Strategy for the Development of the Forestry and Pastures Sector in Albania.

The Strategy for the Development of the Forestry and Pastures Sector in Albania is a national strategy with a sectoral approach, whose objectives are: a) protection of forests, pastures and biodiversity; b) encouragement and maintenance of the sustainable management of forests and pastures; c) consolidation of linkages with the market economy; d) involvement of local stakeholders and users in the development of the forestry sector; e) institutional and legal reform of the forestry sector at national and local level. The timeframe of the Strategy is 25 years from 2005 to 2030.Forests will be protected and their conservation will be ensured through the prohibition of commercial logging and illegal cutting. Measures are set out concerning the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded forests and damaged pastoral ecosystems. The protection of oak valuable species and their conversion into high forests stand will be enabled through their scientific management. The management of protected areas will be improved and the protected areas will gradually be extended. Forestry production in high forests will be improved through the establishment of new production units in high productive forests. Multifunctional use of forests and pasture resources will be encouraged. Parts of communal forests will designated to carry out activities such as animal husbandry, grazing and fodder.Employment opportunities will be created for the local community near pasture lands. Development of awareness and advisory programmes for the local communities and actors will be promoted.A modern forestry cadastre will be established through the implementation of the data of the National Forest Inventory and the transfer of the inventory infrastructure to the forest cadastre office. Infrastructure, equipment and financial needs regarding protected areas will be improved and supplied. An administration authority for protected areas will be established. Public awareness raising and environmental education will be promoted. Protection of nature and ecotourism will also be promoted and scientific research will be supported. Research will be done regarding the productive potential of forests for non-wood activities such as production of medical plants, sport hunting, fishing possibilities and apiculture. An effective monitoring system will be created aiming at the protection of forestry ecosystems. The private sector will be encouraged to carry out operation and services in state forests and pastures. Some pasture areas and parts of sylvo-pastoral areas will be handed over to private sector for long term use aiming at their complete privatization. Some of degraded forests will also be handed over to private sector for the establishment of hunting reserves and wild animal breeding centres. Priority will be given to the development of wood industry. Ownership of forests and pastures will be transferred to local governments.The social function of forests and pastures in connection with the protection of waters, soil and air will be studied and their protected functions from erosion, landslides and floods will be promoted. The competence of the Forestry Police Service will be increased and strengthened for monitoring and preventing fires and epidemic diseases in forests and pastures.A Forest Regional Directory and a national unit for forestry management will be established. Changes will be done in the legal framework for the management of productive forests and regulations will be reviewed. A new Forest Law will be drafted. Particular units in forestry service for the sustainable use and management of pastures will also be established.