At Liqeni i Dushkut in Gramsh, the landscape tells two stories at once. One belongs to the past, marked by fire and scorched terrain. The other is unfolding now, quietly and deliberately, through rows of young black pines beginning to reshape the ground around the lake.

This transformation is the result of a joint effort led by CNVP Albania, supported by Raiffeisen Invest Albania, and implemented in close partnership with the Municipality of Gramsh. What was once a fire‑affected area is now a living example of how damaged ecosystems can be guided back toward recovery through technical planning, cooperation, and long‑term commitment.

During a recent field visit, representatives from the private sector, local government, and the diplomatic community walked through the plantation to observe the progress on site. Present were Christian Canacaris - CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Albania; H.E. Monika Zach - Ambassador of Austria to Albania; Besion Ajazi - Mayor of Gramsh and Anila Aliaj - Director of CNVP Albania. The visit was not just ceremonial, it was a moment to see on the ground, how sustainability commitments translate into visible environmental change.

With CNVP’s technical guidance and Raiffeisen Invest’s financial support, more than 10 000 black pine seedlings have been planted across 5 hectares on the surroundings of the glacial lake. This intervention goes beyond restoring vegetation. It contributes to soil stabilization, erosion control, biodiversity recovery, and the long-term ecological resilience of the area.

“Restoration is not immediate. It is a process that requires planning, patience, and partnership,” said Anila Aliaj - Director of CNVP Albania. “Here in Gramsh, we can already see how careful technical work and cooperation with local institutions are setting this area on a clear path toward ecological recovery.”

The Municipality of Gramsh played a central role in enabling the intervention, supporting local coordination and ensuring that restoration efforts align with environmental priorities of the area. The collaboration between local authorities, technical expertise, and private sector support made it possible to move from intention to action.

For Raiffeisen and CNVP Foundation, the project reflects a broader commitment to initiatives that create tangible value for the environment and for communities through practical, long‑term partnerships.

Today, the young pines around Liqeni i Dushkut are still small. But their presence signals something significant: where fire once left marks on the land, recovery has begun through shared responsibility and concrete action.