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Environment and Sustainable Development

We try our best to keep in track with the goals of sustainable development to promote the kind of development that minimizes environmental problems.

ACER works toward the environment issues, such as: land treatment, drinking water sources, urban waste treatment, natural resources, cross-border issues for the protection of common natural resources, planning for environmental management, educating new generation with the feeling and obligation to protect the environment, and encouraging healthy lifestyle.
Also, ACER contributes toward the improvement of the legal basis of the environment, as well as raising awareness for related problems.

Completed Projects

Period Donor Name of the Project Summary
January 2020 – December 2022 EU TACKLING WATER POLLUTION AND PROMOTING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION RELATED TO WATER BASINS / Gjakova And Kukes Clean Water Project The overall design of the project is aimed at “strengthen good neighbourly relations and foster environmentally friendly and social inclusive economic development of the bordering regions through promotion of their touristic potential and respect of its common cultural and natural heritage. The action is also been design as such that it directly contributes to the specific objective of “Protecting the environment, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, preventing and managing risk” and to the corresponding result of “Environmental resources in the Programme area (Kukes Region in Albania; Gjakove/Djakovica in Kosovo) ate preserved and valorised.
May 2018 – June 2021 UNDP National Entity To Develop A Study On Participatory Approach Management Of Protected Areas In Albania This project seeks to assist the GoA in reducing existing funding gaps for the system of protected areas, improving the management of individual protected areas, improving cost-efficiencies in individual protected areas and building financial management capacities of protected area nationwide by increasing the capacity of the central and local staff. The project activities focus at two levels of support: i) building the financial management capacities of the agency responsible for administering the system of protected areas; ii) demonstrating the efficacy of different financing strategies in a sub-set of individual protected areas.
2018 UNDP Developing And Conducting Training On National Environmental Indicator Monitoring And Reporting To Rio-Conventions And Eu The project “Establishing Albania’s Environmental Information Management and Monitoring System aligned with the global environmental reporting” aims to strengthen capacity for environmental monitoring and information management in Albania by establishing an operational Environmental Information Management and Monitoring System (EIMMS). The project will address the need for an environmental monitoring system that is integrated throughout relevant government institutions and that uses international monitoring standards for indicator development, data collection, analysis and policy making.
June – December 2018 World Bank Social Mid-Term Survey For The Environmental Services Project The aim of this study is to evaluate school lunches and after school care as well as students’ performance project that the Municipality of Tirana has piloted in 2018. The results of the mid-term social survey will be compared to the social baseline findings so as to highlight the project’s results and impact with a special focus on assessing behavioral changes assumed to be resulting from the Project components and active engagement of people in targeted forest and adjacent communities, a)social and economic outcomes of the Project activities on individual households and communities living in the project areas; b) governance capacity enhancement at the local level; and c) satisfaction of beneficiaries about the implementation of project activities and its results on the ground.
July 2015 World Bank Social Baseline Survey, Environmental Services Project The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to support sustainable land management practices and increase communities’ monetary and nonmonetary benefits in targeted Project areas which are mainly in erosion prone rural upland areas. This PDO is to be achieved through the support of alternative livelihoods and provision of environmental services and through sustainable utilization of wood andpasture products in the long term. The Project will particularly focus on enhancing the financial, economic, and institutional sustainability of land use and natural resources management, and will help build capacities of Albania farmers, community organizations and government institutions to efficiently use EU funding.
December, 2014-December, 2015 WB Albania Albania / Water Sector Investment Project This project has as main objectives to (i) improve the quality of water and wastewater services in the Durres Water Utility Service Areas; and to (ii) improve the financial performance of Durres Water Utility. The project will finance priority water supply investments, including, six water production wells and a bulk water transmission line that will provide up to 640l/s additional supply capacity to address the acute water shortages experiences in the Durres Water Supply Service Area; ancillary investments linking settlements in the Durres service to the bulk transmission pipeline and priority investments in the water distribution network in Durres.
April – June 2013 EBRD/ARUP Albania: Durres Port Dredging Project: Dry Bulk Traffic Forecast. The proposed project will finance the dredging of the entrance channel and harbour basin at the Port of Durres in Albania to allow vessels with a draft of 10.5 m to enter the port, equating to vessels of a size of 30,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage) for bulk cargo or 1,700 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) for containers.The project will have significant demonstration impact as the first loan to a state-owned company on a non-sovereign basis in the transport sector. Additional transition impact will be gained from the introduction of energy efficient technologies, improvement of environmental standards and the use of concessions as the port migrates to a landlord port model.
December 2012 -March 2013 Mountain Development Areas Agency (MADA)/IFAD Impact Assessment ”Sustainable Development Of Mountain Rural Areas Program” (Sdmra) And “Mountains To Market Program” (Mmp) The objective of the Impact Assessment was to the basis for future quantitative and qualitative assessment of the progresses and issues confronting the SDMRA and MMP achieving the Programs’ expected development outputs, affects and impacts. In addition, the Impact Assessment of the SDMRA and MP programs, provided MADA and other interested institutions a good base to define the future requests for special and diagnostic studies in the Program implementation area, command and implementation.
Sep - Dec 2012 GoA / Ministry of Environment, Water Administriation and Forestry - NRDP Project “Social, Institutional And Economic Assessment (Siea) Of The Project Completion Impacts” (Natural Resources Management Project - NRDP) The assignment aims to evaluate the project's impact near its completion, focusing on its social and economic outcomes for households and communities in the project areas, the improvements in local governance capacity, and the level of beneficiary satisfaction with the activities and results. It includes an economic assessment of the project’s benefits, such as income sources, the role of natural resource management in livelihoods, the sustainability of communal management, and efforts to reduce soil degradation. The social aspect examines the inclusion of vulnerable groups, community satisfaction with implementation, and participation in management planning. Finally, the institutional dimension explores the effectiveness of training programs for local bodies and the impact of transferring forest and pasture ownership to communes on sustainable development.
July 2012–Feb 2014 COWI-IPF WBIF Feasibility Study and ESIA for IAP - Ionian Adriatic Pipeline The Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) connects the existing and planned gas transmission system of Croatia with the planned Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). The investment aims to establish a new supply route for natural gas from the Middle East and Caspian region along the Adriatic coast. The construction of the IAP, over 500 km long, will provide a sustainable, diversified and reliable supply of natural gas for Albania, Montenegro, southern Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This transmission connection will also enhance the economic development of the transited countries and bring much-needed environmental benefits, such as the reduction of emissions.
March – July 2012 Mountain Development Areas Agency (MADA) Preparation Of The Environmental Management Plan In The Framework Of Encouraging Sustainable Development Of Tourism In The Municipality Of Has The aim was to:
  • To assist local government in organizing an inclusive process for analyzing, defining, and presenting in detail (spatially) the current state of the environment and resources to develop ecotourism in the respective territory. This includes emphasis on forests, pastures, green spaces, road networks, pedestrian paths, geological and hydrogeological situations, protection of sensitive facilities, agricultural resources, services and their capacity, biophysical constraints, and other non-renewable resources.
  • To develop, with community and stakeholder participation, an "Environmental Management Plan" to achieve a desirable state of the environment as an asset for ecotourism and agro-tourism development. This also aims to minimize the negative effects of tourism development on the environment and prepare local capabilities for plan implementation.
April 2012 - Jan 2013 World Bank Albania “Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan Regional Sanitary Landfill & Waste Transfer Station- Southern Coastal Region (Albania)’ The World Bank is supporting Albania's Government through the Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Clean-up Project (ICZMCP), aiming to promote sustainable tourism in the Southern Coastal Region. The project includes public environmental infrastructure, remediation of pollution from a former chemical plant, and community infrastructure improvements. A key component is the development of a regional sanitary landfill and waste transfer station to improve waste management and environmental conditions in the region. The Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) ensures fair compensation for landowners affected by the construction, in line with World Bank policies on involuntary resettlement.
August – Dec. 2012 World Bank Albania Protection and Sustainable Development of Lake Shkoder/Skadar Watershed The project assisted Albania and Montenegro in implementing the Strategic Action Program for the protection of Lake Shkodra, which the two countries had recently adopted. It was aligned with the IW 2007-2010 Interim Strategy and the draft IW Strategy for GEF 4, aiming to address transboundary water concerns. The project introduced ecosystem-based approaches and Integrated Water Resources Management to balance development needs with ecosystem sustainability. Given Lake Shkodra's vulnerability to pollution and excessive water withdrawal, the project sought to ensure the long-term sustainability of its environmental services.
July – October 2011 GoA/ Ministry of Environment, Water Administration and Forestry – WATER Project Implementation Unit Preparation Of Proposed Albania Water Sector Investment Project/ Durres Social Assessment The WATER PIU will construct a new water supply pipeline from a well field at Shekruge to Durres, spanning approximately 25 km, to provide reliable water service to the city. The existing pipeline will supply water to villages along the current route, and the project will also improve the Durres wastewater system. The consortium will carry out two tasks:
  1. Prepare and assist with the implementation of a resettlement action plan for the new pipeline, wastewater system improvements, and impacts from community water tanks and infrastructure.
  2. Conduct a social assessment in communities served by the reallocated pipeline to ensure sustainable impacts.
Oct. 2009 – January 2010 GoA/ Ministry of Environment NRDP/ Ministry of Environment Social Survey For Natural Resources Development Project The project development objective is to establish or maintain sustainable, community-based natural resource management in about 218 communes in upland and mountainous erosion-prone lands. This will lead to enhanced productivity and incomes derived from sustainable resource management, reduced soil degradation, improved water management, conservation of biodiversity, and strengthened public sector management of these resources. The project global environmental objective is to reverse severe degradation of upland and mountainous erosion-prone lands, and sediment runoff to the Adriatic Sea, through rehabilitating and sustainably managing natural resources, including globally significant biodiversity.
Oct. 2009 – March 2010 GoA/ Ministry ofEnvironment / World Bank Social Economic Assessment Lake Shkodra/Skadar Integrated Ecosystem Management Project (Lsiemp) - Baseline The overall objective of the Lake Shkodra/Skadar Integrated Ecosystem Management Project (LSIEMP) is to maintain and enhance the long term economic value and environmental services of the Lake Shkodra/Skadar and its natural resources. The project required the creation of a comprehensive baseline report of the existing Social and Economic conditions. The baseline report enabled an impact assessment of the LSIEMP-related activities. The creation of a Socio-economic baseline report provided an opportunity to develop a common approach to the management of social and economic issues in the region. Understanding the socio-economic baseline aimed to support the overall delivery of sustainable development through the integrated management of water resources, land use and economic development.
Oct. 2009 – Feb. 2010 MADA Baseline Study Of The Mountain To Market Programme The overall goal of the MADA is to raise the standard of living for people in poor mountain areas by increasing agricultural production and productivity, improving household food security and nutrition, boosting incomes from agriculture and related rural enterprises, and enhancing rural infrastructure. The overall objective of this baseline study is to provide the foundational socio-economic indicators for future quantitative and qualitative assessments of the performance of the MADP in achieving the program's expected development outputs, effects, and impacts.
January 2009 - April 2009 Regional Environmental Center Community Participation In Drafting The Action Plan For Urban Waste Management "A Cleaner Environment In The Commune Of Balldre: Healthy Individuals And Communities” This project focused on promoting community participation in the development of an Action Plan for Urban Waste Management in the Commune of Balldre. It aimed to create a cleaner environment by engaging local communities in addressing waste management issues. The project emphasized the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes to improve waste disposal practices and promote environmental sustainability. By improving waste management, the project sought to ensure healthier individuals and communities in Balldre.
September 2006 – March 2007 World Bank Preparation Of A Draft Bilateral Agreement Between Albania And Montenegro For The Protection And Sustainable Development Of Lake Shkoder/Skadar And Its Watershed This project focused on preparing a draft bilateral agreement between Albania and Montenegro for the protection and sustainable development of Lake Shkoder/Skadar and its watershed. It aimed to establish a framework for joint efforts to preserve the lake's ecosystem and manage its water resources sustainably. The agreement sought to address environmental challenges, promote cross-border cooperation, and ensure the long-term ecological health of the lake and its surrounding areas. The project also aimed to support sustainable development activities in the region while balancing environmental protection with economic growth.
2006 OSCE Toolkit For Management Of Environmental Concerns At Local Level This project developed a comprehensive toolkit to support local governments in addressing environmental challenges. It offered practical solutions and strategies for managing issues like waste, pollution, and resource conservation at the community level. By equipping local authorities with the necessary tools, the project aimed to enhance their ability to implement effective environmental management practices. Ultimately, the toolkit was designed to foster sustainable development and improve environmental conditions in local communities.
5/2005 - 12/2005 World Bank (WB) Lake Shkoder Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis The overall objective of the Lake Shkoder Integrated Ecosystem Management Project is to assist the Governments of Albania and Montenegro in achieving more sustainable use of the natural resources of Lake Shkoder and its watershed. In this TDA an inventory of the available environmental data is made. The state of the environment, its use, and their developments were assessed in Lake Shkoder and its watershed, based on the data collected. The environmental pressures and threats to the lake and its basin have been identified and partly quantified. Finally, a set-up for a bilateral management strategy, including goals and approaches to address the identified problems, and some proposals for investment options are presented.
Mar 04–Jun 04 MADA/IFAD / DfID Feasibility Analysis For Rural Infrastructure Rehabilitation Programme This project focused on conducting a feasibility analysis for a Rural Infrastructure Rehabilitation Program. It assessed the potential for rehabilitating key infrastructure in rural areas, including roads, water supply systems, and energy networks. The analysis aimed to identify the most viable solutions for improving infrastructure, considering economic, environmental, and social factors. The goal was to provide recommendations that would enhance the quality of life in rural communities by improving access to essential services and promoting sustainable development.
October 2003 – May 2005 Royal Haskoning / DfID Institutional Strengthening Of The Ministry Of Environment, Albania This project aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Environment in Albania. It focused on improving the ministry's ability to design, implement, and monitor environmental policies and programs effectively. The project provided technical assistance, training, and resources to enhance the ministry's operational efficiency and decision-making processes. The goal was to enable the Ministry of Environment to better manage Albania's natural resources and address environmental challenges in a sustainable manner.