REC Albania, in collaboration with the OSCE Presence in Albania, recently concluded a series of multi-stakeholder meetings focused on combatting environmental crime in Albania. These meetings brought together a diverse group of professionals, including prosecutors, police officers, and environmental inspectors from across six regions: Shkodra, Lezha, Kukës, Berat, Korça, and Elbasan.
The primary aim of these meetings was to enhance the capacity of Albanian authorities to effectively identify, investigate, and prosecute environmental offenses. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and practical exercises led by international experts in the field of environmental crime. These experts shared valuable insights and best practices related to:
- Identifying environmental crimes: Recognizing the various types of environmental offenses, understanding the legal framework, and gathering evidence.
- Investigating environmental crimes: Conducting thorough investigations, utilizing specialized techniques, and collaborating with different agencies.
- Prosecuting environmental crimes: Building strong cases, presenting evidence effectively, and pursuing appropriate legal action.
A key theme throughout the meetings was the importance of inter-institutional cooperation. Participants emphasized the need for seamless collaboration between prosecutors, police, environmental inspectors, and other relevant agencies to successfully address complex environmental cases. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility and knowledge exchange, Albania can strengthen its efforts to protect its natural environment and hold offenders accountable.
These multi-stakeholder meetings were organized within the framework of the “EJA: Environmental Justice in Albania” project, which is funded by the European Union.
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