Borders divide, nature unites

Borders divide, nature unites.

The celebration of the European Green Belt Days inspired participants to develop a shared vision of nature conservation and sustainable use of nature. It also encouraged involvement in activities along the European Green Belt as an opportunity to contribute to nature conservation and to enable cross-border cooperation between countries along the Green Belt.

Background & Location

The European Green Belt Days celebration took place in the Deshati mountain range, part of the Balkan Green Belt in Albania, on the border with Kosovo. The mountain range is part of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park and offers several natural monuments to visit. It is also home to the village of Radomirë, known for its traditional sustainable use of forests and pastures. All forests and pastures are in very good condition.

The Black Lake Radomirë Nature Monument hosted more than 50 people to celebrate the European Green Belt Days 2024. They came from both the north-eastern part of Albania and the south-western part of Kosovo. Among them were representatives of the local government, protected area authorities, NGOs, schools and communities.

Objective 

The main objective was to increase knowledge of the European Green Belt among local authorities and communities and to raise awareness of our common natural heritage. In order to maintain its function as an ecological network connecting high quality natural and cultural landscapes, it needs to be preserved and restored. By visiting Radomira, participants learned how to create a healthy and sustainable environment for trees, birds and animals. Participants had the opportunity to experience how local people take care of forests and pastures. They also learned about the main techniques and tools used to map and monitor wildlife. As a creative element, the participants contributed to the event by painting and building bird houses.
In addition, local products such as honey and wild medicinal plants, as well as brochures about the Shar-Korab Koritnik Nature Park, were distributed among the participants.

Approach & Results 

The European Green Belt Initiative was presented in an attractive and inspiring natural and cultural setting, and participants in the European Green Belt Days celebration learned about the value and importance of local forests and pastures. They were also introduced to the main techniques and tools used to map and monitor wildlife. 
The local community also explained how they protect and sustainably manage nature in the region and shared local values and traditions, such as the preparation of local dishes. The participants were actively involved in painting and building birdhouses.

Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration