Radomira people and forests: a tradition of conservation
- Country
- Albania
- Site/Location
- Radomirë,Dibër
- Contact
- alborakacani@gmail.com
The people and forest of Radomira: a tradition of conservation
Declared as one of the 100 touristic villages of Albania, Radomira and its people have so much to offer!!! The village of Radomirë lies at the foot of the highest mountain in the country, (Korabi mountain), at an altitude of about 1500 m above the sea level. It is one of the 8 villages of Kalaja e Dodës administrative unit located in the northeast of Albania.
Although the number of inhabitants has been reduced in the past 30 years the people of Radomira (radomirasit) who still live there are well known for their close connection to nature. Over the years this relationship has taken the form of unwritten agreement between the villagers to protect and rule the forest and pasture near their village. All the villagers jointly agreed to set up a committee composed of 5-6 people responsible for the governance of forests and pastures.
What makes the experience of Radomira even more special is that the commission has appointed a forest guard for the protection of the forest which is paid every month by the community itself. The commission monitors the situation in the forest and the work of the guard every two months. In addition, the village pays particular attention to the protection of the forest from fires, where in some cases women and children are also involved.
But the forests and pastures of Radomira are not only protected! When necessary, the old or crooked trees are removed to meet the firewood needs of local communities. For the poorest families in the village, the commission determines that 1-2 trees per family can be cut every year. Regarding the pastures again based on the village decision they are divided according to the families. Each family has its own pasture by respecting the boundaries with other families.
Thanks to these customary rules, Radomira is a viable model of protection and use of forests and pastures by local communities. Although 10 years ago, the village became part of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, the people of Radomira continue to follow the same traditions as before.
The people and forest of Radomira: a tradition of conservation
Declared as one of the 100 touristic villages of Albania, Radomira and its people have so much to offer!!! The village of Radomirë lies at the foot of the highest mountain in the country, (Korabi mountain), at an altitude of about 1500 m above the sea level. It is one of the 8 villages of Kalaja e Dodës administrative unit located in the northeast of Albania.
Although the number of inhabitants has been reduced in the past 30 years the people of Radomira (radomirasit) who still live there are well known for their close connection to nature. Over the years this relationship has taken the form of unwritten agreement between the villagers to protect and rule the forest and pasture near their village. All the villagers jointly agreed to set up a committee composed of 5-6 people responsible for the governance of forests and pastures.
What makes the experience of Radomira even more special is that the commission has appointed a forest guard for the protection of the forest which is paid every month by the community itself. The commission monitors the situation in the forest and the work of the guard every two months. In addition, the village pays particular attention to the protection of the forest from fires, where in some cases women and children are also involved.
But the forests and pastures of Radomira are not only protected! When necessary, the old or crooked trees are removed to meet the firewood needs of local communities. For the poorest families in the village, the commission determines that 1-2 trees per family can be cut every year. Regarding the pastures again based on the village decision they are divided according to the families. Each family has its own pasture by respecting the boundaries with other families.
Thanks to these customary rules, Radomira is a viable model of protection and use of forests and pastures by local communities. Although 10 years ago, the village became part of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, the people of Radomira continue to follow the same traditions as before.
