Rama on the “Flasim” podcast: Natural resources are essential for tourism, government plans pilot projects with local communities

Prime Minister Edi Rama said on the “Flasim” podcast that the government is considering establishing a sustainable partnership between public institutions and communities in tourist areas, focusing on nature conservation and the protection of the territory.

He explained that the aim is to implement pilot projects with communities involved in tourism. According to Rama, these communities will be organized into associations and will take on specific tasks to protect the environment, including reporting problems on the ground, clearing waste, preventing unauthorized construction, identifying illegal logging and taking measures to reduce the risk of fires.

Referring to the Shala River as a brand, the prime minister emphasized that natural resources are an important element of the tourism offering. He warned that damage to these resources could also directly affect the economic activity of local communities.

“This resource must be protected in every respect: from safeguarding nature and ensuring hygiene to construction standards and care for the forests.”

Rama also underscored the need for a joint commitment by the state, communities and local operators in tourist areas so that natural resources are preserved and managed responsibly.