In support of the French Lyceum in Korçë, against the felling of the pine trees!

The Community Foundation “Korçarët Ndihmojmë Korçarët” (Korçans Helping Korçans) expresses its full support for the project to construct the French Lyceum in Korçë, not only as a tribute to the city's historical legacy, but also as a reflection of the traditions of knowledge and education that our city embodies, and as an opportunity for its future development. However, in the interest of transparency and in response to the serious public concern regarding the environmental consequences of this project's implementation, particularly the felling of decades-old pine trees within the premises of the Faculty of Natural and Human Sciences—an outright environmental massacre—we hereby request that the Municipality of Korçë, the Ministry of Education, the Territorial Development Agency (AZHT), the National Inspectorate for Territorial Protection (IKMT), “Fan S. Noli” University of Korçë, and any other competent environmental authorities involved in the project, within their respective legal mandates, publicly provide the following information and documentation: 1. Territorial planning and construction authorization - The General Local Territorial Plan and all relevant planning documents establishing the current designated use of the site, including clarification as to whether the area is classified as green space. - Details of the building permit, if issued, including its reference number, date of issuance, issuing authority, and validity period. - If no building permit has been issued, information on the specific legal act authorizing the commencement of preparatory works and any interventions on the site. - Clarification as to whether the felling of trees is expressly provided for in the approved project and whether such intervention forms part of the building permit or requires separate authorization. 2. Authorization for the felling or relocation of trees - The decision, order, permit, or authorization allowing the felling, relocation, or damage of trees within the site. - Identification of the institution and the responsible official who issued the relevant decision. - A copy of the inventory of the affected trees, specifying their number, species, condition, and location. - The technical report or professional assessment justifying the necessity of felling the trees, including an examination of alternative solutions for their preservation or relocation. - Site inspection reports, work orders, contracts, and any other documents identifying the entity carrying out the intervention. 3. Environmental assessment and protection - The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) document. - The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documentation, including any preliminary or final decision, or the relevant administrative act determining whether the project is subject to such a procedure. - Clarification as to whether the site falls within any specially protected area, historical zone, or perimeter subject to specific protection restrictions. 4. Green space rehabilitation and environmental compensation** - The landscaping and green space rehabilitation plan following the intervention, specifying the number, species, and locations of the trees scheduled for planting. - Information regarding compliance with Council of Ministers Decision No. 336/2026 concerning the Green Tree Fund. - Administrative documents, inspection reports, inventories, and photographic evidence relating 5. Legal status of the French Lyceum project Clarification as to whether the special law concerning the establishment of the French Lyceum has been adopted by the Parliament of Albania. Clarification as to whether the special law concerning the establishment of the French Lyceum has been adopted by the Parliament of Albania. The development of an educational project of such importance to the city of Korçë must be accompanied by complete documentation and full compliance with all legal obligations relating to territorial planning, environmental protection, and the preservation of existing green spaces. Its implementation must, under all circumstances, avoid any damage to the city's ecosystem and its natural and forestry heritage. We are confident that full transparency will be ensured as soon as possible, in the best interests of Korçë and the civic values that our city has upheld throughout its history and will continue to uphold for generations to come. Community Foundation “Korçarët Ndihmojmë Korçarët”