WE DRAW ATTENTION Five years have passed since the inventory of our country’s forest fund was taken. During this period, the dynamics of changes in this fund, according to the forest cadastre, point to several deteriorating trends and phenomena that are leading to a reduction in timber reserves. To be clear: although around 20,000 hectares of new forests have been planted during these years, the forest area has remained at a standstill. Some planting has taken place within the forest fund, but the rest has been done on bare land; nevertheless, there has still been no net increase. The reason for this situation is the opening up of new land and the creation of cultivated meadows. Without doubt, the needs of the economy require, among other things, an expansion of the area of arable land, which will come mainly at the expense of forests. New land is being opened up in forests with shallow soil and at high elevations. But who calculated whether it is more beneficial to keep this area forested or clear it for fields or meadows?! No one has made these calculations and, with a stroke of the pen, the committees ... Even more telling is the fact that the figures above do not reflect reality: the real figures are higher, especially for firewood. At the meeting with officials of the Pukë district, comrade Ramiz Alia drew attention to 1,000 m³ of firewood, nearly three times more than is planned on paper. If we also add the amount of firewood burned by the city, the balance shows that 3.3 times more firewood is being cut than can be sustained. Take several districts: in Kolonjë, with its long, harsh winter, each rural family is officially entitled to burn 1.6 m³ of firewood a year. It is easy to understand how unacceptable such an arrangement is. In the Fier district, which has 28,000 rural families, 3,500 m³ of firewood is planned for burning, or 0.12 m³ per family, whereas 1.9 m³ is allocated to each family in the city. It is clear that a villager, especially in the northeastern areas, burns as much firewood as needed. Forest enterprises have repeatedly asked for the quantities cut in the forest to be included in the plans, but this request has not been taken into account in the name of “balancing.” Thus, firewood cut outside the plan is recorded neither in the forest cadastre nor in statistical reports. Forest enterprises do not report this, because it would be considered a breach of the plan and, naturally, they would be held responsible for it. So, over the last five years, the volume of the forest fund has been reduced on paper by 3.5 million m³, while in reality this figure reaches 7.6 million m³. Since this is a fact, we believe it should be planned for in order to understand the phenomenon... The study (carried out in cooperation with the village people’s councils, household by household) showed that 1.920 million m³ had been consumed. Likewise, the shared wish was expressed that these relations and sincere friendship develop and grow even stronger in the future. Views were also exchanged on several aspects of the current international situation and on political developments in the regions of the Middle East, the Balkans, the Mediterranean and Europe. …great difficulties. But who calculated whether it would be for arable land or meadows?! No one has done these calculations, and, with a stroke of the pen, executive committees approve the clearing every year of several thousand hectares of scrubland, which is the basis of firewood production. On the one hand, forests are planted; on the other, forests are destroyed, while the balance remains negative. The second and more important phenomenon is the annual decline in the volume of timber. From 1985 to last year, the volume of timber fell by 3.5 million cubic metres, of which about 700,000 cubic metres were usable timber and the remainder firewood. This decline in the volume of forest resources is due to the fact that the plan calls for more logging than the forests’ annual capacity allows. What concerns us most… …growth capacity. This happens because, under the state plan, last year the city was allocated more firewood for consumption than the countryside, even though 67 percent of the population lives in the countryside and firewood is its only source of energy. How is it possible that the State Planning Commission plans for each rural family to burn an average of 1.9 m3 of firewood a year, a figure lower than the allocation to urban families, when the latter also use other energy sources? Let us see… …7a, six years ago. The allowable cut in the forest resources is estimated at 3.5 million m3, whereas in reality it reaches 7.6 million m3. Since this is a fact, we believe that plans must be made to understand the dangerous phenomenon whereby forest resources are shrinking by 1.5 million m3 of timber every year. If this pace continues, by the end of this century forest resources will have declined by around 15 million m3, representing 20 percent of the total volume of the forests. Conscientiously acknowledging this truth, it is necessary to undertake studies—not ones that end up in drawers, as has happened until now, but studies that solve this acute problem, and in particular the replacement of firewood with other energy sources. FADIL LUBANI Director of the Forest Station.

AN URGENT TASK OF THE DAY YESTERDAY AT THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ELECTRIC POWER The prolonged drought is having worsening consequences not only for agriculture, but also for the electric power system. River flows are now three times lower than the long-term average. This has reduced daily electricity production from hydroelectric plants and significantly depleted energy reserves, which are so necessary for the summer ahead. Yesterday, at the General Directorate of Electric Power, we found people analyzing this problem and defining measures to cope with this extraordinary situation. RUDOLF BRANHJA, head of the technical department, explains: “Since the end of January, there has been a decision by the Council of Ministers providing for reductions in electricity-use quotas. But it is evident that in some districts and among some major consumers, this has not been properly understood or assessed. Here are some of the districts with the greatest overruns: SHKODRA, VLORA, FIERI, TIRANA, PERMETI, etc. By contrast, the districts of ELBASAN, KRUJË, DURRËS, POGRADEC, KUKËS, etc., which are within their quotas, are setting a commendable example. Let us not forget: the overrun in just the first 25 days of March by the Fier nitrogen fertilizer plant would meet the daily needs of a district such as Shkodra or Durrës. Meanwhile, the overruns by Vlora’s PVC plant are equal to the daily quota of Krujë, Berat, Korçë, etc. Such thoughtless consumption is unacceptable. “Meanwhile, irrigation has begun everywhere in agriculture. It is undoubtedly necessary, but is there not room to work with oversight and discipline, especially at reservoirs, where not only water is used but electricity as well, to refill them or operate the many pumping stations? “It is essential that the headquarters set up in the districts and enterprises do not remain merely formal, but realistically identify where this resource can be saved in practical terms. “Some of the main areas requiring attention are: “- Bring scheduled maintenance forward. “- In the heat-treatment departments and melting furnaces of mechanical plants, operate on extended cycles, after determining this for the details, avoiding the ‘stop and start’ practice, which encourages indiscriminate electricity consumption. “- Do not allow any machine or unit to run idle or at low load. “- Where there is more than one transformer and capacity is excessive, take one out of service. “Everyone can find ways and means to save when they truly understand the situation. The capable person is the one who meets their duties while saving, not by using electricity without restraint.” AVDUL DULE

- DIBËR - The district’s electricity overrun, compared with January, has fallen considerably in recent days. Whereas the overrun in January was 400,000 kilowatt-hours, during these first 25 days of March the district has made savings. However, we learn that the Bulqizë mine alone has exceeded its quota by 240,000 kilowatt-hours in these days. Within Bulqizë, task forces have met many times to address this issue. They discuss matters, compile records and adopt decisions to correct faults and waste in the mine’s sectors. Nevertheless, very little has been done to put these matters right. In addition, a problem was raised: accurate planning, as has also been raised in some cooperatives. (Continued on page 2)

- POGRADEC - From March 1 to 25, the district saved 132,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. At first glance, this gives the impression that consumers are using electricity well. But when one asks whether these savings will be maintained, there is uncertainty. Here is why: during this period, the electric furnace in the enamelling department of the various products enterprise was not operating. But in recent days, to meet production needs, this electric furnace, which consumes a considerable amount of energy, has been put into operation. As a result, from having been an energy-saving enterprise, the various products enterprise has now become a consumer exceeding its quota. What will be done? Everyone in the district who consumes electricity should take note of this fact. Why? So that their sense of responsibility for saving grows and they can meet ... This responsibility must grow especially among consumers such as the collection enterprise, which is now exceeding its quota. KOSTAQ DUKA

- SHKODËR - The overrun since the beginning of the year is considerable: more than 6 million 400 thousand kilowatt-hours. Among the major user enterprises exceeding their consumption plans, Bushati, Dajçi and Dedajt have the largest overruns. Enterprises in the industrial system are also exceeding their quotas compared with the January and February average. This points to the reserves available everywhere. Meanwhile, by March 25, more than 800,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity had been consumed above plan. As is clear, no proper action has been taken to bring about a fundamental change in the situation. RIFAT DAJTI

- SHKODËR - consumers exceeding the consumption plan for this resource is agriculture. Apart from the Water Directorate, which has good figures this year, it has consumed more than 500,000 kilowatt-hours above its target during this period. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Construction. The truth is that in these days of March concern has been greater than in previous months. The fact is that the overrun has been halved.

From the beginning of the year through March 25, 235,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been saved. Given the prolonged drought, work has focused on two fronts: making use of every available opportunity and water reserve to generate electricity at local hydroelectric plants, and ensuring consumers use it sparingly. Despite the dry weather, the hydroelectric plants of Qarishë, Stravaj and Orenjë have consistently met their targets. In recent days, Xhyra has also come within its quota. Nevertheless, the 25-day electricity production targets have been met only to 90 percent, because the Funars hydroelectric plant failed to meet its targets. Investments have been made at this hydroelectric plant for more than a year to bring the third turbine into operation, but a turbine that arrived recently, manufactured by a mechanical plant in Korçë, also proved defective. The responsible department is aware of this delay, but no solution has been provided. Over the 25-day period, electricity savings across the district exceeded 90,000 kilowatt-hours. But not everyone is equally concerned about saving even a watt. Thus, the geological enterprise in Prenjas exceeded its electricity consumption by 31,000 kilowatt-hours, and the Prenjas NFP by 20,000. The railway district and the roads enterprise have also exceeded their quotas. This points to irresponsible work by some of their managers. XHEVDET ALMETA

The day before yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Jusuf Vali, received the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Agriculture of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Pali Miska, and held warm and friendly talks with him. During the meeting, they discussed the friendly relations and cooperation existing between our two countries, as well as their further development in various fields of mutual interest. On this occasion, they spoke about the traditional ties between the two peoples and expressed their shared wish for these relations and sincere friendship to develop and grow even stronger in the future. They also exchanged views on certain aspects of the current international situation, including Balkans, the Mediterranean and Europe. Albania’s ambassador to Cairo, Kajo Alikz Cerga, was present. The delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Agriculture Pali Miska also visited Egypt’s Scientific Center for Intensive Agricultural Development and Animal Husbandry Research Institute, where it held separate talks with the deputy ministers of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Adel El Beldagy and Dr. Mamduh Ashraf El Din. At these meetings, they discussed the further development and consolidation of relations between Albania and Egypt in agriculture and animal husbandry, and emphasized the need to exchange knowledge and experience, specialists, and to promote cooperation among scientific research institutions, etc. (ATSH)

The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Comrade Ramiz Alia, sent the following congratulatory telegram to the president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Hossain Muhammad Ershad. The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Comrade Ramiz Alia, sent the following congratulatory telegram to the president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Hossain Muhammad Ershad: «The anniversary of your country’s independence gives me the opportunity, on behalf of the Albanian people, the Presidium of the People’s Assembly and myself, to send you and the people of Bangladesh our warm greetings and best wishes for happiness and prosperity». (ATSH)

IMPORTANT SCIENTIFIC EVENT — Based on an interview with Dr. Shahin Kadare, national coordinator of the Albanian Government’s project «On cancer control», implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Norwegian physician Dr. Harvey, WHO expert and coordinator of this seminar. — Today in Tirana, in one of the halls of the Palace of Congresses, the plenary session of the national seminar on the fight against cancer begins its work. It is organized by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO). This event, which will continue until March 30, is the first of its kind to be held in our country, within the framework of the project drawn up two years ago between the Albanian Government and UNDP: «On cancer control». All Albanian oncology specialists and distinguished figures in the fight against cancer from Norway, England, the Federal Republic of Germany and Austria, as well as the WHO representative in Copenhagen, are taking part in the seminar. Three main papers will be presented at the plenary session. After the plenary session, the seminar will continue its work in five sessions in the conference hall of the «Tirana» hotel. At each session, which will be conducted around a round table, a prominent specialist and a foreign WHO expert will present papers. On the most important issues, in addition to the two main discussions, there will be substantive scientific debates, questions, clarifications, discussions, further contributions, etc. The aim is for the seminar to be a genuine working meeting, where the exchange of views is expected to clarify many issues concerning WHO’s global and regional strategy for the fight against cancer and the Albanian Government’s programme. WHO insists that the programmes of all countries in the region be presented, for example those of the European continent, with their priorities and main problems in the fight against cancer. This would greatly facilitate cooperation among the forces… (Continued on page 2)

In the centuries-old forests of Qafë-Bari in Munellë, Pukë. (Photo: R. Zeneli) In the centuries-old forests of Qafë-Bari in Munellë, Pukë. (Photo: R. Zeneli)

• FACING ELECTRICITY SHORTAGES DURING THIS PERIOD OF DROUGHT (p. 1) • BUREAUCRATIC AND COMMAND-STYLE METHODS IMPEDE SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT (p. 2) • A FEELING OF RESPECT AND LOVE (pp. 3–4) • KOSOVO DOES NOT NEED MEDDLING (p. 4).