Center for Capacity Building in Forestry Inaugurated with EU and Sweden Support

The Center will serve as a hub for capacity building and knowledge enhancement, helping to develop technical skills in forest planning and monitoring, integrated forest fire management, digitization of forest information and data, as well as in many other important areas for the sustainable management of forest resources. The Center was renovated under the Programme “Support to strengthening sustainable and multipurpose forest management to improve rural livelihoods and address climate change in Kosovo,” funded by the European Union and the Embassy of Sweden and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Programme aims to enhance the forestry sector’s contribution to Kosovo’s sustainable development through improved governance, participatory management, and value chain development benefiting rural communities.

During the ceremony, eight field vehicles and a second batch of handheld equipment – including Geo Vertexes, diameter measuring tools, compasses, and forest fire management equipment – were handed over to the Kosovo Forestry Agency (KFA). These resources, funded by the EU and the Embassy of Sweden, will strengthen the operational and technical capacities of the KFA for more effective and sustainable forest management.

The event brought together representatives from the European Union in Kosovo, the Embassy of Sweden, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD), the Kosovo Forestry Agency, FAO, media, and invited guests.

Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the European Union in Kosovo, stated: “Forests are an important natural resource in Kosovo. With this new Center and the equipment we are handing over today, we are investing in the people who protect these landscapes for generations to come.”

Henrik Riby, Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina, added: “Together with the EU, we have invested EUR 2.5 million through FAO to support reforms, training, forest inventories, and equipment. These resources provide a strong foundation for Kosovo’s forests, though continued political commitment and active civil society engagement are essential.”

Naser Krasniqi, Local Team Leader at FAO, noted that the equipment batch has a total value of around EUR 300,000, mostly funded by the EU. “FAO has organized training for KFA units, certifying trainers to continue capacity-building sessions on integrated forest fire management and supporting volunteers in prevention and suppression activities” said Krasniqi.

Lazar Radulović, Deputy Minister at MAFRD, expressed gratitude to donors and FAO: “MAFRD remains committed to the development of the forestry sector. The new facilities, vehicles, and equipment will support professional duties and sustainable forest management across Kosovo.”

The Blinaja/Lipovica Center for Capacity Building will continue to serve as a platform for training, collaboration, and innovation, supporting forestry professionals and local communities in protecting Kosovo’s forests and advancing sustainable rural development.