Kosovo lost almost 16 thousand hectares of forests in 22 years

Between 2000 and 2022, Kosovo lost almost 16 thousand hectares of forest land, or 2 to 3.5 hectares per day. Illegal logging is considered the main phenomenon that leads to the loss of hundreds of hectares of forest land in Kosovo. Deforestation in Kosovo is one of the biggest environmental challenges of recent decades, influenced by illegal logging, urbanization and climate change.

The consequences of this phenomenon are severe and long-term, affecting the loss of biodiversity as well as the deterioration of air and soil quality. From 2000 to 2022, Kosovo has lost over 15 thousand 980 hectares of forests. The non-governmental organization Sustainability Leadership Kosovo (SLK), which is committed to promoting sustainable development and environmental protection, has shown that based on the monitoring carried out, the rate of deforestation continues to be worrying.

"Although there have been efforts to limit this loss through protective measures and forest rehabilitation projects, the rate of deforestation remains alarming."

According to the organization, one of the main reasons for this loss is illegal logging.

"Forests are being destroyed due to the high demand for wood as an energy source and for commercial purposes, especially during winter."

Also, poor forest management, climate change, and the lack of effective plans for the protection and reforestation of affected areas are other factors that are worsening the condition of the country's forests.

"Illegal logging remains a serious problem, although it does not always translate into massive deforestation. Fires, which have been better managed in recent years through preventive measures, as well as forest degradation due to uncontrolled exploitation, remain significant challenges."

In order to improve the situation, Sustainability Leadership Kosovo (SLK) recommends a more advanced technological approach to combat this phenomenon.

"The use of drones and sensors for real-time forest monitoring can help identify and stop illegal logging."

However, in addition to this, SLK demands that institutions seriously engage in implementing the law against forest destruction.

"If we want to stop deforestation, tougher penalties must be imposed on those who commit illegal logging and cooperation between public institutions and the private sector must be improved to create stronger forest protection policies."

Meanwhile, the Kosovo Forestry Agency says that the data SLK possesses on forest loss is not accurate. According to them, forest areas in Kosovo have increased.

"From the forest inventory data (2002-2012), forest areas in Kosovo have increased by 20 thousand hectares. The damage justified by reports from forest guards was 4,372 m³ of wood mass, while the damage not covered by reports reached 9,492 m³, bringing the total damage to 13,864 m³ of wood mass."

During 2023, the KPA filed 2,465 reports of illegal logging.

"Some of the measures that should be taken to protect forests include subsidizing alternative energy sources to reduce pressure on forests, imposing harsher penalties for those who commit illegal logging, improving working conditions for forest guards, and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation to better coordinate forest protection efforts."

According to the Kosovo Criminal Code, anyone caught cutting down tree trunks in forests can be fined or imprisoned for up to five years – depending on the amount of trees cut down. Data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) shows that most of the forests in the country are under state ownership. But, due to the destruction of forest land, among the types of forests, this agency also lists a category for degraded forests. According to SLK studies, forest degradation is at higher levels, especially in the border areas of Kosovo, where forest monitoring is less./ Monitor