The CROSS-REIS project, funded under the Horizon Europe European Excellence Initiative, aims to strengthen research excellence and to foster innovation ecosystems that support the transition towards a regenerative economy. As part of this work, Development Solutions Associates (DSA), in collaboration with the Plant Genetic Resources Centre in Belsh, organised the CROSS-REIS Info Day and Living Lab on 20 July 2026 in Hardhi Village, Municipality of Belsh.
The event introduced the concepts of Living Labs for Regenerative Agriculture and Local Action Groups (LAGs), and engaged local stakeholders in shaping a collaborative innovation ecosystem for sustainable rural development. It brought together researchers, representatives of the Municipality of Belsh, farmers, olive oil processors, agritourism operators, medicinal and aromatic plant producers, poultry businesses and civil society organisations. Through a combination of technical presentations, stakeholder dialogue and field demonstrations, participants explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between science, practice and policy.
The day began at 10:00 with registration. Prof. Dr. Fetah Elezi, Head of the Plant Genetic Resources Centre for Crops and Grapevines in the Municipality of Belsh, and Prof. Dr. Edvin Zhllima, project coordinator at Development Solutions Associates, gave the opening remarks. Prof. Dr. Zhllima then presented the CROSS-REIS project and the contribution of DSA to its implementation in Albania, followed by two presentations from Prof. Dr. Drini Imami, Senior Researcher at DSA, on Local Action Groups and on Living Labs for Regenerative Agriculture. The second part of the morning was given over to an open discussion, moderated by both researchers.
Particular attention was given to the establishment of a Living Lab at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre, as a permanent platform for the co-creation, testing and demonstration of regenerative agricultural innovations under real-life conditions. Participants saw the Centre's collections in the hall and its demonstration plots in the field.
Discussions highlighted several strategic priorities for the future development of the Belsh innovation ecosystem: regenerative olive production, traceability systems, smart technologies for quality assurance, climate adaptation, efficient water management, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.
Stakeholders also recognised the complementary role of a future Local Action Group in providing governance, coordination and access to LEADER, IPARD III and Horizon Europe funding opportunities, ensuring the long-term sustainability and scaling-up of Living Lab activities.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to formalise the collaboration between Development Solutions Associates and the Plant Genetic Resources Centre, to continue stakeholder engagement, to establish the Living Lab partnership and to jointly prepare future research and innovation projects. The initiative represents an important step towards creating a permanent regional innovation ecosystem that strengthens resilience, competitiveness and sustainable rural development in Albania through collaborative research and regenerative agriculture.