hiking trails attracting tourists and promoting sustainable use of natural landscapes. 12 hiking trails in North Macedonia, and 6 in Albania are being developed further attracting over 500 tourists. In addition, efforts include creating a Code of Conduct for sustainable tourism in the Albanian Alps and mapping and documenting 47 cultural heritage sites in Korab-Koritnik, linking cultural and natural tourism.
• Identification and protection of MAPs, creating livelihood opportunities and conserving biodiversity. In Valbona Valley, key medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been identified across 253 hectares, providing both conservation and income opportunities. Additionally, wild rose and clover cultivation and expanded beekeeping activities have enhanced local livelihoods.
• Establishment of processing facilities for NTFPs, such as a certified processing centre that enables local harvesters to add value to their products.

PONT’s sub-grants also foster knowledge transfer and capacity building. Training over 80 community members in environmental management, grant writing, and sustainable resource use has strengthened local capacities. Collaborations with women’s groups have empowered more than 150 women to participate actively in sustainable harvesting, enhancing both ecosystems and social resilience.

Importantly, PONT’s sub-grants serves as a bridge between conservation and socio-economic development. Communities realise that residing within protected areas can be advantageous—responsibly utilising natural resources can generate income while preserving the environment. For example, solar energy projects funded through sub-grants have replaced firewood and polluting generators, reducing pollution and supporting eco-tourism.

Despite successes, PONT recognises there are challenges around migration, limited local capacities, and mistrust around the sustainable use of resources. Many communities remain unaware of protected area boundaries or lack the infrastructure to support nature-based tourism. Addressing these issues, PONT’s future strategies emphasise strengthening local capacities, particularly among youth and women, fostering cross-border cooperation, and enhancing NGO skills in grant proposal development.

In conclusion, PONT’s sub-grants are more than just financial support—they are transformative tools that empower communities to become active stewards of their environment. By fostering local ownership, building capacities, and linking conservation with livelihood opportunities, PONT’s sub-granting approach catalyses impactful, sustainable change. Moving forward, enhanced focus on community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and targeted capacity building will ensure that the positive impacts of these sub-grants endure, creating resilient ecosystems and thriving local communities alike.

By: Anila Shehu (PONT), Violeta Joncevska and Endrit Keraj (CNVP, Connecting Natural Values and People)