In order to raise public awareness about the importance of food and eating habits, the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition at the University of Tetova, in collaboration with the Association “Renesansa”, organized a debate on the topic: “Cultivation of non-wood products, protection of the environment, and promotion of mountain tourism”.
This debate was organized within the project ‘’Sustainable use of natural resources for transboundary socio-economic development of protected areas in North Macedonia and Albania (Korab-Koritnik, Shar and Albanian Alps)’’, enabled and financially supported by CNVP Foundation Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust – PONT.
The Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, who attended the event, congratulated the organizers for marking this day. He emphasized that we all need to contribute to the well-being of society by always being mindful of food and our eating habits, stating that our shared goal is to create a society that is as healthy and vital as possible.
The Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition, Prof. Dr. Xhezahir Idrizi, speaking about the importance of food and also about the cultivation of non-wood products, environmental protection, and the promotion of mountain tourism, called on local policymakers to create and draft strategies and development policies for non-wood products in the Sharr Mountain region.
Berat Azizi, the coordinator of the above-mentioned project, emphasized that this debate aims to inform the opinion and motivate local residents about the importance of non-wood products and the promotion of mountain tourism. Sharr Mountain with an excellent biodiversity offers all the premises to revive the local economy through the cultivation of non-wood products and to develop mountain tourism.
Professor Besnik Rexhepi elaborated on all the non-wood products found in the Sharr Mountain, particularly blueberries, various types of tea, berries, and other products. Meanwhile, Prof. Adis Veliu spoke on the topic “Determination of Antioxidant Values and Anthocyanins in Blueberries in Fresh and Solid States”. Anela Stavrevska, a representative of the National Park “Sharr Mountain”, mentioned that the park is committed to supporting all organizations in this direction, while also working in the field, within its authority, to preserve the environment and protect areas rich in non-wood crops.
