Importance of Cross-border Natural Values of Albania and Kosovo presented on a two day training

01 November 2021

A two day training held on 28-29 October 2021, Krumë-Has on the importance of natural values of the cross-border area was held in Albania in Has. The capacity training focused on the present values of biodiversity and the importance of protecting the natural resources of the area was introduced and presented to the participants. As such, the participants from Albania, Has area and from Kosovo, from Klina area joined together to discuss the importance of protecting the environment of the cross-border area, which entails important endemic species and holds important natural values with great economic potential as well as are a precondition to develop tourism, agriculture, forestry, medicinal activities, etc.

The Capacity development trainings included representatives from the Municipality of Has, Kukes, representatives from Klina, farmers, social activists, environmental activist, members of the civil society etc.  who jointly discussed the specific values of the cross-border area, in practical group work. Issues were raised, importance of awareness was pointed out and the importance of protecting the wilderness was discussed. Threats regarding biodiversity were pointed out and discussed such as agriculture, mining, forestry were discussed. Chemicals and insecticides and pesticides discussed and the use of them in the food chain that ultimately hurts human health.

The training continued on the second day with a practical work day which included a site visit to Pashtrik Mountain, where specific work on example of biodiversity was conducted by the expert training. Threats to the biodiversity, cooperation between stakeholders, concrete ways on how to draft action plans to protect biodiversity and the environment were presented to the participants in practical work-group.

For more, as a result of this training, practical guiding manuals will be developed to help the people in the cross-border area have practical documentation that can help them in their contribution in protecting the environment and valorizing the natural values of the region.

This third out of five capacity development trainings is realized within the European Union - IPA II funded cross-border project "GREEN CROSS - towards local green economies with smart investments”. A project implemented by Balkan Green Foundation in Kosovo and EDEN Center in Albania with its local government partners the Municipality of Klina and Municipality of Has.