CNVP Albania Hosts Second Regional Conference on Integrated Forest Management in the Drin River Basin

On 7 November 2024, CNVP Albania  organized its second regional conference on Integrated Forest Management (IFM) along the Drin River Basin, bringing together over 80 key stakeholders and collaborators to address shared challenges and opportunities in forest management across the transboundary region. The conference, which took place in Tirana, Albania, welcomed representatives from local organizations, municipal authorities, academia and relevant ministries in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. The event highlighted innovative approaches, achievements, and lessons learned over the second year of the IFM project’s implementation.

The IFM project funded by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented by  ICEP and CNVP Foundation aims at enhancing sustainable forest management practices in the Drin River catchment area. Covering four countries, the project aims to build pilot programs that align with recent policy advancements, environmental considerations, and technical innovations while prioritizing the engagement of local communities. Through multi-stakeholder involvement, IFM strives to build a resilient forest ecosystem that benefits both nature and the communities within this vital river basin.

Conference Sessions Focus on Key Project Areas

The conference featured two main sessions that allowed stakeholders to discuss the project’s current status, its outcomes, and future objectives. These sessions were designed to foster the exchange of ideas, sharing of technical expertise, and the establishment of further collaborations for forest ecosystem management in the region. Key topics included:

1. Forest Ecosystem Rehabilitation – Presentations focused on interventions aimed at restoring the Drin River Basin’s forests. The project’s progress in afforestation, forest rehabilitation, forest conversion, and erosion control was shared, showcasing practical steps toward ecosystem recovery.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building – This session emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and capacity building among stakeholders along the Drin River Basin. Participants discussed efforts to engage local communities and authorities, equipping them with the skills and resources necessary for sustainable forest management.

3. Value Chains for Sustainable Income – Participants explored opportunities to support economic growth through sustainable wood and non-wood value chains, which provide income-generation options for local communities and contribute to regional economic resilience.

4. Building Regional Partnerships – Establishing strong partnerships across national borders is essential for knowledge transfer and effective forest management. This session highlighted ways to strengthen alliances among regional stakeholders, encouraging ongoing cooperation.

Distinguished Guests Voice Support for IFM Project

The conference opened with remarks from key dignitaries, underscoring the support and appreciation for CNVP’s work in the region. Among the speakers were H.E. Monica Sach, Austrian Ambassador to Albania, Mr. Artur Kala, Director of the Albanian National Forest Agency, and high-level representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development in Kosovo; the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management in Montenegro; and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy in North Macedonia. Each offered insights and congratulatory remarks on the project’s achievements, reinforcing the significance of cross-border collaboration for sustainable forest management.

A Milestone for CNVP Albania and the IFM Project

The conference marked a significant milestone in the IFM project’s progress, reinforcing CNVP Albania’s role in spearheading integrated forest management initiatives in the Drin River Basin. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, the project has successfully promoted knowledge sharing, developed targeted interventions, and built strategic partnerships that advance sustainable forest management in the region.

CNVP Albania is dedicated to fostering sustainable natural resource management practices in Albania and neighboring regions. Through the IFM project, CNVP continues to support the protection and restoration of forest ecosystems in the Drin River Basin, promoting sustainable practices and community involvement.