Guardians of the European Green Belt: Shepherds Building a Sustainable Tomorrow

A BESTbelt project in the Korab-Koritnik region helped to protect and restore biodiverse grasslands and empower local families – and write a story of courage, commitment, and community.

Peaceful Korab Koritnik meadow, where rolling hills meet resilient traditions of shepherds (Kalaja e Dodes). © Ilirjan Qirjazi
Sheep resting under shade, embodying harmony between tradition, nature, and pastoral life (Kalaja e Dodes). © Ilirjan Qirjazi
Beekeeping farm protected by electric fence, safeguarding hives from wildlife in Korab Koritnik (Ceren, Albania). © Ilirjan Qirjazi

 

In the mountains of Korab-Koritnik, tradition and sustainability walk hand in hand. For the oldest shepherd, every step reflects decades of caring for the land; for the youngest, sunlit huts and ecotourism bring new hope. Together, they embody the spirit of the European Green Belt, where nature and people thrive in harmony.

Through the BESTbelt project "Sustainable Grazing for the Preservation of Vital Grasslands Ecosystems", once-endangered pastures are now under protection measures. Besides nature protection and restoration measures, the project also addressed the local communities living in the area: shepherds’ huts were equipped with solar panels and basic tourism facilities, animal flocks are protected by electric fences, and schools show their students how valuable green jobs in the nature parc can be.  Families that were involved in the project now welcome visitors with simple meals and warm hospitality, proving that conservation can strengthen both livelihoods and traditions. The project also supported local famers in promoting their products (like cheese or milk) on regional markets and festivals, offering them additional ways for distributing their products. 

What makes this part of Korab-Koritnik Natural Park special is this living connection: restored pastures, empowered communities, and shepherds, young and old, standing as guardians of the region’s biodiversity. Their voices remind us that protecting nature is not just about landscapes, but also about people, heritage, and hope for future generations.

 

The project "Sustainable Grazing for the Preservation of Vital Grasslands Ecosystems" was implemented from October 2024 to May 2026 by the Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania (INCA) in collaboration with Agro-Eko Dibra and was funded by the BESTbelt project.

 

📩 For more information: 

       Emirjeta Adhami, PhD – Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania 

✉️ Email: emiadhami(at)gmail.com

📞 Phone: +355 682062157