Empowering communities in the Shar Mt. region for sustainable management in North Macedonia and Kosovo

Challenge

The Shar Mountain region faced threats like unregulated tourism, illegal construction, and waste. Communities lacked awareness and trust in the new National Park. Action was needed to improve communication, engage locals in conservation, and protect high-value ecosystems and biodiversity.

Objective

The project aimed to build trust and cooperation between the Shar Mountain National Park, local communities, and municipalities, promote sustainable use of natural resources, and raise awareness. The desired outcome was a well-managed, biodiverse park supported by informed, engaged stakeholders on both sides of the Kosovo-Macedonia border.

Approach

The strategy focused on inclusive stakeholder engagement through public forums, educational events, cross-border youth trainings, and awareness campaigns to build trust, promote sustainable tourism, and encourage local stewardship of natural resources in the Shar Mountain region.

Achieved Results

Over 600 people have been involved through events such as Bean Day, 6 public forums with different stakeholders, 20 young people trained in sustainable tourism and educational materials such as a colouring book produced. Awareness and cooperation between communities, park staff and municipalities has increased significantly.

Have a look at the coloring book for children that has been developed in the project (in Albanian / in Macedonian)