Monitoring mission for the project 'Nature Without Borders'

From cross-border cooperation to nature restoration and community empowerment in Korab–Koritnik  
Even amidst the snow and cold of the mountains, work to protect nature and support communities continues!  
In the winter landscape of Korab–Koritnik, a monitoring mission took place with representatives from the German Development Bank (KfW), Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust - PONT, National Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM), ADZM Diber, and local institutions.  
The visit to Ilnica and the Hinoska mountains was an opportunity to see up close the results and continuity of ALCDF’s cooperation with PONT. From the “Nature Without Borders” project, which laid the foundations for cross-border cooperation, co-management, and community engagement, to the current project “Korab–Koritnik: Nature Restoration and People Empowerment,” which is turning this experience into concrete interventions for nature and people.  
From ecological assessment to field restoration  
The delegation got acquainted with interventions aimed at improving pastures and habitat restoration, including managing competing vegetation, clearing surfaces of stones, and regenerating native flora. So far, the ecological assessment has covered around 580 hectares in the Rabdisht–Hinoskë–Ilnicë area, creating an important basis for long-term restoration and monitoring. Investments in water infrastructure were also presented, including four water tanks and four water supply points, as well as solar panels and improvements in the shepherds' huts, aimed at sustainable pasture management and improving the living and working conditions of shepherds. Communities and partnerships – at the heart of change Meetings with shepherds and local beneficiaries highlighted the importance of their involvement in nature conservation, improving livestock practices, and developing the mountain economy and tourism. An important role in this process is the collaboration with the Dibër County Council, represented by the chairwoman Ms. Dolores Mikli, the Prefecture,Fire and Rescue structures, Border Police, administrative units, and the network of community monitors. Youth and science for the future of the park: The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Sciences, a project partner, emphasized the importance of engaging students and young researchers in biodiversity monitoring. Meanwhile, the 'Park Ambassadors' program aims to involve at least ten schools in environmental education and awareness. 'Bad weather, good friend!' One of the most beautiful moments of the day was the hospitality at the Fida family's stall in Hinoskë, where Mr. Ethem Fida welcomed us with generosity and warmth, despite the harsh weather. A beautiful reminder that behind every landscape we protect are the people, traditions, and their irreplaceable connection to the mountain. Restoring nature is more than intervening in habitats. It is an investment in people, knowledge, cooperation, and the future of communities. This is the vision that ALCDF, together with its partners and with PONT's support, is working to make it a reality in Korab–Koritnik: a landscape where nature is protected, traditions are preserved, and communities develop together.

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