Some monitoring stations in Tirana have recorded Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) levels above acceptable limits while the concentration of Fine Particulate Matter PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ have exceeded the limits set by international organizations such as the World Health Organization. High concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) in areas with intense traffic and a noticeable rise in temperatures in certain urban areas, were recorded where asphalt and concrete surfaces retain heat for long periods. These findings are part of a study prepared within the framework of the GreenAL project, developed and published by Co-PLAN. The alternative monitoring of air quality and acoustic pollution in Tirana has highlighted high concentrations of several major pollutants. The results of this study provide an overview of the main issues related to air and acoustic pollution in the city, helping to address the necessary measures for improving environmental conditions. At the same time, workshops on water management issues for the Drin and Buna rivers have identified another gloomy reality in Albania- an expected reduction in summer precipitation—by almost 9-20% by 2050, leading to a reduction in groundwater recharge, linked to changes in the seasonality of rainfall and snowfall.

EU in Albania

As climate change, plastic waste and pollution are endangering Earth’s species and waters, by threating life itself, the whole cycle of life needs now more than ever an extra and systemic human effort. Recognizing the importance and potential impact of these efforts on our environment, the European Union Delegation to Albania has supported several initiatives—some already completed, others currently ongoing—across various fields, ranging from cleaning, recycling, reducing and reusing, to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable growth.

Through the “EU for Circular Economy and Green Growth - Waste Infrastructure in Albania”, the environmental and health impact of solid waste in Gjirokastër, Kukës and Vlora is currently being reduced. The project is improving the living conditions of 190,000 inhabitants in these three different regions. While increasing infrastructure capacities, supporting circular economy and green growth, resource efficiency, recycling and reuse, the project also includes studies, investments in terms of works and supply of equipment and technical assistance. It is supporting municipalities and their utility companies in managing the new infrastructure, as well as public campaigns and awareness raising. Other EU funded initiatives, have improved the protection of the environment, providing green business models, developing waste prevention programmes, helping to build composting centres or Material Recovery Facilities comprising a Hazardous Waste Management Plan. In addition, through “EU4Rivers” and “EU for a Cleaner Environment – Water sector Performance and Investment Programme”, the water bodies’ quality status in Albania is maintained or improved, triggering a national water reform and investing for new and rehabilitated water and waste water infrastructure, contributing as well to environmental aspects and water resilience.

EU in Albania

In long-term and with comprehensive programmes, which include various areas, eco-friendly habits, reduction of energy use, support for renewable energy sources and care for nature have been highlighted through awareness raising initiatives, concrete actions and support for different projects.

Hydropower generation, green energy, water and wastewater systems, flood protection and solid waste management in all the 61 municipalities of the country are comprised as key infrastructure projects at “The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF)”, another EU funded programme. Innovative, green and inclusive solutions for sustainable food systems and livelihoods and their further promotion to address challenges related to climate changes and biodiversity losses are included to “Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans – Our shared European future”. Here, the Western Balkan countries’ citizens, benefit from a healthy and environmentally friendly food system as well as their farmers and farmers associations across the region.

EU in Albania

In several completed projects and activities organised, solid pollution spots have been mapped, rivers have been cleaned, while reducing the pollution of Adriatic coastal waters, protecting ecosystems of the Ohrid – Prespa Trans-Boundary Region, raising awareness to communities living close to the National Parks, while empowering environmental civil society organisations to promote nature protection in Albania. All these initiatives, have preceded “EU for Nature - to support Albania in achieving Natura2000 standards and protect biodiversity in Protected Areas”, which is working to contribute to the protection and conservation of at least 25 per cent of the Albanian territory (at land and at sea) by 2030. This ambitious goal will be achieved through the establishment and the effective management of a system of Protected Areas (PA), including NATURA 2000 sites and other effective area-based conservation measures. It supports Albania on improving the management of protected areas, strengthening the capacities of relevant institutions, revising and compiling new management plans for protected areas and for the use of forest and non-timber forest products, supporting the establishment of performance monitoring systems; the implementation of conservation measures; CSOs in implementing nature-based solutions and measures against environmental crime, and raise awareness on Natura 2000 and conservation. The project, aims to develop and implement specific Action Plans for the most vulnerable or important species, identifying priority conservation measures and restoration of degraded habitats/ecosystems activities for immediate implementation form the management plans at selected PA level in line with gender equity, livelihood and socio economic criteria.

All these EU-supported initiatives have been suggesting that healing nature comes with nature-based solutions. As Albania makes significant steps toward EU membership, environmental issues are part of the integration, making pivotal changes from adopting laws to bringing societal transformation, valuing and protecting nature, water, air and biodiversity.