Albania Races to Revive Forests After Devastating Wildfires

As Albania recovers from a summer of devastating wildfires in 2022, the country faces a daunting challenge to restore its shrinking forests and protect against future climate-driven disasters.

The blazes, which swept across parts of southern Europe earlier this year, burned nearly 60,000 hectares (around 150,000 acres) - or 2% of Albania's total landmass. The toll was heavy, claiming one life, destroying dozens of homes, and reducing vital forests to ash.

Now, locals and experts are grappling with the long-term consequences. "Forests are very important, and they need time to regenerate," says Armand Kisha, whose carpentry workshop and home were destroyed by the fires. Kisha mourns the loss of the pine forest that had surrounded him since childhood, lamenting, "We won't see green pines here like before. It's a catastrophe."

The local fire department is urgently warning of the need to rapidly restore the forest, as the risk of deadly floods looms. "This natural disaster could lead to deadly floods," says Ilir Llapushi, head of the Gramsh firefighting unit, explaining that the burnt-out forest floor struggles to absorb rainfall, leading to increased runoff.

In response, the Albanian government has announced an action plan to revive the country's forests. Prime Minister Edi Rama has banned construction on land affected by the blazes and pledged harsher penalties for arsonists, 10 of whom were arrested in August. However, experts say Albania lags behind in forest restoration efforts, investing the lowest amount in Europe.

As the country grapples with the aftermath, locals and environmentalists are pushing for a shift in the types of trees planted, favoring species that are more resilient to extreme conditions like fires, floods, and landslides. The road ahead is long, but Albania is determined to rebuild a greener, more disaster-resistant future.