Today, an information session was held in Pukë within the framework of the Integrated Forest Management Along Drin River Basin (IFM) project, bringing together around 30 local farmers and community members interested in learning more about the grant call and available support opportunities.

Representatives of the Municipality of Pukë showed strong cooperation and appreciated the project’s efforts to support local economic development through environmentally responsible activities. It was highlighted that Pukë is rich in natural resources, which should be used carefully, protected, and further developed in a sustainable way.

Discussions also emphasized that many farmers have strong ideas and physical capacity but lack financial and logistical resources. Therefore, financial support, along with capacity building for project development and implementation, remains essential for strengthening family economies.

Representatives of CNVP Foundation were welcomed by the Mayor Mr. Rrok Dodaj highlighting the importance of the project and the help needed from the farmers of the region to develop their activities.

The Municipality of Pukë provided staff support and the Municipal Council office for the activity, with the Chair of the Municipal Council personally attending the session. The municipality also expressed its willingness to assist farmers in preparing the required documentation, helping to ease the grant application process.

Interest in the call was high, with participants actively engaged and seeking detailed guidance on how to complete the application documentation correctly and effectively.

The session in Pukë reaffirmed the importance of such initiatives, which combine financial support with sustainable development and empowerment of local farmers.

This project is funded by International Partnerships Austria, initiated by ICEP – Association for Global Development, and implemented by CNVP Foundation.