Nature, Community, and Culture: The European Green Belt Expedition
Background & Location
In the heart of the Kraja region, on the shores of Lake Shkodra in the municipality of Tivar/Bar, a vibrant two-day celebration of European Green Belt Days took place with a series of educational and interactive activities. This stunning location, known for its rugged Rumia mountain range and picturesque lake views, provided the perfect backdrop to bring people together across borders to promote conservation awareness and cultural exchange.
The celebration welcomed a diverse group of participants, including:
- Local communities from Montenegro and Albania
- Environmental organizations and activists from both sides of the border
- Students, educators, and youth
- Local government officials and policy makers
- Fishermen from the region
- Cultural heritage enthusiasts
- Tourists, visitors, and nature lovers
- Media and journalists
Objectives
The celebration aimed to:
- Increase local awareness and support for the European Green Belt Initiative.
- Increase knowledge of the European Green Belt vision and sustainable practices.
- Stimulate pride and commitment to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage within the local community.
Approach & Results
Day 1 Highlights: Nature and Community Connection
The first day offered immersive experiences centred on nature, sustainability and community building. Activities included:
Project Presentation: Participants were introduced to the project "Rebuild Lower Bojana/Buna Basin and Ulcinj/Ulqin Ecosystem Complex - BESTbelt Heritage" and the cross-border initiative "Skadar/Shkodra Lake Watershed - A Transboundary Biosphere Reserve".
Partner presentations: Camp Ostros shared insights on nature education and "education outside the classroom", followed by Reborn by Adventures, who led a stand-up paddleboard session and highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism in supporting local communities and conserving nature.
Community Gathering: The day ended with a community camping experience on the lake, a communal dinner and a campfire gathering by the lake, where guests enjoyed a solo guitar performance, reinforcing a sense of connection with nature and each other.
Day 2 Highlights:Sunrise Birdwatching and Cultural Exploration
On the second day, early morning activities focused on the region's unique biodiversity and cultural heritage:
Sunrise Birdwatching: Participants embarked on a boat trip across Lake Shkodra, spotting local bird species and taking in the peaceful morning views.
Biological Insights: Shkodra biologist and activist Aurora Piroviq gave a presentation on cross-border cooperation for sustainable development and the pressing environmental challenges facing Lake Shkodra and the Buna River.
Cultural heritage walk: Participants explored "Ublat e Bolajve", known for its unique historical significance, and visited the "Nature without Borders" exhibition, hosted by Dr Martin Schneider Jakoby, which showcased local biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The impact of these two days can be measured in terms of a significant increase in local knowledge about the European Green Belt, engagement with opportunities for support, and increased commitment by the local community to preserve the region's unique ecosystem and cultural identity.
Through these activities, the two-day event successfully met the objectives of the European Green Belt Initiative by fostering cross-border cooperation, deepening local commitment to sustainable development, and inspiring ongoing efforts to preserve the cultural heritage and environment of the Lake Shkodra region.
Video about the European Green Belt Days celebration organized by the Environment Programme
Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration
