High Scardus Trail v2

Update of the existing trail

In the summer of 2020 Trails of Albania assessed the High Scardus Trail in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. We interviewed 50+ stakeholders, elaborated current conditions with the national experts of each country and completed three field visits with a combined 27 days on the trail. These findings were compiled into a comprehensive report to GIZ Albania and North Macedonia that included:

  • Trails: Technical details on each segment, its usability, signalization and infrastructure status
  • Locations: An analyses of all overnight spots (trail head / finish) with regard to access and facilities like accommodation.
  • Stakeholders: A database of 50+ accommodations on the trail with contact details, investment needs and priority rating.
  • SWOT analyses of the High Scardus Trail with 9-point action plan to address those.

To disseminate the report a round table of national experts and GIZ offices was held in Peshkopi on Sept 21st. After Trails of Albania presented the results, the action plan was discussed and measures agreed upon.

Thereafter GIZ SRD commissioned Trails of Albania to coordinate the implementation of the action plan on the High Scardus Trail in Albania. Work is split into multiple phases and scheduled to complete by August 2021, weather and travel restrictions allowing.

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Trails of Albania will:
  • Organize a meeting of the national experts to draft a joint standard of signalization
  • Draft a best practice "trail signalization"-handbook compliant with national standards
  • Prepare guides and contractors for field work through assessment and workshop
  • Create collateral to raise awareness and support of the trail in local communities
  • Clearing of overgrowth and repair of paths in the "Healing Valley" near Peshkopi
  • Blaze 189 km of trails in Albania's Kukes, Diber, Librazhd and Pogradec regions
  • Design and placement of metal signposts and wooden markers poles
  • GPS record trails and points of interest for the updated documentation
  • Provide visual input of the trail and activities conducated
Beneficiaries:
  • Create 180 working days for ~20 local and national guides
  • Include local communities for transport by horse and 4x4
  • Cover 100+ overnights at local guesthouses and farms
  • Improve the design and routing of the existing route
  • Increase safety for visitors on the trail