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Perdorusit e pyjeve e kullotave dhe mbrojtja e mjedisit “SIRA”

Summary of the project

The project aims to address the negative impact of hydroelectric power plant construction on the Luma River and the protection of the Topojan protected area in Kukes. The Luma River is important for the region and the local population, but it is under pressure from hydroelectric power plant developments. The local community and interest groups are against the construction of hydroelectric power plants and propose the creation of a protected area. The project aims to support the community in their efforts to preserve this natural asset and achieve sustainable economic development. Collaboration with non-governmental organizations and the media will assist in this process by raising public awareness and ensuring that the community’s demands are taken into account. The main objective is to preserve the Luma River as a national natural heritage and ensure sustainable economic development in the Kukes region.

Project goals

The goal of the project is to increase public participation in the decision-making process for the sustainable use of natural resources. This will be achieved through improving public notification procedures for environmental permits of hydroelectric power plants in the areas related to the Topojan River Valley. The project also aims to enhance community awareness and participation in the decision-making process by encouraging their involvement in public hearings regarding environmental permits for hydroelectric power plants. Additionally, the project seeks to assess the level of community concerns reflected during public hearings for environmental permits of hydroelectric power plants in the Topojan and Shishtavec River Valleys. Ultimately, the project aims to provide support to the community in the Topojan River Valley in their civic reactions, making their voices heard by decision-making institutions.

Target groups and beneficiaries

The local community;

The residents directly affected by the construction of hydroelectric power plants in the Topojan and Shushica River Valleys, as well as the surrounding villages.

Main activities

The project’s launch in Kukes through a joint conference with representatives of public institutions;

Advocacy in the Administrative Unit of Topojan and Shishtavec;

Planting 500 black pine (Pinus nigra) saplings in eroded and damaged lands as a result of the construction of 5 railways;

Preparation of an analytical document assessing the level of reflections from the local community in public hearings and sending this summary document to the relevant institutions;

Addressing the requests and complaints of the local governance units’ community towards the decision-making institutions.