A study visit to Croatia by CNVP Kosovo and its various stakeholders was held during 5-10 November 2018. The visit was organised in cooperation with the North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency (REGEA).

The objective of the study visit was to review Croatian best practice examples and innovative concepts for renewable energy, private forestry management (including financial support), and rural development. Participants on the visit included representatives of Kosovo’s National Association of Private Forest Owners (NAPFO), the Association of Private Forest Owners (APFOs), the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Local Government Administration, and the Rural Development Network of Local Action Groups.

The visit reviewed sustainable forest management for wood bio-mass e.g. production, heating, efficient consumption, and the supply chain using private forests.

Meetings were also held at Croatia’s Ministry of Agriculture and its Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Service, as well as the Croatian Union of Association of Private Forestry Owners. Experiences were shared regarding the legal framework and forestry policy (financial support) for the private sector, the experience of using EU funds, and issues concerning private forestry sector management.

Participants also visited local action groups (LAGs) and cooperatives which are implementing projects on agro-forestry and related activities that are supported with EU funding.

The activity was organised through the Sida-funded project Strengthening Sustainable Private and Decentralized Forestry that is being implemented by CNVP Kosovo.