Roundtable with Researchers, Scientists, Civil Society Organizations and Protected Area Specialists in the Sharr-Korab Massif

Roundtable with Researchers, Scientists, Civil Society Organizations and Protected Area Specialists in the Sharr-Korab Massif. The Sharr-Korab massif is beautiful in every season, which is why it is also known to tourism promoters as the Path of Colors. In snow-covered Mavrovo, on March 5, 2024, a roundtable was held with the participation of Professors, representatives of civil society organizations, and specialists from Shar Mountain National Park and Mavrovo, who contribute through research or scientific work to the protection of biodiversity values in protected areas in the Sharr-Korab mountain massif.

At this meeting, discussions were held on the distinctive features of flora and fauna, threats, and the need to coordinate research work with management efforts for the proper management of Protected Areas (PA) in the Sharr-Korab massif and influential measures for cooperation with parts of Albania and Kosovo. Meeting participants raised the need for joint research work to assess and inventory the natural resources of the entire territory, preparation of a joint GIS map, joint research programs in data formatting, monitoring indicators, and assessment methodologies. Participants also emphasized the need for more joint activities ranging from awareness-raising meetings, seminars, and conferences to work with joint research teams, sharing not only data but also equipment and to unify publications. Further meetings and joint activities with the technical staff of protected areas, management structures, communities living in these areas, youth, and other actors are ongoing across the entire Sharr-Korab massif territory.

This meeting was held within the framework of the project "Protection and Sustainable Use of Protected Areas in Shar Mountain, Mavrovo and Korab-Koritnik," financed by the PONT program – Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust, implemented by ALCDF and partners CSCD and LAG Dibra Turistike. Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust - PONT, Shar Mountain National Park, Mavrovo National Park, CSCD, Adzm Diber, National Agency for Protected Areas, National Agency for Forests.