Regional updates: Hazelnut farming in Albania and wildfire alerts in Mali Sharr

In Gjirokastër, Albania, hazelnut cultivation is becoming an increasingly important fruit culture. Approximately 150 farmers are currently managing around 100 hectares of hazelnut trees. While the crop is grown in blocks rather than being widely dispersed like olive trees, farmers are facing significant logistical challenges. Specifically, there is a lack of collection points for the harvest, and fluctuating market prices have led to decreased earnings for some producers.

Meanwhile, in North Macedonia, the Mali Sharr National Park Public Institution (IPPK) has issued an urgent appeal following several fires detected over the weekend. Fires were recorded in the areas of Urviç, Gradec, and Leshnica. Due to high temperatures and dry weather conditions, authorities warn that the risk of wildfire remains very high. Officials are urging citizens and visitors to avoid lighting fires in nature and to refrain from discarding flammable waste to prevent further spread.