Forestry Development Strategy of Kosovo 2022–2030

The Forestry Development Strategy 2022–2030 is Kosovo’s main national policy document for the forestry sector, approved by the Government of Kosovo in 2021. The strategy aims to promote sustainable and multifunctional forest management, preserve biodiversity, support rural economic development, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

🎯 Strategic Objectives

The strategy is built around four key objectives:

  1. Sustainable Forest Management
    – Improving the structure and quality of forests, including the conversion of coppice forests into high forests and the treatment of newly established forests.

  2. Protection of Forest Resources
    – Establishing Forest Protection Task Forces, identifying and recording illegal occupations, and developing systems to prevent and manage forest fires.

  3. Socio-Economic Development & Promotion of Ecotourism
    – Defining zones for ecotourism, digitizing and marking hiking trails, and establishing visitor information centers.

  4. Strengthening Institutional and Technical Capacities
    – Advancing formal education in forestry, expanding professional training opportunities, and building the capacities of the Kosovo Forestry Agency and other relevant institutions.

🗂 Action Plan 2022–2024

To implement the strategy, the following actions have been outlined:

  • Convert 3,000 hectares of coppice forests into high forests by 2024.

  • Develop a forest fire prevention and management system, including training for 200 firefighters and volunteers.

  • Define and develop ecotourism areas, including trail digitization and establishment of information centers in six regions of Kosovo.

  • Strengthen capacities in forestry education, aiming to graduate 50 Bachelor and 5 Master students in forestry by 2024.

💰 Funding and Partners

Implementation is supported by the budget of the Republic of Kosovo and international donors, including JICA, SDC, USAID, and others. The key implementing institutions are:

  • Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MBPZHR)

  • Kosovo Forestry Agency (KFA)

  • Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MASHTI)

  • Relevant Municipalities

📄 Related Documents

✅ Conclusion

This strategy represents a significant step forward in ensuring sustainable forest management in Kosovo, aiming to preserve natural resources and improve living conditions in rural areas.

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