The paper sheds light on the factors enabling sustainable development of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants （MAPs） of Albania; socio-economic, legal and regulatory aspects and institutional capacity related to the MAP se...The paper sheds light on the factors enabling sustainable development of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants （MAPs） of Albania; socio-economic, legal and regulatory aspects and institutional capacity related to the MAP sector in the country; sector dynamics, challenges and opportunities; and Albania＇s positioning in the world markets. Stewardship of MAPs natural base in the country remains a challenge as approximately 95% of the MAPs are collected from the wild. Albania continues to be the leader in Sage exports to the US market accounting for 49% of its market share. Statistical data and direct communication with MAP relevant stakeholders reveal that there is a great demand for the Albanian MAPs from the EU and US markets. However, as clearly indicated in this paper, increased competitiveness of this sector in the world markets should be preceded by sustainable management of the MAPs which can be achieved through （1） continuous training and education of the MAP value chain members prior to harvesting season, （2） organic production and （3） commercial cultivation of MAPs. This paper highlights that sustainable management and sector development require combined efforts of all sector stakeholders in an attempt of all respecting Mother Nature＇s generosity, and if harvesting as living forever.展开更多
文摘The paper sheds light on the factors enabling sustainable development of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants （MAPs） of Albania; socio-economic, legal and regulatory aspects and institutional capacity related to the MAP sector in the country; sector dynamics, challenges and opportunities; and Albania＇s positioning in the world markets. Stewardship of MAPs natural base in the country remains a challenge as approximately 95% of the MAPs are collected from the wild. Albania continues to be the leader in Sage exports to the US market accounting for 49% of its market share. Statistical data and direct communication with MAP relevant stakeholders reveal that there is a great demand for the Albanian MAPs from the EU and US markets. However, as clearly indicated in this paper, increased competitiveness of this sector in the world markets should be preceded by sustainable management of the MAPs which can be achieved through （1） continuous training and education of the MAP value chain members prior to harvesting season, （2） organic production and （3） commercial cultivation of MAPs. This paper highlights that sustainable management and sector development require combined efforts of all sector stakeholders in an attempt of all respecting Mother Nature＇s generosity, and if harvesting as living forever.
