Within the framework of the program "Support for strengthening sustainable and multipurpose forest management to improve livelihoods in rural areas and address climate change in Kosovo", implemented by FAO with support from the European Union and Sweden, the second episode of the podcast series "Love and Save Forests" has been published.
In this special episode, FAO forestry expert Ergin Hajredini has revealed the challenges and priorities of forest management in Kosovo, a sector that remains a pillar of biodiversity, rural economy and protection from climate change.
Hajredini emphasizes that forests cover about 46% of the country's territory and their role goes far beyond wood production.
"Forests don't just provide wood. They are the main source of biodiversity, water filtration and carbon sequestration. They are essential for the health of citizens and the ecosystem," he says, writes Telegraph.
According to Hajredini, illegal logging remains the biggest threat to forest resources, with damage estimated at over 1.5 million cubic meters of wood per year.
"Illegal logging is the main threat to forests, followed by fires, which with climate change are appearing more frequently and are much more destructive," Hajredini stated on Telegrafi.com.
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According to him, FAO has supported the Kosovo Forestry Agency with the improvement of forest management planning methods, professional training from specialists from developed countries, the development of modern forest management and monitoring technologies accompanied by digital equipment such as drones, professional GPS and camera traps for accurate monitoring of the condition of forests.
"These tools give us a real picture of the situation on the ground and help identify illegal logging and fires in time. Residents living near forests are the first to be affected by the consequences of forest degradation. Therefore, continuous communication and their involvement in all processes is needed, addressing the needs of the community," he says, emphasizing that awareness campaigns and forest camps have significantly increased awareness, especially among young people," he emphasized.
According to Hajredini, one of the most important achievements of the program is the new forestry sector strategy, the updating of the methodology for drafting management plans based on multipurpose and functional aspects, the implementation of the third cycle of the National Forest Inventory, the building of capacities for combating forest diseases, and the functionalization of the Training Center in Blinaje, which now serves as the first space in the country for professional education in the field of forests.
"The center in Blinaja offers ideal conditions for practical training. It can be used by institutions, students and the community – it is an investment for the future," Hajredini emphasizes.
Photo: Ridvan Slivova
According to him, the new multipurpose management plans, harmonized with EU requirements, pave the way for forest certification, a process that will enable the safe export of wood and forest products.
“The new methodology enables us to start forest certification and increase the sustainable economic potential of the sector,” he explains.
The economic potential, according to him, is considerable but requires a change in management approach.
"We need more investment in the sector, more institutional attention and more forest experts in the Kosovo Forestry Agency to carry out professional activities in the field. Administration is not enough, we need professionals who work directly with the forests," he emphasizes.
In the end, he appeals that the path started must continue.
"Every great process has a beginning. With proper investment and coordination, Kosovo can build a modern and sustainable forestry sector," he added.
This podcast is part of the program's podcast series. “Support for strengthening sustainable and multipurpose forest management to improve livelihoods in rural areas and address climate change in Kosovo”, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO).The video was produced with the financial support of the European Union and Sweden. Its content does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and Sweden./Telegrafi/.
