CNVP Albania and ICEP bring forestry professionals from across the Western Balkans together for the latest “Beyond Forests” Expert Webinar
Reliable information is at the heart of effective forest management. Knowing the condition of forests, understanding how they are changing, and having access to accurate and usable data are essential for institutions and decision-makers working towards sustainable forest management.
These issues were at the centre of the latest session of the “Beyond Forests” Expert Webinar Series, hosted by CNVP Albania together with ICEP on 30 September 2026. The webinar brought together forestry professionals and stakeholders from across the Western Balkans for an exchange on the future of forest information and governance.
The session focused on an important transition: how forest inventory data can be transformed into credible forest information systems that are useful not only for understanding forest resources, but also for supporting evidence-based policy, sustainable forest management and the region’s ongoing EU integration processes.
Learning from experience
During the webinar, Alois Schuschnigg from the Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW) shared insights and lessons from the Austrian experience. His contribution highlighted the importance of reliable and quality forest information in supporting informed decision-making and strengthening the long-term development of the forest sector.
The discussion also created an opportunity to connect Austrian experience with perspectives from the Western Balkans. Bringing together professionals working in different institutional and national contexts allowed participants to exchange knowledge, experiences and practical approaches to improving forest information and governance.
Strengthening forest governance through knowledge
For CNVP, creating spaces for this type of regional exchange is an important part of its work in the forestry sector. Stronger forest governance depends not only on data and technology, but also on institutions and professionals having the knowledge, tools and connections needed to use information effectively.
Through the Integrated Forest Management (IFM) Project, CNVP works to contribute to stronger forest institutions, improved forest information and more sustainable forest management across the Western Balkans.
The “Beyond Forests” Expert Webinar Series provides a platform for continuing this exchange — connecting expertise, practical experience and regional perspectives around the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of forest management.
The activity was organised within the Integrated Forest Management (IFM) Project, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) under International Partnerships Austria.