The core grant support enabled PPNEA to strengthen governance, improve staff safety, and expand operational capacity. The board was expanded and steps were taken to transform PPNEA into a membership-based organization.
Working in remote and difficult terrains often without phone signal, staff safety was a critical concern. The grant funded GPS transmitters in vehicles to track locations during high-risk field visits, and an off-road driving course provided employees with practical skills to navigate dangerous terrains safely. These measures significantly reduced risks and improved field management.
Financial systems were enhanced with new software, and CiviCRM was introduced to strengthen community engagement. Two new middle management positions and an HR role were formalized, while plans for a fundraising officer are underway. Core support also allowed rapid responses to environmental issues, including campaigns to protect Albania’s protected areas, and helped maintain memberships in key networks like IUCN and BirdLife.