Pristina, September 18, 2024_A ceremony at the Italian Embassy marked the handover of technical equipment to the Kosovo Alpine Rescue, along with the signing of agreements to establish Alpine rescue stations. The activities are part of the project by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) called “NaturKosovo: natural and cultural capital in Kosovo and the sustainable tourism development of the Via Dinarica,” which represents a strong contribution to enhancing Kosovo’s natural and cultural resources and promotes a low environmental impact tourism model. This model involves local communities by creating economic opportunities while preserving their cultural identities.
The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador, Antonello De Riu, the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade of the Republic of Kosovo, Rozeta Hajdari, and the mayors of the beneficiary municipalities: Peja, Decan, and Junik.
“The delivery of equipment and the signing that formalizes the creation of Alpine rescue stations in the areas of intervention are evidence of the success of a project that actively promotes a public-private partnership to improve the tourism infrastructure of the Kosovo section of the Via Dinarica. Additionally, through the training activities provided, it supports local entrepreneurs and associations to enhance their outdoor hospitality skills, which are fundamental for attracting an increasing number of visitors to these stunning landscapes,” explained Ambassador De Riu. “NaturKosovo, along with numerous projects in the fields of health, education, tourism, and culture-ongoing or soon to be activated with a value of over 10 million euros, as well as those pending approval-are the result of the excellent collaboration with AICS. They exemplify Italy’s continuous commitment to strengthening Kosovo’s institutions and promoting economic growth and the improvement of the quality of life for its citizens,” added De Riu.
“A heartfelt thank you to the Italian government, the Embassy, and AICS for establishing these Alpine rescue stations with highly qualified personnel who can now operate with cutting-edge equipment in the beneficiary municipalities of the NaturKosovo project. I am convinced that these activities will have a decisive impact on the development and improvement of mountain and experiential tourism services in Kosovo,” said Minister Hajdari.
“Among the results of NaturKosovo, I would like to highlight the 31 beneficiaries selected through the call for tourism operators,” stated Nicola Ghedin of AICS Tirana, “as well as the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Kosovo Mountaineering and Sports Climbing Federation (FBNSK) and the Italian Alpine Club (CAI). These achievements make us proud and represent a step forward in the sustainable tourism development of the region.”
The equipment donated to the Kosovo Mountain Search & Rescue Service” (SHKSHM), part of the “Kosovo Federation of Mountaineering and Sport Climbing” (FBNSK), along with the equipment already provided to Kosovar rescuers, will specifically help strengthen operational capabilities in technical and health assistance for managing trauma patients, as acquired during training courses conducted by the Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS).
Following this, the mayors Gazmend Muhaxheri of the Municipality of Peja, Bashkim Ramosaj of the Municipality of Decan, and Ruzhdi Shehu of the Municipality of Junik signed agreements for the establishment of three alpine search and rescue stations. Strategically located near the entry points of the Kosovo section of the Via Dinarica trail, these stations will serve as storage facilities for equipment and as logistical bases for rescue teams in emergency situations.
“NaturKosovo” promotes the Kosovo section of the Via Dinarica – a hiking trail that extends 120 km through the regions of Peja, Decan, and Junik – within a framework of sustainable and responsible tourism. It enhances the area’s countless natural, cultural, and historical resources by improving trails, strengthening local institutions, supporting micro-entrepreneurial businesses (guesthouses, artisans, food producers, etc.), and promoting the “Via Dinarica Kosovo” brand.
“NaturKosovo” is a project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Pristina. It is implemented by Volunteers in the World RTM and CELIM Milano in collaboration with the Italian Alpine Club, the Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, the Italian Association for Responsible Tourism, and the Utalaya Foundation.
