Sustainable grazing for the preservation of vital grassland ecosystems

Challenge 

Amid the breath-taking peaks and tranquil valleys of Korab‑Koritnik Nature Park, hidden dangers quietly erode its pristine beauty. The timeless tradition of shepherding, once the heartbeat of biodiversity and guardian of alpine grasslands, is slipping away as migration and land abandonment spread. If this bond between people and nature is lost, the park’s fragile ecosystems risk collapsing into silence. This project called for urgent action: to defend irreplaceable habitats, to rekindle ancestral practices, and to empower local shepherds with sustainable solutions. By confronting threats with resilience and partnership, we could transform decline into renewal, ensuring that Korab‑Koritnik remains not only a sanctuary of natural wonders but a living legacy for generations to come.

Objective

The project aimed to conserve alpine grasslands in Korab‑Koritnik Nature Park by sustaining traditional grazing. Over 20 months, it assessed threatened habitats, identified drivers of grazing abandonment, and implemented measures with local shepherds to improve conditions, diversify income, and reduce human‑wildlife conflict.

Approach

To project achieved its objectives by: 

• Assessment & Analysis: Mapping and evaluating threatened alpine grassland habitats; identifying socio‑economic drivers behind grazing abandonment.

• Community Engagement: Workeing directly with local shepherds to promote sustainable grazing practices and revive traditional knowledge.

• Capacity Building: Delivering training sessions and awareness programs; fostering cooperation among stakeholders, including youth.

• Partnerships: Collaborating with institutions and NGOs to strengthen conservation efforts and integrate results into national strategies.

Achieved Results

The project has transformed the conservation of alpine grasslands in the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, turning a baseline of zero hectares monitored and zero shepherds trained into the following measurable achievements: 2,000 hectares were assessed and 60 shepherds were trained in sustainable grazing and ecotourism. Six of these shepherds are already diversifying their income by hosting tourists and offering traditional foods. Infrastructure improved with the installation of 12 solar panels and 10 electric fences. Community engagement grew from zero to 78 stakeholders, eight schools and over 150 students who are now actively involved. The park has undergone a festive shift towards conservation and revitalised rural livelihoods, evolving from unmanaged pastures and declining huts to now hosting 400–500 visitors per season.