CNVP Kosovo, in close partnership with the Associations of Private Forest Owners (SHPPP) and the National Association of Private Forest Owners (AKPPP), organized a productive workshop focused on capacity building and sharing best practices in forest management, member services, and policy advocacy.

Held within the framework of the SUNREED project, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina (Sida), the workshop brought together key stakeholders to review progress, exchange ideas, and identify practical steps for moving forward.

Participants first reviewed the achievements of the SUNREED project so far and discussed the roles of both the local Associations and the National Association and their involvement in the project’s implementation.

Several topics were addressed at the workshop, including:

• Organizational and financial management, with emphasis on board responsibilities, financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and tackling ongoing challenges.
• Sustainable financing resources, exploring potential funding opportunities, proposal development, and options for public–private partnerships.
• Institutional cooperation for effective delivery of services and sustainability, focusing on harmonizing roles and responsibilities in technical service provision and expanding long-term financial support partnerships.

The workshop also explored ways to improve member services, including systems for membership fees, advisory support, communication, and overall member engagement.

Three working groups were formed, each developing concrete proposals for next steps. Some of the main outcomes from group work included:

1. Establishing a structured membership fee system to strengthen the sustainability of Associations in delivering services to private forest owners.
2. Improved coordination between APFO, NAPFO, and relevant sector institutions.
3. Expanding the provision of technical services as a source of sustainable income.

Also, in the final session, participants discussed strategies to strengthen stakeholder engagement and contribute more effectively to forestry policy, through active involvement in policy development, coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD), and the creation of networks and platforms for dialogue.

The workshop was a great platform for collaboration and strategic planning. We are encouraged by the dedication of all the participants toward advancing the private forestry sector and promoting sustainable forest management in Kosovo.