Overall Objective

To manage better and promote environmental resources and biodiversity in the Drin river basin in the territories of the region of Kukës and municipality of Rahovec 

Specific objectives:

1. Protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity of Drini River Basin through integrated management of watershed 
2. Promotion of environmental benefits of Drin River Basin to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity conservation efforts

OU 3.1. Banks of Llukac River in Gjakovë/Djakovica improved

1. Improvement of Drini river basin water quality through the installation of litter traps along water streams in identified sources of pollution

Activities

Project management and coordination

1 - Assessment of the current biodiversity situation and threats in the Drini River Basin and preparation of Integrated Watershed Management Plan focused on conservation of biodiversity

• Collect information and review focusing on strategies, plans, studies on biological and physical environment, socio-economic data etc
• Assessment of physical, biological, environmental, social characteristics of area
• Long - short-term objectives of Integrated Watershed Management Plan IWMP
• Public consultation in project areas on objectives and measures
• Legal and institutional framework and gap analysis
• Define key environmental indicators 
• Consultative workshop on findings and finalize IWMP including the environmental monitoring plan.

2 - Application of best practices for sustainable management and development of rehabilitation initiatives through participatory approach

• Training on biodiversity monitoring and conservation for local and regional staff
• Identifying litter traps positions, MoU with municipalities for installation, and Installation of litter traps and monitoring camera
• Meeting local communities, local and central authorities for raising awareness and participation in the clean-up action event
• clean-up event in Drin River banks with local civil society organizations
• Influence local authorities and recyclers association and building up a public-private partnership for continuous clean-up of litter traps

3 - Raise public awareness in Drin River Basin for the need of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection and sharing and replicating lessons learned with other river basin management experiences

• Organise the Summer and Winter School "Natural values of Drin River Basin" 
• Prepare training modules for the summer and winter school
• Undertake summer and winter school
• Organize national closing conference and Drini River Day

4. - Communication and Media

• Publish the IWPM and environmental monitoring plan
• Develop the communication strategy and design/product identity and promotional materials
• Set up web page for project activities, blogs and online project newsletter
• Promotional video for project activities with use of local TV, official websites and social media promotion: Facebook, Instagram
• Project best practice booklet

Expected Results

Ouputs:

1. Assessment of the current biodiversity situation and threats in the Drini River Basin and preparation of Integrated Watershed Management Plan focused on conservation of biodiversity
2. Application of best practices for sustainable management and development of rehabilitation initiatives through participatory approach
3. Raise public awareness in Drin River Basin for the need of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection and sharing and replicating lessons learned with other river basin management experiences
4. Publication and Dissemination