Recent wildfires that swept through areas from Kruja e Kurbini to Tirana and Mallakastër have resulted in the burning of approximately 2,400 hectares of forest and scrubland. While this figure represents the smallest area burned over the past decade, authorities caution that active fires in regions such as Abazë, Priskë, or Cikalesh could potentially increase the total affected hectares. The economic toll resulting from this year’s fires is estimated to be nearly 15 million euros.
This assessment accounts for the necessary costs associated with reforestation efforts, soil regeneration, and the loss of valuable woody materials. The incident highlights a broader environmental challenge facing Albania. The nation’s forest cover is shrinking, with the green surface area currently estimated at only about 1.1 million hectares.
This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including recurring fires, illegal logging activities, and insufficient efforts to replant vegetation. Data from the Institute of Statistics indicates that the persistent pressure on natural resources is accelerating the loss of woodland. The ongoing combination of destructive fires and unsustainable practices threatens the country’s limited natural buffer.
Addressing this requires comprehensive strategies to mitigate future fire risks while simultaneously implementing robust measures to restore and maintain the remaining hectares of forestland.
Topics: #fires #burned #hectares
