Biodiversity and the community belong to each other

Among the elements that have created the identity of communities over the years are nature and the ecosystems surrounding them. Always there exist an organic symbiosis between them. This connection is strongest in protected areas, where ecosystems and biodiversity are unique, with a significant impact on the lives of the communities.

Considering this relationship, World Vision Albania and PONT are engaged in biodiversity protection projects in these protected areas from June 2022 to September 2026.

From October 2023 to September 2024, World Vision Albania, in collaboration with the Agritra-Vizion center in Peshkopi and “Përtej të sotmes” in Librazhdi, implemented the project "Community response/ownership development for biodiversity preservation in Korab-Koritnik Nature Park and Shebenik National Park."

The project has contributed to community engagement for the protection of the potential of the KKNP and SHNP areas, highlighting and strengthening the sense of belonging and the material, cultural, spiritual, historical, and identity connections that have been built over generations.

Youth, women, community members, and local institutions have been involved in the project activities, increasing their capacities and taking concrete actions to protect both parks.

Empowering Youth for Biodiversity

446 youth have been active on better understanding the crucial role of biodiversity in our life. They identified the needs for actions and designed 9 initiatives for implementation, such as expeditions, planting, exhibitions, public fairs and touristic promotion initiatives, etc. These actions started from their schools, corners of biodiversity there are organised in some of the schools, with pictures taken by youth in both parks. School gardens also are planted by youth and schools’ staff, directly contributing in greening their schools and communities. Total of 1,368 youth in these communities have learned from concrete examples on biodiversity regeneration and ecosystems restoration with small steps taken. Through small, yet meaningful steps, they witnessed the change that is possible when nature and action work in harmony.

"I used to think that nature was just trees, plants, rivers, and things like that. But after the biodiversity trainings, I realised it was much more than that. The more I learned, the more I wanted to talk to others about this topic. From our community project, I understood that nature is not just beautiful, but it is crucial in our life,"  Elisa, 17 years old, Zgosh, Librazhd.

Through their collective efforts, these 446 youth have not only gained a deeper understanding of biodiversity but have also become ambassadors for environmental change in their communities.

132 Local Leaders Foster Biodiversity Stewardship and Risk Reduction

It has been not difficult to see the sensitivity of communities to the ecosystems and all values of the parks. 132 community members actively were engaged to know more on the possibilities to use resources of the parks, in sustainable way. Informing them on the services ecosystems provide for communities helped participants to bring in mind the connection communities have with flora and fauna. They love biodiversity, because it is part of the live story for these communities on the generations. Communities are interested to manage in sustainable way all area resources in both parks. Also, 12 active community members have capacities and materials to contribute on risk reduction and management, in collaboration with communities and institutions, such as Municipalities, Prefectures, RAPAs and hole communities.

"We really need to strengthen efforts related to emergencies, especially in protected areas. The work you do to raise awareness and engage communities is excellent. You will always have our support in involving other institutions in Dibër,"  says Nexhbedin Shehu, Prefect of Dibër Region.

These communities are not just protectors of biodiversity - they are stewards, committed to safeguarding the resources of both parks for future generations.

Green initiatives for sustainable income

Protecting nature requires more than good intentions, it demands knowledge and action. Exploring opportunities to provide income, through green initiatives was the balanced approach to preserve ecosystems and empower families. Cultivating herbs was one of the initiatives supported. 33 families have been involved capacities development activities in cultivating medicinal plants or collecting them in nature in accordance with their status and sustainability limits. Protection of beehives using electric fence was also another green initiative, with positive impact not only for honey production, but for brown bears and other wild animals in Shebenik area. 15 families generate sustainable income from honey production, and the risk and the conflict of these families with wild animals is mitigated.

“We have planted the cyan (Centaurea cyanus), and are very pleased with the income provided. There is work involved, but there is money too. We have engaged with our children during the flower harvesting process so that they understand the importance of working with medicinal plants. Next year we plan to increase the cultivated area even more” - says the farmer from Erebara village.

These initiatives show how protecting nature can go hand in hand with building sustainable futures for local families.

Strengthening partnerships for ecosystem protection

Collaboration with RAPAs, Municipalities and Prefectures is further developed, specific needs are identified and concrete collaboration is provided in this regard. Formal partnerships are established with RAPA Elbasan, Diber and Librazhd Municipalities and also Diber Prefecture. Concrete steps are taken to integrate actions in join plans as per the KKNP management plan and also SHNP.

"There is need for more attention from communities and institutions to protect mountain tea in Dibër. A moratorium would be the solution to enable the regeneration of the tea population in nature," says Zyberi, local collector and expert in the field of medicinal plant management.

In addition, collaboration with PONT partners like ALCDF, CNVP, PPNE, and INCA has strengthened the collective impact, enhancing synergy and ensuring that conservation activities are carried out efficiently across both parks.

Building Capacity for Environmental Stewardship

WVA has supported AGV and PTS to strengthen the capacities and the standards on project management. Staff capacities are also developed, as result of trainings provided. WVA has also built its capacity as an organisation regarding biodiversity management and restoring the health of natural ecosystems. New needs have been identified for capacity building, and WVA has also implemented other initiatives or projects focused on environmental protection, the need for mitigation and adaptation in the context of climate change, and aligning all interventions with the components of Chapter 27 of Albania's EU integration document.

It has been e great time and opportunity for World Vision Albania and its partners to learn how to better approach actions for biodiversity protection, especially in protected areas. Based in the achievements mention above, we have adjusted implementation for the period October 2023-September 2025, for better management and impact.