FLASH
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Fires have scorched 57,000 hectares of forests and grasslands across Albania this year, according to data from the European Forest Fire Information System. The threat from fires is increasing every year as a result of climate change and severe drought.
The 2024 annual report of the National Environment Agency states that, "forests are expected to be significantly affected by future climate change", which could lead to more fires, fewer forests, reduced productivity and consequently a reduction in forest areas for some species (fir, European spruce, Scots pine, etc.). Likewise, due to the reduction of forests, extreme rainfall will cause flooding in the western part of the country and along coastal areas.
Likewise, climate change can also damage pastures and meadows, impairing their quality or even causing the extinction of endemic species.
The report states that fires increased significantly in the country last year and the damage they caused was the burning of 18.5 thousand hectares of forests and pastures.
"In the forest/pasture fund administered by the Municipalities, there were a total of 269 cases of fires, of which: 213 cases of fires in the forest fund, 56 cases of fires in the pasture fund. The year 2024 was characterized by a situation with numerous cases and a significant area of fires, mainly during the months of July, August and September, where the total area affected by fires at the national level in forests and pastures was -18,562 ha," the report states.
The National Environmental Agency has also raised concerns in the report about the deterioration of tree crowns, which has resulted from fires or drought.
"Observations conducted on the phenomenon of needle drop for coniferous species and leaf fall for deciduous species show that there is an increase in this phenomenon during this year, these are arguments to show a deterioration in the condition of tree crowns. These reactions of trees have come as a result of the impact of drought, lack of air humidity and water, which have caused the fall of needles and leaves," the report continues.
The agency says that uncritical exploitation of forests and fires are putting several tree species in the country at risk, so immediate measures must be taken.
"For some of the species such as; Caucasian Oak (Celtis Tourneforti), Oak (Quercus robur L), Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Wild Hazel (Corylus colurna L) etc. which are at the extreme limits of endangerment, it is necessary to establish an ''in-situ'' and ''ex-situ'' conservation network for these species.
"The causes of the threat of extinction for the above species are different and mainly as a result of changes in climatic indicators or the destruction of their habitat. The threat also comes as a result of indiscriminate exploitation that occurred in previous years or fires that occurred in their area of location ," the report continues.
It is also suggested that an awareness campaign be launched about the importance of these trees in order to show increased care, but also by raising the risk that could arise if these tree species disappear.
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