Local Communities to Lead Way to Nature Parks Protection

TIRANA, November 3

Have you ever heard about Qafe Bush, Balloll, Rrezome, Sopot, Stavraj, Polis, Germenj-Shelegure, Tejdrinit te Bardhe, Kuturman, Krastafillak, Cangonj, and Pishe Poro? These are some of the nature parks and managed nature reserves in Albania. Although most of the nature parks and managed nature reserves are unknown even among the Albanians, international tourists have a keen interest in eco-tourism and unexplored areas.

Kallabak Mountain, part of Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, Kukes Region

Nature parks and managed nature reserves are key elements for the development of sustainable tourism. According to the National Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM), there are 2 nature reserves and 22 managed nature reserves. They are located throughout Albania and they are critical for the critical for the protection of biodiversity and they also play an important role for local communities. Cooperation will the inhabitants of the area is essential. The principle of the National Agency of Protected Areas is the nature reserve is protected with the integral part of its inhabitants, who managed the areas during centuries.

View from Kune-Vain-Tale Nature Park, Lezha Area

“The development of natural areas focuses on traditions and not on the modern development of natural areas. AKZM will implement a strategy that includes local farmers, businesses, artisans, and beekeepers. The inhabitants of protected areas are aware of the fact that their welfare depends on the area development. Therefore, they are committed to protecting nature as it is a source of incomes from eco-tourism. You can find detailed information on the Protected Areas, national parks, and nature reserves with the help of the digital map by AKZM.  Moreover, the hunting and tree cutting bans and afforestation initiatives are helping to repair the damage done during the last two decades to wildlife and forests.

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Photo Credit: Bogova, AKZM