Albania partners with EU to combat forest fire damage
Iain Hoey
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EU4Forests launches to address forest fire prevention
The European Union and the Government of Albania have launched EU4Forests to strengthen sustainable forest management and climate resilience.
This €16 million programme involves a partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Forests cover approximately 36 per cent of Albania but have seen a 32 per cent decline in volume over the past two decades.
The initiative aims to help Albania meet environmental and climate standards required for EU accession under Chapter 27.
EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said: “Albania’s forests must be protected to secure a sustainable future and EU4Forests is a concrete step in that direction.
“Albania’s forestry sector needs a decisive push to align with EU environmental and climate standards and to reverse the effects of deforestation, fires, and climate change.
“The EU is here to help Albania reach these standards and preserve the country’s green lungs.”
Funding and technical implementation for forestry management
The EU provides €12.7 million for the project while Italy contributes €3 million and the UNDP provides €0,26k.
These funds support reforestation and improved fire prevention alongside the strengthening of national and local institutions.
AICS Acting Director Letizia Fischioni confirmed the commitment of Italy to supporting the forestry sector.
Fischioni said: “Italy’s commitment to supporting Albania in the forestry sector, with particular attention to wildfire prevention and civil protection, as key pillars for environmental resilience and risk management.
“The expertise of CREA and CIMA Foundation will provide added value to the intervention and help deliver tangible results on the ground.”
The programme will support the development of 10 municipal forest management plans and a national afforestation plan.
Innovation and local governance in forest protection
Technical support includes the improvement of the Albania Forest Information System and the use of GIS-based monitoring tools.
The project also introduces AI-supported wildfire risk assessment to enhance monitoring and inspection capabilities.
Sofjan Jaupaj, the Minister of Environment, stated that Albania has undertaken reforms to align its legal framework with the European Union acquis.
Jaupaj said: “Albania has undertaken reforms to align the legal framework with the European Union acquis, including the new law on forests and the strengthening of relevant institutions.
“We are currently working on the establishment of the State Forestry Enterprise, as a key instrument for professional and sustainable management.
“One of the main priorities of the Albanian government is the creation and functioning of state plant nurseries, which will guarantee the production of quality and certified planting material.”
A grant scheme will assist municipalities in implementing local actions and encouraging behavioural changes to protect woodland areas.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Randi Davis, explained that EU4Forests invests in nature and people to build long-term resilience.
Implementation involves the National Forestry Agency and various public institutions over a five-year period.
