Puka’s Model for Sustainable Development

TIRANA, May 13

Puka region located in North Albania has a natural potential for sustainable economic development. Both municipalities of Puka and Fushe Arrez have a population of about 33,000 people and over 60 percent of the population lives in remote villages.
According to AgroPuka, a non-profit organization, the region’s resources vary from forestry products such as wild berries and medicinal and aromatic plants to minerals and other mineral resources. At the same time, the area faces challenges related to the lack of agricultural land and land fragmentation, migration, and a low level of women participation in main activities.

The organization that has over 300 members, focuses on four main goals that aim at improving the quality of life for rural communities, promoting the protection and development of the environment, promoting social inclusion and increasing sustainability.
During the last week, representatives of AgroPuka and We Effect Sweden visited local farmers in the units of Iballe and Qelez including beekeepers and a women organization. The farmers ‘activity focused on potatoes, nuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, apples, grapes, vegetables, blackberries and raspberries, and beans farming, and berries and medicinal and aromatic herbs collection.

Fact about Puka: Munella Mountain in Puka-Miredita area is the habitat of the critically endangered subspecies of the Balkan Lynx in Albania

 

Local Products in Puka and Fushe Arrez

Fruits: Wild berries, blueberries, raspberries, cornel, cherries, plums, quince
Grains: Maize
Grappa: various fruits, cornel, mulberry
Farming: Goat, lamb, goat cheese
Medical herbs: Thyme
Beekeeping: Honey from chestnuts, thyme, acacia, wildflowers
Traditional dishes: Watered chicken in corn flour (pule me qervish), maze, fli, dried beef meat, dried pork meat.
Processed and fermented food: dried fruits, bukefik, dried tomatoes, tomato sauce, sauerkraut
Craftsmanship: Wool kilims

Fushe Arrez

Fruits: Wild berries, blueberries, raspberries, cornel, cherries, plums, quince, apples
Nut-fruits: Chestnuts, hazelnuts
Grains: Maize
Grappa: various fruits, cornel, mulberry
Farming: Goat, lamb, goat cheese
Medical herbs: Thyme
Beekeeping: Honey from chestnuts, thyme, acacia, wildflowers
Traditional dishes: Watered chicken in corn flour (pule me qervish), maze, fli, dried beef meat, dried pork meat.
Processed and fermented food: dried fruits, bukefik, dried tomatoes, tomato sauce, sauerkraut
Craftsmanship: Wool kilims

News Source/Photo Credit: AgroPuka