Afforestation with modern technology
Basic information
Project Title
Afforestation with modern technology
Full project title
Afforestation with modern technology of large areas in degraded areas in Korce Municipality
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
Aerial afforestation is an innovative approach that offers the possibility to plant-wide and
geographically challenging areas within a very short time. Our technique uses heavy load
drones to plant the tree seeds which are encapsulated using a special technology. Inside the
capsules, seeds are assisted and protected during the early stages of growth. By using drones,
it is possible to afforest large forest areas at a cost that is significantly less than that of traditional afforestation
geographically challenging areas within a very short time. Our technique uses heavy load
drones to plant the tree seeds which are encapsulated using a special technology. Inside the
capsules, seeds are assisted and protected during the early stages of growth. By using drones,
it is possible to afforest large forest areas at a cost that is significantly less than that of traditional afforestation
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Korca region, Albania
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The green cover of trees in Korca Region has being heavily reduced, mainly due to the fact that this region is the main consumer of firewood in Albania. It counts around 450,000 cubic meters of firewood consumed annually only for heating purposes. This is too much compared to the traditional measures taken for afforestation. For this purpose we are implementing this new and inovative technique which gives us the opportunity to plant hundreds of thousands seed capsules in a matter of days, without the need of human resources and with a very low cost compared to all other known methods. On the other hand the support and protection that the capsule offers to the seeds during the first months of growth, multiplies its chances for success compared to both the natural and also human applied methods.
To our experience, this has shown to be the most sustainable technique so far. Certainly this is closely related the the unique combination of the favorable factors such as high efficiency, low cost, independence from almost all the known obstacles that are faced during the application of conventional methods.
To our experience, this has shown to be the most sustainable technique so far. Certainly this is closely related the the unique combination of the favorable factors such as high efficiency, low cost, independence from almost all the known obstacles that are faced during the application of conventional methods.
Key objectives for sustainability
Aerial afforestation is an inovative approach that offers the possibility to plant wide and geographically challenging areas within a very short time. Our technique uses heavy load drones to plant the tree seeds which are encapsulated using a special technology. Inside the capsules, seeds are assisted and protected during the early stages of growth.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Forests are invaluable to humanity, providing a myriad of benefits. They serve as the Earth's lungs, purifying the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Rich in biodiversity, forests offer habitats for countless species, contributing to the overall health of our planet. These vital ecosystems regulate water cycles, preventing floods and ensuring a steady water supply. Additionally, forests act as crucial carbon sinks, mitigating climate change. Economically, they provide resources like timber and non-timber products, supporting livelihoods. Culturally significant, forests are often integral to traditions and spiritual practices. Moreover, they offer recreational opportunities, medicinal resources, and serve as educational hubs. Preserving and sustainably managing forests is imperative for the well-being of both nature and people.
Key objectives for inclusion
In January, we started work on the massive planting of forests from the air. This type of
reforestation consists of 'shooting' from the air to the ground, a biodegradable capsule
containing three seeds of the tree being planted.
The first mission involved the planting of black pine on an area of 90 ha between Qafa e
Martes and Pylli i Lirzes in the southwestern edge of the Municipality of Korça. We started
the work from the most distant areas to gradually approach the closest ones where the work
becomes easier.
In this first attempt which was also the test pass, a total of 33 flight missions were carried
out and approximately 15,000 black pine seeds were 'shot' within 5-6 hours. With the most
pessimistic projected success rate of plant growth that scientifically with this type of
technique stands at 10-17%, we aim to have 1500 to 2000 pine trees that will grow and
become beautiful trees. Forest science does the rest of the work using technology
reforestation consists of 'shooting' from the air to the ground, a biodegradable capsule
containing three seeds of the tree being planted.
The first mission involved the planting of black pine on an area of 90 ha between Qafa e
Martes and Pylli i Lirzes in the southwestern edge of the Municipality of Korça. We started
the work from the most distant areas to gradually approach the closest ones where the work
becomes easier.
In this first attempt which was also the test pass, a total of 33 flight missions were carried
out and approximately 15,000 black pine seeds were 'shot' within 5-6 hours. With the most
pessimistic projected success rate of plant growth that scientifically with this type of
technique stands at 10-17%, we aim to have 1500 to 2000 pine trees that will grow and
become beautiful trees. Forest science does the rest of the work using technology
Results in relation to category
Up to this moment we have implmented this approach once during last january and are currently under process on a second series of it.
During the first attempt, we covered a surface of 90ha on the south-western edge of Korca Municipality, planting around 15,000 seeds of Pinus Negra. During the periodical follow-up we measured a success rate of around 15% which is very promising.
Currently we are under process of planting almost 4000 ha of pine, oak, beech and fir forests.
Lately Albania has marked the lowest record ever on the size of the forest cover and for this reason we are convinced that this is the right moment to take strong and serious action.
During the first attempt, we covered a surface of 90ha on the south-western edge of Korca Municipality, planting around 15,000 seeds of Pinus Negra. During the periodical follow-up we measured a success rate of around 15% which is very promising.
Currently we are under process of planting almost 4000 ha of pine, oak, beech and fir forests.
Lately Albania has marked the lowest record ever on the size of the forest cover and for this reason we are convinced that this is the right moment to take strong and serious action.
How Citizens benefit
This kind of project requires the invovlement of the communities and local government. The first are integral part of the project in terms that the collection, selection and preparation of the tree seeds are done by the affected communities. This way they have the opportinity to become part of the project, feel belonging and also provide some additional income for their families. This process also ensures the sustainabilty due to the compatibility with the authoctonus ecosystems from where the seeds are harvested.
On the other hand, the involvement of the local government institutions and public service enterprises, is a must. The stipulation of areas and/or parcels to become subject to afforestation, is made by them accordind the specifications, needs and other factors.
The entire process, from the very beginning with the collection and preparation of the seeds, to the finish with the finalizing of the planting process, is very low cost and has got the best cost-effect ratio. The all-time participation of the citizens and the strong sense of belonging that they develop while contributing is the first effect that we distinguished last january when we pioneered this approach in Albania. Schoolchildren are also actively involved on the process of filling of capsules.
On the other hand, the involvement of the local government institutions and public service enterprises, is a must. The stipulation of areas and/or parcels to become subject to afforestation, is made by them accordind the specifications, needs and other factors.
The entire process, from the very beginning with the collection and preparation of the seeds, to the finish with the finalizing of the planting process, is very low cost and has got the best cost-effect ratio. The all-time participation of the citizens and the strong sense of belonging that they develop while contributing is the first effect that we distinguished last january when we pioneered this approach in Albania. Schoolchildren are also actively involved on the process of filling of capsules.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Aerial afforestation is an inovative approach that offers the possibility to plant wide and
geographically challenging areas within a very short time. Our technique uses heavy load
drones to plant the tree seeds which are encapsulated using a special technology. Inside the
capsules, seeds are assisted and protected during the early stages of growth. By using drones,
it is possible to afforest large forest areas at a cost that is significantly less than that of
traditional afforestation, which costs $15,000 per hectare and plants no more than 4,000
seedlings, adding a large number of seeds to the area and adhering to the natural form of
forest formation. The project's goal is to plant 200 hectares or so using the aforementioned
technique in a year, with the area being monitored both before and after the seeds are sown.
geographically challenging areas within a very short time. Our technique uses heavy load
drones to plant the tree seeds which are encapsulated using a special technology. Inside the
capsules, seeds are assisted and protected during the early stages of growth. By using drones,
it is possible to afforest large forest areas at a cost that is significantly less than that of
traditional afforestation, which costs $15,000 per hectare and plants no more than 4,000
seedlings, adding a large number of seeds to the area and adhering to the natural form of
forest formation. The project's goal is to plant 200 hectares or so using the aforementioned
technique in a year, with the area being monitored both before and after the seeds are sown.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The aerial reforestation technique is very new and has so far been successfully tested in
Australia, Germany, and Portugal.
We aim that by the end of the season, taking into account the technical and financial
limitations, we will be able to plant autochthonous crops (black pine, spruce, ah, etc.) in an area
of 3,000 hectares, which means about 1 million seeds fired which means 100 thousand
trees planted.
We are currently working in several areas and our goal is to expand the coverage area.
Australia, Germany, and Portugal.
We aim that by the end of the season, taking into account the technical and financial
limitations, we will be able to plant autochthonous crops (black pine, spruce, ah, etc.) in an area
of 3,000 hectares, which means about 1 million seeds fired which means 100 thousand
trees planted.
We are currently working in several areas and our goal is to expand the coverage area.
Methodology used
In this first mission, two drones were involved, one to map the terrain and a second large one
to transport planting equipment.
The aerial reforestation technique is very new and has so far been successfully tested in
Australia, Germany, and Portugal.
We aim that by the end of the season, taking into account the technical and financial
limitations, we will be able to plant autochthonous crops (black pine, spruce, ah, etc.) an area
of 3 thousand hectares, which means about 1 million seeds fired which means 100 thousand
trees planted.
We are currently working in several areas and our goal is to expand the coverage area.
to transport planting equipment.
The aerial reforestation technique is very new and has so far been successfully tested in
Australia, Germany, and Portugal.
We aim that by the end of the season, taking into account the technical and financial
limitations, we will be able to plant autochthonous crops (black pine, spruce, ah, etc.) an area
of 3 thousand hectares, which means about 1 million seeds fired which means 100 thousand
trees planted.
We are currently working in several areas and our goal is to expand the coverage area.
How stakeholders are engaged
Since the first publication of this initiative in January 2023, it received a wide interest from different stakeholders, starting from governing bodies, donors and ending down to individuals who offered to contribute. The first campaign was relatively limited and was financed internally from our organization while currently we are implementing a campaign that is covering part of Korca and Devoll Municipalities and is supported by an international donor organization. In the meantime we are aiming into finding additional support for covering all the areas of concern in three municipalities of Korca Region. The objective is to give strong evidence of success by the next year in order to widen the initiative in national level.
Global challenges
Preserving local forests is a comprehensive strategy that tackles various global challenges. It addresses climate change by acting as a carbon sink, contributes to biodiversity conservation, and plays a crucial role in water resource management by preventing soil erosion and regulating river flows. Additionally, forest preservation supports indigenous communities, prevents deforestation and desertification, promotes economic sustainability through responsible resource management, and enhances air quality by absorbing pollutants. Furthermore, it aids in adapting to climate change impacts and contributes to global health by providing medicinal plants and acting as a buffer against certain diseases. In essence, preserving local forests is a holistic approach to environmental sustainability.
Learning transferred to other parties
This project implementation requires basic knowledge of seed caring and processing, requires some technical skills in drone operation and that is basically it. The only obstacle to implementation can be the weather conditions.
That means that the project is easily replicable in every setting despite working conditions or development status
That means that the project is easily replicable in every setting despite working conditions or development status
Keywords
Planting
Drone
Technology
Biodegradable capsule
Seed
