On July 5, 2023, CNVP Kosovo organized the Kick-off event in Prizren, Kosovo, marking the initiation of the Integrated Forest Management (IFM) project along the Drin River Basin.  The Drin River basin, which includes Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro, is home to massive forested areas, a diversity of wildlife and freshwater teeming with life. During the last three decades, these forests are facing significant challenges resulting from unsustainable practices and the impacts of climate change. Therefore, the regional project "Integrated Forest Management (IMF) in the Western Balkans" that lasts from December 2022 to December 2025, aims to address climate change and promote sustainable management and conservation of forests as well as regional economic development in the transboundary watershed area to the river Drin

The kick-off event witnessed the participation of various stakeholders committed to the success of the IFM project. The speakers included Mr. Tahir Ahmeti – Director of Forestry Department from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development (MAFRD), Xhevat Lushi - Country Director of CNVP,  Mr. Bislim Rustemi - representative of the of the Kosovo Forest Agency, and Bashkim Gashi - President of the National Association of Private Forest Owners

Additionally, the event brought together representatives from the MAFRD, Ministry of Regional Development (MRD), Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (MESPI), Kosovo Forest Agency (KFA), University of Prizren and NGO’s. Regional institutions such as the Regional Directorate of Forestry and the Regional River Basin Authority (RRBA), as well as the National Association of Private Forest Owners (NAPFOs), Association of Private Forest Owners (APFOs) and local stakeholders, actively participated in the event.

With the active involvement of key stakeholders, the project aims to unlock the potential of the region's forests while ensuring their long-term preservation. By leveraging the principles of IFM, the project endeavors to create a positive impact on the environment, economy, and society, setting an example for the wider region and beyond.

This activity is implemented by CNVP Kosovo, and financially supported by Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and ICEP.