4.6 Preparation of Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Local Plan of Qender

In 2013 TP & D was requested by the Commune of Qender to undertake the responsibility for the preparation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment in parallel to the Study of the Local Plan ensuring the coordination between the two documents. The SEA process was instrumental to highlight the dilemmas regarding the scenarios of future development with a special emphasis on tourism related with the Commune’s diverse landscapes comprising of the rural hillscapes of Panaya, the internal valley of Babica, the ecologically sensitive zone of the lagoon of Narta-Zvernec and the mountainous zone of Kanina.

The first scenario analyzed the continuation of existing trends (mild form or sun & beach tourism) capitalizing on vicinity to Vlora that is practically antagonistic to the tourism product of Vlora. The second scenario explored the potential of developing the area as a special destination for elite tourism focusing on the coastal zone of Narta-Zvernec.

Finally, the third scenario explored the potential of the area’s natural and cultural attractions in order to develop a reputation as a distinguished destination for various forms of special interest tourism, related with nature, sports, wellness, culture and agrotourism. The proposals of the plan were evaluated with regard to the third, preferred scenario suggesting mitigation measures to achieve this goal.