A promising start of the Youth Academy on nature-based tourism in Prespa

In June the Albanian Centre of Environmental Governance (ACEG) published a call for applications for Prespa community members to participate in a Youth Academy in the field of nature tourism. In total 62 applicants registered, including 27 from Devoll Municipality and 35 from Pustec Municipality. The applicants belong to the following age groups:

• 40-60 years: 14 Individuals (5 women and 9 men)
• 30-39 Years: 15 Individuals (5 women and 10 men)
• 16- 29 Years: 33 individuals (13 women and 19 men)

Based on a set of selection criteria, 45 applicants were given the chance to participate in the Youth Academy scheduled to run from July to September. At the end of the Youth Academy participants have to submit their business plan which will be evaluated by a panel. The winner will receive a grant to implement the business plan while the other participants can apply for grants under the IDEA programme.

ACEG in co-operation with GIZ ProSEED/IDEA programme organized the Youth Academy in both municipalities. The participants are divided in three groups. The Academy takes place in the premises of Devoll Municipality and the Prespa National Park building in Pustec Municipality.

The opening ceremony took place on 18 July in the presence of Mr. Eduard Duro, the Mayor of Devoll Municipality; a representative of Pustec Municipality; GIZ ProSEED; PONT and ACEG.