On the 10th of February 2022, CNVP Albania in the framework of LED project organized a seminar in the Municipality of Gramsh to discuss the process of drafting annual operational plans, which includes the activity of harvesting medicinal plants in nature. 
Present at the event were high-level representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Vice Minister Mrs. Almira Xhembulla, and staff from the Ministry and National Forest Agency, as well as participants from the forest management structures of the Municipalities in the regions of Berat & Elbasan. 
The main focus of the seminar was increased knowledge and capacity of Municipalities staff to better manage and sustainably harvest medicinal plants that grow in nature and support farmers for their cultivation.
A presentation was done by the representative of the National Forest Agency with guidelines on the preparation of operational plans to be done and approved by the Municipality and Ministry.

During the event there were many discussions on issues raised, lack of Management plans in many Municipalities reflects the delay in the preparation of the operations plans. One of the issues brought was that the Municipalities need to plan better and harvest fees and tariffs for forests and reinvest in their activities. A high focus was put on the role and responsibility of the forest experts at the municipal level offering as well extension services for the local farmers. The Ministry has been supporting all staff from Municipalities to better plan and manage forest land.    
CNVP, with the support of the Swedish Embassy in Albania, is implementing a 3-year project in eight municipalities in Albania regarding the strengthening of the medicinal plant sector.