Youth from Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania become part of the Trans-Boundary Summer School in “Bjeshkët e Namuna” National Park
The trans-boundary summer school, part of the environmental education program with youngsters, this summer was held in Rugovo on July 18th-23rd, 2018 as a collaboration between EcoAlbania in Albania, Balkans Peace Project (B3P) based in the UK, ERA group in Kosovo and Green Home in Montenegro.
Participants at the “Sustainable Mountains Education Center” in Hajla, Rugovo. Photo: I. Angoni/EcoAlbania
About 20 participants from Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania became part of this 6-day youth exchange program. The program was held at ERA’s group “Sustainable Mountains Education Center” in Hajla, Rugovo. Situated at 2000 m altitude, the group of youngsters had the opportunity to experience the beauty of the National Park “Bjeshkët e Namuna”, understanding in this way the importance of wildlife preservation.
Youth group from different countries became part of discussions on topics regarding the most “pressing environmental issues” and hands-on demonstrations of environmentally-friendly practices.
Of particular importance was the exchange of information and experiences on the most important natural areas in their countries; problems and threats posed to these areas, as well as the undertaken work to protecting them.
During the outdoor activities on the the peak of Hajla Mountain, at 2403 m. Photo: I.Angoni/EcoAlbania
An important part of the summer program was increasing their ability to adapt to the outdoors. They were acquainted with the basics of preparing a camping bag, materials needed while being in the outside, methods for setting up a camping tent, selecting a suitable place for its installation, keeping the surrounding environment clean, as well as land navigation using only one map and the compass.
Through this program, among others, young participants created new friendships and contacts that will serve to continue their work for the protection and promotion of the cross-border area of Bjeshkët e Namuna / Prokletije / Albania’s Alps – an area that forms the Balkan Peace Park.
