From forgotten space to community landmark: How young people sparked change at Paskuqani Lake, Albania
Just a few years ago, in 2018, Paskuqani Lake in Kamëz, Albania, was a neglected and underused space. Mud, weeds, and abandoned land dominated the landscape. Despite covering 84 hectares, the area offered little to the surrounding community. Children had limited spaces to play, families had few opportunities to gather, and the lake’s potential remained largely unseen.
But where others saw a forgotten area, young people saw an opportunity.
Through the IMPACT youth groups supported by World Vision Albania, young people began imagining a different future for Paskuqani Lake - a place where children could play, families could spend time together, and the community could reconnect with nature.
“When we first saw this space, we didn’t see what was missing; we saw what could be,” recalls Iza, 17, a member of the IMPACT youth clubs. “We imagined a place full of trees, playgrounds, and life. Together with World Vision Albania and with the support of Kamëz Municipality, we decided to take action.”
Young people plant the first seeds of change
In 2019, this vision began turning into action. With support from World Vision Albania, young people from the IMPACT groups became active contributors to the transformation of the area. They planted the first trees, created community murals along the dam walls and lakeside walkway, and helped introduce actions that encouraged greater care for the environment.
These first steps demonstrated the power of youth engagement. What started as a small initiative created a sense of ownership and inspired others to believe that the area could become something different.
Through World Vision-supported interventions, the initiative expanded. More than 2,000 trees were planted, 40 waste bins were installed, and three children’s playgrounds and recreational spaces for families were created, including areas with tables and seating where community members could gather.
“Every small step felt like a big change,” reflects Ermali, another IMPACT member. “It was amazing to see the first trees grow, the murals come to life, and the playgrounds fill with children and families.”
From youth action to community transformation
The early actions of young people helped create momentum for a much broader transformation. As the community began to see the potential of Paskuqani Lake, collaboration grew between young people, World Vision Albania, Kamëz Municipality, environmental institutions, local businesses, and residents.
Building on this foundation, larger investments followed. The municipality and other public institutions invested in infrastructure, including walking paths, bicycle lanes, sports areas, an amphitheatre, and a pier over the lake. Local businesses and families also contributed, further expanding green areas and recreational spaces.
Today, the 84-hectare park has become one of the most important public spaces in Kamëz, offering opportunities for recreation, community interaction, and connection with nature.
The park now includes:
- A 5.2 km pedestrian walkway
- Dedicated bicycle lanes
- Sports fields and three children’s playgrounds
- Family recreational areas with tables and seating
- Community murals along the dam walls and lakeside walkway
- An amphitheatre and pier overlooking the lake
“Seeing the park filled with families and children every evening is incredible,” says Elena, an IMPACT member. “Our ideas were heard, and now this space is alive. We planted the first seeds, and the community helped them grow.”
A transformation beyond the environment
The transformation of Paskuqani Lake has created benefits far beyond a renewed public space. The restored environment has contributed to the return of biodiversity, with birds and other wildlife coming back to the area. At the same time, the park has strengthened community pride and contributed to new economic opportunities for surrounding residents.
During his visit to Albania, Aaron Tanner, Environmental Stewardship and Climate Adaptation Adviser, highlighted the transformation as an example of how community engagement and environmental restoration can create lasting impact.
“What started with young people taking the first steps became a wider movement involving communities, institutions, businesses, and local leadership,” he explains. “It shows how empowering citizens to care for their environment can create change that benefits everyone.”
The power of empowered youth
The story of Paskuqani Lake is not only about the transformation of a physical space. It is about what happens when young people are trusted, supported, and given the opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect their communities.
From planting the first trees and creating the first murals to inspiring wider investment and community action, the IMPACT youth groups helped spark a transformation that continues to benefit thousands of people today.
“From mud and weeds to a space that brings life, laughter, greenery, and connection to our community, this project shows what young people can achieve when they are empowered,” says Iza.
The transformation of Paskuqani Lake stands as a testament to youth leadership, community collaboration, and the power of collective action. It shows that when young people’s voices are heard, even the most neglected spaces can become places of hope, opportunity, and lasting change.
By Alfons Çupaj, PR and Communications Lead, World Vision Albania
