Municipality of Belsh

The region spans over an area of 21,500 hectares and is home to 84 karst lakes that cover an area of 640 hectares. The biggest lakes are Merhoje, Cestinja, Dega, and Seferan. In the western part of the region, Seferan Lake was home to a sanctuary dedicated to Venus. To the east lies Mount Gradishta, and archaeological excavations have been found that supports the theory that an ancient Illyrian settlement inhabited the region as early as bronze age. The city is 30 km southwest of Elbasan, and 60 km from the country’s capital of Tirana. Belsh has a population of 14,000 inhabitants, and as a Municipality, it has 33,000 inhabitants. Agriculture is the main source of income among residents who specialize in products such as tobacco, saffron, oregano, and olives. "Belshi, a center for agriculture development and tourism, through its transformation into a sustainable space for the development of agricultural and livestock products. A municipality, which bases its development on respect for the natural and landscape environment, the only one of its kind with 84 lakes". The city is visited by 200,000 visitors per year. On the other hand, The Municipality of Belsh places a significant emphasis on several key sectors that are pivotal for its development and prosperity, namely tourism, youth engagement, agritourism, and agriculture. These areas are integral to the municipality's strategic vision, aiming not just to bolster economic growth but also to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. In its commitment to addressing youth issues and promoting youth involvement in its economic and social activities, the municipality boasts a noteworthy employment strategy. A substantial portion of its workforce, 70%, comprises young individuals aged between 23 to 35 years. This deliberate employment policy underlines the municipality's dedication to leveraging the dynamism, innovation, and fresh perspectives that young people bring to the workforce. Moreover, the municipality is proud of its gender-inclusive workforce, with women holding a dominant presence among its staff. This gender balance in employment not only promotes equality but also ensures that diverse viewpoints and approaches are considered in decision-making processes, enhancing the effectiveness and inclusiveness of the municipality's initiatives and projects. Through these focused efforts in nurturing a youth and female-inclusive workforce, the Municipality of Belsh is actively working towards creating a more equitable, dynamic, and forward-thinking community, where the sectors of tourism, agritourism, and agriculture can thrive, thus contributing to the overall well-being and development of the area.