On 11 June 2019, CNVP Albania organized a field visit to Gramsh Municipality for the Deputy Ambassador of Embassy of Sweden/Head of Swedish Development Cooperation in Albania. The visit took place in the framework of implementation of the Local Economic Development (LED) project supported by the Swedish Embassy and being implemented by CNVP Albania. Gramsh Municipality is one of 4 municipalities that CNVP Albania has targeted to receive support under this project.

The LED project focuses on market system development to create/improve value chains for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), with interventions designed to have the highest potential pro-poor impact in remote mountainous areas. The project will work with poor people who are placed at the centre of project design and implementation, in order to (a) assess the most relevant interventions that will have a significant impact on their economic opportunities, and (b) work with market actors to deliver them. Sustainable harvesting methods, improved traceability, and better governance of the sector are crucial to prevent over-exploitation and depletion of natural resources.

The visit included meeting the Mayor of Gramsh who discussed challenges for the municipality and possible programme interventions for MAP development which has a high potential for meeting growing demand. Interventions are required to improve organization, coordination and market access, linked to which Gramsh has a high potential to develop agri-rural tourism. The visit also involved meeting different actors in the MAP value chain, including farmers, women’s groups and a MAP purchasing company, where the need for improved market access and better market information was discussed. 

During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between CNVP Albania and Gramsh Municipality to cooperate within the framework of the LED project.