At the Italian Embassy in Pristina, in the presence of Ambassador Antonello De Riu and the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade of the Republic of Kosovo, Rozeta Hajdari, an event was held to deliver technical equipment for mountain rescue and to sign agreements for the establishment of rescue stations. These activities are part of the “NaturKosovo: Natural and Cultural Capital in Kosovo and Sustainable Tourism Development on the Via Dinarica” project.
The donated equipment complements the gear already provided to Kosovar rescuers and will be used thanks to the skills acquired during training sessions conducted by the Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS). These courses, which concluded in June 2024, focused on technical and medical assistance in managing trauma patients. Representatives from the “Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Service” (Shërbimi i Kërkim-Shpëtimit Malor i Kosovës), part of the “Kosovo Federation of Mountaineering and Sport Climbing” (FBNSK), received the equipment.
Following this, mayors Gazmend Muhaxheri (Peja/Peć), Bashkim Ramosaj (Deçan/Dečani), and Ruzhdi Shehu (Junik) signed agreements to establish three alpine rescue stations. These stations, strategically located near access points to the Kosovar section of the Via Dinarica, will serve as storage facilities for the equipment and logistical bases for rescuers.
“NaturKosovo” aims to promote the Kosovar section of the Via Dinarica, a 120 km hiking route passing through the regions of Peja/Peć, Deçan/Dečani, and Junik. The project emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism, enhancing the area’s abundant natural, cultural, and historical resources through trail development, strengthening local institutions, supporting small entrepreneurial activities (such as guesthouses, artisans, and agricultural producers), and promoting the “Via Dinarica Kosovo” brand.
“NaturKosovo” is a project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, with support from the Italian Embassy in Pristina. It is implemented by Volontari nel Mondo RTM and CELIM Milano in collaboration with the Italian Alpine Club, the Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, the Italian Association for Responsible Tourism, and the Utalaya Foundation.
