Year 2023 marked a continuation of our dedication to education for sustainable development, and know-how generation for transitioning towards a greener economy, solidly backed up by our extensive experience in the field, and complemented by impactful partnerships. Meaningful and novel steps were undertaken, in addition to the finalization of ongoing work that had already been in the brewing since earlier.
Most importantly, environment-wise, focus was put on the ongoing waste management crisis that spans beyond our frail context’s borders, spilling into the wider region, as also backed by the European Commission’s 2022 and 2023 Albania Reports. In addition to the waste stream tackled in 2023, we extended our reach to a neglected segment of the country’s eastern stretches, commencing our address and research strategy for a pressing environmental management issue, relevant to both local farming communities and RAPAs.– REC Albania’s Annual Report 2023
Ongoing Projects Focusing on
Policy - Education - Information
EJA: Environmental Justice in Albania
“EJA: Environmental Justice in Albania” represents a broad framework of activities aimed at strengthening the capacities of justice and law enforcement bodies to combat environmental illegalities, as a prerequisite that guarantees access to environmental justice.
Connectivity through Pastures
“Connectivity through Pastures” aims to address the challenges faced by a highly neglected typology of natural ecosystems found in our country, pastures. In particular, the project follows the requirements for rehabilitation or halting the environmental degradation that pastures along the eastern edges of the Albanian Green Belt are facing.
Rapid Watershed Assessment for the Western Balkans
At the core of the initiative is the education of riverine communities in the Western Balkans to “diagnose” the condition of freshwater streams found near their settlements. In Albania, the project is focused on two areas rich in such streams, the Municipality of Kukës and that of Shkodër.
Monitoring Nesting Attempts of Loggerhead Turtles
The project “Monitoring Nesting Attempts of Loggerhead Turtles” aims to survey and preserve identified nesting sites of the species Caretta caretta on Albanian shores. It is supported by the UNDP’s Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Small Grants Programme, and is being implemented by REC Albania.