Enhancing Biodiversity and Tourism Infrastructure in Divjaka-Karavasta National Park

 

Local Organization: Horizont EU
Mentor Organization: Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS)
Award Amount: €10 000
Project Type: PROZHUM Mentorship Project
Duration: August 2025 – November 2026
Project Contact: Shkelqim Bylykbashi, shkelqimbylykbashi@yahoo.com
Keywords: Tourism ; Infrastructure maintenance ; Environmental education

 

Napa Fier and EU Horizont specialists during a youth educational workshop in Kryekuq, Divjaka

Summary

This project improves tourism infrastructure to support biodiversity conservation in the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park, one of Albania’s most important coastal ecosystems. The Park is under increasing pressure from tourism, leading to damaged habitat, litter pollution and inadequate waste management infrastructure. To address this pressure, HorizontEU, with mentoring support from AOS, is implementing efforts to restore and improve trail signage and information signs in key visitor areas and biodiversity hotspots. The project focuses on the Gjeneruka Forest trail, which has faced recent erosion and has been recently repaired through the intervention of the Divjakë Municipality. These upgrades will guide visitors safely, raise awareness about trail degradation  and reduce disturbance to sensitive habitats. Through collaborations with AOS and the National Agency of Protected Areas, Horizont EU will increase capacity through implementation of a community based approach to park management and visitor education.

Objectives

  • Enhance biodiversity conservation and reduce ecological disturbance through improved visitor guidance and environmental awareness.
  • Upgrade and restore park infrastructure, such as trail signage and information boards, in key areas of the park and particularly in degraded areas such as the Gjeneruka Forest.
  • Strengthen local engagement in sustainable park management by involving communities and institutions in planning and maintenance activities.

Resources

  • Learn more about the PROZHUM project

Funding

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.