The CNVP North Macedonia project team continues the implementation of the 4Returns concept in the Shar Mountain micro-region. In this regard, the second workshop was organized on 21 May, bringing together various stakeholders: small businesses, civil society organizations, sheep farmers, agricultural producers, mountaineering clubs, tourism operators, restaurant and mountain lodge owners, beekeepers, cultural actors, as well as representatives of the Shar Mountain National Park and the Municipality of Tetovo, with the aim of jointly defining a vision for the development of the micro-region through the 4Returns concept.

At the beginning, participants were presented with the results of the first workshop, which mapped the current situation in the region, with a focus on environmental degradation and hidden potential. This was followed by an interactive discussion in which participants shared their vision for the development of the region over the next 10 years, using the 4Returns framework (inspiration, social, natural, and financial returns). Potential initiatives for the realization of the shared vision were also identified and discussed. Finally, the landscape was divided according to the three Commonland zones – natural, combined, and economic – in order to structure concrete initiatives for implementation.

At the end of the workshop, the landscape was divided according to the three Commonland zones – natural, combined, and economic – in order to structure concrete initiatives for implementation. Participants demonstrated a clear shared vision for the future development of the region, emphasizing that the Shar Mountain should develop as a model for sustainable natural resource management, where the protection of forests, water, and biodiversity is closely linked with economic development and quality of life.

Through the restoration of degraded forest landscapes, erosion and flood protection measures, as well as the application of nature-based solutions, the region has the potential to become a resilient ecosystem with long-term environmental and economic stability.

This workshop was held within the framework of the project “Protecting Unique Landscapes & Species in Albania and North Macedonia,” implemented by CNVP North Macedonia and CNVP Albania, with financial support from Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust - PONT.