FAO’ project to support local development enables the establishment of the chestnut trail in Albania
Tropoja, a small municipality in northern Albania, is optimizing its rich natural resources to promote sustainable tourism and economic growth. The area is quickly becoming a destination for various tourist activities, and is well-known for its high biodiversity, picturesque views and tourism attractions. As part of One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) programme, “Sustainable Chestnut Value Chain Development”, has been established the "Chestnut route" aiming to promote sustainable development in the Albanian Alps by capitalizing one of the area’s most distinctive natural products, chestnuts.
In this context, several activities took place in Tropoja, with also the occasion of the World Food Day celebrations, to raise awareness of the right to food and to advocate its progress in the framework of sustainable food systems and food security. In line with the project’s components, the FAO initiative aims to place the chestnut as a valuable product in the domestic and regional market, while also creating a friendly environment for nature enthusiasts to a growing demand for unique outdoor experiences such as long excursions and slow-paced hikes.
The Chestnut Route is combined into two forecasting trails: Trail 1. Komani Lake – Brise – Salce – Palc – Lekbibaj – Geghysen – Velisht; and Trail 2: Qafa Agrit – Curraj Eperm – Livadhet e Pikut – Curraj Poshtem. Throughout these routes, visitors will find guesthouses offering traditional hospitality, accommodations, and authentic regional cuisine, and showcases the cultural and economic value of chestnuts to the local community.
As part of the project will be produced a short documentary to promote the Chestnut Route, capturing the essence of this unique region and inspiring further tourism development in the area. The strategy helps share tourism revenue throughout the community by distributing tourism activities across multiple places and beyond seasonality.
With the Chestnut route and related FAO initiatives implemented in the country, the region is embracing its identity as a destination for sustainable mountain tourism, providing visitors with an impressive experience oriented towards local culture and tradition.
One Country One Product (OCOP) webpage
