Young people discover nature and culture along the Albanian Green Belt
During the European Green Belt Days 2025, young people had the opportunity to explore the natural and cultural values of Albania’s Green Belt over the course of two days, through nature, traditions, and community dialogue.
From 13 to 14 September, the Albanian Centre for Environmental Governance (ACEG) and Korça Alpin organised a two-day study visit as part of the BESTBelt project “Nature Heritage Incubator – Cultivating Futures in the Albanian Green Belt”. More than 20 young participants travelled across the stunning landscapes of Prespa, Devoll, Sinicë, Dardhë and Boboshtica, meeting people who are safeguarding the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The programme included visits to the Regional Administration of Protected Areas and the Prespa National Park office, where participants learned about ongoing conservation efforts, as well as to Kayak Albania, which demonstrated how ecotourism connects visitors to Prespa Lake. The youth also met Tenzile Jazexhi, a beekeeper in Ponçalë, and visited Kitan Farm in Prespa to discover generational knowledge in beekeeping. They also met the Director of the Fishermen’s Association of Prespa, who spoke about sustainable fishing. In Boboshtica, participants explored the area's cultural heritage and visited the SHAKA dairy factory, which showcases rural livelihoods through traditional milk processing.
A particular highlight of the trip was a visit to Guesthouse Prespa Balcony, where the participants met Mrs Zana Trajce. She shared the inspiring story of how the owners promote local hospitality and preserve cultural traditions through sustainable tourism.
In this way, the European Green Belt Days 2025 promoted the nature and cultural values of the Albanian Green Belt to the wider European community, while strengthening the link between young people and these shared values.
For more information, please contact:
Margarita Buxhku, Albanian Center for Environmental Governance (ACEG); Email: mbuxhaku@aceg.al