International Peace Park Expeditions - Balkans Peace Park Expedition

INTERNATIONAL PEACE PARKS

Peace parks are about co-existence between humans and nature, about promoting regional peace and stability, conserving biodiversity and stimulating job creation by developing nature conservation as a land-use option. A Peace Park, or, Transboundary Protected Area spans across boundaries of multiple countries, where the political borders that are enclosed within its area are abolished, including the removal of all forms of physical boundaries, such as fences, allowing free migration of animals and humans within the area. However, a boundary around the area may be maintained to prevent unauthorized border crossings.

One objective of peace parks is to bring about sustainable economic development by way of eco-tourism, which is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The idea behind Peace Parks is to address poverty caused by massive unemployment, by choosing conservation as a land-use option. People living in and around the peace parks often have few alternatives but to exhaust the very resource base on which survival depends. The economic potential of peace parks lies in eco-tourism as a way to utilize these natural resources to the benefit of the people living in the Peace Park areas, without depleting them. The joint management of natural resources entails collaborative committees on conservation, safety and security, finance, human resources, legislation and tourism on which all partner countries serve; helping to strengthen the bonds of good neighborliness and build friendships across borders.

THE BALKANS PEACE PARK

Be one of the first to explore the Balkans Peace Park - a trans-national, cross-border park in the adjoining mountainous region of Kosovo, Montenegro and northern Albania, known as the Accursed Mountains. While fostering cross border community development, promoting environmental conservation and biodiversity; and stimulating local economies through sustainable tourism; we can help preserve one of the of the least explored and most unique mountain ranges in Europe for future generations.

What's Included

We offer full-service, all-inclusive educational and adventure expeditions into International Peace Parks around the world. We aspire to have a positive impact on the people and the amazing environment in which they live. Our Goal is to provide you with a one of its kind life experience that will redefine what you can expect from an adventure vacation. Learn More >

Dining In & Dining Out

Fresh baked bread from woodfired brick ovens, fresh organic vegetables from the garden in the front of the farmers house, rustic spit-roasted lamb hand-selected from the sheppards flock, local delicacies that smell as delicious as they taste and leave your mouth watering for more... Learn More >

Gear & Equipment

A comprehensive gear list will be provided after you complete the process of "Booking your Trip". You will be responsible for carrying your personal gear and a share of food, we will carry all group equipment. If you don't have some of the necessary gear, we can help... Learn More >

Sleeping Out & Sleeping In

Each night of this expedition will be spent in a different place. From warm nights under the stars watching meteor showers in your sleeping bag, to a night or two in a luxurious hotel for a hot shower and a comfy bed, to a rustic bed at a local homestay for an authentic cross cultural experience... Learn More >

Getting Around

We will provide all transportation necessary from the time we all meet as a group at the Mother Theresa Airport, just outside of Tirana, Albania to the time we return to the airport 12 days later, after the adventure of a lifetime! We travel in group vehicles (4x4 vans), using hybrids and bio-diesel whenever possible... Learn More >

Spending Money

While this expedition is full service and all inclusive there may be opportunities to buy small handicrafts, weavings, woodworkings, and other souveniers from local craftsmen at different points along the way... Learn More >

Itinerary

Arrive in Albania’s capital of Tirana and travel to Shkodra.

Day 1

Shkodra University lectures, orientation and meet with Albanian students.

Day 2

Travel to the remote mountain village of Thethi. Explore an iron-age archeological site, swim in the tallest waterfall in northern Albania, and learn about forestry management strategy.

Day 3

Devour a feast of local organic veggies and spit roasted lamb with the villagers of Thethi, engage with Balkans Peace Park Summer Program volunteers and students; and learn about biodiversity surveys of this ecosystem.

Day 4

Ascend to Qaf Pejas, atop stunning views of Shala Valley, while learning about the flora and fauna of the region, camp in shepherds’ summer pasture, and share a rustic meal.

Day 5

Trek to remote high alpine lakes of Buni Jezerca for a stunning outdoor classroom.

Day 6

Rest day by the Lakes for field lectures, and to complete course readings.

Day 7

Cross the border on an ancient trade route into Montenegro toward the village of Vuthaj, for a swim in the Blue Eye, and a homestay experience.

Day 8

Visit to a local farm and bee keeper to observe the balance between conservation and sustainable development.

Day 9

Trek to Plav to meet the mayor and learn the role which the Balkans Peace Park plays in international diplomacy.

Day 10

Lectures in Plav on differences in Water Resource Management and Forestry Practices between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, in the proposed Balkans Peace Park.

Day 11

Visit the HRID Eco-Village north of Plav and explore its conscious design principals.

Day 12

Hike into Kosovo, crossing the border at Qaf Bogichevica, while picking wild berries before a night in a rustic mountain cabin.

Day 13

Trek Onward, into Rugova Valley exploring the ERA Waterfall Trail Conservation Project, and the large scale infrastructure development funded by international sources.

Day 14

Guest lectures, meetings with local partner organizations, and traditional fresh baked Byrek in Peja, Kosovo.

Day 15

Spend a day on the cliffs rock climbing near the Peja Monastery in Rugova Valley with Kosovar youth from our local partner Marimangut, lessons included.

Day 16

Hike to Tri-border peak, where all three countries converge crossing the border back into Albania for a final night under the stars at a shepherds’ stani.

Day 17

Reflect on your journey as we ferry down Lake Komani gorge and return to Shkodra.

Day 18

Visit University of Shkodra and complete final group project work.

Day 19

Final group presentations, and traditional celebration dinner.

Day 20

Return home to share your adventure and complete your final paper.

Day 21

CUSTOM EXPEDITIONS

Group, Corporate, Honeymoon and Individual Expeditions are available. Contact us for... More Information >

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Drop us a line at info@peaceparkexpeditions.com and we'll add you to our list for updates, announcements and our latest expedition deals.

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All-inclusive, cross cultural, educational, border crossing, adventure expeditions in International Peace Parks.