The Integrated Forest Management (IFM) Project is making significant strides in the Puka region. Supported by the Austrian government and in close collaboration with local authorities, the project aims to restore forests, reduce erosion, and enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

One of the key areas facing environmental challenges is Korthpulë, a village plagued by soil erosion. The region’s steep terrain, heavy rainfall, and lack of vegetation have led to the degradation of the landscape, leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion. To address this issue, CNVP Albania has implemented a series of measures designed to slow down water runoff and stabilize the soil. These include the construction of small dams using stones, wood, and wire to prevent soil from being washed away. Simultaneously, trees have been planted to help anchor the soil and restore the natural ecosystem. The area now serves as a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of these anti-erosion techniques, using low-cost methods to track the amount of soil retained by the structures.

Afforestation, or tree planting, plays a central role in the IFM Project. In Korthpulë, thousands of chestnut trees have been planted across three hectares of land to combat soil erosion and improve the local environment. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also provide temporary employment for local people. Over time, the trees will help reduce erosion, promote biodiversity, and enhance the overall quality of life in the area.

The project also focuses on the improvement of existing forests. In Qerret, 20 hectares of oak forest have been enhanced through thinning, a process that removes some trees to allow the remaining ones to grow stronger. This method helps maintain forest health, supports wildlife, and generates sustainable wood for the community. The wood from this activity will be used to heat the local school, reducing the community’s reliance on other energy sources.

Additionally, the IFM Project has supported the installation of a central heating system at the local school in Qerret. This initiative, developed in collaboration with local authorities, utilizes firewood from sustainable forest management, ensuring that the school's heating needs are met in an environmentally responsible way. This is a powerful example of how forest management practices can directly benefit the daily lives of the community.

The IFM Project in Qerret illustrates how environmental restoration and community development can work together. The progress made so far has already had a positive impact, and as the trees grow, so will the long-term benefits for the region. With continued collaboration between CNVP, ICEP, the local government, and the community the future of these forests looks full of potential.

IFM project is a three year project funded by Austrian Development Agency initiated by ICEP and implemented by CNVP Foundation.