08 October 2020 07.10.2020 - October 7 is the date when the Day of Dinaric Protection is marked. The celebration of this event was decided to be held on this date at the General Assembly of Dinaric Parks, which took place last year. The aim of celebrating the Day of Dinaric Protection is to draw attention, through activities, to the importance of the natural and cultural heritage of the Dinaric Alps region, as well as the interconnection of natural resources and the cultural and historical values of this very special area in Europe.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration of this event this year will be organized with virtual activities. While the pandemic affected many aspects of the work and operation of parks in the Dinaric Alps region and beyond, by marking this day, it is intended to draw attention to the effects of the pandemic on protected areas as well as the need to strengthen and deepen cooperation as one of the responses to this new crisis. Therefore, the motto for the celebration of Dinaric Alps Conservation Day this year is #DinaridetNaBashkojnë (#DinaridesConnect). Part of the Dinaric Alps Parks network are also 3 parks from Kosovo: "Sharr" National Park, "Bjeshkët e Nemuna" National Park, and "Gërmia" Park.
Otherwise, the Dinaric Alps represent one of the largest mountain ranges in Europe, connecting eight countries in Southeastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Serbia. The name Dinarides comes from the name of Mount Dinara, which is located on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and extends in the central part of the range. The highest point in the Dinaric Alps is located in the Accursed Mountains (Maja e Jezercës 2,694m). The mountain structure in the Dinaric Alps is of limestone type, with many glacial remnants on the highest peaks. The result of this is erosion due to the action of water and for this reason, they are distinguished by numerous gorges, canyons, underground caves, and water springs.
This unique terrain, combined with influences from different climates, over time has affected the formation of various types of vegetation. There is a rich biodiversity with many endemic and relict species, and for this reason, the Dinaric Alps are considered a 'hotspot' of European and global biodiversity.