Evaluation of Erosion Rates in Relation to Vegetation Coverage Level—Case Study: Kukësi and Hasi Regions, Albania

Soil erosion is one of the most destructive phenomena of earth causing the loss of land, leading to increased pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers, clogging these waterways. Due to soil erosion, degraded lands are also often less able to hold onto water, which can worsen flooding. Among all natural causes of soil erosion such as rainfall intensity, temperature and wind, the human activity; massive deforestation and intensive agriculture, including the latest climate changes are considered as very important factors especially nowadays. Thus, evaluating the soil erosion appears very important in order to prevent the phenomena. In this study the soil erosion in forest and pasture areas in Kukësi and Hasi regions (Albania) was evaluated, and classified depending on the degree of coverage by forest vegetation. Detailed information for the above factor was gathered from site visits and national databases of different institutions. Results show that erosion is present in forest and pasture areas in Kukësi and Hasi Regions and is mainly caused by human activities such as large deforestation, intensive use of agricultural land, etc. There is a need to take effective measures and use advanced methods to prevent or control soil erosion not only in Kukësi and Hasi regions, but in all Albanian watersheds.