User:Edona Seci/Valbona Valley National Park

Valbona National Park called the “Albanian miracle of Alps”, is a part of Prokletije Mountains. It is designated in 1996 and covers 8,000 hectares including the Valbona Valley and the Valbona River. It lies between high and craggy peaks and borders on Thethi National Park, Gashi River, Plava and Gucia (Montenegro), strictly protected natural areas. It is a transboundary park (Albania/Montenegro) with the highest biodiversity value of the country's mountain mainland. This park is also referred to as the Gem of Albania. Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro are planning to create another tri-state park in the area, that will be called Balkanik Park of Peace. Four villages are located within the park (Dragobi, Valbona,Cerem and Rragam) with 852 inhabitants. All of these factors create more favorable conditions for coexistence and socioeconomical development, including Valbona National Park. Clean air, high and characteristic mountain peaks, lakes, numerous water resources, forests, mountains, flora and fauna provide conditions for profitable eco tourism.

Overview of Valbona Valley
National Park “Lugina e Valbonës” was established in Albania on 15 January 1996 by the Decision of Council of Ministers No. 102. The area of the national park encompasses 8’000 ha. Its administration operates within the organizational framework of the Directorate of Forestry Service of Tropoja district. The National Park is located in the highest part of the ‘Albanian Alps’ bordered on Montenegro. The park protects the upper section of the Valbona River valley, noted for its morphology, landscape, forests, and for the plant and animal species. Valbona valley has a length of 27 km. It starts at the Shtrejti canyon, 220 m above sea level and ends at Valbona pass at 1800 m above sea level. Spreading in the south from the highest peak of the whole Prokletije Mountain range, Mount Jezerca (2 694 m), this valley was formed by glaciers and tectonic detachments. Valbona is the name of the river which flows out through Valbona Valley and the village bearing the same name.

Geography
The physical-geographic perspective, its located in the Albanian Alps. Lies in the geographical widths 42º 22 '20- 42º 31' 00 and geographical lengths 19º 47 '50' '- 20º 06' 00 '' .The slopes have slope from 10 to 450 m, with general position northeast altitude and 300 - 2625 m above sea level. Alps continue beyond the state border, north to "High Carty" (Montenegro), near Plava and Gucia and to the east with " Naumura Mountains of Kosovo" .It takes part in mountains Mediterrian  climatic zone, sub-zone northern mountain.

Relief
It has an arc flow from the Yellow Hole ( 2344 m ), and this arc continuous from the summit of the "Fever Mountain" (2356 m) , tops of "Rogami's Mountain" ( 2478 m ) , tops of Mount Jezerca ( 2642 m), tops of "Lapuka's Mountains" ( 2575 m ) , tops of "Valbona's Mountain" ( 1966 m) , tops of Bolsh 's Mountain " ( 2414 m ) , tops of Zhapora's Mountains ( 2516 m ) tops of "Band of the Bear Mountain " ( 2468 m ). The mountin slpoes are almost vertical, with perpendicular rocks hanging on the river, peaks in the shape of towers dressed by trees, with their cirques filled with eternal snow altitude differences with the river bed that reach 1.700 m.

Geology
Geological formations are composed of limestone rocks, limestone - siliceous, clay shale and conglomerate. Gray forest soils are located on limestone rocks. Agricultural lands are brown forest soils and soils meadow mountain. There are grey forest soils between 500 - 1200 meters heights, then come Velvet Lands extending the left slope of this valley from Mbaskollata to Shoshan at height 400 - 900 meters. Their geological construction (alps) is diverse, with the oldest formations, those paleozoic ones, with which are related quartz mineral properties in river valley. Limestones that come from mesozoic,are wider spread, and serve as the basis of bauxite. They form the alps main ribs. Mixed with dolomite and modeled by karsts they form to Alpines a very bitter relief. Insoluble flysch deposits have formed a very harsh terrain.

Climate
The valley has a mountain climate with harsh winters and numerous precipitations of rain and snow. It gets exacerbated when approaching the depth of the Alps. Valley it is the coldest area of the country. Annual air temperature average varies from 7ºC - 10º C and in places with altitude 4ºC - 6ºC. The coldest periods are from December to February. In some cases the temperatures go down -10ºC -20ºC. The number of snowy days, gets bigger, mainly during December-march. Snow begins in late October and stays until the end of March. Snow reaches a height of 1.5-5 m and lasts 60 - 160 days. Summer is considered to be quite cool. The hottest months are July and August, the temperature goes up to 22ºC. The average altitude of annual precipitation ranges 2000-2500 mm / year and in particular areas  over 3000 mm / year.

Hydrography
Valbona's water resources, are represented by Valbona river and its branchs, which pass through some small valleys, lake of Xhema, Shoshani source etc.

Valbona River
Valbona river has it's springs at the slopes of mount Jezerca, and goes down along the craggy riverside for almost 50.6 km. It disappears at the Rragami gritty earth and then begins again at Valbona village. It flows away through the village and continues flowing towards Dragobia. . Valbona river is a tributary of Drini river, which drains into Adriatic sea. Deduction from the peaks of the mountains of Rragami and Ceremi, is impulsive , fullsound of effervescence for its terrain topography. At Shoshan's canyon, Valbona's river narrows sharply and creates the image of the rocks being cut as with a knife. Water is clean, bright and highly transparent up to 1 m depth .Frequent rain precipitations make this river unnavigable.

James Lake
James Lake is a natural basis, where nature has created a miracle in middle of rocks, where it supplied with crystal clear water which steams inside this base from the depth of these rocks and reachs up to 3 m depth in winter and it has an area about 500m2. It has an altitude of 770 m above sea level and there is the main road that goes from Dragobia to Valbona, exactly in "Quku i Dunishes" in the left of pedestrian rout which arrives in the forest.Xhema lake has very cold crystal clear water, rugged limestone cliffs and is surrounded by beech trees.



Valbona Waterfalls
Shortly after the source of Valbona's river, colliding with rocks, is created a 50 m high waterfall, which disappears at Rrogami gritty earth for about 5 km and then stems again at Valbona village.

Shoshani Source
Shoshani source is one of the biggest water sources of Ballkan. It is located at the entry of Valbona valley and is continually visited by alpine nature lovers. The source provides potable water for the entire Tropoja District and its water quantity is equal to the half one of Valbona river.

Biology and ecology
The environment of this area is quite diversified. Major differences between forms of relief, limestone composition of rocks, water, numerous springs and numerous types of microclimates enable biodiversity in the valley.

Flora
Valbona Valley is considered to be the only area in Albania, where a big number of forest formations with spruce (Picea abies) can be found, important specie of Central Europe which is found at 850-1200 masl. Climate is suitable for beech (Fagus sylvatica), mountain pine (Pinus leucordemis), balcan pine (Pinus peuce), mountain pine (Pinus silvestris), chestnut (Castanea sativa), nuts (Junglans regia), wild apple (Malus sylvestris) etc. It is an area where nature takes its place in the absence of human intervention, so it is generally virgin part of our planet.

Fauna
This park represents one of the most important national bio centers of wild fauna. It is a habitat for large mammals, such as bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Felis lynx), deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild goat (Rupicapra rupicapra), wild boar (Sus scrofa). We can also witness the presence of western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Sources of water, becks and glacial lakes are the basis of life for water insects, amphibians, and salmons (trout with red dots). Within the park territory we can found vulture, stripped tailed eagle, woodpecker and a significant number of seasonal singer birds.

Demography
Valbona Valley has been inhabited since ancient times what argues for the proper conditions that valley provides. The villages where the population is concentrated are: Rrogam, Valbona, Dragobi and Çerem which are located at the valley extensions.After 90’ the situation began to change. As a result of not favorable economic conditions, the majority of the population moved out. Valley is inhabited by "Krasniqi" and "Gashi" tribes. A part of the population that has left the village, is settled at lower villages of Margegajmunicipality. Despite the recent changes that have been made in the demographic structure, the population still differs for its vitality. This affects at their ability to be active in the sector of tourism. Only during the years 1995-2002, villages like Çerem and Rragam have had a population decrease respectively of 63% and 57%.In 2008 the population at these villages was 920 persons but now it’s 817. Stopping the phenomenon of the people leaving their country, is important, in order to reduce the risk of villages turning into seasonal ones.

Economy
Valbona Valley offers natural and cultural potential for the economic development of the area. However peripheral position, wars, hostile climate, deficient and not functional infrastructure are factors affecting the economic backwardness of Valbona Valley. Locals earn living mainly with agriculture and farming. . The orchard surface is scarce as a result of continuous frost. The valley being a protected area, makes forestry impossible to be developed. The industry is represented by a water bottling factory (Valbona) and two small HEC in Çerem (Valbona). Tourism which recently is being developed rapidly, is considered to be the future’s sector of Valbona Valley. However the population still can’t provide their living only by tourism.

Agriculture
Agriculture is ranked on the top in the economical structure of the area since it provides income for majority of the local people. Agricultural land is generally scarce and located on the slopes and some small valleys. Land users care for both, the preservation and cultivation. The land is divided into portions, according to family property. A particular thing of the area is that the possibilities of irrigation of agricultural land are numerous and unlimited. Agricultural land is mainly used to cultivate corn, potato, rye, beans, vegetables and fodder. Agricultural and livestock products are completely natural (organic). Food is generally fresh and home made, but sometimes it can be even canned and processed by the inhabitants of the village. Their way of cooking is entirely traditional. Besides agriculture, inhabitants deal with breeding of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, beekeeping etc. Locals produce products such as meat, milk, wool and skins.

Tourism
Considering the benefits that tourism can provide, government has classified it as a priority. Even though it is based mainly on nature, tourism in Valbona requires the necessary infrastructure. The rocky peaks of mountains such as Jezerca, Kollata, Pecmarra attract the attention of visitors. . Valbona River is unnavigable because of frequent rains. The nature of this park is rich in suitable varieties for tourism such as fishing and mountaineering. The numerous potentials of the valley enable the developing of several types of tourism such as climbing, white tourism, rowing, rural, cultural and gastronomic tourism, medical tourism and adventurous tourism. Local people are building up their income with tourism activities such as renting rooms, accompanied by characteristic local hospitality and traditional home made cooking. Initiated and supported by the Government of Albania, the Albanian Development Fund and Margegaj Municipality is being built a tourism complex which should accommodate around 500 people, on a surface of 4200 m2. Valbona National Park is expected to be one of the most important oases of the country. Clean air, high mountain peaks, lakes, numerous water resources, forests, mountains, flora and fauna of Valbona Valley National Park provide conditions for eco-tourism experiences.
 * Alpinism is based at the presence of high mountains. Foreign tourists practise mostly this kind of tourism in Valbona.
 * White tourism, is seen just like a potential, as the infrastructure needed for this kind of tourism is not suitable, despite the presence of snow for about 6 months.
 * Rural, cultural and gastronomic tourism is based in the locals lifestyle, legacy and traditions which has been treasured by them.
 * Medical tourism is based on the healthy climate, clean air and water and the organic foods that valley offers.
 * Adventure tourism has suitable conditions to be developed due to the wild nature.

Traditions
In family and social life there are preserved folk festivals with various forms of entertainment. Spiritual wealth is manifested in verbal and musical folklore, especially in the legendary epic.

Among the traditional festivals of the area are Saint George (Shën Gjergji), which is celebrated at 6 May, as the summer’s day, 5 December is celebration day of Saint Nikol (Shënkolli), religious holiday and 26 December or Dukagjini’s. Popular folk dances of the area are 'Men's Dance', 'Dance of the Bride', 'The Sword Dance' and 'Dance of Flowers'. Legendary songs associated with two-stringed lute, flute, zumara, leaf sheet with the toy are also among the values which need to be treasured.

5 nature monuments
According to the decision of the Council of Ministers, Nr.676, date 20.12.2002, are declared natural monuments:
 * 1) Ragami's Spruce
 * 2) Valbona Sources
 * 3) Valbona Picea's
 * 4) Dragobia Cave
 * 5) Glacial Valleys of Kukaj