First Joint Patrol Mission in the Sharr-Korab Mountain Range!

🚶‍♂️🌄 On June 30, the first cross-border joint patrol mission was successfully carried out in the protected Sharr-Korab mountain massif—specifically at border marker no. 9, in the Velivar mountain area of Mavrovo National Park and the Korab-Koritnik Protected Area, covering pastures near the villages of Rabdisht (Albania) and Zhirovnica (North Macedonia).

🔍 The goal of the mission was to enhance cross-border coordination for monitoring and supervising protected areas, and to detect and prevent illegal activities. The patrol team focused on protecting the rich ecosystems that span across both countries.

👥 The patrol was composed of rangers, specialists, border police, firefighters, and community guards from both Albania and North Macedonia—representing institutions from Mavrovo National Park, Sharr Mountain National Park, and Korab-Koritnik Nature Park.

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Teams hiked over 10 km from Zhirovnica (North Macedonia) and 8.5 km from Rabdisht (Albania) before meeting for joint monitoring with drones and binoculars. They identified signs of illegal plant and fruit harvesting, overgrazing, unauthorized tourist crossings, illegal hunting activity, and areas at high risk of wildfires. Wildlife sightings included wild goats, bears, deer, and eagles. 🐻🦅🐐

🔁 The teams exchanged information, contact points, and agreed on the importance of continued cooperation. The Albanian side was tasked with strengthening control at plant collection points to stop the illegal harvesting of endangered species like bilberry leaves, salep roots, and primrose.

📅 More joint patrols are planned between June and September 2025.

🌍 This activity is part of the project “Protection and Sustainable Use of Protected Areas in Sharr Mountain, Mavrovo, and Korab-Koritnik”, funded by PONT – Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust and implemented by ALCDF with partners CSCD and LAG Dibra Turistike.

#SharrKorabPatrol #JointProtection #NatureKnowsNoBorders #SustainableNature #ALCDF #PONT #Mavrovo #KorabKoritnik #ProtectedAreas

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