On 11-12 October 2018, CNVP Kosovo visited a chestnut value chain in Shkodra region at Reç. Participants on the visit included representatives of municipalities in the western part of Kosovo (Peja, Decan, Junik and Gjakove), forestry owners, the manager of Agroprodukt, CNVP Kosovo advisers, and a chestnut expert.

Participants visited:

1. the agriculture cooperative which collects and markets chestnuts, led by 17 cooperative members from Shkodra Municipality;
2. the Federation of Forest and Pasture Users from Shkodra;
3. the protected areas of National Park Albanian Alps; and
4. Shkodra Lake Buna-Velipoja.

The visit allowed the exchange of management experiences related to chestnut value chains, as well as the establishment of a cross-border cooperation partnership between Albania and Kosovo (including the management of chestnuts and non-timber forest products).

The visit was supported through the SIDA-funded project Strengthening Sustainable Private and Decentralized Forestry that is being implemented by CNVP Kosovo.