As part of a high-level mission to Kosovo, a delegation from the German Federal Environmental Foundation (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt – DBU), together with representatives of CNVP Kosovo and the NACCON project “Shaping the Future of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna Region”, conducted a two-day visit to the Bjeshkët e Nemuna region on 21–22 June 2026. The programme combined field visits in and around Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park with meetings at leading academic and research institutions in Rahovec and Prizren, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in sustainable development, environmental innovation and biochar research.

The programme started with a workshop meeting involving National Park staff, project representatives and the DBU delegation, focusing on presentation of the project objective, progress and the results from the workshops held from the project packages. The overall presentation pointed out the ecosystem conservation, sustainable tourism and socioeconomic development opportunities in the region.

First stop of the delegation was the visit at the company Agroproduct in Istog, a leading company engaged in the cultivation, collection, processing and export of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and non-wood forest products (NWFPs). Discussions also explored the potential for future biochar-related activities.

The visit continued in the National Park area with a stop at Ariu Guesthouse in Reka e Allagës, a family-run business welcoming hikers and visitors of the internationally known Peaks of the Balkans trail. Guests had the opportunity to taste traditional mountain foods prepared from local products, including cheese, dairy products and other specialties that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.

In Rugova, the delegation visited Kulla e Rugovasit, a traditional stone tower house transformed into a family-managed guesthouse and restaurant. The hosts presented their experience in combining cultural heritage preservation, local gastronomy and sustainable tourism development.

The visit provided valuable insights into community-based tourism, local entrepreneurship and the role of protected areas in supporting both nature conservation and rural livelihoods.