EUROPEAN UNION OFFICE IN KOSOVO /
EUROPEAN UNION SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE
PRESS RELEASE
EU-funded grants strengthen civil society and development of rural tourism
Pristina, 24 November 2014
Two EU-funded grants presented their results at a closing event, namely achievements in strengthening of civil society and promotion of rural tourism. The establishment of the Union of Agriculture Associations in Kosovo (UAAK), the monthly newsletter delivered to Kosovo farmers and representation of UAAK in the regional and EU level are some of the achievements of the EU-funded project “Strengthening the civil society policymaking capacity and consultation with the Government in agriculture sector”. Moreover, the development of rural tourism in the Shala area, another project implemented by the NGO Initiative for Agricultural Development of Kosovo, played a significant role in enhancing employment and generating economic development in remote rural areas. The project of rural tourism managed to create 47 self-employment positions by assisting directly the people living in remote areas to develop agriculture and tourism in the same time.
The project supporting civil society has organized workshops, trainings, study visits and other activities that contributed to increased capacity building of agriculture sector NGOs in policymaking. The project promoting rural tourism services and infrastructure in Shala area has created conditions for better social welfare of people living in this area, whereas different capacity-building activities have been realized. Tourists visiting the Shala area can now enjoy the hiking and bicycles trail and hostel accommodation with traditional food services.
Christof Stock, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Office in Kosovo said: "The EU-funded project supporting civil society strengthened the capacities and cooperation of agriculture associations and farmers to speak for themselves in the dialogue with authorities. The other project supporting rural tourism offered a new development concept for Shala which opened new employment opportunities in remote rural areas."
Shqipe Dema from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of Kosovo emphasised the importance of the Farmer’s Organization (UAAK) and their role in working groups organised by MAFRD in designing the measures and National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development 2014-2020.
Representatives from two municipalities of Vushtrri/Vučitrn and Mitrovicë/Mitrovica stressed the great role the project of rural tourism had in economic development for remote rural areas. Moreover, the municipalities have enriched the offer for rural tourism for visitors with many touristic attractions that can be visited in the Shala area.
For more information about the projects contact:
Avni Ramadani, Project Manager
Tel: +377 44 233 734
E-mail:
www.iadk.org
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For more information contact:
Fjolla Çeku-Sylejmani, Information and Communication Officer, , 038 5131 327
European Union Office in Kosovo/ EUSR website: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/kosovo