PROKLETIJE / Bjeshket e Nemuna (reported by Antonia Young)
Workshop Participants
Mitena KapoMinistry of EnvironmentM
Music DzevadPlav MunicipalityM
Ismail HetemajMinistry of EnvironmentK
Hazer DanaMinistry of EnvironmentK
Elez KrasniqiUniversity of PrishtinaK
Elvana RamajMinistry of EnvironmentA
Prof. Ljupčo MelovškiSkopje University
Aline MooreResearcherB3P
Antonia YoungDeputy ChairB3P
- First we confirmed that there is already a memorandum of understanding between six of the municipalities of the 3 Prokletije countries (undertaken in Prishtina, November 2006), supporting a Transboundary Peace Park. However, further progress and agreements on these linkages need to be made.
- Next we discussed the possibilities of working on making an application under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). In particular each country is at such a different stage of application to join the EU. Montenegro is the most advanced in its EU application. Albania has agreement with Brussels on setting up a National Park plan (components 1 & 2), but needs at least 2 more years to develop this. Kosovo is also able to participate in setting up a cross-border park using components 1 & 2, but it needs assessment/ feasibility study. The Albanian government has been looking seriously at possible IPA funding with regard to a cross-border park, but lacks full data collection, inventory of species, habitat map. Their best hope would be to apply for the management plan stage (component 1), with a view to making inventories etc. later.
- Discussion turned to the importance of holding joint meetings in Peć / Plav / Shkodёr or Bajram Curri of representatives of both local and central government authorities and Stakeholder consultations
- There was a proposal to develop joint methodology for a joint survey on specific species, for example, Balkan Lynx, with questionnaires locally on all sides and tracking of large mammals and listing endemic species. Those involved in collating the questionnaires should meet, along with locals inhabitants on the borders, to celebrate the joint efforts.
- Discussion on both the need and the implications and issues arising from for tarmacked roads in the region, both through the mountains and connecting Plav with Podgorica (currently 360kms), by surfacing the old road which crosses Northern Albania, thus reducing this distance to 36kms.
Discussion of cross-border hiking trails, and the necessity of agreements at national government level to clarify legal status of mountain crossings and to make known how to implement such legal border crossings. Plav asked more dynamism from Kosovo and Albania on cross-border activity (tourism, agriculture, production of organic food)
- Possibility of Summer Programmes in all 3 regions – already functioning in Albania through the B3P. Indication of funds available for next year in Montenegro (Plav?). Teaching Environmental Awareness & English language with walking exchanges of young people from these programmes around borders, as well as exchanges for of both inhabitants and tourists during the festivals season (August) in each region.