ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA OF PRESPA, ALBANIA

Prespa area is located in southeastern Albania, near the western part of the lake with the same name, and east of “Dry” Mountain. It consists of ten villages that are under the administration of the municipality of Liqenas, under the district of Korca. Its population is with Macedonian nationality, new age and dynamic, with good skills with culture and with education level, distinguished in particular for the hospitality, for wisdom, sincerity, and behavior that shows respect among themselves and with others who have occasion to go there. Distinguished for wealth and natural resources are complementary. Landscape in this particular area is an expression of a combination of different factors natural environmental lake with historic monuments or historic elements of worship, cultural traditions, etc. All these elements serve as promoter for a sustainable development of the area in line of rural tourism, eco-tourism which constitutes the basis of its development. The basis of life for residents of the area are agriculture, livestock and immigration, but perspective quality improvements expected to come from its tourism industry with the opportunity to develop things in the area, as hopes for a rebirth towards economic prosperity, social life in general. It maintains the status of National park promulgated Decree No.82, dated 18.02.1999. Heron where forests occupy 49% of the total land fund, meadows ? pasture about 7% surface water, 17.6% agricultural land 7.6% and difference is not agricultural land (non-productive areas). Societies and traditional communities undergo important processes of transformation and disturbance derived from the trend towards “globalization” which ecological characterizes world economy at the present. The definition of eco-tourism says that: All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas. It minimizes negative impacts on the natural and sociocultural environment. It is especially important to distinguish between the terms Naturtourismus and Ecotourismus. “Naturtourismus” refers to a market segment whose distinguishing feature is that it engages in nature-related activities in attractive natural settings, preferably in protected areas. The spectrum ranges from science tourism, to wildlife watching and nature photography, to consumptive activities (fishing and hunting) as well as sports and adventure tourism. “Ecotourismus” refers to forms of Naturtourismus that attempt to responsibly minimize negative environmental impact and sociocultural changes, help to finance protected areas, and create sources of income for the local population.