Description of the Reference Region
The Maleshevski mountains are located in the eastern part of the Republic of North Macedonia.
They cover the municipalities of Berovo and Pehchevo, and are characterised by natural and cultural richness. Forests cover 52% of the region, while pastures cover around 20%.
Rural tourism in this region focuses on hiking trails for recreational mountain biking, waterfalls and clean mountain air.
Selected Value Chain
The selected value chain (VC) is rural tourism. Maleshevija is part of the national strategy for tourism development of North Macedonia. The region has a very clear identity and good natural resources for further rural tourism development.
Some main attraction points are the tourist settlement of Ravna Reka, near the waterfalls, and the lake of Berovo, within the Maleshevski mountains, surrounded by evergreen and deciduous types of forests.
Nature protection and climate change are the two most important challenges for tourism in the long term. The tendencies to preserve the natural environment and the characteristics of the region support the development of sustainable rural tourism. The population is increasingly opposed to the development of large tourist facilities that lead to the destruction of the natural environment.
Multi-Actor Platform (MAP) members
The Multi-Actor Platform brings together representatives from the business sector, public authorities, NGOs, individual producers and civil society.
Publications & events
Video: Vulnerability and resilience of the rural tourism (MK & EN)
Policy Brief: Rural Tourism
Article: Appraisal on vulnerability and performance of rural tourism value chain in Maleshevski mountains
Practice Abstract: Rural tourism value chain analysis in Maleshevski mountains reference landscape
