The free flowing Vjosa River in Albania and its rich biodiversity are being threatened by the construction of dams for hydropower. Our goal was to identify opportunities to improve the sustainability of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) harvesting and collection in the Vjosa catchment area. In addition, we explored the ramifications of potential dams on the MAPs trade. Our team conducted a study to determine how the large and increasing demand for Albanian MAPs in export markets influence harvesting practices. We concluded that collectors need to implement guidelines for sustainable harvesting in order to help preserve the natural resource base for the trade of wild MAPs. Also, to increase revenues in the region, we recommended the development of a Vjosa MAPs brand for marketing.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Amirault, Daniel Paul
• Soylu, Basak
• Collins, Michael Andrew
• Larson, Sara Aristia

Subject

• Industry
• Sustainability
• Environment
• Culture

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-121516-053958

Keyword

• Sustainability
• Habitat conservation
• Sustainable development--Environmental aspects

Advisor

• Hersh, Robert
• Christopher, Peter R.

Year

• 2016

Center

• Tirana, Albania Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Eco-Albania

Date created

• 2016-12-15

Location

• Tirana

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright