PPNEA undertook an assessment study of forest loss in the regions of Munella and Polis-Gur i Zi-Valamare, during the period 2016-2023. These two regions are an important shelter and reproduction site for the Balkan lynx in Albania. This study was carried out within the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme.
The data were collected through the method of satellite images obtained from the Center for Monitoring Forests in the World (Global Forest Watch) as well as from field verifications carried out by PPNEA experts during the period February – May 2023 in the Munella region. The GFW provides accurate and reliable data that estimates the rate of forest cover, loss, and regeneration on an annual basis across the globe. The study area for the Munella region covered an area of 1521 km2, while in the Polis – Gur i Zi – Valamara region the coverage area was 720 km2. Within the two study areas, the Munella Nature Park, Bjeshket e Oroshit, Sopot-Stravaj, Dardhë-Xhyre, and Guri i Nikës-Valamare Protected Areas are included.
Analysis of the data obtained by GFW revealed that both regions exhibited marked changes in forest cover. In 2010, within the study area of 1521 km2, about 43% of the surface was classified as forest or 654 km2 in the Munella region. The growth rate of forests is estimated at 5.1% over 20 years. Forest loss from 2016 onwards was 2.2 km2 per year. The main causes have been fires and logging.
In Polis-Valamare, approximately 42% of the region was considered forested in 2010, or 304 km2, with very limited reforestation and ongoing forest loss of approximately 0.32% per year or 1 km2 from 2016 onwards. In this area, fires have had a low impact on loss compared to deforestation.
The study areas of Munella and Polis-Valamara highlight the differences in fire and logging as causes of deforestation.
| Study area | Munella | Polis Valamara | ||
| Average annual forest loss (2016-2022) | 0.33% | 2.18 Km2 | 0.32% | 0.97 Km2 |
| Average forest loss from fires | 57% | 4% | ||
| Average forest recovery (2000 - 2020) | 0.25% | 1.67 Km2 | 0.10% | 0.34 Km2 |
| Average annual forest recovery (2000-2020) in new or reforested areas | 0.7 Km2 | 0.4 Km2 | ||
In conclusion, the results of this study clearly show that in both areas, the rate of forest loss is higher than that of regeneration. The loss of forests from fires and logging is worrying. Although the forest moratorium has been implemented in Albania since 2016, in the study areas there is no improvement in the forest cover, on the contrary, we have a decrease in it.
Based on the results of the study it is recommended:
1- Carrying out joint patrols with NAPA specialists, relevant RAPA, National Forest Agency, and Municipalities, to prevent logging and fires in the study regions.
2- Increasing the implementation of the Forest Moratorium on the ground through monitoring and verifications of licensed entities before the Moratorium period.
3- Review of firewood use plots by the responsible institutions.
4- Development of the Management Plan for Munella Nature Park.
5- Merging and expanding of Protected Areas within the Polis-Gur i Zi-Valamare ecosystem based on the re-evaluation of biodiversity and the socio-economic aspect.
6- Joint actions for forest regeneration through reforestation and restoration measures.
