BESTbelt project "Empowering Shar mountain communities" celebrates the European Green Belt Days 2024
Background & Location
A transboundary European Green Belt Days celebration was organized between North Macedonia and Kosovo, including several activities: a rural cinema, cultural performances, concluding with the annual Beans Day Festival. The Beans Day Festival is know to be the only event of the Polog region where Macedonian, Albanian, and Turkish communities celebrate together.
During the celebration, the vision of the European Green Belt and the mission of the European Green Belt Initiative were shared through videos, posters, photos, and student presentations.
The celebration was organized as part of the BESTbelt project “Empowering communities in the Shar Mt. region for sustainable management”.
Objective
The aim was to encourage local communities, especially young people, to value the biodiversity and ecological value of the Shar Mountains' biodiversity. We believe that organising cultural events promotes the cultural diversity of the region by showcasing Macedonian, Albanian and Turkish traditions, thus fostering unity through shared heritage. A gastronomic event strengthens the local economy by connecting farmers and vendors with the community. By combining education, culture and sustainability, the event was in line with the European Green Belt Initiative's vision of a of a harmonious balance between human activity and nature.
Approach & Results
We involved a wide range of partners and community stakeholders in organising the events. We involved local schools, farmers, cultural groups, and vendors to ensure diverse community participation and representation.
Schools prepared ecological presentations to educate the community about the importance of preserving the Shar Mountain. Cultural groups performed traditional Macedonian, Albanian, and Turkish dances to celebrate cultural diversity and unity.
Over 600 people came to Tearce from all over Macedonia and the Polog region. We welcomed visitors from local institutions and international groups, as well as members of the municipality, and the national Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration
