Mid-term Review of Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Economic Development (SUNREED)

Purpose and use

The mid-term review of the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Economic Development (SUNREED) project in Kosovo aims to help the Swedish Embassy and the Connecting Nature Values and People Foundation to assess progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and guide adjustments for improved implementation. SUNREED seeks to reduce poverty in forest areas through income and jobs from sustainably managed forests, supported by policy and advisory services..

Conclusion

SUNREED has achieved notable success in gender-sensitive initiatives and non-wood forest products/medicinal and aromatic plants (NWFP/MAPs) market systems, contributing to livelihoods and environmental awareness. However, progress toward systemic outcomes—such as expanding biomass energy markets and carbon initiatives—remains uncertain due to over-optimistic assumptions and limited influence over national policies and large-scale investments..

Recommendation

Focus interventions on fewer, realistic areas; revise the theory of change; strengthen sustainability of advisory services for NWFP/MAPs and forest management; maintain targeted collaboration with key institutions; improve monitoring to capture lessons on market systems development; and enhance export potential through partnerships and market exposure.