On 8 May, CNVP Albania together with Austrian Development Agency (ADA) hosted more than 70 representatives from the Austrian Association of Municipalities during a field visit to Ana e Malit in Shkodër Municipality. The visit formed part of a wider study tour in Albania and offered a direct look at how forest restoration and community-focused interventions are being implemented on the ground.

At Ana e Malit, participants visited a restored forest area where native tree species have been planted to rehabilitate degraded land. The intervention is already showing clear environmental benefits: reduced soil erosion, improved terrain stability, and gradual recovery of local biodiversity. The site served as a practical example of how targeted forestry work can shift damaged landscapes toward long-term ecological balance.

The field visit highlighted the results of the Integrated Forest Management Along the Drin River Basin (IFM) project, where mixed native plantations are being used as a core approach to ecosystem recovery. Walking through the site, the delegation observed how species selection, planting design, and ongoing maintenance contribute to both environmental protection and climate resilience.

A second stop was made at the Eco Social Farm, another initiative supported through the IFM project. Beyond its agricultural component, the farm also has a strong social dimension. It provides space for inclusive activities involving children and individuals in vulnerable situations, including people with special needs. The combination of ecological restoration and social engagement reflects the project’s broader approach to sustainable development.

For CNVP Albania, the visit was an opportunity to present concrete results from field implementation and to show how international cooperation translates into visible change at local level. Direct exposure to project sites helps strengthen understanding among partners and supports continued engagement from institutions and development actors.

The visit reaffirmed the role of cross-border cooperation in delivering practical results for nature restoration and social impact across the wider region, including Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.