Shala Valley, Albania | 23–24 June 2026 — Deep in one of Albania’s most spectacular natural landscapes, representatives from national institutions, academia, environmental agencies, and development partners gathered in the Shala Valley for a two-day field visit focused on biodiversity, habitat protection, and sustainable forest management.

Organized by CNVP Albania within the project “Integrated Forest Management in the Transboundary Drin River Basin”, the activity created an important space for field-based learning, technical discussion, and knowledge exchange on the ecological value of the area and the urgent need to protect it.

The activity brought together representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), protected area institutions, universities, local municipalities, and technical agencies working in forestry, water resource management, and nature conservation.

The field visit began with a journey through Lake Koman toward the Shala Valley, offering participants a first-hand view of the area’s unique ecosystems. During the boat trip, discussions focused on important local species and habitats, highlighting the exceptional biodiversity that makes this region a critical ecological asset for Albania and the wider Drin Basin.

Throughout the two days, participants explored key environmental challenges affecting the valley, including habitat degradation, pressure on natural resources, and erosion risks. At the same time, the visit emphasized the significant opportunities for conservation through coordinated action, better forest governance, and sustainable land management practices.

A dedicated seminar further explored the ecological, social, and economic benefits of protected area management. Discussions underlined that protecting forests and biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a long-term investment in rural livelihoods, tourism, water security, and community resilience.

As part of the field activity, informative and awareness-raising signboards were installed in selected locations across the valley to help strengthen public understanding of the area’s natural values and encourage responsible interaction with the environment.

Through this initiative, CNVP Albania reaffirmed its role as a connector between institutions, technical expertise, local stakeholders, and international support, helping transform knowledge into coordinated action for sustainable development.

The project “Integrated Forest Management in the Transboundary Drin River Basin” is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) under the "International Partnerships Austria" programme, initiated by ICEP – Association for Global Development, and implemented by CNVP Foundation in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

By bringing experts into the field and encouraging direct engagement with nature, CNVP continues to support practical solutions that protect ecosystems while strengthening the communities that depend on them.