The organization “Sira” hosted an event in the village of Novosej, located within the Administrative Unit of Shishtavec, to promote the project “Community Engagement and Decision-Making for the Protection of the Luma River in Kukës.” The goal of the meeting was to raise awareness among local community stakeholders within the Shishtavec Local Government Unit about the importance of their participation in public hearings, particularly concerning environmental permits for hydroelectric power stations. The project seeks to create a more robust, active, and inclusive role for local communities through a clearly defined mechanism for all phases of public hearings.
By the end of the meeting, the following agreements were reached:
- Request to Kukës Municipality: A formal request will be drafted to ensure that public hearings are organized with a preliminary notification plan, covering matters such as budget approvals, taxation, and property leasing or transfers.
- Public Notification Awareness: Participants will be informed about public notification deadlines and will commit to actively engaging in hearings concerning both hydroelectric power stations and other public or private investments.
- Petition Against Hydroelectric Power Stations in Protected Areas: A petition will be prepared to appeal to institutions and the Municipal Council, advocating against decisions to build hydroelectric power stations in protected areas.
- Transparency in Funding and Investments: There will be a call for transparent communication regarding the allocation of funds and investments.
The meeting highlighted the importance of community involvement in environmental decision-making and laid the groundwork for ongoing advocacy and action on local and environmental issues.