Forest Camp 2024 Kicks Off in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë with EU and Sweden Support to Foster Sustainable Forest Management and Rural Development

Running from 21 to 25 October 2024, Forest Camp 2024 aims to promote sustainable forest management, improve rural livelihoods, and engage diverse communities in addressing climate change. This year’s camp highlights the importance of multi-purpose forest management, integrating economic, environmental, and social objectives. Additionally, it emphasizes the creation of gender-responsive value chains to empower local communities, particularly women and youth, in forestry-based entrepreneurship, such as non-timber forest products and ecotourism. This camp will also serve to engage young people who are interested in the future of forests and opportunities for income generation and economic development in their municipalities.

Forest Camp 2024 is being held across three locations: Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Kamenicë/Kamenica, bringing together 150 to 200 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, the Kosovo Forestry Agency, the Forestry Institute, local mayors, members of the donor community, forest managers, private forest owners, students, university professors, forest users, women entrepreneurs in the forestry sector, and local communities. 

The five-day journey began in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, where participants explored local forests and learned about multi-purpose forest management and silvicultural practices, focusing on community involvement, particularly for youth and women. In the following days, visits to forest sites in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Gjilan/Gnjilane, and Kamenicë/Kamenica showcased logging, agro tourism, and mountain tourism opportunities. 

The opening ceremony of Forest Camp 2024 was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, the Municipality of Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, the Embassy of Sweden, the European Union Office in Kosovo, FAO, and the Kosovo Forestry Agency. During their remarks, representatives from these organizations highlighted the event’s role in promoting sustainable forest management and rural development in Kosovo, while restating their commitment to sustainable forestry practices and the empowerment of local communities.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, Imri Demelezi, stated that forests require daily engagement on the ground, regular inspections, and the maximum commitment from everyone.

"To raise public awareness about the importance of the forestry sector, the Ministry, in collaboration with FAO, has developed activities as part of the Communication and Information Strategy in the Forestry Sector, which has included awareness campaigns promoting knowledge about sustainable forest management. This forest camp is an excellent opportunity to deepen knowledge and encourage young people to get involved in preserving these natural resources. Together with the Swedish Embassy, the European Union, and FAO, we aim for a greener future through the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 15, turning Kosovo into a successful model of sustainable forest management," said Demelezi.

Fatos Mulla, project officer at the Swedish Embassy, mentioned the main challenges facing the forestry sector in Kosovo.

"The forestry sector in Kosovo faces critical challenges such as the lack of sustainable funding, a shortage of qualified professionals, and insufficient recognition of its economic and environmental role. Sweden's 12 million euro investments have supported development, but further efforts are needed to ensure sustainability," said Mulla.

Vadim Stirbu from the European Union Office in Kosovo said that forests are one of the planet's most valuable assets, and this is especially true for Kosovo, where 45% of the land is covered by forests.

“Forests are much more than just firewood: they are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate the climate and provide essential recourses for communities. Forests are essential in our fight against climate change, acting as critical carbon sinks, regulating local climates and supporting biodiversity that strengthens ecosystem resilience. A sustainable future depends on well-managed forests: without them we cannot thrive”, said Stirbu.

Naser Krasniqi, leader of the local FAO team, emphasized the importance of organizing the Forest Camp.

"Just like last year in Radushe, Istog/Istok, this year here in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, the Forest Camp is a unique opportunity for interaction between young people, forest owners, users, and their managers, offering various opportunities to learn from one another and collectively explore the vital role of forests in the sustainable economic, social, and environmental development of the Novo Brdo/ Novobërdë area," said Krasniqi.

The Forest Camp 2024 will conclude on October 25 with closing remarks and the distribution of certificates to participants.