The project “Improving the Management of the Natural Monument Cijevna Canyon – Phase II” continues activities carried out during the previous project period (2022–2023). In the earlier phase, the focus was on advocacy and research efforts that contributed to the establishment of the management body for the Cijevna River Canyon. On 3 April 2025, the Assembly of the Municipality of Tuzi adopted a decision to appoint a manager for this protected area (establishing an LLC for the management of the protected area Cijevna River Canyon), marking a significant step in its protection.

The proposed second phase of the project aims to further strengthen conservation efforts, improve management practices, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Cijevna Canyon through concrete support to the managing body.

The project consists of four components:

• Component I – Focuses on providing support to the manager through preparation of legal acts according to the Law on Nature Protection, with special attention to preparing a five-year Management Plan. The Management Plan will be prepared in line with current guidelines and following the principles of the Open Conservation Standards, where the idea is to prepare an operational plan through a participatory process that will serve as the main tool for managing this area for the next 5 years. Additionally, this component will work on strengthening the capacity of the managing body through designing a concrete mentoring programme, organising a study visit to Croatia, creating a website for the Natural Monument Cijevna Canyon, and procuring equipment for the Protection Service.
• Component II – Is oriented towards research and strengthening cross-border cooperation with Albania. In this regard, a one-year research of the ichthyofauna in the Cijevna River will be conducted. The research will cover all four seasons and provide recommendations and protective measures that will be incorporated into the Management Plan. In addition to research of ichthyofauna, there will be research of herpetofauna, mammals, plants, and birds. With regard to cross-border cooperation, a meeting will be organised with members of the working group formed by the UNECE, and a River Restoration Plan for the Cijevna will be prepared. The idea is to identify pressures and create a cross-border Restoration Plan. Cross-border activities will be implemented in cooperation with INCA – Institute for Nature Conservation of Albania.
• Component III – Focuses on contribution to developing sustainable tourism in the protected area Cijevna Canyon and promoting the protected area. In cooperation with the local partner Malesia Adventures, a thematic trail “Cijevna Mystic Trail” will be designed and established. Also, an interpretation programme will be developed for the trail according to the standards of Interpret Europe, and training in the topic of interpretation of natural and cultural heritage will be organised according to the standards of Interpret Europe.

More information on: milica.kandic@parksdinarides.org