The Natural Resources Management Association “Qendra Melan” has launched an important initiative aiming to open a new hiking trail starting from Zagrad village to the stunning Çerjan Highlands in Dibër.

The project focuses not only on opening the 10 km trail but also on ensuring its proper signage, including vertical and horizontal signposts, trail markings, and other technical works needed to make the trail accessible and safe for visitors.

Beyond its touristic value, the project has a broader mission: to protect nature, support local community development, and encourage the creation of a local governance mechanism that promotes nature-based tourism. This approach will help ensure that the use of natural resources in the protected area remains sustainable, benefiting both nature and the livelihoods of local residents.

A key objective of the initiative is to encourage citizen participation in environmental conservation efforts, foster community engagement, and promote responsible use of natural resources in these protected areas.

The expected results include the full opening of the new trail, proper placement of directional and informative signage, trail markings, and diverse technical works along its entire length, creating a sustainable connection between nature, tourism, and the local community.

This project is implemented under the ’Sustainable use of natural resources for transboundary socio-economic development of protected areas in North Macedonia and Albania (Korab-Koritnik, Shar and Albanian Alps)’’ project, supported by Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust and implemented by CNVP Foundation.