NEWS

Update 39: The first monitoring of survival rate in Voskopojë

Setting up monitoring points and counting

Our Voskopojë planting area has a total area of 7.8 ha; however, only up to 2 ha is suitable for restoration. In autumn 2025, we planted 1,233 2-year-old Black pine (Pinus nigra) saplings. You can find more details about the planting operation in our Voskopojë reforestation timeline.

Additionally, we planted another 200 1-year-old Black pine (Pinus nigra) saplings in spring 2026 as part of our Alternative planting methods research project.

During this monitoring event, we established 4 permanent monitoring points (each covering 100 m²), which will allow us to track the survival rate over the 3-year period required by the Albanian law.

As usual for late-spring or early-summer monitoring, the results are incredibly positive: all 4 monitoring points show healthy growth and 100% survival rates. This is of course misleading. July, August, and early September are typically very hot and dry, which significantly affects the survival rate of saplings (especially those planted incorrectly, as shown in picture 2).

Inspection of the saplings

We also explored the entire planting area and inspected saplings from the planting operation as well as the research project. The results are very positive, with most of the saplings showing healthy growth and minimal signs of pest infestation. In the 3rd picture (with the bottle), the section above the last branches shows very good growth for 2026.

We did find some saplings that were planted incorrectly (picture 2), with exposed root systems, which is an issue directly bound to the workers training, skill and supervision. These saplings are at higher risk of dying during the hot summer months.

The saplings from the research project are growing exceptionally well and we are very happy with the results. Here, we are also collecting research data related to soil moisture and temperature. The data show that the 1-year-old saplings have more moisture available due to lower disturbance of the soil.

You can read all about the research project in our Alternative planting methods page.

What’s next?

The next monitoring needs to be done after the summer season, in September, to check the survival of the saplings and see whether any additional care is needed. We hope to see some of you in Voskopojë in September to help with the monitoring and see how the saplings are doing.

If you want to help with the monitoring, please contact us at hello@treesforlure.org or join our mailing list on the homepage to get updates on the next activities.