Donor: PONT (Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust)
Beneficiaries: Shepherds, farmers, youth, rural women, and RAPA Elbasan
Project Implementation area: Shebenik Park
Time frame: October 2022 – October 2025
Title: Encouraging Locals to Support Sustainable Management of Shebenik Park
Goal/Objective: Strengthening the created Monitoring Group and expanding this network. A broader citizen monitoring group with local youth will be established, and a monitoring program will be developed. The logistical work for expanding the network and cooperation with RAPA Elbasan will continue.
The project “Encouraging Locals to Support Sustainable Management of Shebenik Park” by AlbNatyra, funded by PONT (Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust), is a multi-year initiative aimed at empowering local communities to actively participate in preserving Shebenik National Park. Running from October 2022 to October 2025, this project focuses on strengthening and expanding the existing Monitoring Group in the park, originally established to monitor biodiversity and deter illegal activities. By including a broader array of community members, such as shepherds, farmers, rural women, and youth, AlbNatyra seeks to create a more comprehensive, citizen-led network that assists the Regional Administration of Protected Areas (RAPA) in Elbasan with real-time insights and sustainable management practices.
The initiative also emphasizes training and equipping locals with skills to monitor wildlife, manage natural resources, and engage in eco-friendly practices. A critical component of this project is a dedicated monitoring program that captures data on biodiversity and habitat health, helping to guide conservation efforts and protect the park’s unique flora and fauna. Additionally, educational workshops for youth and logistical support for the monitoring network have played key roles in fostering a sense of stewardship among community members, ensuring the park’s sustainability long after the project concludes.