CNVP together with the Research Institute for Forest Ecology and Forestry (FAWF) are implementing “Generating momentum on water and forests in the Balkans - Balkans GeM”, project financed by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU).

Project summary

The project aims to bring together expertise (practitioners, politicians and other stakeholders) from forestry, agriculture and water management and economics around pilot areas to improve the effectiveness of forest ecosystem services for water and monetization of ecosystem services.
To address the challenges in protection of surface waters and groundwater reserves the project proposes planning models for sustainable forest and watershed management in North Macedonia and Albania. Also, it  provides best practices and examples that will ensure forest and watershed management complement to the site conditions and in same time protecting the physical environment and ensuring sustainability of the nature as a whole. Through an approach of networking and regional cooperation the project focuses on disseminating these practices within the region and all relevant stakeholders.

Overall goal of the project is to improve the planning practices in forestry by integrating water aspects in the forest management practices in North Macedonia, Albania.
Target groups are the planning units from the Public Enterprise “National Forests”, the Directorate for forest protection and treatment from Albania and the State Forest Enterprises "Srbijašume", Provincial and Regional Waterworks Enterprises and farmers living near forest areas.

Project beneficiaries are all citizens from North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia and the institutions responsible for water management in the respected country, Public Enterprise „National Forests“, State Enterprise for Forest Management „Srbijasume“, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Sector Forestry and Pastures- Albania.

Main activities:                                   

• Establishment of two pilot sites for integration of water management measures in forestry, one in North Macedonia and one in Albania
• Harmonization of forest and water strategies with EU standards
• Capacity development for forestry planners
• Awareness raising