On March 17, 2026, a major environmental action took place in the village of Tatar Elevci, North Macedonia. The event was organized as part of the project “Integrated Forest Management along the Drim River Basin”, implemented by CNVP Skopje together with regional partners, in cooperation with ICEP, and with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency.

On a 5-hectare area, 10,000 tree seedlings (ash, oak, black pine, and acacia) were planted. Over 100 participants took part in the event, and opening speeches were delivered by Mr. Nehat Ramdani, Director of CNVP North Macedonia; the Mayor of Debar Municipality, Mr. Fisnik Mela; Assistant Director of Public Enterprise “National Forests”, Mr. Dejan Mandzukovski; and Director of the Stogovo Regional Unit – Debar, Mr. Marjancho Partaloski.

In his welcoming speech CNVP North Macedonia Country director Mr. Nehat Ramadani emphasized ‘’ Today we are here with a very simple, yet powerful mission, to plant new life. Every sapling we plant today is not just a tree, it is a symbol of hope, responsibility, and care for the future. Forests are more than just trees. They are home to rich biodiversity, a natural shield against climate change, and a vital source of clean air, water, and life. When we plant a tree, we are investing in a healthier environment and a better future for all of us.’’

 In addition to forestry experts, the event was attended by teachers and pupils from the following specialized in forestry high schools: “Krste Petkov Misirkov” from Demir Hisar, “Gjorgje Petrov” from Kavadarci, “Georgi Dimitrov” from Skopje, and “28 November” from Debar, as well as professors and students from the Faculty of Forestry Sciences, Landscape Architecture, and Ecoengineering “Hans Em”.

The event resulted in the successful planting of 10,000 seedlings, contributing to increased forest cover in the Debar region. Additionally, forestry experts provided practical demonstrations, which enhanced the participants' skills and understanding of sustainable forest management. The action raised environmental awareness among young people and the broader community, supporting ongoing conservation efforts.

Integrated Forest Management (IFM) along the Drin River Basin is a three-year regional project implemented by ICEP (Association for Global Development) and CNVP funded by the ADA (Austrian Development Agency). The project is being implemented in the transboundary catchment area of the Drin River, which includes Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.