cnvp newsletter june 2015

CNVP achieving impact Annual Report 2014 Summary

JUNE 2015

“Working together to grow a canopy of trees providing home,shelter, food, a livelihood as well as a place to wander”

CNVP NEWSLETTER

CNVP

468

1014

2Editorial

Our programme matures

CNVP Albania supporting Communal Forestry

CNVP Newsletter

Issue 3June 2015

A success story CNVP supporting the rural economy in Albania

A success story from Kosovo and the Region

CNVP working on environment and sustainability

This ‘Sprouts’ is reflecting some of the achieved results and progress made from our programme in the Balkan. Rural communities depend for large extend on their natural resources. Sustainable management of these resources, increased capacities, empowerment of the rural

communities and the strengthened related institutions are required. This, third newsletter, is prepared based on CNVP 2014 Annual report and will give you a short general overview of our programme and how we

contribute in the Balkan. Refer also our website: www.cnvp-eu.org

EDITORIAL

6

8

10

14

http://www.cnvp-eu.org

54 CNVP NEWSLETTERJUNE 2015

CNVP NEWSLETTERJUNE 2015

Combining capacity building, working closely with local organisations and people in the local context on specific expertise such as forestry, renewable energy, nature conservation and climate change and connecting this in wider developments, policies and programmes remains CNVP’s focus. In line with our strategy we gradual strive to expand the programme in these areas and in the Balkan region. Beside the large projects with the Swedish Government we cooperate with several other partners to achieve this, such as EU, WB PEFC, RiSSC, Conlegno or the Nature Conservation NNA Toepfer Academy. Our strategy till 2016 gives guidance to enlarge our partnerships and widen our resource base. We will invest in our quality of the work and services delivery in developing areas such as climate change and renewable energy.

OUR PROGRAMME MATURES CNVP is gradually developing. After the demerger and establishment of CNVP we have now made the transition from the existing programme and projects in to a new programme with two main projects on forestry and rural development. These projects are in cooperation with the Swedish Government for the coming four years and provide capacity building and advisory services to our partners in the projects.

Our focus remains on supporting and working with local organisations, build their capacities with the aim of improving the livelihood of rural communities depending on natural resources. Most of these communities live in mountainous areas, where forest, agriculture and nature are very important. Other economic opportunities are limited and people depend on these resource for their rural and economic development. Although slowed down due to the economic crisis economic development continued in the Balkan, but this is taking place in urban and economic centres, the rural and especially mountainous areas fall

behind in economic development and people struggle with their development. Governments try to address this through rural development programmes. The European Union has a large focus on rural development in which increased attention and effort is given to renewable energy and climate change issue. Forestry and other natural resource play an important role in this. It remains a challenge yet to incorporate this in programmes in the Balkan, while increasingly effects of climate change are noticed; extreme rainfall, flooding and erosion.

CNVP ALBANIA, KOSOVO AND MACEDONIA

OUR FOCUS REMAINS ON SUPPORTING AND WORKING WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, BUILD THEIR CAPACITIES WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOOD OF RURAL COMMUNITIES DEPENDING ON NATURAL RESOURCES

FLED PROJECTpromotionevent

Through the projects CNVP works with its local partners to help them in their organisation, representing people and addressing the issues for sustainable management of the natural resources securing products, income and environmental services. In 2014 CNVP has been working with over 60 associations related to forestry and other natural resources and over 30 local governments. Through this about beneficiary 450,000 household in rural areas were reached. In relation to this CNVP worked with 5 related ministries and 19 institutions. The programme is implemented in the Balkan region by CNVP through a team of 25 people decentralised in 8 offices.

FOREST OWNER from Kosovo

SPROUTS the growth symbol of CNVP

MEASURES for increasing

forest productivity



At USER AND COMMUNE LEVEL, 13 selected communes and 6 regions have been assisted to deliver on their new decentralised responsibilities. • Improved communal forest and pastures governance by the communal forest user associations and communes. Focus is given to the local economic importance and contribution of communal forestry to the rural household economy in Albania;• The management of the communal forest improved, providing increased productivity of various forest types. This is monitored throughout an extensive network of permanent sample plots and demonstration sites;• Producer groups are supported in organisation and marketing of their communal forest products. Women’s economic empowerment was promoted throughout producer groups investing in capacity building and marketing of products;• Another major achievement was made on securing property rights registered at the cadastre offices. At the end of project 30 communes completed their registration. All 13 selected communes and through regional support an additional 17 communes succeeded. This is a major change and for a first time formal registration achieved (starting from a zero baseline in 2011);• A participatory mapping process has been developed and implemented for the first time in Albania in 13 pilot villages;• Additionally over 600 user rights are identified with farmers and concluded in contracts with 47 people. This is unique in Albania and opening the way for other households securing their rights;• Formalising the mechanism for collection of fees and tariffs which is functional today in 11 communes, while 7 communes also established reinvestment funds to support communal forestry.

At NATIONAL LEVEL, the National Communal Forest Federation has been supported.• This has resulted to an increased role of the National Federation at national level in the reform process related to communal forestry. Highlight was given to the process of communal forestry transfer and registration, assuring participation of different Ministries;• Cooperation with national stakeholders for the progress of the decentralization reform. A draft proposal for the review of forestry law was prepared by the National Federation through a broad consultation with Regional Federations. Advocacy is made for communal forestry reforms using “Kurora e Gjelber” newsletter and other newspapers;• Increased capacities of the Federations on service delivery & new skills on addressing gender and women economic empowerment. Women engagement supported in producer groups, such as promotion of best practices at the International Rural Women day.

To continue the work on supporting communal forestry and include more areas the project is followed up. The new FLED project (Forest for Local Economic Development in Albania) was designed and started in August 2014 with a main objective to improve decentralised and sustainable Communal Forestry providing increased production, service and income to rural communities. This is a four year (2014-2018) collaborative programme focusing on communal forests and pastures, capacity building and organisational strengthening of forest users associations, their federations and communes.

The Project “Strengthening Communal Forestry in Albania” was a three and half year programme, which ended in March 2014. It followed a rights perspective placing people at the centre of sustainable development, promoting participation, non-discrimination, openness and transparency, as well as responsibility and accountability. This project’s aim was to further

strengthen the capacity of local forest user associations and local government, improving cooperation between stakeholders for sustainable communal forestry and pasture management.

The project achieved major impacts on different levels starting from users, progressing to communes and national level.

CNVP ALBANIA

CNVP ALBANIA SUPPORTING COMMUNAL FORESTRY

“THE PROJECT ACHIEVED MAJOR IMPACTS ON DIFFERENT LEVELS STARTING FROM USERS, PROGRESSING TO COMMUNES AND NATIONAL LEVEL”

CONFERENCE on Rural Women Day in Albania

CAPACITY BUILDINGtraining at commune

level in Albania

PRESENTING IMPORTANCEof NTFP value chain for

local communities



A SUCCESS STORY CNVP SUPPORTING THE RURAL ECONOMY IN ALBANIAThe “Strengthening Communal Forestry II” project supported establishment of several producer groups and nut clubs that enhanced the forest products marketing. Through lobbying efforts of the Federations of Forest and Pastures Users the Government of Albania took in consideration the nut crops as a key development priority. The project initiated a study on value chain development of nut crops which was used by the Ministry of Agriculture to prepare the national nuts strategy and the 2012 subsidy programme. The study highlighted the potential of forming producer groups/nut clubs

Why forming producer groups and /or nut clubs?• Producer groups can create favourable conditions to improve production and business practices (economies of scale, increased bargaining power for better prices, reduced transaction costs, etc.), facilitate access to information and technology, and enhance access to financial services for production and trading;• Producer groups may reduce production costs, increase product quality, strengthen members’ competitiveness, and promote improved market access;• Beside collaboration for production and trade of forest products, producer groups can provide support for other agricultural services;• Producer groups can work together for different purposes like: storage of products, drying, processing and improvement of marketing and market strategies;• Producer groups can help its members to effectively participate in the standardization and certification of products;• Flexible or informal producer groups formed by voluntary agreement are self-managed and self-controlled. Using simple procedures and management systems the group can ensure trust, efficiency, equity and transparency;• Producers rely on each other which is supportive to creating strong communities.

The new FLED project continued to support producer groups participating on events promoting local non-timber forest (NTF) products. CNVP assisted forest producer groups from Korça, Gjirokaster and Elbasan to participate in the “Argjiro Fest ON 2015”, aiming to promote local products, cultural and heritage values. The FLED project aims to develop and strengthen forest and NTF product value chains through one of its results.

CNVP ALBANIA

as a key entry point to increase incomes from nut crops and enhance rural development.

At present in Albania, few forest product value chains are functioning in an effective manner. Still, they are not developed enough to provide income and incentives for sustainable natural resource management. Most forest products are traded informally and individually with marketing relations established at local level. Establishing sustainable livelihoods and substantial benefits can be gained through closer coordination and collaboration between producers of different products.

Through CNVP support, at least 15 producer groups/clubs have been established for the first time in six regions: nut clubs in the regions of Diber (1000 members) and Kukes, two women associations working with forest fruits and hazelnuts in Diber region, the Rec nuts association (60 members) in Shkrel commune in Shkoder region and Marketing Organization in Prespa area.

Organising producers groups in cooperative forms of production and marketing is considered as the most appropriate strategy to overcome the problems of fragmentation in production, low level of technology and skills, and unsatisfactory quality of products to qualify for wider markets. Through producer groups, larger quantities can be sold which may attract larger buyers and formalised supply arrangements with wholesale buyers. This will help to make the supply chain more efficient and to the benefit of all parties.FAIR

for promotion of local products in Korca

“IT IS IMPORTANT TO FORM

PRODUCER GROUPS”

CNVP KOSOVO

A SUCCESS STORY FROM KOSOVO AND THE REGION

THE FOREST providing food

for families



“Kosovo & Regional Private and Decentralised Forestry Development” project that was implemented in period (2009-2014) had two main directions on forestry development; first to support forestry in Kosovo with specific focus on private and decentralised forestry and a second component to provide regional support for Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia on issues related to private forestry. The SSPDF project (Strengthening Sustainable Private

and Decentralised Forestry) is a follow up phase of the project implemented till 2014. The new project builds on the approach for capacity building, close coo-peration and involvement of the local actors in family forestry. Its main focus remains on improved management of decentralized forests, management of private forests as well as application of renewable energy from wood biomass. This project started implementation in August 2014 and is planned to end by 2018.

associations have become valuable and very important actors for development and sustainable forest management in general. Through the project CNVP and the private forest associations managed to bring private forestry fully in the system. NAPFO became part of the Forest Management Board that worked on the Forestry Strategy and forest reform of the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Rural Development.As an organized structure they have played an important role on lobbying and advocacy for representing the interest of Private Forest Owners for better use and management of family forests, on new developments of the legal framework such as law on forestry, initiating new practices such as development of simplified forest management plans for private forests, rehabilitation of coppice forest with joint management practices. Experiences from piloting with decentralised forest management in small scale coppice forests provide an opportunity to address illegal logging, restoration of degraded forest and rural economic development through sustainable production of wood biomass. Pilot projects have been implemented in 7 villages within 3 municipalities. The whole process was conducted with a participatory approach involving local communities which is a unique case in Kosovo. The inclusion of all important actors in this process such as Private Forest Owners, Kosovo Forest Agency, Ministry of Labour, and municipalities showed a successful practice of bringing communities working together for securing their sustainable development and improved family forest management.

One of the project’s main challenges was SUPPORTING KOSOVO PRIVATE FORESTRY to build a National Association of Private Forest Owners (NAPFO) with local member Associations of Private Forest Owners. At the start of the project private forestry was not organised in Kosovo. Only as small association of private forest owners existed. NAPFO has been re-structured and better positioned, achieving to be recognised as a valuable stakeholder in the Kosovo forestry sector. At the end of 2014 there were 16 local associations established at municipal level with over 3,600 members and its growing. The private forestry

FOREST ACTIVITIES on private owned land

FAMILY FARMin Kosovo



Gender aspects were taken in consideration in this project and major achievement in addressing gender issues was made. The National Associations of Private Forestry Owners successfully established woman sections within three branches. This have significantly improved women involvement and roles related to forest management, access to capital and resources, technical and economical elements of the whole value chain for certain non-timber forest products such as chestnuts etc. Increasingly women take place in governance positions in the associations.

One of the project objectives was facilitating the REGIONAL COOPERATION between the stakeholders, especially the family forestry associations from Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia. This good collaboration resulted in establishing a regional umbrella organisation REFORD (Regional Centre for Forestry and Rural Development), representing interests and providing services to private and communal forest owners and users from the Balkan region. REFORD aims to bring the collaboration between the Balkan family forest associations on a higher level, creating more

opportunities and improving the services they provide to the people. Compared with the situation in 2009 when the project started, REFORD’s network has grown with up to 7 member organisations from the region and it has proven its functionality. Member organisations effectively exchange information, learn, cooperate on developing new forestry practices, jointly addressing and advocating relevant private and decentralised forestry and rural development issues.

private partnership between forest owners Association of Kosovo and Rugova Municipality have been established within this pilot. Private forest owners are producing wood chips for heating of the school in their own community. This initiative contributed to rural economic development, awareness rising about potential use of wood biomass, sustainable use of forests and was highly appreciated by the community.

Another successful outcome from the project was implementation of a pilot project on wood biomass for production of energy. For this pilot project a primary school was selected aiming to replace the old wood stoves in the classrooms with a central heating system based on wood chips. This example promoted the use of wood biomass for production of bio energy and in same time demonstrating the influence on carbon emission reduction. First steps of public

Associations for private and communal forestry in different countries are at different stages of development and they are still developing. Service delivery is one of the major entry points for associations to support their members and become financially independent. The National Association of Private Forest Owners (NAPFO) from Macedonia was the first organisation from the region making the first steps in that direction. They provided support on clarifying mechanisms and procedures to private forest owners in applying for government subsidies for afforestation or restoration of sites affected by forest fires. This good practice continues and since 2014 additional government funds under the Rural Development Programme have been made available for family forest owners. This was a new opportunity for NAPFO Macedonia to continue providing services to family forest owners.

FAMILY FARM in Kosovo

NTF PRODUCT used in medicine

PROVIDINGheating wood for

the winter



CNVP successfully implemented the project on “AWARENESS ON FOREST CERTIFICATION AND CHAIN OF CUSTODY” in the Balkan region. Based on the interest in forestry, forest related industry and wider public about forest certification and con-sequences from the implementation of the EU Timber Regulation towards wood related industry, CNVP Foundation and PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification) have jointly implemented a promotional and awareness project in the countries from the region: Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo. As continuation to this activity, CNVP Macedonia implements the project “Design of Macedonian Certification System for Sustainable Forest Management”. This project elaborates the national Sustainable Forest Management criteria & indicators and also full certification scheme for Macedonia.

CNVP ALBANIA, KOSOVO AND MACEDONIA

CNVP WORKING ONENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITYCNVP work remains focused on EU integration and economic development of the Balkan region. In our efforts to secure sustainable development for the people living in mountain areas we have many more stories to share. Here are only few shared, others and further info on our programme and current projects can be found on the following link: http://cnvp-eu.org/cnvp/eng/projects.asp?kategorija=1

The WORLD BANK PROFOR project which started in 2011 is now successfully completed. The study on wood biomass production in Kosovo was completed in 2013. The study on erosion control in Albania continued till November 2014. Both study results provide insight in the role that sustainable forest practices have in erosion control. Sustainable forests prove an important resource providing environmental services (Erosion control, carbon and wood biomass for renewable energy). Sustainable forest management practices have a significant positive impact on erosion control and sedimentation. These results can be used for improving watershed management and introducing payment for environmental services. The results are disseminated and published by PROFOR, and used as an example in an EU DG Agr-Env publication. More info about this project one can find on the following link: http://www.cnvp-wbprofor.org/home.html.

In the implementation of the EU TREES project “Timber Regulation Enforcement to protect European wood Sector from criminal infiltration” we are proud to continue diversifying our activities. TREES project is a transnational project implemented with a wide consortia. It is a research project funded by EU as part of the ISEC Program (Prevention of and Fight against Crime). TREES aims at exploring anti-corruption potentialities of EU Timber Regulation, increasing cooperation among law enforcement agencies and private operators, improving their cooperation to fight against crime and transfer knowledge to EU member states.

Peter Kampen, CNVP Executive Director

“IIT REMAINS A CHALLENGE TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

MITIGATION IN THE BALKAN WHILE INCREASINGLY EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ARE NOTICED: FLOODING, EXTREME RAINFALL AND EROSION.”

http://cnvp-eu.org/cnvp/eng/projects.asp?kategorija=1

http://www.cnvp-wbprofor.org/home.html

www.cnvp-eu.org

CNVP foundation is a legal demerger from SNV. Our expertise is in forestry and rural development. We provide quality services in the Balkan and

beyond in Europe.

CNVP supports rural communities through improved livelihood, innovative

practices in rural development and forestry.

CNVP works on sustainable forestry in private and communal forests,

providing service on practices, methods and organisation in forestry.

We provide capacity building to organisations and people via coaching,

facilitation, technical expertise and knowledge to fulfil their mission.

Wood biomass production and connection of small scale forestry for production of renewable energy is a

core expertise of CNVP.

http://www.cnvp-eu.org

cnvp newsletter june 2015

Documents