Albania is currently facing vibrant changes toward a market economy as well as a better integration with neighbouring economies and the European Community. In this context, administrative decentralization coupled with the increased participation of citizens offers new opportunities. However, this process also leads to the emergence of new challenges, especially in terms of the management of natural resources that still constitute a key asset for many rural people, as well as for the national economy.

During the last decade, participatory mapping with communities has shown to be a useful tool for better identification/definition of primary and secondary resource rights; management of potential conflicts; increasing local community capacity for resource base management; and finally, to provide support to the spatial planning processes of local authorities. There are several experiences exist that constitute the basis for further discussion and mutual learning.
To further discuss and take advantage of such emerging opportunities and increasing livelihoods prospects of rural dwellers, the Albanian National Association of Communal Forest and Pasture organized an International Workshop entitled:

“Sharing Knowledge on Participatory Mapping for Forest and Pasture Areas-Combining different mapping techniques to address policy challenges in the management and use of forest and pasture lands.”

The workshop was organized in cooperation with the International Land Coalition and took place in Tirana from May 27th to 31st2007.
Almost 50 participants, including communities’ members, NGOs’ and IGOs’ representatives, government’s officials, academics, from Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Spain, Canada and Germany gathered for four days of vibrating discussions, including a field visit to the Commune of Bazi. The objectives set for the workshop were to: