This evaluation of SNV’s collaborative forest management programme in the Balkans (in Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia) in the period 2004-2006 concludes that it has been well executed. In general the programme’s goals have been met: in respect of protection of natural resources and capacity building at farmers’ and civil servants’ level enormous achievements can be registered. SNV’s input is highly estimated, by clients and beneficiaries, as well as by the major co-funding organisations. The building of the forestry association network in Albania, at local, regional and national has been done fast and convincing. The spreading of the forestry programme to Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia in 2006 does already bring forth positive results in these countries.

Some weaker aspects are also mentioned. Although the impact of the programme on the subsistence level has been good for farmers and forestry owners, income generation has not set off well. This might hamper a further stable development of forest users associations and could even lead to less protection of the natural environment. Land and user rights for forest communities need to be addressed. Also, gender aspects have been weak. To counter these weaknesses and to profit in the near future from the value chain approach, the evaluation report sums up a set of criteria to be met. More attention shall be paid to assist clients to meet EU pre-accession conditions.