“CONSERVATION AND THE REHABILITATION OF THE ENGLISH WALNUT IN ITS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ON THE VAL-MARTANESH REGION. ALBANIA”

Prepared by Dr. Gazmend Zeneli and M.Sc. Haki Kola

English walnut (Juglans regia L.) (Juglandaceae) is a very important hardwood species in Albania growing in many parts of the country where the climate is suitable for walnut growing. The need for conservation of this species is based on some of its characteristics, such as the scattered distribution of the species, the limited extension of the stands, and its precious timber, greatly appreciated for many uses. The Val-Martanesh population is perhaps the most valuable with individuals of outstanding qualities both in pomological and wood traits, being the last viable remnant of wild walnut populations in Albania. However, due to its high value, the species has been aggressively harvested, creating a limited supply of quality walnut trees. This natural population is under threat from a combination of human activities, chiefly fuel wood collection, grazing and pole cutting. More | Comment

R E P O R T

on the

NATIONAL SEMINAR

“Improvement of the Legal Framework for Sustainable Management of Communal Forests and Pastures in Albania”

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration and the National Association of Communal Forests and Pastures with SNV, SIDA and World Bank support has organized at Hotel Tirana International a two day seminar in 12-13 March 2008 on “Improvement of the Legal Framework for Sustainable Management of Communal Forests and Pastures in Albania”The seminar aimed to facilitate an open and constructive dialogue between key stakeholders in Albania on the legal framework that is related with management of natural resources (forests, pastures, etc.) in ownership/use of Local Government Units (LGUs), family/village groups, or individuals, and to discuss necessary improvements of related laws and bylaws. The seminar aimed also to assess the gaps and ambiguities of the actual legal framework and to make clear proposals on the improvement of the existing legislation.

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European Forest Week 2008

European Forest Week 2008 celebrates the contribution of European forests in mitigating climate change, providing wood and renewable energy, securing the supply of fresh water and protecting our environment.

The week was declared by the ministers responsible for forests of 46 European countries and is being jointly organized by the European Commission , the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations , the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe , in close collaboration with the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, France.
During the week of 20-24 October, a series of meetings will be held by these entities and other European forestry-related partners at the Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Rome events will bring together hundreds of individuals from governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, regional and international networks, United Nations agencies and the private sector. Senior forestry and other sector-related officials from all over Europe will attend. The meetings will provide a unique opportunity for diverse stakeholders and forest managers to share perspectives and seek solutions to some of the most challenging issues facing forests and forestry today: climate change, energy and water.

Link to the Website

“The status of non-state forestry in South East Europe ”

Conference in Skopje , Macedonia , 30.06 – 02.07.2008

Representatives of forest owner associations and state responsibles from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro as well as forestry experts from the Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Netherlands Development Agency (SNV), Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) participated in the conference and discussed a broad range of issues related to the management and administration of non-state forests in South-East Europe. More

Phenotypic variation in native walnut populations
of Northern Albania

Abstract

Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) germplasm from the region of Dibra, located in the northeastern part of Albania, was evaluated to determine the variability in walnut germplasm and to identify promising material for preservation. Considerable genetic variation in pomological and phenological characteristics was found in native trees which were of seedling origin. Variability found in nut weight was between 3.8 and 21.1 g, in kernel weight between 1.85 and 9.8 g, in weight kernel/weight nut ratio between 32.6 and 63.8% and in fat content between 42.0 and 71.5%. Nut size, bud breaking time, nut maturity time and phenological characteristics, were also evaluated. The obtained data indicate that the walnut trees studied in this region fall into seven botanical varieties. More

Main Findings of MID TERM REVIEW MISSION

June 9-25, 2008

A Mid-term review Mission of the World Bank and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and Dutch Organization for Development (SNV) was carried out from June 9 -25, 2008, to assess the progress in the implementation of the Albania Natural Resources Development Project (NRDP). More

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