Over the past two days, CNVP Albania has conducted crucial consultation meetings with forestry staff from the municipalities of Malesi e Madhe, Shkodra, Vau I Dejes, Puka, Fushe Arrez, Has, and Kukes, all part of the Drini River basin. These meetings aimed to support municipal forestry staff in preparing annual forest operational plans and integrating comprehensive forest management strategies to protect groundwater and surface waters in the Drini River basin.

This initiative is part of the Integrated Forest Management project, funded by Austrian Development Agency and implemented by ICEP - weltweit mehr unternehmen and CNVP. The project's focus includes reforestation and afforestation of degraded areas, coupled with erosion prevention measures, reflecting the priorities of the participating municipalities.

During the meetings, technical models were presented to the staff to assist in planning activities aligned with the Albanian Government's 2024 program, which has designated the year as the National Forest Year. However, a significant concern raised by the municipal staff is the lack of updated forest management plans and sufficient funds to implement the planned activities.

The consultation and training process is ongoing, ensuring continuous support for the municipal forestry staff in enhancing forest management practices that contribute to the sustainability and health of the Drini River basin.