As part of the “Integrated Forest Management” (IFM) project along the Drin River, a specialized training programme was delivered to students of the Forestry High School in Pljevlja, Montenegro combining both theoretical insights and practical fieldwork.

The training focused on a highly relevant topic in sustainable forestry: the conversion of coppice forests into higher development forms. This complex yet crucial transformation process was broken down into understandable and engaging lessons for the students, who received specially prepared educational materials at the start of the programme.

The first day of the training took place in the classroom, setting the foundation with theoretical knowledge. On the second day, students took to the field, where they witnessed — and actively participated in — demonstrations of practical procedures necessary for forest conversion.

The enthusiasm and involvement of the students were evident, as they not only followed the lessons attentively but also took initiative, contributed to discussions, and completed every task assigned during the two-day training.

The sessions were led by forestry expert Prof. Dr. Ćemal Višnjić, with strong support from Petar Janjušević and Milorad Jelovac of the Forestry Administration, and Slaviša Lučić from the Forestry Institute, whose combined expertise enriched the training experience.

This initiative is a testament to the IFM project's commitment to empowering the next generation of foresters with practical skills and sustainable forest management knowledge.