Public Hearing on the Recommendations of the Citizens’ Panels on Rural and Mountain Tourism and the Mountain Package

December 11, 2024

Today, on International Mountain Day, the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) and the Albanian Network for Rural Development (ANRD), in close collaboration with the Parliamentary Committee for Productive Activities, Trade, and Environment, organized a public hearing to discuss the recommendations of the Citizens’ Panels on Rural and Mountain Tourism held on 19-19 October 2024 and the government’s “Mountain Package” initiative.

This hearing provided a platform to address the opportunities and challenges in developing mountain areas while fostering partnerships aimed at driving positive changes. Recognized as regions of natural and cultural value, Albania’s mountain areas hold substantial potential for sustainable tourism and economic growth. Yet, these areas face critical issues such as depopulation, poverty, and climate change, which threaten their heritage and identity.

The hearing began with welcoming remarks by Mr. Sotiraq Hroni, Executive Director of IDM, followed by Mr. Arben Pëllumbi, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Productive Activities, Trade, and Environment, Mrs. Emilia Koliqi, Member of Parliament, Mr. Sokol Duma, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation and Nathan Dann representative of the British Embassy in Tirana.

Additionally, Mr. Sotiraq Hroni highlighted the necessity for intersectoral collaboration among ministries to address the priorities of rural and mountain tourism effectively. Local government was recognized as a critical stakeholder in implementing sustainable development initiatives and ensuring policies align with community needs.

Members of Parliament emphasized the importance of integrating citizens’ feedback and opinions into policymaking through innovative deliberative methods, such as the Citizens’ Panels facilitated by IDM in October 2024. They noted that this form of citizen participation enriches legislative discussions and strengthens the lawmaking process. The need for post-legislative scrutiny to evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws and ensure they meet their intended objectives was also emphasized.

Mr. Sokol Duma, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, outlined the core pillars of the Mountain Package, including the revitalization of mountain areas, diversification of services, attracting investments from the Albanian diaspora, and combating depopulation. He also welcomed the recommendations from the Citizens’ Panels, recognizing their value in bringing citizens’ perspectives into policymaking.

Nathan Dann, representing the British Embassy in Tirana, highlighted the embassy’s support in fostering closer engagement between citizens and parliamentary decision-making through deliberative methods. He noted that such approaches are gaining momentum as a way to strengthen democratic processes and improve decision-making.

Mrs. Evelina Azizaj, National Coordinator of ANRD, highlighted the significant role that the Citizens’ Panels can play in shaping policies for rural and mountain tourism through inclusive and innovative deliberative methods. She emphasized the need for a sustainable development model for rural and mountain tourism that balances environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation, economic growth, and improved quality of life for local communities. She outlined four main priorities: first, creating and enforcing clear laws, including updates to existing regulations; second, providing financial support through subsidies, grants, tax breaks, and low-interest loans; third, focusing on investments and technology to improve infrastructure, digital access, logistics, and alternative energy; and fourth, actively involving local communities through consultations, leveraging their knowledge, encouraging collective initiatives, and focusing on education, awareness, youth, and leadership development.

Mr. Edvin Zhllima from the Agricultural University of Tirana, focused on a brief analysis of how can the Citizens’ Panels’ recommendations whether these can be achieved within the current legal framework or if new legislation is required. His addressed issues concerning the implementation of the law 2020, particularly Article 10(4) and recent amendments to Law no. 8752, which concerns land administration and protection. A key issue raised was the absence of a clear definition for rural areas since 2014 by the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK). Additionally, he highlighted the classification of mountain and disadvantaged areas according to the IPARD program. Mr. Zhllima emphasized the need to launch consultations on the Mountain Package initiative, particularly regarding the strategic development of mountain tourism.

Discussions form the participants followed by highlighting the novelty of the Citizens Panels experience based on informed deliberation and emphasized citizens’ contributions to creating sustainable policies, particularly focusing on the diversification of tourism services, revitalization of rural areas, and environmental sustainability.

The Citizens’ Panels, a participatory initiative, provided a platform for citizens across regions to propose concrete measures for the development of mountain tourism. Their contributions culminated in 10 priorities that aim to address critical challenges and opportunities of mountain areas. See full recommendation report here. 

Today’s hearing marked an important step toward aligning government programs with citizens’ perspectives, ensuring the co-creation of policies that promote sustainable development for Albania’s mountain regions.