Kukës (Albania) - Awarded in 2021

The small town of Kukës in northeastern Albania has been recognised as a Model Municipality of the European Green Belt in 2021. Kukës played a very active role in the designation of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park and has continued to be involved in the region ever since. Albania closed itself off completely under communist rule and its heavily guarded border areas became a refuge for many endangered animal and plant species. In the awarding ceremony, the European Green Belt Association also congratulated Mayor Gjici on the designation of the Albanian Tulip (Tulipa albanica) as a natural monument. The plant is found only in high altitude regions of Albania and is threatened by mining activities.

The municipality actively supports the idea of the European Green Belt by continuous public relation activities like events, permanent exhibitions etc. In addition, the area has high potential for sustainable tourism in nature, that at the same time promotes the local cultural. In the municipality of Kukës are marked tourist trails, guest houses, areas for campsites 
and caravans as well as guides that accompany tourists who are passionate about mountain tourism. The town’s administration is committed to low-impact development activities that do not destroy nature and implement ecotourism concepts that go hand in hand with a responsibility to conserve nature.