The former communist regime nationalized all forests and removed some areas of forest to create terraced agricultural land. From 1991-1992, farmers and villagers protested during the governmental transition by cutting down fruit trees and destroying the forests. Today, forests and pastures are under increasing pressure from local needs and commercial interests, and are overused for fuelwood, timber, and fodder for animals. The farmer groups consider erosion control and pollution as their main concerns.
The Agroforestry Project initiated in 2001, is focused in reforestation around the farms, sapling planting, manure processing and meadow planting. The project is implemented in 7 communities in Lezha, Pogradeci, Lushnja and Vlora districts, where saplings of different kinds of trees are planted.
Heifer Albania aim through this project is:
To help to control erosion by planting saplings, to restore the forests that were destroyed
To increase soil fertility and protect the environment by training farmers in the processing of animal manure for organic fertilizer
To increase awareness concerning environmental protection and reforestation