At a latitude of 1100m, in the region of Sharri mountain, lies the beautiful village Gornje Lubinje well known for its natural and forest resources, particularly with rare and rich non-wood forest products.

CNVP is supporting initiatives for community development through activities related to sustainable forest management and forest product value chain, focusing on the support of vulnerable women, youth and other groups.

In this remote mountain village, cooperation was established with a group of vulnerable women of Bosnian ethnicity with interest to cultivate a variety of strawberries adapted to climate conditions in higher altitudes. The process was coordinated with a Supplier Company that will provide certified seedlings but will also make an agreement with the local community for collection and export of fruit products in a certain period, ensuring the development of small business models and strengthening the value chain.

 From June through August, the land for cultivation of strawberries is being identified and technical advice is provided to the local community for soil preparation and maintenance for seedlings in the surface area of 0.3 ha.

As it was agreed on, certified strawberries seedlings will be provided with the support of CNVP whereas other additional materials for cultivation including preparation, irrigation, etc. will be provided by the local community.

The processes of preparation, cultivation, collection, agreements and networking for non-wood forest products are vital for generating income in vulnerable families living in remote rural areas and they also promote biodiversity protection as well as climate change.

This activity is supported by the Sida-funded project being implemented by CNVP Kosovo - Strengthening Sustainable Private and Decentralized Forestry (SSPDF).