On 19 June 2025, the second national Landscape Fire Management (LFM) workshop took place in Tirana, bringing together more than 20 representatives from institutions across science, policy, and practice. The event was held within the framework of the Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans (LFMWB) Programme, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Building on the outcomes of the initial kick-off meeting and the establishment of the national LFM network, this second workshop marked an important step forward in strengthening national collaboration and aligning efforts toward the development of the Country report with LFM Guidelines.
The workshop was organised by the LFMWB Country Partner Institution in Albania—the Ministry of Tourism and Environment—in cooperation with the Regional Fire Monitoring Center (RFMC).
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ylli Hoxha, Country Focal Point from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of strengthening capacities, fostering inter-institutional cooperation, and aligning national efforts with regional priorities. He pointed out the crucial role of stakeholder engagement in shaping Albania’s national approach to landscape fire management.
Representing the LFMWB’s Regional Executive Agency-Farmahem, Mrs. Marija Sterjovska, underlined the Programme’s holistic and preventive approach. She noted that the LFMWB Programme aims to increase the resilience of forests and landscapes for the people who depend on these landscapes for their livelihood and socio-economic development. Moreover, she highlighted that the Programme builds on national, regional, and international know-how and expertise and aspires to contribute to substantial and lasting collaboration in the Western Balkans.
During the workshop, the Country Project Staff, Mr. Arjol Lila, presented the draft Country Report, setting the stage for an interactive discussion where participants actively contributed to its refinement. Through discussions and group work, they offered valuable recommendations and insights drawn from their diverse institutional experiences. The group work, moderated by Mr. Aleksandar Karaev, focused on shaping the LFM Guidelines and conducting a SWOT analysis.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment from all participating stakeholders to continue strengthening the national LFM network and contributing to the development of a coherent and coordinated approach to landscape fire management in Albania.