A Landmark collaboration involving over 50 stakeholders has yielded significant progress in forest restoration across Albania and North Macedonia. Government officials, local authorities, implementing partners, and conservation specialists convened to highlight the profound impact of restoration efforts on both ecological health and community well-being.
The Northern Forest Initiative: A Model for Regional Cooperation
Launched in 2023, the “Northern Forest Initiative: Restoration in Albania and North Macedonia” aimed to reverse forest loss by revitalizing key landscapes, strengthening institutional capabilities, and promoting sustainable forest management practices.the International Union for conservation of Nature Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central asia (Iucn Ecaro) spearheaded the project, in close partnership with Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (Ppnea) and Macedonian Ecological Society (Mes). Financial backing from the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation provided crucial support for this cross-border endeavor.
Andreas Eriksson, Secretary General of the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, stated that the initiative demonstrates how locally driven restoration can deliver enduring benefits for both nature and communities. He also expressed great encouragement to follow Iucn’s progress in advancing ecological restoration and strengthening community resilience in the Western Balkans.
Focus on Biodiversity Hotspots and Endangered Species
Restoration efforts were strategically focused on two critical areas: the Books region in north Macedonia and the Pashtrik-Morina landscape in Albania. These locations are essential habitats for the Critically Endangered Balkan Lynx, as identified by the Iucn Red List of Threatened Species, and serve as vital ecological corridors enabling wildlife movement and maintaining ecosystem connectivity.
Through targeted Forest Landscape Restoration (Flr) interventions,the project improved habitat conditions,reinforced forest resilience,and contributed to climate change mitigation. These interventions exemplify the benefits of Nature-based Solutions in addressing complex environmental challenges.
nature-Based Solutions Deliver Multiple benefits
The project’s success stems from the submission of Nature-based Solutions, showcasing how landscape restoration can deliver concurrent benefits – safeguarding biodiversity, securing vital ecosystem services, enhancing local livelihoods, and bolstering climate resilience. The initiative has set a benchmark for integrating ecological and social considerations in conservation efforts.
Oliver Avramoski,regional Director of Iucn regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia,emphasized the power of regional collaboration and Nature-based Solutions in restoring forest landscapes and enhancing climate resilience. He also affirmed the commitment to advancing forest restoration and sustainable land management in the Western Balkans.
Key achievements: A Summary
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Restored Area | 40 hectares of degraded landscapes in Albania and North Macedonia |
| Restoration Techniques | Reforestation, forest thinning, pasture advancement, and soil erosion control |
| Capacity Building | Training on sustainable forest management for communities and authorities |
Aleksandër Trajçe, Executive Director of Ppnea, underscored the importance of maintaining ecological connectivity for the survival of species like the Balkan lynx, and also for strengthening overall landscape and community resilience. Robertina Brajkovska, Executive Director of Mes, noted the project’s success in demonstrating innovative approaches to forest restoration and collaboration in protecting large carnivores.
Did You Know? According to the world Wildlife Fund, Forests cover approximately 31% of the Earth’s land surface and are home to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.
The coordinated application of restoration techniques across landscapes has created a synergistic effect, amplifying conservation benefits and delivering tangible gains for local communities. This holistic approach ensures that restoration efforts extend beyond isolated actions, fostering resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.
The Growing Importance of Forest Restoration
Forest restoration is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy for mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable advancement. With global deforestation rates remaining alarmingly high, initiatives like the Northern Forest Initiative offer a model for effective and collaborative conservation. Experts estimate that restoring degraded forests could sequester up to 2.3 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Pro Tip: When considering supporting conservation efforts, look for initiatives that prioritize local community involvement and employ Nature-based Solutions for lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Forest Landscape Restoration?
Forest Landscape Restoration (Flr) is the long-term process of regaining ecological functionality in degraded forest landscapes. - why are Nature-based solutions important?
Nature-based Solutions utilize natural processes to address societal challenges, offering cost-effective and sustainable solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, and disaster risk reduction. - What is the status of the Balkan lynx?
The Balkan Lynx is listed as Critically Endangered on the Iucn Red List, with a population estimated to be fewer than 100 individuals. - how does this initiative benefit local communities?
The initiative supports local livelihoods through sustainable forest management practices and enhances community resilience to climate change impacts. - What role did the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation play?
The Swedish postcode Lottery Foundation provided vital financial support for the project, enabling the implementation of restoration activities and capacity-building programs.
What other regions could benefit from a similar collaborative forest restoration approach? share your thoughts in the comments below and help us spread awareness about the importance of Nature-based Solutions!
