Forest moratorium: the extent of logging decreases but the intensity of exploitation increases
The Republic of Albania in 2016 approved the implementation of a 10-year moratorium aimed at stopping uncontrolled deforestation by 2026. In the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Program, PPNEA undertook a study – to develop a methodology which assessed deforestation during the period 2016-2018, as well as the impact of the forest moratorium. For the realization of this study, the region of Munella was chosen, a candidate to be declared as a protected area. The results of this study are presented in the report “ Creation of a methodology for verification of logging in the Wider Munella Mountain Region ”.
The study started through the analysis of satellite images ( Remote Sensing ) and firewood plots approved by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and implemented by the municipalities of Puka, Rrëshen , Fushë – Arrëz and Kukës. The working group was confronted with a heterogeneous area, which has been exploited and destroyed by human hands for years.
However, the analysis of the collected data showed that the forest moratorium has been positive in preventing deforestation in large areas, but they have intensified in the area of small (whether these cuts are legal or illegal).
In addition, the lack of georeferenced data on plots designated by the respective municipalities for their use for firewood made it difficult to accurately identify legal or illegal logging in the Munella region. . PPNEA recommends and encourages the responsible institutions to apply this methodology for assessing the impact of the forest moratorium throughout the country until 2026.
