Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Ambassador of Austria to Kosovo, H.E. Georg Schnetzer, together with Honorary Consul Avdyl Çetaj, on a field visit to Deçan and Istog to experience firsthand the impact of initiatives of CNVP Kosovo’s Integrated Forest Management (IFM) project financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the SUNREED project supported by the EMbassy of Sweden in Pristina (Sida). 

The visit began in Deçan at the Youth Center near the chestnut forest area, where discussions with Rame Melaj, Director for Urbanism, Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection, and Isuf Demhasaj, Director for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, focused on sustainable forest management, environmental protection, and local development connected to the Drini River ecosystem. 

The delegation then visited the public utility company “Higjiena” in Deçan, where its acting Executive Director Albana Lokaj Avdiu the municipality’s first biomass-based heating system powered by wood chips is already demonstrating how local biomass can be transformed into cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.  

Implemented through the partnership between CNVP Kosovo, the Municipality of Deçan, and NPL “Higjiena,” with support from the SUNREED project, the initiative is helping reduce air pollution, lower heating costs, and create new opportunities for the local economy. 

The visit continued in Istog with a stop at Agroproduct Company, where we saw the impressive work behind Kosovo’s growing Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) sector. From chamomile drying in full throttle to oregano, wild garlic, and thyme being processed throughout the facilities, the entire space was buzzing with activity as staff worked diligently side by side. 

Through the partnership between CNVP Kosovo, Organika Association, and Agroproduct shpk, innovative technologies and sustainable practices are helping strengthen the value chain from seedling production to export markets - creating new opportunities for green and sustainable growth across Kosovo.

A sincere thank you to all partners, municipal representatives, local businesses, and hardworking teams for the warm welcome and continued commitment to a greener future.