As part of the DBU-funded project "Shaping the Future of the Bjeshket e Nemuna Region," a delegation of 17 representatives from Kosovo is undertaking a study visit to Harz National Park in Germany from 1–4 July 2026.

The delegation includes representatives from CNVP Kosovo, KEPA, DANP BeN, MESP, municipalities of Peja, Deçan, and Istog, the Institute for Nature Conservation, and local tourism stakeholders. They are joined by partners from Harz National Park, Naccon GmbH, and the Alfred Toepfer Academy for Nature Conservation, sharing experience in protected area management.

The study visit aims to strengthen knowledge and cooperation for the sustainable development and long-term management of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, focusing on key areas such as park planning, forest management, ecosystem monitoring, environmental education, sustainable tourism, and stakeholder engagement.

Upon arrival, participants began the programme with a field visit through the diverse landscapes of Harz National Park, observing forest ecosystems across different elevation zones. They explored national park planning, forest development, bark beetle management, and the history of stakeholder engagement and community cooperation in protected area management.

The programme also included a visit to the former Königliche Oberförsterei St. Andreasberg (KOFA), now a tourism business within the Harz National Park Partner Programme. The owner family shared their experience of working with the park and highlighted the important role of local businesses as partners in promoting sustainable tourism and supporting conservation goals.

This visit provides an important opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and support the long-term sustainable management of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna Region.