EU4Rivers

Overall Objective

To maintain or improve the water bodies’ quality status in Albania.

Summary of the Project

Enhancing the implementation of the National Water Reform and the progress of Albania towards meeting EU water legislation requirements.

Supported by European Union (EU) and International Partnerships Austria, this project intends to improve accuracy and availability of data & information, strengthen monitoring systems to European standards, and invest in water monitoring equipment. River basin management plans for Vjosa and Shkumbin will be drafted and the existing management plans for other basins upgraded. The strategic and institutional framework for the implementation of the marine strategy framework will be established. Consultation and dialogue among stakeholders will be enhanced and institutional capacities strengthened.

By doing so, local communities will have access to clean water for present and future generations, better access to reliable information and a voice on measures to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the resilience of river and marine ecosystems to environmental changes including sustainable use of water resources.

The EU4Rivers project tackles pressing challenges which rivers in Albania are facing and addresses critical issues affecting Albania’s marine environment. Acknowledging the vital role that rivers and seas play in ecosystems, economies, and the overall welfare of citizens,
the intervention aims to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

Activities

Key Activities 1:
– Develop roadmaps for clear implementation of EU water acquis;
– Develop necessary legal instruments to underpin Eu water acquis;
– Develop a systematic scenario-building approach and revise the National Strategy for
Integrated Water Resources Management.

Key Activities 2:
– Develop Vjosa and Shkumbin river basin management plans;
– Upgrade the existing management plans for other remaining river basins and support their
implementation;
– Facilitate transboundary dialogue and develop joint initiatives on water monitoring.

Key Activities 3:
– Develop and implement an operational water monitoring program aimed at ensuring
compliance with EU water acquis;
– Enhance the capabilities of referenced national laboratories through equipment upgrades
and training in accordance with the national water monitoring program;
– Strengthen the monitoring network, facilitating improved data collection, assessment,
sharing, reporting, enforcement, and addressing current water policing shortcomings.

Key Activities 4:
– Develop a comprehensive baseline assessment on the environmental status of Albania’s
marine waters;
– Formulate targeted strategies for Adriatic and Ionian Seas;
– Strengthen the institutional capacities for development and implementation of MSFD.

#SaveRiversSaveSeas

Results

Output 1:
The legal and institutional framework of the overarching Integrated Water Management is
substantially enhanced in line with the requirements of the EU water acquis.

Output 2:
Implementation of River Basin Management Plans is increased in all river basins in line with
the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.

Output 3:
Water monitoring, reporting and enforcement are enhanced in line with the requirements
of water-related EU acquis for water.

Output 4:
The strategic and institutional framework for the implementation of Marine Strategy
Framework Directive is established.