Forest Camp 2024 successfully Concludes: A Step Forward in Advancing Sustainable and Multipurpose Forest Management

Friday, 25 October 2024 – Today marks the successful conclusion of Forest Camp 2024, held across the municipalities of Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Kamenicë/Kamenica. The event brought together experts, government representatives, and local communities in a joint effort to advance sustainable and multipurpose forest management in Kosovo. The camp was organized as part of the program "Support to strengthening sustainable and multipurpose forest management to improve rural livelihoods and to address climate change in Kosovo," funded by the European Union and Sweden, and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Forest Camp 2024 attracted over 200 participants who engaged in interactive activities and discussions aimed at promoting sustainable forest management, improving rural livelihoods, and mitigating climate change. The event featured practical sessions, expert-led presentations, and field visits, showcasing Kosovo's forest resources and exploring opportunities for forestry-based entrepreneurship, including logging, agrotourism, and non-timber forest products. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with international and local experts on topics such as forest biodiversity, silviculture practices, forest fire management, and the role of women and youth in the forestry sector. 

On the final day, participants gathered in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, to explore the recreational functions of forests and observe examples of sustainable tourism in the region.

During the Forest Camp closing, Mr. Bajrush Ymeri, Deputy Mayor of Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, expressed his gratitude to the participants and praised the camp as a significant success in raising awareness among the local population about the preservation and sustainable use of forests. 

FAO’s international expert, Andreas Ottitsch, noted that "this camp has confirmed that forests are not only for timber but also hold considerable social and ecological value." 

Naser Krasniqi, FAO’s local team leader, concluded the Forest Camp 2024, stating: "this camp, held for the second time, has demonstrated the importance of organizing such events to familiarize us with forest values." Finally, the participants of Forest Camp 2024 were awarded certificates.

Throughout the week, Forest Camp 2024 underlined the critical role of Kosovo's forests in supporting rural development and combating climate change. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, the Kosovo Forestry Agency, the European Union Office in Kosovo, and the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable forest management and the empowerment of local communities. 

The closing of Forest Camp 2024 represents a continuing step toward enhancing forest-based livelihoods and strengthening Kosovo's forest ecosystems in the face of climate change.