TIRANA, April 24 /ATA/ – The European Union and the Albanian government, in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Friday launched “EU4Forests”, a 16 million euro programme aimed at strengthening sustainable forest management and climate resilience in Albania.
The initiative will also support Albania in meeting EU environmental and climate standards, a key requirement under Chapter 27 of its accession process.
Forests cover around 36% of Albania’s territory and play a crucial role in water security, biodiversity, rural livelihoods, erosion control, and climate regulation. However, unsustainable land use, illegal logging, wildfires, overexploitation, weak inspection and monitoring, and limited investment have led to a 32% decline in forest volume over the past two decades.
Funded by the EU (12.7 million euros), co-financed by Italy (3 million euros), and UNDP (260,000 euros), the programme will support Albania’s forestry sector through improved governance, stronger institutions, and long-term planning.
It will focus on reforestation, wildfire prevention, and strengthening forestry institutions, with a strong emphasis on local governance. Municipalities will receive support to develop forest management plans.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said Albania had undertaken major reforms to align its legal framework with EU acquis, including a new forestry law and institutional strengthening.
He said work is under way to establish a State Forestry Enterprise as a key tool for professional and sustainable management, as well as state-owned nurseries to ensure certified and high-quality planting material.
EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said the programme reflects the EU’s commitment to a green and sustainable future for Albania, noting that the forestry sector needs decisive support to align with EU standards and reverse the impacts of deforestation, wildfires, and climate change.
AICS Tirana Director ad interim Letizia Fischioni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment, highlighting wildfire prevention and civil protection as key pillars of environmental resilience.
UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis said the initiative takes a people-centred approach, stating that “EU4Forests invests in both nature and people—building resilience, creating opportunities, and ensuring forests benefit future generations.”
Over five years, the programme will provide technical and operational support to improve forest governance, including alignment with EU standards, strengthening Albania’s Forest Information System, and capacity-building at national and local levels.
It will also support the development of 10 municipal forest management plans and a national afforestation and reforestation plan, alongside ecosystem restoration and wildfire prevention measures. A grant scheme for municipalities will be introduced to support local action, awareness-raising, and behavioural change.
Implementation will involve close cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, the National Forestry Agency, local authorities, communities, civil society, academia, and the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises in wood processing. The project will also use GIS-based monitoring and AI-supported wildfire risk assessment tools.
“EU4Forests” is aligned with Albania’s commitments under the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the EU Forest Strategy 2030, supporting both environmental protection and economic development while advancing the country’s EU integration path.
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