Uleza, 25 April 2014 - One year ago, Dibra District Council announced Uleza Lake and its surrounding area as "Regional Natural Park", the first park of its kind in our country, by the Decision no. 16 , dated 3.04.2013, based on the Law of Protected Areas (No. 8906 dated 06.06.2002 and its amendment) and the DCM nr.519 , dated 30.06.2000. The park occupies an area of 4,206 hectares and covers the area from hydropower dams along the Shkopeti slopes, the crests of hills along the border separating the Mirdita district and throughout Uleza. This was achieved thanks to the advocacy and support provided by the Institute of Nature Conservation in Albania (INCA) in collaboration with the Uleza Municipality, the Embassy of the United States in Tirana and the Ministry of Environment.
To mark the first anniversary of the proclamation of the First Regional Natural Park in Albania, along with the commemoration of the St. Mark’s Day, a traditional ritual in Uleza town, INCA in cooperation with the Miqesia Association and the Commune in Uleza as well as the Network for Nature Conservation Organizations, organized on Friday, April 25, a series of awareness and promotional activities. The event had a great participation from Uleza community and the area around it, including school students, creating a pleasant festive environment.
The purpose of the celebration was to bring the community nearer to the protected area, making it much more visible as a territory protected by the law, and, on the other hand, promoting tourism and cultural values that are really unequal for this area. Sustainable tourism development in this area will have a direct impact on the local economy, conveying at the same time better nature protection principles. Promotion of water sports is also seen as an excellent possibility unused so far for tourism attraction due to the specific characteristics of the area such as walking with fishermen boats and canoes.
Regional Natural Park of Ulezais the first example of a new approach in our country aiming to bring local communities closer to protected areas and contribute to thenatureprotection and conservation of biodiversity. The park seeks to promote thelocal values of biodiversity,preserve and protect the beautiful nature of this area, increase interest in tourism developmentby bringing to the attention of any visitor the excellent opportunity for entertainment and enjoyment, as well as become an example and promoter for the declaration of other regional natural parks in Albania.
