Karaburun peninsula in the western part of Vlora bay represents one of the most beautiful and pristine marine environments in the Mediterranean. The scenery is characterized by outstanding canyons and caves only accessible by boat. The underwater scenery displays high biodiversity of flora and fauna and it is potential monk seal habitat. Its remoteness, lack of infrastructure and human settlements make this place as the most likely site for the establishment of the first Marine Park in Albania.

Nevertheless, although knowledge among research groups regarding biodiversity values of the area has been accumulating over the years, very little of this knowledge has been made known to locals and used for building support for the future marine reserve. Vlora University does not have a marine biology curriculum, there is no such information in the biology classes in the lower education system and the city itself does not have an aquarium or any other similar public facility in which public

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could get information for the marine ecosystem. We think that present situation is a symptom of a dysfunctional approach towards sustainable development that leaves the local communities out of the decision-making while relying on a top-down approach.

The project will consist in a series of presentations followed by guided tours consisting in supervised snorkel diving. School children will e given field guides of the Mediterranean fauna and information will be reinforced through didactic games and theater plays.

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