28 January 2019 - The unique mountain massif of Prokletije is recognized as a region of exceptional landscape features with rich biodiversity. Because of its beauty, inaccessibility and untouched nature, Prokletije became a favourite destination for an increasing number of tourists, especially mountaineers and alpinists. On the other hand, residents who inhabit this area are struggling to improve the quality of life. These residents often migrate towards urban centres or even go outside the country in search of a better life, while the strong potential of this region's development remains untapped. As in Montenegro, a similar problem is evident in the area of Prokletije on the other side of the border, on the territory of Kosovo.
In order to achieve sustainable development of the cross-border region through joint tourism potentials based on natural and cultural heritage, the implementation of the cross-border project "Development of Ecotourism in the Balkan Alps" has started. During the next two years, which mark the duration of the project, the activities that will contribute to the quality and diversity of services, the establishment and promotion of a joint tourist offer have been planned, as well as activities that will enable increased safety of the visitors of the National Park Prokletije in Montenegro and the National Park Bjeshkët e Nemuna in Kosovo.
Due to the inaccessibility and the unique nature of the area, apart from creating a new tourist offer, the focus of the project is the safety of tourists. Many interventions in rescuing lost or injured tourists show the need for the reconstruction of the tourist infrastructure so that during this year, a total of 50 kilometres of hiking trails will be assessed from the safety aspect and reconstructed if necessary.
In the forthcoming period, intensive work will be done to build professional facilities for tourist service providers, to strengthen the capacities of local communities and the private sector with the aim of developing a unique tourist offer and increasing the safety of tourists. The lack of trained planner guides is evident, which is also evidenced by the already mentioned frequency of accidents in the mountains. Therefore, this project will offer training to specialized guides and implement a joint mountain rescue training to enhance cross-border cooperation in helping lost or injured tourists.
Considering that National park Prokletije represents a destination that is perfect for nature lovers, rich in local endemic and endangered species of plants, birds and mammals, the project will include intensive work in order to promote nature-based tourism. The project will include training for guides in the field of biodiversity, and the individuals will be trained to observe birds, collect medicinal herbs, mushrooms.
The project "Development of Ecotourism in the Balkan Alps" is implemented by the Centre for the Protection and Study of Birds in cooperation with the Mountain Rescue Service of Montenegro as well as the partners from Kosovo - Kosovo Advocacy and Development Centre (KADC) and Mountaineering and alpinists association "Pashtriku". It is financed by the European Union through the IPA II program Montenegro - Kosovo 2014-2020 and the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro.
Source: Boka News
