Strategies for improvement of Kosova\u27s forest resources / [presentation given in May 2011]

This capstone project assesses the forest resources of Kosova which is known to have a problem with degraded forests and shrub forest. The degraded forests and shrub forest comprise about 40.9 % or 182,202 hectare of the total forest area. Illegal loggings, forest fires, pests and diseases contribute to the formations of wastelands in Kosova. About 14 % or 66,404 hectare of the total forests areas are barren forestlands ... The goal of this project is to gradually transform the degraded forests and shrub forests into higher producing forests, with the aim of improving the wood productivity, an advanced forestland management and the environment benefits that they offer. A sustainable and standardized management of the reforestation / afforestation programs will contribute to watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, wood productivity, wood that could be used for fire needs, timber industry development and unemployment alleviation. Another fundamental aim is that will give employment to labor in certain zones where marked unemployment is. Reforestation/afforestation efforts indicates a need for approximately 500 people per year in the establishment of forests plantations, which includes functions such as nursery work, seed processing, seed production, land preparation and planting. They have a significant impact on employment, especially in rural areas, due to its labor-intensive nature. This will create additional jobs and will foster the local economy