In April 2020, the “Sustainable Future for Shar-Korab-Koritnik” project was launched in the cross-border regions of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. This initiative received funding from the German Federal Foundation for the Environment (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt) and the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation.
Project Goals and Implementation
The project aimed to promote sustainable development in agriculture and tourism. To achieve this, 13 model initiatives were supported and implemented by local organizations, focusing on sustainable practices in these sectors.
Support for Local Action Groups
We also continued our efforts to support and strengthen three Local Action Groups (LAGs) in the region:
– Friends of Sharri in North Macedonia
– LAG Korab-Koritnik in Albania
– LAG Sharri in Kosovo
Cultural and Traditional Practices
The inhabitants of Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania have a rich tradition of harvesting and cultivating wild plants, producing high-quality teas and spices. They use various plant parts, including fruits, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, and flowers, for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. The region is also renowned for animal husbandry, seasonal migration to stables and artisanal milk by-products. These practices have been integral to their nutritional and healthcare needs for centuries.
Adapting to Local Needs
Given the diversity of their activities and cultures, our project models were designed to closely align with the residents’ rural lifestyles, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Project Conclusion and Impact
The year 2023 marked the successful conclusion of three years of implementing model projects in the Korab-Koritnik area. PPNEA has been deeply involved with the local communities, not only through project implementation but also through various awareness activities and fairs.
Celebrating Success
The project concluded with a celebratory event in Kukes, featuring:
– Traditional foods
– Handicrafts
– Promotional materials
– Folk songs and dances
Positive Outcomes
These model projects demonstrated various ways to utilize the region’s natural and traditional values for nature-friendly income generation. They have been highly successful, with numerous positive outcomes for the region, including:
– Promoting sustainable use of natural resources
– Rehabilitating degraded areas
– Generating and disseminating knowledge
– Strengthening local civil society and cross-border collaboration
Empowering Local Communities
Through these efforts, we have empowered local residents to take responsibility for building a sustainable future for the Shar-Korab-Koritnik region.
Long-Term Preservation
The long-term preservation of the region requires:
– Proper management of the area
– Sustainable use of natural resources by the local population
– Ensuring biodiversity protection through relevant knowledge and sustainable practice
By enabling local people to secure their livelihoods through the sustainable use of nature and natural resources, we can ensure the long-term protection and prosperity of the Shar-Korab-Koritnik region.