Vjosa River Valley

Why Vjosa? Based on the General National Spatial Plan, where the territories along Vjosa are included in the National Park of Vjosa, these areas are of particular importance as potential of great natural value and not only. For this reason, it was necessary to conduct a study to observe and highlight the possibilities of the areas around Vjosa for the purpose of protection but also revitalization of these territories.

How can this be accomplished? The initiative lies within the limits of proposing some simple policies, with the main focus on tourism development, serving the socio-economic revitalization of the area. This incentive will serve local residents as well as institutions such as the Municipalities and NGOs. So the main goal is to create basic strategies to promote these areas with low cost tourism and modest means, but with a quick result. These ideas can be developed and further elaborated by individuals/ institutions associated with the concerned areas.

Territories along the Vjosa Valley have been populated since early times. This is clearly expressed in the myths and numerous legends of the past generations from the inhabitants of the area. Also, artifacts or archaeological ruins have been found, which testify to the territories inhabited in Bënjë, Langarica, Piskovo, Këlcyre, Petran and around the Stone of the City. Also, the rich history of these areas is evidenced through worship facilities such as St. Ilia Church in Buhal, the monastery of Saint Mary in Kosina, as well as the post-Byzantine churches of Saint Mary in Leuse, Saint Mary in Carshova, Saint Sotiri in Tremisht, and Saint Koll in Lipë.

Tracks and crossroads

After the materials were collected through observation and discussions with residents of these areas, it is important that the first step in creating a general functional vision for these areas is to identify some key points that will function as multi-modal points for flow management.

Why is it necessary to define these points?

First, these points are self-defined as a result of the combination of the main axes and flows. So, defining them as multi-modal points comes naturally.

Secondly, these points will function not only as infrastructural nodes, but also as attractive nodes and information delivery. Given that the established nodes have a strategic position, it is thought that they can function best as points of attraction (points that provide information on the activities of the National Park of Vjosa).

Fier is a multi-modal point defined by the General National Spatial Plan. At the level of the Vjosa National Park region it is necessary to define smaller multi-modal joints, which will serve as:

- information point on tourist potentials;
- stay and rest points;
- service delivery point;
- transport vehicle replacement point

Based on the work group's observations, points that can best serve as multi-modal joints are Memaliaj, Këlcyra and Carshova. This is due to the characteristics of these areas such as geographical location, the combination of important axes, the extension of the inhabited area near the main axis, and the proximity to other points of interest.