Proclamation of Regional Natural Park of Kthella

On 23 December 2013, INCA and its local partners, the Commune of Kthellë and Iliria Organization, organized the seminar entitled "Empowering local authorities and the role of NGOs for the announcement of the Regional Natural Park". This activity was organized in the framework of “SENiOR-A” project funded by the Swedish Government and implemented by REC Albania.

The seminar was attended by the Head of Kthella Commune and other communal officials, representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Network organizations for Nature Protection as well as representatives from the Association of Communal Forest Users.

The main topics of the seminar were the introduction of a comprehensive study regarding the biodiversity of this local area, its socio-economic values, the thematic mapping process to determine areas with varying degrees of biodiversity, the used methodology, as well as the proposed steps for the preparation of preliminary package of documents in order to apply for the proclamation of Kthella as a Regional Natural Park. This preparation phase will continue in 2014 with the development of a Local Area Management Plan, finalization of the Mapping process and preparation of the final proposal for Council of Lezha’s approval. The seminar helped on increasing awareness for the local players on opportunities and challenges that the Proclamation of Regional Natural Park brings for the Commune. It also helped enhancing cooperation and the assurance for guaranteed support from all stakeholders – as mentioned by the Head of Commune.