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Supported by the Government of Italy, the Earth Network project has played a pivotal role in advancing the nomination of the Vjosa Valley as a biosphere reserve. A mission took place from 20-22 August, playing a crucial role in the final stages of the nomination process, ensuring that the Vjosa River and its surrounding valley meet UNESCO’s rigorous criteria for biosphere reserves. 

The mission was led by volunteer experts Petr Čupa, an experienced expert in governance structures from the Lower Morava Biosphere Reserve in the Czech Republic, and Anna Kovbasniuk, a biodiversity specialist from Ukraine with a focus on youth engagement. Together, worked closely with local authorities, communities, and stakeholders to ensure the nomination process adhered to all required criteria.

The Vjosa Valley is one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the Balkans. The Vjosa River, which stretches 272 kilometres from Greece to the Adriatic Sea, flows through a rich tapestry of ecosystems. Home to 1,687 species, including a variety of unique plants and animals, the river is considered a vital ecological asset. The valley is also steeped in history, with cultural monuments such as ancient thermal baths, stone bridges, and aqueducts adding to its significance.

This region, which supports a population of 130,000 people, is known for its agricultural, touristic, and livestock industries. However, the challenge lies in balancing the needs of local communities with the protection of this unique environment. This is where the Earth Network project has made a lasting impact, bringing together experts and local authorities to guide the area towards becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The primary goal of the mission was to provide technical support to Albania in the final stages of the Vjosa Valley’s Biosphere Reserve nomination. The experts worked closely with Albanian authorities to ensure that the site met all the necessary UNESCO criteria, with a deadline for submission of 30th September 2024.

A key component of the mission was a workshop with the National Administration of Protected Areas (NAPA), which helped ensure the nomination process followed UNESCO’s guidelines. The experts reviewed the proposed zoning of the area, aligning it with UNESCO standards, and worked on the development of a comprehensive management plan, business plan, and marketing strategy to support the long-term sustainability of the area.

In addition, the experts facilitated discussions on governance, emphasising the importance of a fair and inclusive management framework. This led to the creation of a Biosphere Management Board, ensuring that a diverse range of stakeholders, from local governments to NGOs, would be involved in the governance of the future biosphere reserve.

Field visits to key sites, such as Langarica Canyon and the Vjosa Delta, allowed the experts to identify sustainable tourism opportunities that would not only help protect the region’s natural beauty but also support the livelihoods of local communities.

Thanks to the mission, the Vjosa Valley is now closer than ever to becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The collaboration between Albanian authorities, local stakeholders, and international experts ensured that the valley met UNESCO’s criteria. A critical outcome of the mission was the development of a comprehensive governance proposal, which included commitments from local stakeholders to be part of the Biosphere Reserve’s advisory committees and management boards.

Another important milestone was the recommendation to develop a dedicated website and communication strategy to raise awareness about the biosphere reserve’s potential. This will help engage the local population, clarifying the benefits of the designation and fostering a deeper connection to the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.

One significant change suggested by the experts was the renaming of the candidate site from the "Vjosa Valley Biosphere Reserve" to the "Vjosa Valley Biosphere Region." This shift in language was designed to make the concept more accessible to local communities, highlighting the potential for sustainable development and eco-tourism, rather than focusing on restrictions typically associated with biosphere reserves.

The success of the Earth Network mission in Vjosa Valley has broader implications for other regions in the Balkans and beyond. The expertise developed in Albania is being shared with other areas, including the Skadar/Shkoder Lake Biosphere Reserve, which straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro. The Earth Network project is fostering cross-border collaboration, ensuring that sustainable development practices can be shared and replicated across the region.

As the Vjosa Valley seeks its official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, it stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation, local engagement, and sustainable development. The UNESCO Earth Network is committed to addressing biodiversity challenges in UNESCO-designated sites. This mission to Albania is part of that broader effort, aiming to protect vital ecosystems while supporting local communities in their sustainable development journey.