Effective financial management maximises the benefits to CSOs working on nature conservation.

Financial resources are essential for nature conservation today because they enable conservation organisations and governments to fund important conservation initiatives and protect natural habitats and species. Furthermore, financing can help to support communities that live in or near natural habitats, providing economic incentives for these communities to participate in conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices. This can help reduce the pressure on natural resources from unsustainable economic activities like logging or illegal fishing.

Three civil society organisations – Une Gruaja, Pogradec, AlbNatyra Librazhd, and ACEG Prespa – are taking steps to improve their financial management skills through a training program supported by PONT. The financial training which took place on March 1^st in Tirana, facilitated by a financial management expert, will undoubtedly be beneficial in helping the staff of these NGOs to improve financial policies and procurement procedures, record keeping, cash and bank management etc.

Effective financial management is crucial for the success of any project, and it is commendable that these organisations are taking proactive measures to ensure they are using project funds to achieve the best results in nature conservation. It is also encouraging to see these organisations sharing their experiences and knowledge. Cooperation among civil society organisations is essential for achieving collective goals and maximising the impact of conservation efforts. These organisations can leverage their strengths, pool resources, and achieve more significant and lasting results by working together. Overall, this is a positive development for the nature conservation sector in Albania and hope that other organisations follow their lead in prioritising financial management, cooperation, and networking.

In conclusion, a good management system is crucial for civil society organisations’ grant management and financial stability. It ensures accountability, compliance, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, all of which are essential for the success and longevity of these organisations.