Within the framework of the project “Shaping the Future of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna Region (2025–2028)”, implemented by CNVP Kosovo together with NACCON partner from Germany in cooperation with the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency, the Directorate for the Administration of Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park and the Alfred Toepfer Academy for Nature Conservation, organized a three-day workshop series bringing together institutional representatives, experts, and partners to strengthen cooperation and jointly shape the next steps for the region. 

The workshops focused on developing the Communication and Cooperation Strategy within Work Package 1 (Capacity Development).

Today marked the official opening of the joint workshop, where the vision and objectives of the project were presented and discussed with key stakeholders. Participants reviewed the stakeholder analysis developed during the previous sessions and continued discussions on the Cooperation Agreement, which aims to formalize cooperation between institutions and partners working in and around the Bjeshkët e Nemuna region.

Institutional representatives emphasized that strong collaboration and coordinated communication are essential for ensuring the sustainable management, protection, and development of the national park and its surrounding communities.

Xhevat Lushi, Country Director of CNVP Kosovo, highlighted the importance of partnership and shared responsibility:
“The Bjeshkët e Nemuna region is one of Kosovo’s greatest natural treasures. Through cooperation, open communication, and a shared vision, we can build a future where local development and nature conservation go hand in hand.”

The discussions today built upon the work carried out during the previous sessions with the Administration Office of the National Park Bjeshket e Nemuna where participants analyzed the current state of cooperation among institutions, identified key challenges related to park management, and mapped the main stakeholders involved in the region. Through interactive exercises, they also worked on the interest–influence matrix, helping to better understand the roles and engagement of different actors.

These collaborative discussions created a solid foundation for the development of the Communication and Cooperation Strategy, while also contributing to the preparation of the Cooperation Agreement that will guide future collaboration.

The three-day workshop marks an important first step in building stronger partnerships, enhancing institutional capacities, and creating a shared vision for the sustainable future of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna region.

This project is implemented by CNVP Kosovo and NACCON GmbH and financially supported by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU).