After five years of implementation, the Sustainable Forest Management Programme in Kosovo, supported by the European Union Office and the Embassy of Sweden in Kosovo, was successfully concluded today.
At the closing ceremony, the Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova, said the programme placed special focus on strengthening forest governance, protecting this resource, and ensuring its sustainable management.
Palatova noted that the programme aims to contribute to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy by 2050, while ensuring that ecosystems are restored.
“The programme focused on improving forest governance, protecting this resource, enabling sustainable and multifunctional forest management, and strengthening the rule of law in forests. The EU Forest Strategy for 2030 recognises the essential role of forests, the contributions of foresters, and forest-based value chains. It aims for a sustainable and climate-neutral economy by 2050, ensuring that ecosystems are restored, resilient, and protected. The new Forest Law, supported by the project, created a legal basis for sustainable forest management and biodiversity protection. Important secondary legislation must be adopted as soon as possible to ensure that the three fundamental functions of forests are preserved: economic, ecological, and social,” Palatova said.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Sweden to Kosovo, Jonas Westerlund, stressed that the programme aimed to strengthen institutions and the practical implementation of forestry policies.
“This programme aimed to strengthen institutions and governance, as well as to support modern forestry practices that turn policies into implementation. The goal was quite simple: a well-planned, data-based, transparent sector capable of protecting and using forests sustainably. The new Forest Law and secondary legislation were drafted and supported with training for Kosovo Forest Agency staff on forestry legal issues. Secondly, the Kosovo Forest Information System was reviewed and relaunched at the Government Data Centre. The methodology for the National Forest Inventory was advanced. Finally, the Forestry Training Centre in Blinajë became operational, an awareness-raising campaign was developed, and the Forest Camp 2024 brought together more than 200 participants,” he said.
The acting Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Imri Demelezi, described the project as an example of international cooperation serving sustainable development.
“This project, financed by the EU, Sweden, and FAO, in cooperation with our institutions, represents a successful example of international cooperation aimed at sustainable forest management and improving livelihoods in rural areas. Through this programme, it has contributed to multi-developmental forest planning and the forest information system,” Demelezi added.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kosovo Forest Agency, Mendres Ibra, highlighted the importance of the trainings and capacities built during the project.
“There has truly been a large number of trainings. Trainings related to forest protection from illegal logging, the integration of gender aspects, the use of the Kosovo Forest Information System, and sustainable management. This is a very important activity, which we aim to make traditional—an activity that brings together all forestry stakeholders. The opening of the multifunctional centre in Blinajë was a significant project commitment, as well as the employment of 13 young experts,” Ibra emphasized.
Finally, the Technical Lead of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ekrem Yazigi, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and the results achieved.
“From a technical perspective, we are very pleased to support the development of the forestry sector. We are very grateful to our donors for their contribution and hope to continue working with them. I would also like to thank our national partners for their commitment, contribution, and understanding throughout this period. Once again, from a technical point of view, we are ready to continue working with you and thank you all, wishing you a very successful start,” Yazigi said.
