The method of safeguarding livestock with large dogs in Albania has been implemented for centuries. After 1997, a year of economical and political collapse in Albania, though, everybody could carry a gun without having troubles. Consequently, many shepherds did not see any further need to keep a herding dog and today, there are only few shepherds in north-east Albania (border with Kosovo and Macedonia) still using the Sharra mountain dogs.

The objective of the project is to replace poaching, poisoning and other illegal methods of killing large carnivores through reintroduction of the traditional way of herding with the Sharra mountain breed. In addition, the values of this autochthon dog will be promoted to stimulate shepherds to breed themselves Sharra mountain dog.

The project will be implemented within the future trans-boundary protected area Jabllanica- Shebenik between Albania and Macedonia. Main focus will be put on three Communes (Qarrishta, Letmie and Rrajca).

Sharplanina dog’s abilities in “dealing” with large carnivores are well known: they keep wolf, bear and lynx away from the herd so that they cannot cause damage and loss of income which in return will lead to less aggression towards large carnivores. This natural method of livestock guarding will help to lessen the conflicts with large carnivores and help to improve the attitude of humans towards large carnivores. Less large carnivores will fall victim to illegal and deliberate killing which will contribute to the protection of wolf, bear and lynx which is one aspect of sustainable use within a protected area.