In Pecaj, Shalë Administrative Unit of Shkodra Municipality, an important step has been taken towards forest restoration and sustainable land use. As part of the Integrated Forest Management (IFM) project, supported by ADC, grant beneficiary Zef Beci and his son Sokoli have successfully carried out chestnut planting on their land in Pecaj village.

This initiative is more than just planting trees, it’s a story of hope, continuity, and intergenerational dedication. The land, once overgrown with shrubs and unusable, was cleared, prepared, and transformed with support from the IFM project. What followed was a carefully coordinated process: digging planting holes, placing selected chestnut seedlings, and ensuring proper irrigation for their healthy growth.

The process involved several key steps:

• Clearing the area from dense vegetation
• Digging holes according to technical standards
• Planting quality chestnut seedlings
• Watering and ensuring proper care of the young trees

This effort is not only a physical transformation of the land but also a symbolic one, a commitment to reviving traditional forest landscapes, increasing local incomes, and enhancing environmental sustainability in the region.

“I’m proud to be part of this initiative. With my son’s help and the project’s support, we’ve done something that will bear fruit for years to come,” says Zef with a quiet, hopeful smile.

The chestnut planting in Pecaj stands as a living example of how small-scale interventions, driven by dedicated individuals and supported by development projects, can bring meaningful, long-term change to rural communities.

This activity was carried out as part of the Integrated Forest Management (IFM) project, supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and implemented by CNVP Albania.