ECI - Enabling community incentives for fair and effective protected area establishment, with demonstration in Albania and Greece (Vjosa / Aoos).

Local communities have been instrumental in the establishment of the Vjosa WRNP. The area has the potential to attract visitors interested in nature-based activities and is a beneficial source of income for people in the Vjosa region. Development of community tourism enterprises in the area will provide economic benefits to local communities, while promoting sustainable tourism practices that protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Integration of sustainable tourism as part of the effective management of the National Park will improve not only the lives of individual members of communities, but also the social impact related to diverse demographics such as women, youth and differently-abled community members. This project will enable community incentives for sustainable tourism through capacity building, action planning, community tourism enterprise development and market connectivity activities, based on methodologies successfully implemented in Peru and Vietnam in collaboration with Planeterra Foundation.

In addition, this project will also support PA management and ranger training, to ensure good governance, effective management and transboundary conservation, monitoring based on new technology and successful conservation outcomes, as well as support in establishing sustainable financing mechanisms.