Community awareness for the protection and management of Forests and communal pastures

Donor: SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation)
Beneficiaries: Elbasan region
Project Implementation area: Elbasan region (42 communes)
Time frame: 2011 – 2013
Goal/Objective: Raising awareness for the protection and management of forests and communal pastures across 42 communes in the Elbasan region.

AlbNatyra project “Community Awareness for the Protection and Management of Forests and Communal Pastures” (2011-2013) aimed to address the critical need for sustainable management of natural resources in Albania’s Elbasan region. The project was made possible by funding from SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation) and spanned 42 communes, which faced significant environmental pressures such as illegal logging, overgrazing, and forest fires.

AlbNatyra engaged local communities, emphasizing education and hands-on practices in sustainable land and pasture use. Key activities included workshops and training sessions designed to equip local residents with knowledge about conservation methods and tools. This educational approach encouraged community members to participate in resource management directly, strengthening their role in preserving forests and communal pastures and promoting biodiversity. By fostering this community-driven stewardship, the project supported sustainable livelihoods that are reliant on natural resources without degrading the land.

A notable outcome was the establishment of long-term community awareness and environmental consciousness, encouraging residents to work in tandem with local governments for the responsible use of shared natural resources. The program set a foundation for ongoing sustainable land management practices in Elbasan, making it a model for other regions facing similar ecological challenges.

 

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