On 27 and 28 April 2023, CNVP Foundation held a coordination meeting with ICEP in Pristina, Kosovo. CNVP and ICEP (Association for Global development) are implementing “Integrated Forest Management (IFM)along the Drin River Basin” project funded by Austrian Development Cooperation for the period December 2022-2026. The project is being implemented in the transboundary catchment area of the Drin River which includes the countries of Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro, and aims at increasing socio-economic and environmental benefits for local communities through ecosystem services, strengthened by the application of IFM methods, afforestation and the protection of biodiversity.

The aim of the meeting was to share the progress made so far in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro as well as to discuss the planning of project activities related to:

1. Afforestation and regeneration of degraded and/or damaged areas by applying Integrated Forest Management practices.
2. Improved conservation and eco-friendly income opportunities in Albania and North Macedonia
3. Improved know-how and capacities for IFM along the Drin River Basin
4. Availability of regional expertise in IFM and replicable good practices of related policies.
5. Increased awareness for gender equality and mainstreaming in climate change and sustainable development.

The project activities are progressing according to the plan and the country project teams have established good communication and collaboration channels with the project stakeholders and beneficiaries.