ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ANDdocuments.rec.org/publications/Raporti_Env.MonitoringDataInformation_final.pdf · This report is prepared in frame of the project: “Establishing Albania’s

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND DATA INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

IN ALBANIA

in frame of the project:

Establishing Albania’s Environmental Information Management and Monitoring System Aligned with the Global Reporting

Tirana 2018

This report is prepared in frame of the project: “Establishing Albania’s Environmental Information Management and Monitoring System Aligned with the Global Reporting”, supported by UNDP Albania and implemented by REC Albania.

The views and opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) or of REC Albania.

Tirana, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS 4

INTRODUCTION 5

I: THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CONFIGURATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND THE RELEVANT INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL CONTEXT

8

1.1 The institutional organization and their responsibilities related to the environmental information

10

II: CURRENT INSTITUTIONAL USERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 30

2.1 The institutions that use environmental information 31

2.2 Environmental Data 33

III: RELEVANT EXISTING AND PROPOSED RESEARCH BENEFICIAL TO SYSTEMS USERS 40

3.1 Proposed research in the field of monitoring and reporting 43

IV: IDENTITY HIGH-PRIORITY DATA NEEDS, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO DATA RELEVANT TO MULTIPLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONVENTIONS

46

V: TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF GOVERNMENT STAFF ACROSS AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

53

5.1 Training needs assessment 54

5.2 Proposed Training Modules 58

5.3 Tirana Aarhus Center portal needs 77

VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS 81

6.1 Conclusions: 81

6.2 Recommendations: 83

VII. ANNEXES 84

VIII. REFERENCES 88

4

ABBREVIATIONS

ADMA Agency for the Development of Mountain Area

ARDA Agency for Rural Development and Agriculture

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

DoF Directorate of Fishery

GDS General Department of the Sea

GDWSC General Department of Water Supply and Canalisation

IFSV Institute of Food Security and Veterinary

IPH Institute of Public Health

INSTAT Institute of Statistics

IT Institute of Transport

MTE Ministry of Tourism and Environment

NAL National Agency of Legalisation

NANR National Agency of Natural Resources

NAP National Agency of Privatisation

NAPA National Agency of Protected Area

NATP National Agency of Territory Planning

NEA National Environmental Agency

NFA National Food Authority

NGS National Geological Service

NIEF National Inspectorate of Environment and Forest

NIH National Inspectorate of Health

NIUC National Inspectorate of Urbanisation and Construction

NATC National Agency for the Treatment of the Concessions

NTII National Technical and Industrial Inspectorate

5

INTRODUCTION

Albania has become a Party to three Rio- Conventions after 1990-s which corresponds to the country’s change of regime and participation in international agreements on environmental protection. The national development agenda of Albania fully takes into consideration the fact that its development will only proceed by adequately taking into account, global processes and trends. The principles of the conventions, as well as of the European Union environmental policy, have been established as priority areas in the National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI) 2007-2013, which is under review for the period up to 2020. The Environmental Cross-cutting Strategy integral part of the NSDI is the basic document that represents the national policy on environmental protection. This document addresses all environmental components and sets general guidance on problems arising from sectors having an impact upon environment.

Reporting obligations under the existing environmental regulations have been restricted to compliance with environmental quality standards without including any information about policies’ effects and effectiveness. The lack of policy-oriented monitoring and information support tools hinders intersectoral collaboration throughout the entire policy process

In 2006 Albania, with UNDP support has conducted a self-assessment process aiming at assessment of capacity needs (NCSA) and priorities with respect to the global environment and within the context of sustainable development so that Albania

can meet the requirements of the Global Environmental Conventions in a coordinated and strategic manner

The NCSA highlighted that due to many problems existing in information collection and management systems, the government has limited capacity to meet its obligations, which results in uninformed constituency, poor knowledge of existing problems and their extent by the decision makers which in turn results in poor planning practices.

As an integral part (or the pre-requisite) of the national environmental information system establishment, the country needs to review various environmental and social economic indicators in order to create a well-integrated and manageable monitoring systems that would form the foundation of national environmental information system.

The project is a response to the need for an environmental monitoring system that is integrated throughout the related government institutions, that is well coordinated and cooperates, using international monitoring standards for the selection of monitoring indicators, the data collection processes, the processing and reporting of this information covering all three Rio Conventions. The GEF contribution will develop national capacities in Albania to align its national environmental information management and monitoring system with global environmental monitoring and reporting priorities; including the compliance with the Multilateral Environment Agreements reporting obligations.

6

In particular, the project aims at:

• Development of the EIMS to enable integration of global environment commitments into planning and monitoring processes.

• Development and application of uniform indicators encompassing UNFCCC, CBD and CCD concerns and global environmental threats.

• Stakeholder’s capacity for information management (collection processing) of key global environment data and utilization (interpretation and reporting) is enhanced at national and local level.

Scope of the assignment: A detailed assessment of the needs and resources available in the current institutional arrangement around the environmental issues that focuses mostly on recent institutional developments in the environmental management and information sector (i.e., the creation of the Protected Areas Agency). The assessment of baseline information and information management needs will be closely linked with the conventions underway in Albania: the UNFCCC, the CBD and the UNCCD.

Finally, the preparation of the national CCD report for Albania. Thus, needs identified will directly address those particular to the global commitments for information management and reporting. The assessment will be organized through research and analysis, interviews with major beneficiaries and a series of national and local workshops.

The aim of this report is to present the results of a data assessment survey, including identification of high-priority data needs, with particular attention to data relevant to the Rio conventions and the EEA requirements for government agencies.

• Assess existing and proposed data flow related to environmental and information management with special attention to the new administrative configuration for environmental and information management and the relevant institutional and legal context.

• Conduct training needs assessment of government staff across agencies responsible for environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting (at national, regional, and local levels)

• Develop curricula for the priority stakeholder groups.

• Conduct a survey of current institutional users of environmental information, including their characteristics and information needs.

• Identify the Tirana Aarhus Center portal needs and relevant existing and proposed research that could be beneficial to systems users i.e academic research, civil society data, etc.

• Identity high-priority data needs, with particular attention to data relevant to multiple environmental conventions.

• Provide technical support as needed, including training and user materials, for an essential information Centre to be located at the MoE Aarhus Environmental Information Centre in Tirana through the REC Grant Programme.

7

Methodology: The methodology represents the linkages among actors of the program (beneficiaries), which by approaching a methodology and using a specific tool, can develop activities within working packages, which will lead to accomplishment of the overall task.

The implementation of the task will require the development of a matrix of institutions responsible for collecting, disseminating and processing the flow of the environmental information among central and local institutions.

An assessment survey on environmental information and training needs of governmental staff across agencies as Annex I of this report was distributed among the different stakeholders both from the central and local level to assess the need for trainings related to the environmental information.

Based on the outcome of the assessment a curriculum for the training of government officials on this issue was prepared. Also, an analysis if the data are compatible with the requirements of the RIO conventions and the EEA requirements was carried out.

An analysis of the need of Aarhus Tirana centre will be carried out. The analysis will contain

both an assessment of what kind of information “enters” in the Aarhus and the kind of info and actors to which the centre disseminates the information.

The analysis will contain also proposal on how to improve the accessibility of the centre, how to improve the amount of information circulating in the centre and the number of people using the centre.

REC will improve also the accessibility to the Aarhus environmental information centre for the civil society sector through its own programs, as well as support in the development of the centre operational plan.

REC will continuously support the Aarhus centre help desk and a connection will be maintained between Aarhus centre and REC CSO so that continuous technical support is given to the Aarhus centre as well.

Materials prepared by REC and the multitude of CSO engaged in the programs were made available to the Aarhus centre for their use and also all activities that will be done by the centre will be promoted by REC. More in detail the training and user materials, for an essential information Centre to be located at the MoE Aarhus Environmental Information Centre in Tirana will involve also the REC Grant Programme.

8

I: THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CONFIGURATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND THE RELEVANT INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL CONTEXT

Environmental data is generated by institutions executing environmental law or doing environmental research.

Socio-economic data and other statistical data (often the “D” and the “R” of the DPSIR model) are not considered as environmental data. However, they are to be integrated into comprehensive environmental assessments.

Usually this kind of data is held by other institutions than the environmental administration (e.g. INSTAT). The same is applied for geo-data, which are not considered as environmental data, but have to be available for environmental policies and environmental information.

The National Environmental Policy Making institutions stress the importance of sound scientific knowledge and economic assessment, reliable and up-to-date environmental data and information that supports the formulation, implementation and evaluation of environmental policy.

Albania is in the process of EU integration and at the same time its economic reforms objectives are to have a parallel development in all economic sectors.

Agriculture and rural development is considered as the main priority of the Albanian

government in the last years for crops and vegetables production, fruit and olive tree cultivating sector and livestock production. Agriculture accounts for 18.3% of the GDP as of 2012 data- and this value is progressing. Agricultural and rural development policies have contributed significantly to the economic, environmental and social development of agriculture and rural communities. On the other hand, it plays a specific role on the environmental pollution because of the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc. which is intensified by the impact of extensive agriculture. A special attention is also being paid to agriculture food security, taking into account the contribution of the sector’s almost 50% of total labor force employment, and the potential for exports. For the coming years it is aimed for an expanding of the geographical map for exports in other European countries and beyond.

Albanian industry sectors have undergone many changes and diversification over the years. Albania’s industry began with cement plants, food processing, flour milling, cigar making as dominant industries in its economy. Albania has since expanded into oil, chemical, mining, basic metal, textile, clothing, lumber and hydropower.

The impact of mineral exploration has caused

9

progressive damage in the environment including the destruction of the forest, pasture and natural habitats for flora and fauna. The mineral damps and industry of mineral enrichment have caused permanently environmental pollution with heavy metals. Therefore, the monitoring and reporting of the pollution of the environment from the mineral exploration or mineral enrichment is an important process that needs to be performed and improved.

Albania’s mining and manufacturing sector has been growing at 10% annually as per the figure below:

Figure 1: GDP output by sector, Institute of Statistics of Albania

Energy sector is one the most important and more developed in Albania. Energy production in Albania is based mainly on hydropower, domestic and imported fuels, and fuel wood used for electricity production, heat production and for transport. Albania is almost totally dependent on hydropower for electricity generation; nearly 100 per cent of the country’s domestically produced electricity comes from hydropower.

Energy demand is expected to increase by 60 per cent in 2020, and there is a clear need for

Albania to strengthen its energy security. While efforts to develop new thermal, wind and solar capacity are ongoing, hydropower remains the nation’s largest energy resource.

Estimates show that only 30 to 35 per cent of Albania’s hydropower potential has been developed so far and this due to social and environmental concerns1. The negatively affected areas of environment are the diversity of species, environmental landscapes that have been fragmented. Deviation of natural stream of waters caused a loss on aquatic and non-aquatic species. The negative impact also lays in agriculture and irrigation.

Transport is another sector of the economy that has had a very significant progress these last years. The last version of the Albanian Public Finance Review - published by the World Bank (WB) in February 2014, summarized the situation with respect to the Albanian Transport sector as follows:

• In recent years, most of Albania’s capital spending has gone to the transport sector, and within transport, primarily to roads.

1 https://www.hydropower.org/country-profiles/albania

10

• Albania has invested heavily in motorways in recent years.

• Businesses consider the quality of Albania’s transport infrastructure, particularly roads, to have improved in recent years

The document concluded with two recommendations:

• To rebalance spending on roads from capital investments toward maintenance and rehabilitation.

• To set up and use a road asset management system—and update it.

The construction of the roads and rehabilitation of the existing system of the transport has affected significantly in the environment.

The identification of those impacts and the collection of the information is a very important process that will assure the institution of the policy makers to prepare and to approve the right standard of the infrastructure and especially the quality of the petrol that is used by cars as the main resource of pollution of air from the transport sector.

1.1 The institutional organization and their responsibilities related to the environmental information

Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTE)

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has the mission to develop and implement policies, strategies and action plans for environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, nature protection and biodiversity, sustainable development and management of forests and pastures, monitoring of water quality, and the design and implementation of tourism policies.

MTE coordinates with other line ministries and national institution to integrate the environmental principles and standards in their sectorial program such are transport, energy, agriculture etc.

In the context of environmental monitoring and reporting, the MTE has the coordination role to collect and to publish environmental data related to the state of environment in Albania according to national rules and regulations.

National Environmental Agency (NEA)2

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is a legal, public and budgetary institution under the ministry responsible for environment, currently the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Its main duties and responsibilities are related to monitoring the state of environment throughout the country based on the main environmental indicators and components in: air, waters, soil, forests and biodiversity.

2 epanet.pbe.eea.europa.eu/.../national-environment-agency.../Albania_approved_2016

11

NEA is also the national institution in charge with the building up and managing the National Environmental Information System and National Forest Inventory. Part of the environmental data bases is also PRTR which is arranged by NEA. All the private operators who have been subject of Environmental Permission (EP) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures have to submit to NEA the self-monitoring reports in line with the conditions established for them to the EP. Among other issues NEA also follows and assesses the procedures related to the EIA and EP.

According the legislation the NEA functions are as follows:

• It follows the procedures related with the Environmental Impact Assessments and Environment Permissions in line with the legislation in force

• Drafting and implementing of the annual National Monitoring Programme

• Carrying out (with its own capacities and those of the third parties contracted by NEA) of the annual monitoring programme

• Collecting, managing, assessing and drafting the National State of Environmental Report (annual)

• Building up and managing the PRTR, National Forestry Inventory, Environmental Information System, EIMMS, etc.

• Providing environmental information to the public and interested bodies as well as giving advice to other public institutions at national or local level on issues related to the state of environment

• Providing information services to the public on the environmental decisions taken by the policymakers in accordance to the provisions of the laws into force

• Other responsibilities as laid down in specific provisions.

As part of Eionet (European Environment Information and Observation Network), NEA reports data on environmental indicators to the European Environment Agency, and contributes to the EEA report “The European Environment – state and outlook”.

National Agency of Protected Area (NAPA)3

The National Agency for Protected Areas (NAPA) is the responsible institution for managing the national system of protected areas in Albania, whereas day-to-day management of protected areas is delegated to 12 Regional Administrations for Protected Areas (RAPAs) as part of NAPA.

Its main duties are:

• Monitoring of the biodiversity inside the protected area;

• Monitoring and reporting for the situation of natural habitats as part of the monitoring of nature and biodiversity;

• Information about the general situation and specific problems related the protected areas;

• Report for the process of enlargement of the protected area and fulfilled of the responsibilities in the frame of CBD;

• Manages the network of protected areas.

• Designs and implements the management plans for protected areas.

• Proposes changes and improvements to the legal framework for management of the PA.

As part of the process for the establishment a comprehensive biodiversity monitoring system, the National Protection Agency has developed

3 http://akzm.gov.al/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=142&Itemid=420&lang=us

12

NAPA-WiMS (Biodiversity Monitoring System) and BioNNA (Biodiversity National Network of Albania). While WiMS is recently developed, BIONNA is already accessible by the public.

The Biodiversity National Network of Albania (BioNNA)4 is aimed at providing a data sharing system in order to support the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Through BioNNA infrastructure and tools, biodiversity data collected from research projects, monitoring activities and cooperation programs, are now standardized and made available to institutional decision makers and planners, researchers, eco-tourists and the general public.

BioNNA is built using the BioCASe Provider Software that allows publishing biodiversity data freely on Internet through appropriate queries, and will function also as a data provided to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility in order to make worldwide accessible the considerable biodiversity heritage of Albania, which is synthetized in the Table 1.

4 http://www.bionna.al/Bionna.aspx

State Environmental and Forests Inspectorate

The State Environmental and Forests Inspectorate is a legal, public and budgetary institution under the ministry responsible for environment, currently the Ministry of Tourism and Environment with the mission of ensuring compliance with legal requirements in the field of environmental protection and it exercises its territorial jurisdiction in the whole country.

Inspections are an important instrument to ensure the implementation and enforcement of environment legislation. It implements the control, inspection and measures in the form of fines to the offenders as well as it reports to the state police in case of administrative and criminal offence to the environment.

In relation to the environmental monitoring and reporting, this institution has a very important role on every day site monitoring and information related the data collection and reporting for environment.

According to the law on environmental protection, all the operators have the

Table 1: The number of species in Albania

13

obligation to do self-monitoring and report permanently for the discharge on the environment including gas emission and water pollution.

The checking and control of this process is very important for the ministries and for the policy makers to address the necessary measures for the protection of environment. NIEF is as such, an institution that generates the information related to pollution related to discharge in air and water medium from the economical operators.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has the mission to draft and implement policies in the field of agriculture, rural development, food safety, consumer protection, fisheries and aquaculture and the sustainable use of water resources.

MARD5 performs its functions on the basis of three main policy documents: the National Strategy for Development and Integration 2014–2020, the Mid-Term Budget Programme, and sector, sub-sector and cross-cutting strategies, which set detailed midterm and long-term policy objectives, the main measures, the monitoring tools and the costs of implementation of policies.

Implementation of the cross-cutting Inter-Sectorial Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (ISARD) 2014–2020 is coordinated by MARD, in collaboration with other line ministries, notably the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

5 Analysis of the agricultural and rural development policies of the Western Balkan countries, JRC Reports, European Commission

Its main legal framework is the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development adopted in 2007, which regulates the programming of policy measures related to agriculture and rural development, provides for public advisory services for agriculture, research and training, and provides for the setting up of an information database. It also lays down the legal basis for the national support schemes, which are set out annually in the National Action Plan, and defines the institutions responsible for the implementation of agriculture policy by establishing the Agriculture and Rural Development Agency (ARDA).

ISARD 2014–2020 was adopted in 2014. ISARD 2014–2020 integrates both agriculture and rural development into one strategy. ISARD defined “an efficient, innovative and viable agro-food sector capable to sustain the competitive pressure and meeting the requirements of the EU market through a sustainable utilization of resources and viable rural areas providing economic activities and employment opportunities, social inclusion and quality of life to rural residents” (MARDWA 2014).

Thus, the strategic framework Albania: Agricultural policy brief 41 guiding the implementation of agricultural and rural development is also linked with Albania’s status in the context of EU integration.

More specifically, ISARD provides for interventions in three policy areas: (i) rural development policy; (ii) national support schemes for farmers, development of rural infrastructure and ensuring equal opportunities; and (iii) institutional development, implementation and enforcement of the EU regulatory requirements.

ISARD 2014–2020 has four priorities: (i) enhancing farm viability and competitiveness of agriculture and food processing, while progressively aligning with EU standards;

14

(ii) restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry; (iii) balanced territorial and economic development of rural areas to promote social inclusion; and (iv) transfer of knowledge and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas.

MARD role in collecting and reporting of environmental information is mainly related to:

1. The quantities of chemical fertilizers used per year and per area (ha);

2. The quantity of pesticides used by agriculture in different crops;

3. The GMO seeds and plants introduced in Albanian market and the regions where they are cultivated;

4. The invasive species on agriculture and aquaculture and fishery;

MARD institutions and agencies have a significant role in the control of biosafety, fishery, the quality of environment, access and benefit sharing etc.

National Food Authority (NFA)

It is a national institution responsible for the control and food security. It is organized in 12 regional departments for the food security. NFA is a competent authority with function of inspections for the management of the national system for the food safety and protection of consumers, plant protection and health of livestock.

This institution provides information related the livestock diseases and their impact on the wild fauna as a source of information related the status of wild fauna, issues and the necessary measures that need to be taken.

Agriculture and Rural Development Agency (ARDA)

ARDA provides information related the investments of this sector that have impact on environment as are:

• The investments on the forestry sector

• Irrigation system

• Promoting of sustainable use of genetic resources on agriculture and especially the local species and animal race

• Protection of land from erosion etc.

Institute of Food Security and Veterinary (IFSV)

General Function

• Monitors the epizootic situation in the country for viral diseases, bacterial, parasitic, zoo and poisonings;

• Diagnosing diseases and provides efficient schemes to combat them;

• Control the use of bio products such as vaccines, allergens, antigens etc.

• Microbiological controls the food products and by-products of animal origin (locally produced or imported);

• Control of the waste substances;

Food control

• Qualitative analyses for indicators of vegetable origin products manufactured in the country;

• It examines and certifies food products of plant origin for export;

• Do the analysis for identification of counterfeits different;

15

• Estimates the technical regulations for the new food products;

• Perform analysis for labelling of food products etc.

Directorate of Fishery Service and Aquaculture

This Directorate has the mission of fulfilling all the necessary services related to infrastructure management and data of fishing and aquaculture, as well as ensuring compliance with legal requirements on the protection of fisheries and aquaculture in the Republic of Albania, it performs the following tasks:

• Manages the fishing infrastructure, including ports and fishing centres.

• Gathers fishing data.

• Compiles programs repopulation of water categories.

• Manages the mussel facility of Saranda.

• Manages hatcheries of fish reproduction in Zvezda (Korça), in Lin (Pogradec) and other hatcheries linked with fish reproduction.

• Ensures compliance with legal requirements on the protection of fisheries and aquaculture monitoring and inspection of fishing activity.

The context indicators related to the agriculture sector in the country are summarized in the table below as per the ISARD 2014-20206:

6 Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration Republic of Albania Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 Under Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), May 28, 2015

16

No Indicator Unit Value Year Comments/Source

I. Socio-economic indicators

1 Population

Total Inhabitants 2898782 2013 INSTAT

predominantly rural (PR) % of total 22.70% 2013 INSTAT

intermediate (IR) % of total 40.20% 2013 INSTAT

% of total 37.10% 2013 INSTAT

2 Age structure

total < 15 years % of total population 20.60% 2013 INSTAT

total 15 - 64 years % of total population 68% 2013 INSTAT

total > 64 years % of total population 11.40% 2013 INSTAT

PR < 15 years % of PR population 21.60% 2013 INSTAT

PR 15 - 64 years % of PR population 66.60% 2013 INSTAT

PR > 64 years % of PR population 11.80% 2013 INSTAT

IR < 15 years % of IR population 20.30% 2013 INSTAT

IR 15 - 64 years % of IR population 67.70% 2013 INSTAT

IR > 64 years % of IR population 12% 2013 INSTAT

PU < 15 years % of PU population 20.40% 2013 INSTAT

PU 15 - 64 years % of PU population 69.20% 2013 INSTAT

PU > 64 years % of PU population 10.40% 2013 INSTAT

3 Territory

Total sq. km 28,748 2013 INSTAT

predominantly rural (PR) % of total area 45.80% 2013 INSTAT

intermediate (IR) % of total area 45.80% 2013 INSTAT

predominantly urban (PU)

% of total area 8.40% 2013 INSTAT

4 Population density

Total inhab / sq. km 101.00% 2013 INSTAT

predominantly rural (PR) inhab / sq. km 48.00% 2013 INSTAT

intermediate (IR) inhab / sq. km 85.00% 2013 INSTAT

predominantly urban (PU)

inhab / sq. km 427.00% 2013 INSTAT

17


5 Employment rate

total (15-64 years) % of population of the same age group and sex

50.20% 2013 INSTAT

male (15-64 years) % of population of the same age group and sex

57.50% 2013 INSTAT

female (15-64 years) % of population of the same age group and sex

43.60% 2013 INSTAT


57.20% 2013 INSTAT


65.10% 2013 INSTAT


49.90% 2013 INSTAT

rural areas (total,male, female)

6 Unemployment rate


16.10% 2013 Labour Force Survey (LFS)





youth (15-29 years) % of population of the same age group and sex


total (15+) % of population of the same age group and sex


male (15+) % of population of the same age group and sex


female (15+) % of population of the same age group and sex


youth (15-29 years) % of population of the same age group and sex


rural areas (total,male, female) %

7 GDP per capital

National GDP per capital

EUR/inhabitant 3312.5 2012 Semi final data

PPS/inhabitant 7512.7 2012 Semi final data

Index PPS (EU-28 =100) 30 2012 Index of PPS is expressed in (EU-28=100)

18


8 Structure of the economy

Total GVA EUR million 8326.5 2012 Semi final data

Primary EUR million 1817.3 2012 Semi final data

Secondary EUR million 2213 2012 Semi final data

Tertiary EUR million 4296.1 2012 Semi final data

Primary % of total 21.8 2012 Semi final data

Secondary % of total 26.6 2012 Semi final data

Tertiary % of total 51.6 2012 Semi final data

9 Structure of the employment

Total 1000 persons 992 2013 LFS Section of NACE rev 1.1

Primary 1000 persons 453 2013 LFS, 2013 Section A, B NACE rev 1.1

Secondary 1000 persons 160 2013 LFS, 2013 Section C,D,E,F NACE rev 1.1

Tertiary 1000 persons 379 2013 LFS, 2013 Section G to U NACE rev 1.1

Primary % of total 45.6 2013 LFS, 2013 Section A, B NACE rev 1.1

Secondary % of total 16.1 2013 LFS, 2013 Section C,D,E,F NACE rev 1.1

Tertiary % of total 38.2 2013 LFS, 2013 Section G to U NACE rev 1.1

10 Labour productivity by economic sector

Total EUR/person 8 394 2013

Primary EUR/person 4 012 2013

Secondary EUR/person 13 831 2013

Tertiary EUR/person 2013

Primary 11 335 2013

19


II. Sectorial Indicators

11 Employment by economic activity

Total 1000 persons 992 2013 LFS 2013

Agriculture 1000 persons 439 2013 LFS 2013

Agriculture % of total 44.3 2013 LFS 2013

Forestry 1000 persons : 2013 LFS 2013

Forestry % of total : 2013 LFS 2013

Food industry 1000 persons : 2013 LFS 2013

Food industry % of total : 2013 LFS 2013

Tourism 1000 persons : 2013 LFS 2013

Tourism % of total :

12 Lobour productivity in agriculture

GVA per full time employed

EUR/AWU

person in agriculture EUR/AWU

13 Structure of agricultural production

Cereals % of the total output 9.1 2012

Meat % of the total output 18.3 2012

Milk % of the total output 20.6 2012

Fruit and vegetable % of the total output 14.7 2012

Production :

14 Labour Productivity in the food industry

GVA per person employed in the food industry

EUR/person :

15 Agricultural Holdings

total number of holdings

1000 holdings 351 2012

average size ha UAA/holding :

farm size <2 Ha 1000 holdings 302 2012

% of total 86 2012

farm size 2 and above 1000 holdings 49 2012

% of total 14

20


16 Agricultural Area

total UAA ha 1,201,000 2012

arable ha 619100 2012

% of total UAA 51.5 2012

permanent grassland and meadows

ha 505,303 2012

% of total UAA 42.1 2012

permanent crops ha 76,900 2012

% of total UAA 6,4 2012

17 Agricultural area under organic farming

Certified ha 909 Mardwa

in conversion ha

certified plus in conversion

% of total UAA 0.1 Mardwa

18 Irrigated land

Total irrigated land ha 204,735 2012

% of total UAA % of total UAA 2012

19 Animal Husbandry

Cattle - total 1000 heads 498 2012

Dairy cows 1000 heads 358 2012

Sheep - total 1000 heads 1809 2012

Goats 1000 heads 810 2012

Pigs 1000 heads 159 2012

Poultry - broilers 1000 heads 9494 2012

Laying hens 1000 heads 5938 2012

20 Farm Labour Force

total regular farm labour force

1000 persons or 1000 AWU :

% of total regular labour force

:

male regular farm labour force



:

female regular farm labour force



:

family labour force 1000 persons or 1000 AWU :


:

21


sole holders working in the farm



:

members of the sole holders working in the farm



:

holder’s family working in the farm



:

non-family labour force 1000 persons or 1000 AWU :


:

non-regular labour force



:

21 Age structure of farm managers

total number of farm managers

1000 persons :

% of total :

35 years or less 1000 persons :

% of total :

35-55 years 1000 persons :

% of total :

55 years or more 1000 persons :

% of total :

ratio 35 / 55 years

22 Agricultural training of farm managers

total with basic training 1000 persons :

% of total :

total with practical experience only

1000 persons :

% of total :

total with full agricultural training

1000 persons :

% of total :

number of farm managers (35 years or less)

35 years or less with basic training

1000 persons :

% of age group :

35 years or less with practical experience only

1000 persons :

% of age group :

22


35 years or less with full agricultural training

1000 persons :

% of age group :

number of farm managers (35-55 years)

35-55 years with basic training

1000 persons :

% of age group :

35-55 with practical experience only

1000 persons :

% of age group :

35-55 with full agricultural training

1000 persons :

% of age group :

number of farm managers ( 55 or more years)

55 years or more with basic training

1000 persons :

% of age group :

55 years or more with practical agricultural training

1000 persons :

% of age group :

55 years or more with full agricultural training

1000 persons :

% of age group :

23 Gross fixed capital formation in agriculture

GFCF share of GVA in agriculture

EUR million 63.9 2012 Annual data Gva in Primary Sector

% of GVA in agriculture 21.8 2012 Annual data Gva in Primary Sector

24 Forest and other wooded land (FOWL)

total share of total land area

1000 ha 1041 2013

% of total land area 36 2013

25 Tourism infrastructure

Number of bed-places in collective tourist accomodation establishments

number of bed-places 32004 2012 Annual Structural/ Business Survey

26 Land Cover

share of agricultural area

% of total area 24.2 2012 Arable land and permanent crops

share of natural grassland

% of total area 17.6 2012 Permanent Grassland

23


share of forestry land % of total area 36.2 2012 Ministry of Environment

share of transitionalwoodland shrub

% of total area Ministry of Environment

share of natural area % of total area 87 Ministry of Environment

share of artificial land % of total area 10 Ministry of Environment

share of other area % of total area 3 Ministry of Environment

27 Farmland Birds

total (index) Index 2000 = 100 :

28 Grassland areas and their conservation status

Total area of grassland ha and % of grassland under each protection status

29 Protected Forest

class 1 ‘Biodiversity conservation’

% of FOWL area 3.8 2012 Administrative Data

class 1.1 No active intervention

% of FOWL area 20 2012 Administrative Data

class 1.2 Minimum internvention


class 1.3 Conservation through active management


class 2 ‘Protection of Landscapes’


30 Water quality

Gross Nutrient Balance (4 year average)

: 2013

Potential surplus of nitrogen (GNS) on agricultural land

kg N/ha/year (nitrogen) :

Potential surplus of phosphorous on agricultural land

kg N/ha/year (phosphorous) :

Nitrates in freshwater % of monitoring sitesi n 3 water quality classes

Moderate quality class

2013

Groundwater

Surface water

24


31 Soil erosion by water

rate of soil loss by water erosion

tonnes/ha/year 9.51 2013

agricultural area affected by moderate to severe water erosion (>11 t/ha/yr)

ha % of agricultural area :

rable and permanent crop area affected


permanent meadows and pasture affected


32 Production of renewable Energy from agriculture and forestry

from agriculture % of total production or renewable energy

:

from forestry % of total production or renewable energy

:

Table 2: The context indicators related to the agriculture sector in the country

25

Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE)

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy is responsible for the development and implementation of the general state policy, urban planning and urban development sector, infrastructure and transport sector, telecommunications and postal sector, energy sector, energy resources utilization and mining and in the industry sector.

Its importance to environmental information and monitoring is related to energy efficiency and promoting renewable resources of energy, but not limited to:

• Sustainable urban planning and development.

• Urban waste field related to territorial planning and waste infrastructure.

• Development and implementation of infrastructure policies, including pipelines for water supply and sewerage, and coordination of urban waste infrastructure policies in their implementation component.

• Monitor the implementation of defined standards in the function of infrastructure development in transport, water supply and sewerage.

• Running, upgrading, expanding and developing information services in transport and infrastructure to provide a comprehensive and continuous source of data to create mitigating conditions for all users and domestic and foreign operators, as well as appropriate to become involved in European information systems.

• Energy Sector, Energy Resources, including Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Efficiency and Climate Change.

In the energy sector there are several obligations for monitoring and reporting. Those

obligations are related with:

• Monitoring and reporting for the air and water pollution by the industrial sector;

• Monitoring and reporting about the green houses gas emission from energy and industrial sector;

• Situation with the CBD in the energy sector and the process of their elimination

To fulfil these responsibilities, MIE coordinates the process with several institutions:

National Agency of Natural Resources (NANR)

They conduct and supervise the rational use of natural resources, according to government policy, and monitor their post-exploitation in mining, hydrocarbons and energy:

• Proposal, consultation, and cooperation with relevant Government structures for drafting its policies and strategies in the area of mining, hydrocarbons and energy;

• Provision within the scope of its activity, of governmental opposition to studies and projects in the field of mining, post-mining, hydrocarbon and energy activities, submitted by state or private entities, domestic or foreign.

• Promotion of mineral resources, hydrocarbons, hydro and renewable energy sources;

• Realization of monitoring of exploited areas, mining risk and closure of mining activity;

• Monitoring of concession contracts for hydropower plants;

• Proposal of measures to increase the use of energy in the energy cycle;

• Design and publication of annual energy

26

balance at national and regional level, in accordance with the formats of EUROSTAT and The International Energy Agency.

Albanian Geological Service (AGS)

Albanian Geological Service operates in the field of geosciences under the Law Nr. 111/2015, dated 15.10.2015, “For the Albanian Geological services”, which recognizes it as a technical advisor of the state science in the field of geosciences. Some of the areas where the Albanian Geological Service carries out its activity, have a direct impact on economic development. Its main duties are as follows:

• Geological studies, surveys, services, generalizations and systematic geological surveys of the country, through complex mapping of different scales, to aid economic development, territorial administration, mineral resources, hydrocarbons, waterways, etc. Hydrogeological monitoring for the reassessment of water basins, their monitoring and determination of measures for the protection of underground water reserves; Geological-engineering monitoring; Agro-geological and erosion monitoring; Geological monitoring of the entire coastline and continental shelf of the country, the dynamics of sea-to-ground action, substrate lithology, and various marine and submarine assets.

• Geophysical studies, surveys, services, generalizations and geochemical monitoring, including shallow seismic (engineering), electrometry, magnetometry, gravimetry, radiometry, radon monitoring measurements on earth, water, air and in the interior of each type and level.

• Research and evaluation of metal, non-metallic and industrial minerals, hydrocarbons, underground water resources, industrial and mineral waters,

mineral waters, thermal and geothermal minerals. Control their balance steadily.

• Development of the geological database, useful minerals, geological-engineering, hydrogeological, geo-environmental etc., making these data available to central and local government bodies and other interested entities, preparing, publishing and commercializing geological information, based on applicable legal and sub legal acts.

National Agency of Territorial Planning (NATP)

The Agency ensures the implementation of the Law for Territorial Planning and by-laws in force. The NATP is an institution with planning responsibilities within the ministry responsible for territorial planning and development issues, extending its activity throughout the territory of the Republic of Albania. It also examines the conformity of the application development or undergoing development with the provisions of binding instruments in planning, building regulations, environmental conditions, sustainability, protection of natural and cultural heritage and other conditions specifically laid down by the law on territorial planning.

National Inspectorate of Territorial Protection (NITP)

The National Inspectorate of Territorial Protection, is a governmental institution that, except its main role and responsibility for the control of construction’s conditions of illegal constructions, generates environmental information related to:

• Illegal constructions and penalties provided on protected areas;

• Illegal constructions on a coastal zone;

• Waste generated by the construction sector and the standard of their management;

27

• Environmental conditions respected by the construction companies during the construction process.

Institute of Transport (IT)

The Institute carries out mid-term and long-term studies applicable to the transport sector.

The mission of the Institute is to create and maintain a database for the transport sector, support the Ministry with data and analytical tools to develop policies and strategies for the transport sector, including monitoring and updating of the Albanian National Plan transportation.

The Institute of Transport functions as a central source of information for the transport sector (development, maintenance and updating of the transport sector database) and update the National Transport Plan (PKT) and related investment programs.

Information of interest for the environment are:

• The number of the cars that are in circulation in Albania;

• The average age of the cars;

• The type of petrol that they use (Diesel; Benzene);

• The GHG emission from the transport sector;

General Directory of Marine (GDM)

The General Directory of Marine manages port infrastructure and marine transport. I also has several responsibilities for the generation of environmental information:

• Information on the quantities of waste generated by ships and ferries;

• Information on the quantities of waste water generated by ships and ferries and

the management infrastructure of those waste;

• Information related to the marine environment protection from pollution according to the national legislation and international agreements and protocols;

• Information related to the implementation of Barcelona Convection Protocol related with marine transportation and ports.

National Agency of Water Supply and Sewerage (NAWSS)

The National Agency of Water Supply and Sewerage is specialized in water supply and sanitation and wastewater treatment. It technically supports the policies of the ministry responsible for infrastructure, in accordance with the legislation and policies set out in the sectoral strategies, as well as relevant water management policies and environmental quality water protection. Through its legal and technical authority, the NAWSS coordinates and monitors all sectorial activities for the provision of drinking water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment, in close cooperation with all institutions of the country, at central and local level.

According to their responsibilities, the information they can provide are mainly related to:

• waste water system and their capacities;

• the number of habitants that used a waste water treatment system;

• the monitoring and reporting of water quality that is discharged from those treatment systems.

28

Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MHSW)

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare develops the health policies on national scale and determines the development and planning of health care and services on national scale. Furthermore, it prepares the legislation that regulates the health care and protection.

Institution under the MHSW with their role and responsibilities related the environmental information are:

Institute of Public Health (IPH) has several activities and responsibilities that generate environmental information. IPH is also a national institution in charge of air quality monitoring. The main responsibilities of this institute are:

Water sector:

• Monitoring of water quality (surface water, drinking water, waste water, bathing water, water from swimming pools).

• Monitoring of the effects of industrial emissions on health and intervention in case of accidental water pollution.

• Development and implementation of plans to control the quality of drinking water sources and polluted water evacuation.

Waste Management sector:

• Inventory and monitoring of landfills from the sanitary point of view;

• Development and application of the waste management plans (soil and construction

Figure 2: Noise Map of Tirana City, National Environment Report, 2015, NEA

29

waste) from the health protection point of view;

• Monitoring the health effects coming from waste disposal and management.

Food Security Sector:

• Development and implementation of plans to verify food supply.

Nutrition Sector (Food):

• Development and application of research programs in the areas of food, macro- and micro-nutrients.

• Monitoring of population nutrition regime.

Air quality sector:

• Development and implementation of programs to control air quality;

• The inventory of emission sources (industrial installations, traffic, combustion installations);

• Monitoring of outdoor air quality (air outside the premises closed) and one indoor (indoors) and analysis of the effects on health.

Noise pollution control:

• IPH is also the national body for the monitoring and reporting of the noise pollution (an example is shown in the Figure 2).

National Inspectorate of Health (NIH)

The Inspectorate is responsible for the control and law enforcement related the public health and food security. It is responsible for all inspection functions of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, except inspections in the pharmaceutical field. It provides environmental information related to environmental pollution and their impact on public health. Through inspection activity, the Inspectorate controls

the fulfilment of hygienic-sanitary rules, in order to protect the population’s health from harmful factors to the health and their effects.

Local Government7

The country is pursuing a fundamental reform of its government system, with territorial reform accompanied by administrative and financial decentralization.

The key strategic document in the field is the National Crosscutting Strategy on Decentralization and Local Governance for the period 2015–2020. The Law on the Territorial and Administrative Division of Local Government Units No. 115/2014 determined the administrative-territorial division of the country into 12 regions and 61 municipalities.

The new division is meant to overcome high fragmentation of local government units to enable the provision of more efficient investments in public services, including public transport, water supply and urban waste management.

The Law on Local Government No. 139/2015 defined the functions of local government units and transferred some of the functions from the national government to local governments. The following functions, both own (exclusive) and shared, of the municipalities are connected with the environment:

• Drinking water supply;

• Wastewater treatment;

• Collection and disposal of rainwater and flood protection in residential areas;

• Local public transport;

• Parks, gardens and public green spaces;

7 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Environmental Performance Reviews Albania Third Review Draft

30

• Collection, disposal and treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW);

• Construction and management of social housing;

• Implementation at local level of measures to protect air, soil and water;

• Implementation at local level of measures for protection from noise pollution;

• Management of the public forest and pasture fund;

• Protection of nature and biodiversity;

• Educational activities at local level on environmental protection.

The reform has enlarged the land area and population in the newly formed municipalities. Some formerly urban municipalities gained rural agricultural lands. Some formerly inland municipalities now have sea coast and tourist destinations.

These changes represent important challenges for the municipal governments in terms of capacity, training and financing. Financial decentralization reform is still under way, with the draft law on local government financing not yet adopted.

The main concerns for the new municipalities are their inherited debt and having the financial ability to cope with the new functions. The management of transferred forests and pastures is among the new functions assigned to municipalities. Implementation of this function is a challenge: the municipalities would need to deal not only with sanitary cuttings of timber and its sale to the population but also with afforestation and other activities requiring knowledge and investment.

As of early 2017, according to the State Inspectorate on Environment and Forests, 42 municipalities have established forest management structures, 12 municipalities were in the process of forming forest management

structures, five municipalities have not started this work and for the remaining two municipalities the situation was not clear.

The municipalities, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Finance and Economy, are jointly responsible for enforcement of the Law on the Moratorium in Forests No. 5/2016. While the municipalities have their own environmental inspectors, who currently deal primarily with waste and noise issues, the inspectors may not be able to cope with the expanded responsibilities in enlarged territories.

Consultation with local government representatives has so far been limited in regard to the drafting of many important legal and policy documents. In 2017, a Consultative Council of the Central Government and Local Self-Government was established as a dialogue platform for the two levels of government.

The reform did not change the division of the country into 12 Regions. There are 12 Prefectures, each headed by a Prefect (representative of the Council of Ministers at regional level). Prefects have no environment-related responsibilities as such but they verify the legality of acts issued by local government units and monitor the implementation of functions delegated by the central government

31

The new Law on the Right to Information, No. 119/2014, stipulates the right of any citizen to access information and makes it obligatory for all government bodies and structures at central and local level to make environmental information available to them, both actively and passively.

This law obliges any central and subordinate institution to designate the information coordinator in every government body. It also

states that data should be made available to the public in the website of the Institution, as well as lists a series of other obligations, which will be further detailed under the specific obligations for local government units.

The environmental data are important information for the institution as policy and decision maker on national level, regional and local level.

II: CURRENT INSTITUTIONAL USERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

GOVERNMENT BODIES RELEVANT TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Line Ministries

Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTE)

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)

Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE)

Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MHSW)

The National Institutions and Bodies

National Environmental Agency (NEA)

National Agency of Protected Area (NAPA)

National Inspectorate of Environment and Forest (NIEF)

National Food Authority (NFA)

Institute of Food Security and Veterinary (IFSV)

National Agency of Natural Resources (NANR)

National Agency of Territorial Planning (NATP)

National Inspectorate of Territorial Protection (NITP)

National Agency of Water Supply and Sewerage (NAWSS)

Institute of Public Health (IPH)

32

2.1 The institutions that use environmental information

Ministry of Tourism and Environment

Environmental information collected and reported by national institution on central, regional or local level is crucial for governmental policymakers and decisionmakers.

This information serves more to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment which, according to the field of responsibilities approved by the Decision of the Council of Minister, No. 509, of 13.09.2017, for “Determining the field of state responsibility of the tourism and environment ministry”, exercises its activity in areas of state responsibility as below:

• Environmental sector, including policies, waste treatment standards and the effects on air and environment, air quality, noise, industrial pollution, chemicals, climate change and monitoring of environmental and quality indicators waters, environmental impact assessment;

• Nature and biodiversity, including flora and fauna, protection of soil from erosion and degradation, protection of natural landscapes, protection of wild fauna and endangered species and protected areas;

• Forests and pastures sector;

• Develop and implement policies for a sustainable tourism development through the promotion of investments in the field of tourism, establishment and monitoring of the standards system in tourism and continuing education of business in the field of tourism, product promotion and tourist destinations, coordination and cooperation with state structures, local government, and other functions that will be covered by addiction institutions, ministry apparatus and territorial branches.

Environmental information for the Ministry of Tourism and Environment will serve for the formulation of:

• National policies and programs related the environment, nature, biodiversity, water, air, climate change, waste etc.;

• Preparation and approving of national environmental standards related air quality, water quality;

• Formulation and consultation of national strategy and action plan for environment, air quality protection; water quality

GOVERNMENT BODIES RELEVANT TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

The Regional Institution and Bodies

Regional Environment Directories (RED)

Regional Administrates of Protected Areas (RAPA)

Regional Directories of Agriculture (RDA)

Regional Directories of Public Health (RDPH)

Regional Inspectorate of Fishery and Aquaculture

Table 3: Governmental bodies relevant to Environmental Information

33

protection, forest and pasture, biodiversity, land degradation etc.

• Approximation and harmonisation of national legislation for monitoring and reporting environmental information and protection of environment, biodiversity, nature and landscape.

National Environmental Agency (NEA)

NEA is a national institution that is established by the decision of the Counsel of Minister. Decision No. 47 of 29.1.2014 on the “Rules for the organization of National Environmental Agency and of Regional Environmental Directories”.

NEA, through central office and REA, performs the following functions:

• Prepare an annual administrative report on the activity carried out;

• Performs regulatory functions for environmental permits in accordance with the provisions of relevant legislation;

• Monitor and evaluate the state of the environment and prepare a National Programme for Environmental Monitoring;

• Prepares and publishes a report on the state of the environment and other publications related to the environment;

• Conducts research related to the environment or other research to technology development and innovation;

• Defines TDM-in and EMP;

• Establish and maintain information system for reference documents for TDM-on, approved by the Minister;

• Cooperates with the European Environment Agency and other international environmental organizations and meets the relevant reporting obligations;

• Creates and manages environmental information system;

• Creates and manages the Register of Pollutant Release and Transfer;

• Provides environmental information to the public about environmental issues;

• Ensure the implementation of the principle of environmental responsibility;

• Manages the system of forest data;

• Prepares and oversees the National Forest Inventory;

• Develop forest management plans;

• Monitor forests in the implementation of national and international obligations;

• Ensures the development and transfer of technologies related to forests;

• Submits drafts minister for technical support funded from the state budget and international donors;

• Consider requests for environmental impact assessment;

• Consults and cooperates with the State Inspectorate of Environment, Forestry and Water Management and other inspectorates in implementation of environmental legislation, including situations of incidents, accidents and environmental emergencies;

• Preparing a standard format request, the information contained in the application and environmental permit format of types “A” and “B” and propose to the Minister for approval;

• Sets conditions permit types “A” and “B”;

• Other functions that are charged in separate legislation

34

According to those duties and responsibilities NEA is an important institution that is responsible for the:

• organisation and maintaining the national system of the monitoring of the environment;

• environmental data collection, elaboration;

• environmental state report publication;

• public information;

• specialised institution for the environmental studies and consultancies for the different issue related the air, waster, land, forest, noise etc.;

2.2 Environmental DataThe information system is a pyramidal system that has on the basis the total quantities data and information. This system will be available and useful for the policymakers, decision makers and also for the scientific institutions.

On top of the pyramid is the environmental data (indicators) for the public that need to be informed related any environmental information, including its quality and standard.

Information and environmental data related to waste:

• General waste produced per capita per year

• Hazardous waste produced per sector per year

• Waste recycling

• Value of waste recycled

Figure 3: Data Information and indicators scheme

35

• General waste correctly disposed through landfill

• Hazardous waste correctly disposed

• Available landfill lifespan

Information and data related to nature and biodiversity protection

The environmental information related to the biodiversity protection, nature protection and natural habitats protection are developed in the frame of the sectoral National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, a strategy described in the Law nr. 9587, dated 20.7.2006 “On Biodiversity Protection”, the NBSAP is also a reporting document to the Rio Convention, the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD).

The CBD COP Decision X/2 that adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 also urged Parties to develop national targets to integrate into their NBSAPs.

Target setting should be conducted in accordance with national situations, priorities and capacities, using the five Strategic Goals and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 as a flexible framework.

The national targets presented in the table below are taken from the fifth national report to the CBD:

Reference TargetRelated Strategic Goals /Aichi Targets

National Objective

By 2020, to ensure approximation and implementation of EU acquis in the area of natural protection.

By the end of 2015, there should be a strategic document on biodiversity (DSPEP), revised and adopted – in line with target 17, Aichi;

17

By 2020, 17 % of terrestrial areas and 6% of marine and coastal areas to be designated as Protected Areas and to be managed in a sustainable integrated approach. Introduction of the ecological national network of Albania, as an integral part of the Pan European Ecological Network (PEEN) – in line with target 11 of Aichi;

11

Rehabilitation of at least 15 % of the degraded areas through conservation and restoration activities – in line with Aichi biodiversity targets – this will be attained through implementation of management plans for protected areas and through implementation of action plans for species, and especially for habitats;

More sustainable Agriculture and forestry activities in line with biodiversity objectives;

Implementation of Nagoya Protocol on access and sharing of genetic resources and profits from their use – in line with target 16 of Aichi;

16

Raising awareness on biodiversity - in line with target 1, Aichi. 1

Table 4: The national targets related to Strategic Goals

36

The environmental indicators covered in this strategy are:

Status and trends of the biodiversity component

• Status and trends of the components of biodiversity

• Trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems and habitats

• Trends in abundance and distribution of selected species

• Coverage of protected areas

• Change in status of threatened species

• Trends in genetic diversity

Sustainable use:

• Sustainable use area under sustainable management

• Proportion of products derived from sustainable sources

• Ecological footprint and related concepts

Threats to biodiversity:

• Nitrogen deposition

• Trends in invasive alien species

Ecosystem integrity (see Fig. 4):

• Marine Trophic Index

• Water quality of freshwater ecosystems

• Trophic integrity of other ecosystems

• Connectivity / fragmentation of ecosystems

• Incidence of human-induced ecosystem failure

• Health and well-being of communities

• Biodiversity for food and medicine

The figure no. 5 presents the Ecosystem integrity8 (EI) and essential biodiversity variables (EBV) frameworks. The lines indicate examples of linkages, differences in resolution and complementarity of EI and EBV frameworks (green color refers to biotic and blue colour to abiotic indicators or variables, respectively). Green lines indicate that three biotic EI indicators are relevant for 16 EBVs. Blue lines indicate that four biotic EBVs are relevant for 12 abiotic EI indicators.

Information and data related to air pollution

• NO2, • O3, • SO2, • CO, • PM10, • PM2.5

8 The next generation of site-based long-term ecological monitoring: Linking essential biodiversity variables and ecosystem integrity. Article in Science of The Total Environment 613-614(613-614):1376-1384

Figure 4: Ecosystem integrity

37

Information and data related to EIA procedures

• Infrastructure as are roads, waste water treatment systems etc.;

• Industry as are the mineral exploration; oil exploration; cement and steel factories etc.,

• Energy as are hydro power plant; power plant, line of energy transmission etc.,

• Transport etc.,

Information and data related to water quality and water ecosystems

The water pollutants are grouped as:

Organic water pollutants that include:

• Detergents

• Disinfection by-products found in chemically disinfected drinking water, such as chloroform

• Food processing waste, which can include oxygen-demanding substances, fats and grease

• Insecticides and herbicides, a huge range of organohalides and other chemical compounds

• Petroleum hydrocarbons, including fuels (gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuels, and fuel oil) and lubricants (motor oil), and fuel combustion by-products, from storm water runoff

• Volatile organic compounds, such as industrial solvents, from improper storage.

• Chlorinated solvents, which are dense non-aqueous phase liquids, may fall to the

Figure 5. Ecosystem integrity (EI) and essential biodiversity variables (EBV) frameworks.

38

bottom of reservoirs, since they don’t mix well with water and are denser.

• Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)

• Trichloroethylene

• Perchlorate

• Various chemical compounds found in personal hygiene and cosmetic products

• Drug pollution involving pharmaceutical drugs and their metabolites

Inorganic water pollutants that include:

• Acidity caused by industrial discharges (especially sulphur dioxide from power plants)

• Ammonia from food processing waste

• Chemical waste as industrial by-products

• Fertilizers containing nutrients--nitrates and phosphates—which are found in storm water runoff from agriculture, as well as commercial and residential use

• Heavy metals from motor vehicles (via urban storm water runoff) and acid mine drainage

• Silt (sediment) in runoff from construction sites, logging, slash and burn practices or land clearing sites.

Macroscopic pollution can include items such as:

Waste considered as garbage (e.g. paper, plastic, or food waste) discarded by people on the ground, along with accidental or intentional dumping of rubbish, that are washed by rainfall into storm drains and eventually discharged into surface waters.

1. Nurdles, small ubiquitous waterborne plastic pellets

2. Shipwrecks, large derelict ships.

The main indicators of water quality are:

• Na, • Ca; • Mg; • Fe; • NH4; • Cl; • SO4; • NO3; • NO2;• O2

The water monitoring program monitor and report also the microelements and heavy metals as are:

• Ni, • Mn, • Zn, • Pb, • Cu, • Co, • Cr, • Cd

Part of the water quality monitoring are also the indicators below:

• T- Temperature;

• pH; Alkalinity;

• Fp- General forts);

• Mp- General Mineralisation

Information and data related to climate change

The UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 1994. Today, it has near-universal membership. The 197 countries that have ratified the Convention are called Parties to the Convention.

The UNFCCC is a “Rio Convention”, one of three adopted at the “Rio Earth Summit” in 1992. Its

39

sister Rio Conventions are the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention to Combat Desertification. The three are intrinsically linked. It is in this context that the Joint Liaison Group was set up to boost cooperation among the three Conventions, with the ultimate aim of developing synergies in their activities on issues of mutual concern. It now also incorporates the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Preventing “dangerous” human interference with the climate system is the ultimate aim of the UNFCCC.

The ultimate objective of the Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) is to achieve “... stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”

Estimating the levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals is an important element of the efforts to achieve this objective. From the Third National Report to Climate Change the data are shown on the table no. 5 below.

Other climate related indicators:

• Economic losses from climate-related extremes

• Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations

• Effects of climate change: Air pollution due to ozone and health impacts

• Greenhouse gas emissions from transport

• Production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances

• Production, sales and emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases)

• Soil moisture

• Floods and health

Figure 6 : People under the affection of flooding, WHO, 2012

40

Table 5: Total emissions per year

41

III: RELEVANT EXISTING AND PROPOSED RESEARCH BENEFICIAL TO SYSTEMS USERS

Title Description

Kupe L., Miho A. (2006) “Considerations About Environmental State of Important Aquatic Habitats in Albania Based in Algal Assessment”Conference, Tirana 15-16 May 2006

By this study the authors have evaluated the water quality cover almost the most representative habitats, as shown in the map of the Pic 1. It started with the study of macrophyte algae along the coast by Kashta (1986). Phytoplankton of Butrinti lagoon was carried on during the period 1987-2001 (Miho, 1994); net and/or bottle samples in six stations in the lagoon and the sea were examined.An increasing demand of water for drinking, irrigation, aquaculture, hydro-electric power production and tourism exist actually in Albania. Therefore, a greater awareness and control of water quality is strongly needed, accompanied by a better management and protection of the water resources.

Premti Dh; Malollari I, “Evaluation of Air Pollutants Concentrations Status Through Passive Tube Sampling Method in Albania

International Refereed Journal of Engineering and Science (IRJES) ISSN (Online) 2319-183X, (Print) 2319-1821 Volume 3, Issue 5(May 2014), PP.72-76 Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of TiranaThe evaluation of air pollutant concentration is an important study, because the air quality and air pollution is more problematic especially in the urban area and industrial area of Albania. The national report of monitoring of air quality has identify the problem that exist related the air quality. This study is a very important contribution in the analysing end identifying the main pollutant and their origin.

Mandija F. Bushati J., “Overview of Measurements of Air Ion Concentrations Under Specific Situations”

The concentrations of small air ions are generally higher in the suburbs of the cities than in the centres. The higher levels of air ion concentrations are encountered in rural areas, seashores and in the mountains, especially near forests and waterfalls. In the seashores and mountains, the air ion concentration levels are nearly 3-4 times higher than in the suburb areas. The average concentration levels are 4000-5000 in seashores and 6000-8000 in the mountains.

There are several studies related to the different areas of environment as air quality, water quality, biodiversity, land degradation, industrial pollution etc. Below are some of the related publications to environmental data management, monitoring and information:

42

Title Description

Totoni R, Baraj E., “Study of Pm10 Levels in Urban Air of Tirana (Vasil Shanto Cross-Road) and Statistical Analysis of Data Collected”

The main objective of this study is to analyse the PM10 concentration levels in one of the main Tirana city crossroad and to evaluate how these levels are influenced by road traffic density and weather conditions. The measurements have been carried out from May to July 2012, by the Laboratory of Chemistry in Faculty of Mathematical Engineering and Physical Engineering. During 70 days, 12-hours particles samples were collected two times in each day, with a total of 140 samples. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to the data collected, to statistically confirm if factors, such are the time of sampling (day-night; weekdays-weekend days) and meteorological conditions (day with or without precipitation) have impact on the PM10 concentration.

UNEP 2002; Feasibility Study for Urgent Risk Reduction Measures at Sharra Landfill in Albania.

The investigation campaign carried out in this Feasibility Study points out one major source of pollution. The burning of solid waste has been identified as having the most negative effect on the environment, whereas the spreading of contaminants via surface water and groundwater seems to be of minor importance;Air emission The most important factor causing air pollution at Sharra landfill is the open burning of domestic solid waste. The resultant cloud of air pollution, including extremely harmful toxic substances, like dioxins and furans, will not only affect the immediate vicinity of the landfill, but will have a long-term effect on habitants living around the Sharra landfill and the western part of Tirana city.Water investigation The water analysis, surface water as well as groundwater, only shows a slight and Insignificant increase in the analysed elements in the downstream direction from the Landfill compared with the results from the “back ground values” upstream from the landfill.Soil mechanic The geological formations, Neogene underlying rocks, at the site do not favour the generation of groundwater. Only insignificant secondary groundwater is created and only in the upper weathered zone of the formation and/or in the Quaternary covers rock

43

Many technology projects in Albania have been supported by the EU Framework Programmes and other EU financing mechanisms.

There are two projects financed through the 7th Framework Programmes for research (FP7), 12 IPA, and 3 Tempus, Erasmus Programme.

Other complementary areas, such as nature protection and climate change, have also received IPA support. Overall, EU assistance over the period 2007-13 amounts to more than EUR 126 million. Various donors provided assistance to the sector; among them IFIS with loans from the World Bank, the EIB 13, multi-beneficiary assistance or TAIEX 22 the EBRD, and other donors such as Germany, Italy, Japan, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Nations.

Albanian universities have also supported research relevant to climate change. In addition, national and international NGOs have influenced the establishment of the national innovation, technology transfer and R&D infrastructure through awareness raising in climate change and sustainable development.

Following are summarized a number of climate change-related research projects implemented during the third NC reporting period.

FP7 programme:

• IASON - Fostering sustainability and uptake of research results through networking activities in Black Sea and Mediterranean areas implemented by CIMA, Albania (2013-2015).

• Knowledge transfer and research needs for preparing mitigation/adaptation policy portfolios (PrOMiTHeaS-4), implemented by Faculty of Mechanics Engineering, Tirana Polytechnic university (2011-2013).

EU Pre-Accession Instrument (IPA):

• ADRIARadNet project implemented by CIMA, Albania (2012-2014).

• KMS Survey results - IPA/2013/UNISDR implemented by CIMA, Albania (2013-2014).

• IPA Flood implemented by CIMA, Albania (2015-2017).

• Energetic Support to Small Communities of the Adriatic Area - IPA Cross-Border Programme (2007-2013) implemented by the Ministry of Energy (2011-2015).

• The “Powered” Project or the project of research, experimentation and development of wind energy in coastal areas – IPA Cross-Border Programme (2007-2013) implemented by Ministry of Energy, 2011-2014.

• Greece/ Albania Energy Tourism (G.Al.E.T) – IPA Cross-Border Programme (2007- 2013) implemented by the Ministry of Energy, 2014-2016.

• The Carbon Reduction in South-East Europe-LOSCEE implemented by the Ministry of Environment, 2012-2014.

• Adriatic Forest Model - IPA Adriatic Program, implemented by the agricultural university of Tirana, 2012-2014.

• Consolidation of the environmental Monitoring System in Albania (CEMSA), implemented by the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Biology Department, University of Tirana, 2010-2013.

• Capacity strengthening of MoE for designing laws and for national environmental legislation application-SELEA- IPA 2010, implemented by the Ministry of Environment, 20122014.

• Rural Development Programme IPARD, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, 2007- 2013.

• RESI renewable energy studies in Western Balkan countries, implemented by the Faculty of Mechanics Engineering,

44

Polytechnic University of Tirana, 2013- ongoing.

• E-learning innovation and Sustainable Albanian agriculture, implemented by the Agricultural University of Tirana, 2012- ongoing.

• Green-Tech-WB: Smart and Green technologies for innovative and sustainable societies in Western Balkans, implemented by the Agricultural University of Tirana, 2014- ongoing.

3.1 Proposed research in the field of monitoring and reportingAccording to the existing research and studies related the environmental information and monitoring and also according the obligation that the country has in the frame of the RIO Conventions for monitoring and reporting it is proposed the following main fields of interest in environmental data:

Nature and biodiversity protection9:

Implementation of the directives of the field of nature and landscape protection:

• Completion of the study on the Emerald Network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ZIVR) in the frame of the Bern Convention “For the preservation of wildlife and natural European habitats”.

• Application of protective measures for species and habitats listed in the annexes of the Habitats and the Birds Directive.

• Carry out a national research on the re-classification of Protected Areas, based on the new criteria published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN);

9 NBSAP 2015 Albania

• Implementation of management plans of protected areas and species action plans and habitats, identification and study of Natura 2000 sites in Albania;

• Implementation of concrete measures provided in management plans to ensure the favourable conservation status of globally threatened species and habitats;

• Preparing for the identification and establishment of the Natura 2000 network of conservation areas important for the European community;

Air quality10:

The Albanian government has pledged to achieve a cleaner air through full transposition and implementation of EU Directive 2008/50 / EC, as well as other related directives (and regulations). To achieve the transposition of Directive 2008/50 / EC, progressively the following must be considered:

• Preparation and drafting of new administrative procedures, guidelines and standards as per the new law “On ambient air quality”;

• Develop a National Plan to ensure full implementation and enforcement of the directive2008/50 / EC in Albania.

Climate change11:

Policy priorities directly related to mitigation efforts include:

• Continuing to promote market reforms, such as more realistic market pricing in energy and transportation sector, that can accelerate economic growth while reducing

10 Vendim i KM nr. 594, datë 10.9.2014 Për miratimin e Strategjisë Kombëtare për Cilësinë e Ajrit të Mjedisit

11 Third National Communication to Climate Change, GEF- Ministry of Environment-UNDP, 2016

45

growth in emissions;

• Working together with other developing countries (non-annex 1 countries) through bilateral and multilateral programs aiming to improve investment environments and create stronger incentives for joint climate-friendly investments;

• Creating cross-sector strategies between climate mitigation and other development priorities that will support policies which address both climate and local environmental needs.

• Improving and supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency strategies.

Issues such as the lack of historical data for different sectors, lack of indicators and data regarding different hazards and disaster events obstruct a comprehensive and a cross cutting vulnerability and risk assessment.

Analysing climate change risk in Albania is a significant challenge because more than 90% of all natural events that have taken place in Albania over the last two decades (1993-2014) were caused by hydro-meteorological hazards. There is a very close link between climate change and disaster risk reduction given that climate change is expected to increase the incidents of extreme events. This requires a multi-disciplinary framework and a cross cutting analyses that will allow the country to adopt the best adaptation options.

One important aspect that the government should take into account is the incorporation of climate change and disaster risk reduction considerations into all aspects of policy planning and development.

• Develop a comprehensive climate change national adaptation plan and also integrate such a plan at all levels and identify strategies at national, local levels.

• Upgrade the existing national early warning systems with new and updated infrastructure (hardware and software). it is also imperative to develop emergency plans according to accurate assessment of the national hazards.

• Improve coordination between government ministries responsible for CC and DRR.

• Improve data availability and accessibility for all national institutes; institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water and Environment (hydrometer logical data), Albanian Geographical Survey, etc.

• Build capacity to engage in policy dialogue and ensure participation of vulnerable groups in decision-making.

• Bring DRR and climate change adaptation into the educational system at all levels (awareness-raising (engaging with the media))

• Mainstream climate change considerations into all economic activities

• Strengthen regional and international cooperation on DRM and CCA initiatives.

46

Figure 7: Environmental indicators database

Figure 8: Environmental Integrated System

47

The environmental data and information are conditioned according to the specific situation that has Albania related to the economic activities and their impact on environment.

The data and environmental information are conditioned also from the obligation and the responsibilities that have taken Albania in the frame of international treaties as are convention, protocols, bilateral, regional or global agreements.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another. The SDGs work in the spirit of partnership and pragmatism to make the right choices now to improve life, in a sustainable

way, for future generations. They provide clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and the environmental challenges of the world at large. The SDGs are an inclusive agenda. They tackle the root causes of poverty and unite us together to make a positive change for both people and planet.

With relation to environment, SDGs despite the cross cutting nature, also provide objective and targets that are included directly or indirectly in the environment monitoring program of Albania. Below we have summarized the SDG Indicators that are measured directly or partially:

Goal: 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities

Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).

IV: IDENTITY HIGH-PRIORITY DATA NEEDS, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO DATA RELEVANT TO MULTIPLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONVENTIONS

48

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Indicator:13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production (including a national adaptation plan, nationally determined contribution, national communication, biennial update report or other).

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Indicator: 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula

Goal: 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.

Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations.

Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent

with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.

Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas.

Goal: 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area

Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.

Target 15.4: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.

49

Indicator 15.4.1: Coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity

Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.

Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

SDG 15 Means: 15.a, 15.b, 15.c

Target 15.a: Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems.

Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Target: 15.b Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation.

Indicator 15.b.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems.

With particular attention to the national indicators set for the CBD, UNFCCC and UNCCD the high priority environmental data needs in line with global reporting are as follows:

Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has 3 main objectives:

1. The conservation of biological diversity

2. The sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

3. The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

National Targets for Albania:

1. By 2020- to ensure transposition and implementation of EU acquis in the area of natur protection.

Indicator 1.1: Degree of approximation of EU Acquis on nature

2. By 2015- there should be in place a strategic revised and adopted document on biodiversity (DSPEP), in line with objectives of Aichi 17

Indicator 2.1: DSPEP drafted and adopted

3. By 2020- establish a conservation objective of 17% of surface and underground water areas and 5% of the coastal, marine areas. The establishment of the National Ecologic Network of Albania, as integral part of the Pan European Ecological Network (PEEN)-in line with target 11, Aichi

Indicator 3.1: General surface of protected areas (PAs);

Indicator 3.2: Surface of marine and coastal PAs;

Indicator 3.3: Number of drafted management plans for PAs

50

4. Restoration of at least 15% of degraded areas through conservation and restoration activities– in line with Aichi biodiversity targets – this action will be achieved through implementation of the management plans for protected areas and through the implementation of the action plans for species in particular and habitats

Indicator 4.1: Number of implemented management plans for protected areas

5. Implementation of Nagoya Protocol for access and sharing of benefits of genetic resources and profits stemming from their use - in line with target 16 of Aichi;

Indicator 5.1: Establishment and operation of the national network for the implementation of the Protocol;

Indicator 5.2: Completion of the national legislation regarding to access to genetic resources;

Other sector objectives related to protection of nature include:

• Addressing causes of loss of biodiversity

• Reducing direct pressure on biodiversity and promoting sustainable development

• Improving implementation through participatory planning, management of knowledge and capacity building

• Increasing benefits for all from biodiversity and ecosystem services

• Improving biodiversity status, while preserving the ecosystems, species and genetic diversity

Description of indicators Baseline 2013 Goal 2017 Goal 2020

Surface of protected areas 15,8 % 16.8 % 17 %

Surface of protected marine and, coastal areas 1,5 % 4 % 6 %

Number of Protected Areas for which management plans have been developed and adopted 10 25 30

Number of protected areas for which management plans have been implemented 0 5 10

Number of formulated action plans on species 5 7 10

Number of implemented action plans of species 0 3 5

Number of natural habitats with improved conservation status 2 5 10

Number of wild fauna Species with improved status 0 5 15

Number of populations of species that are subject to hunting that are improved 0 7 14

Ecological network Natura 2000 for Albania-identified 0 50 % 100 %

Table 6: Description of indicators

51

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

National Communications of Non-Annex I Parties:

Each Non-Annex I party shall communicate to the Conference of Parties, through the Secretariat, the following information:

• A national inventory of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, to the extent its capacities permit, using comparable methodologies to be promoted and agreed upon by the Conference of the Parties.

• A general description of steps taken or envisaged by the Party to implement the Convention.

• Any other information the Party considers relevant to the achievement of the objective of the Convention and suitable for inclusion in its communication, including, if feasible, material relevant for calculations of global emission trends.” (CoP decision 17/CP.8, B. Scope.

“Non-Annex I Parties should provide a description of their national and regional development priorities, objectives and circumstances, on the basis of which they will address climate change and its adverse impacts.” (CoP decision 17/CP.8, II. National Circumstances).

Indicators:

1. Direct GHG emissions (Gg) Total direct GHG emissions (CO2, CH4,N2O) for Albania by sector (Energy, Industrial Sector, NPTP, Agriculture, Waste)

2. Indirect GHG emissions (Gg) Total emissions of indirect GHG emissions (NOx, CO, SO2 and NMVOC) for Albania by sector (Energy, Industrial Sector, NPTP, Agriculture, Waste)

Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and National Appropriate Mitigation Measures (NAMAs)

The INDC of Albania is a baseline scenario target: it commits to reduce its CO2 emissions by 11.5 % as compared to the baseline scenario for the period 2016 to 2030. This reduction is equivalent to a CO2 emission reduction of 708 Gg by 2030. The emission trajectory of Albania allows a smooth trend for achieving 2 tons of GHG emissions per capita by 2050, which can be taken as a target for global contraction and convergence of greenhouse gas emissions.

United Nations to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found.

The UNCCD defines land degradation neutrality (LDN)12 as “a state whereby the amount and quality of land resources necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security remain stable or increase within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems”.

The LDN conceptual framework specifies what to measure (the indicators) and how it is assessed (the metrics).

Indicators are chosen that reflect the key processes that underpin land-based natural capital. Metrics are chosen to be universally applicable and interpretable, and quantifiable with available data sets.

12 Scientific Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality. A report of the Science-Policy Interface, 10/02/2017, UNCCD Publications

52

The indictors for LDN are the UNCCD progress reporting indicators (and associated metrics):

Indicator 1: Land cover (land cover change)

Indicator 2: Land productivity (net primary productivity)

Indicator 3: Carbon stocks (soil organic carbon)

These can be supplemented as needed by other sustainable development goal (SDG) indicators and national indicators.

In the figure below is a hypothetical example on how LND indicators are measured:

According to the actual system of environmental data surveying and collection and publication and the obligation that the country has in the frame of the international agreement that have been ratified from Albania we can conclude that the most important data exist but in the same time there is a need to review and to improve the system of the monitoring end reporting, such as :

1. Improvement of the the existing system and increased the number of monitoring station for air quality indicators:

For the Air Quality monitoring there is a total of seven stations, two in Tirana and one in each: Durrës, Shkodër, Elbasan, Vlorë and Korçë. According to the international standard and the methodology proposed by the European

53

Environmental Agency (EEA) for Albania there is a need for an increased number of stations.

Improvement of the national system of the Water Monitoring. Albania has thirty-four stations for water quality monitoring. According to the law nr. 111/2012“On integrated water resources management” and the EU Water Framework Directive, Albania has the obligation to increase the number of the station to cover all river basis according to the European standards. Except the number of the station there is a need of improvement of the environmental indicators and their parameters set to be monitored. It is necessary to include the Drive and Response indicators as currently only the State, Impact and Pressure indicators are collected. NEA monitors and reports the below parameters:

• T0-Temperature of water

• Ph-Alkalinity

• Fp–General hardness

• Mp-General Mineralisation;

• Na-Natrium

• Ca-Calcium

• Mg-Mangez

• Fe-Ferrium

• NH4-Ammonium

• Cl-Clorium

• SO4-oxide sulphuric

• NO3-oxide nitrite

• NO2-dioxide nitrate

• O2 – Oxygen

54

According to the recommendations made in frame of the Convention on European Integration, by the working group in the field of environment, regarding Aarhus Convention and its implementation in Albania (July 2015), the first step necessary to realize the right of public to have access to environmental information is the collection and processing of environmental information by the state authorities themselves. Often information in Albania is fragmented and distributed to different institutions, which complicates access to information.

The Ministry of Toursim and Environment and the National Environment Agency under its authority as central government bodies covering environmental issues should continue to play a primary role in collecting and processing environmental information. For this, it is necessary to strengthen the structures of these institutions by making available the necessary human and financial resources. Also, other state authorities, at the central or local level, should have within their structures special units to take care of the collection and processing of environmental information they face in the course of their activity.

In order that institutions responsible for environmental monitoring, data evaluation and reporting to fulfilled successfully their duties, it is necessary and important to have a program of capacity building with different training

V: TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF GOVERNMENT STAFF ACROSS AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

modules for the institutions and agencies responsible on national, regional and local levels.

The modules need to have the minimum and specific requirements related to the responsibilities of those institutions for monitoring and reporting environmental information at all levels. The responsibilities and the information they are obliged to generate periodically are addressed by the national legislation on the field of environment.

There has not been a coherent capacity building module to support the better environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The contribution of governmental capacity building efforts is mainly focused on supporting the other organizations and participating in different workshops, trainings or events as speakers or resource persons.

There are usual environmental trainings held by the MTE at national, regional and local level to train the employees about the environmental work, however, these do not focus on monitoring and reporting environmental information.

The trainings and workshops carried out by different international and national organizations have been centred on building capacities of municipalities, local governments and NGOs participation in environmental and especially local decision-making.

55

Despite the series of trainings that have targeted the key governmental officials in the MTE, the National Agency for Environment and the REDs responsible for access to information and public participation in decision-making, due to the high turnover in these institutions, there are still many who are not familiar with their obligations, roles and responsibilities regarding monitoring and reporting of information. It is necessary to find ways of institutionalizing these knowledge and skills and transferring to other staff members through further in-house trainings, maintaining modules and up to date training materials, as well as linking the training to the positions of employees.

In order to have proper impact, the capacity building needs should be assessed systematically and the training modules should be designed according to these needs.

It is also important that the capacity building module should not be confined to one series of trainings in one project but should be of longer term perspective. It is proposed therefore that it should be tied to the development of human resources necessary to certain positions in the different governmental institutions, at central and local level, providing the necessary knowledge and skills for that position.

The module should be designed to support capacity building of institutions and agencies responsible for environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting of data, at national, regional and local level. The module should provide target groups with a comprehensive and practical understanding of monitoring and evaluation of environmental data.

The main target groups at national and regional level, who should be targeted by the capacity building module and the relevant topics for them are MTE, NEA and REDs.

5.1 Training needs assessmentThe aim of a training need assessment is to identify priorities regard to specific needs that can be addressed through training and which are important in view of the institutional needs. The identification of the training needs will help to identify current skills / capability levels and to suggest possible approaches and ways to cover them. The gap between the current and desired levels may indicate specific problems that can be translated into a training need.

The needs assessment is also a process of collecting information about an expressed or implied organizational need that could be met by carrying out a training.

The assessment should be used to:

• identify the gap between current and required levels of knowledge, skills and abilities;

• define the general content of the training;

• form the basis of the training plan;

• provide a baseline for the evaluation of the training plan;

• ensure that appropriate and relevant training is delivered;

• maximize the use of scarce resources; and

• ensure that the training is clearly linked to the defined outputs.

In order to identify the priority stakeholders group needs (government officials and practitioners dealing with environmental data monitoring and reporting), there was undertaken a survey in different institutions at central and local level.

The purpose of this survey was to identify the level of dissemination of environmental information among stakeholders, as well to assess individual or institutional needs to

56

obtain trainings on environmental information management topics.

The questionnaires were developed in order to obtain information on: (a) level of actual information on environmental matters and capacities in managing this information; (b) institutional approach toward training needs of their staff; (c) usefulness of specific environmental theme in completing training needs of the staff; and (d) the performance of Aarhus Convention mechanism.

In assessing the actual level of information on environmental matters in institution level and the availability of this information from the staff (graphic 1), it turns out that there is information but it needs effort to find it (information is assessed as appropriate by 67% of respondents); and and the information available within institution is assessed as sufficient by 76% of respondents.

According to the survey results, although that the majority of institutions (55%) admitted that there has been undertaken a needs assessment for their staff training needs, fulfilment of their knowledge of environmental issues is sufficiently good for 40% of respondents and too little for 31% of them (graphic 2).

5 %

5 %17 % 7 %

67 %

excellent

adequate

unadequate

does not exist

don’t know

Graphic 1: Availability of environmental information at institutional level

5 % 40 % 14 % 31 %7 %

very good

sufficiently good

not sufficiently

at low level

very low level

Graphic 2: Fulfilment of staff knowledge on environmental issues from previous trainings

57

In the graphic below (graphic 3) are presented main environmental issues assessed by the respondents, according to their importance, as very usefulness in completing training needs.

Graphic 3: Usefulness of specific environmental themes in completing training needs of staff

biodiversity 50%

consumer protection

50 %

waste100 %

water 95 %

env. education

80 %

forest 73 %

env. policies 75 %

rural development

68 %

air protection

68 %

urban environment

75 %

nature protection

83 %

env. legislation

65 %

tourism 68 %

agriculture 45%

58

The last part of questionnaire was dedicated to the performance of Aarhus Convention mechanisms and assessment of its pillars’ implementation in Albania.

Graphic 4: The right of access to information

Assessing the situation regarding the access to information right according to the conditions and rules of state authorities (graphic 4), from the survey results that although legal procedures and rules exist, the information, knowledge and skills to properly exercise this right are missing.

Legislation regarding rights and responsibilities

is in place88 %

There are clear procedures or rules76 %

There are no costs for receiving information74 %

Timeframe is appropriate to receive the

information45 %

The information is often outdated and nonavailable 64 %

Knowledge and skills on how to use rights and procedures is missing 67 %

Knowledge on what rights citizens and CSOs do have is weak 76 %

Lack of implementation of legislation 83 %

59

5.2 Proposed Training Modules

Effective training courses are vital to the long-term success of enforcement plans and requirements for government agencies. Training course can provide multiple benefits for employees, institutions and beneficiaries — but only if they are carefully planned and properly implemented.

The framework for an effective training course comprises:

1. a training needs assessment;

2. programme design (including content and methodology);

3. training delivery; and

4. evaluation of organizational impact.

According to the assessment survey undertook on the training needs of government staff across agencies responsible for environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, there is necessary that the capacity building modules should be more strategic and targeted specifically for the institutions on national, regional and local levels.

These training modules are designed to support capacity building of institutions and agencies responsible for environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting of data, at national, regional and local level.

The aim is to provide target groups with a comprehensive and practical understanding of monitoring and evaluation of environmental data.

The modules should promote also the sharing of knowledge and information among different stakeholders who are working on environmental monitoring, data evaluation and reporting in order to fulfil successfully their

duties. Content-wise, the primary focus of the training modules are the three Rio Conventions, which tailored for specific target institutions and organizations.

They contain a collection of tools and resources, from among which the developers of each training programme can select the most appropriate for the needs of their institution. The materials are designed to be used and adapted by each institution according to its specific requirements.

The objectives of the training module should be:

• to build capacities of officials on their roles and responsibilities in environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, according to the national legislation and international agreements;

• to equip them with practical knowledge and skills on environmental information monitoring systems and how it can be implemented in practice;

• to provide general awareness, knowledge and understanding on environmental status, specifically related to significant environmental topics such as biodiversity, climate change etc.;

• to increase their knowledge and skills on environmental information management and user-friendly reporting data for general public.

Based on assessment of governmental staff regarding their training needs on specific environmental issues, as main fields for more knowledge and skills were reported the following fields:

• waste management, • water management, • land protection• biodiversity, and • air and climate change.

60

Waste management

Water management

Land protection Biodiversity

Air and Climate change

Central Government • • • • •Local Authorities • • • •Academia • • • •NGO • • •

Programme design and development

Following identification of training needs, it is important to develop the Training Programme. In general, this includes identification of general and specific training objectives and selection of appropriate topics according to the training needs of target groups and of the training methods that will be used for their training.

Through the training needs assessment were derived the current situation of environmental information at institutional level; the priority thematic for trainings for the given Rio Convention and possible approaches to cover training needs.

The objective of the training is “To build capacities of officials on their roles and responsibilities in environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, according to the national legislation and international agreements”.

Each specific training should help to:

• to equip them with general information on the Rio Conventions: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change (UNFCCC); country obligations for data gathering and reporting; and actual institutional responsibilities;

• to equip them with practical knowledge and skills on environmental information monitoring systems and how it can be implemented in practice;

• to provide general awareness, knowledge and understanding on environmental status, specifically related to significant environmental topics such as biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, etc.; and

• to increase officials’ knowledge and skills on environmental information management and user-friendly reporting data for the general public.

A. TRAINING CONTENT / MODULES

The topics for the training programme should be based on the need assessment performed at early stage. The training content should align with the specific objectives identified in the need assessment process and should be designed in order to be used and adapted by each institution according to their individual requirements.

Table 6: The environmental issues as main fields of training needs for the target groups

61

The training programme should include:

• primary content supplied by experts;

• sufficient information and learning experiences to enable participants to achieve the learning outcomes;

• a balance of interactive, independent and instructor-led learning experiences;

• enough detail and substance to allow the trainer to use the content outline to teach the training programme; and

• logistical details such as allotted time, instructions and resources.

The training content should combine different fields of knowledge (i.e. biodiversity or climate change or land degradation etc, international obligations and national legislation for each subject, monitoring systems and reporting, information management, etc), treated in separate sessions, related to each other.

Each module provides and combines the theoretical basis on the subject with practical elements in the field. This module promotes the adaptation of modern information management and monitoring systems as a mean towards environmental subject assessment and reporting in accordance with national and international regulations.

For each subject, the general and specific objectives are defined individually. To achieve the general and specific training objectives a number of thematic sessions and specific topics are designed under each subject.

The table no. 7 summarizes the thematic sessions, links to Rio Conventions and lists of monitoring indicators for each training subject identified during the need assessment phase.

Main theme Thematic sessions Reference as primary focus on Rio Conventions

Learning objectives

Methodology and Duration

Waste management

1. Introduction to EIMMS and waste management2. International obligations in reference to respective Rio Conventions 3. Legal framework and institutions 4. Environmental monitoring indicators:• Status• Impact• Pressures5. Use and Reporting of Environmental Monitoring data

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

• Increased expertise on waste management monitoring; • Introduced with international and national obligation on data collection and reporting;• Informed on the status of waste management, monitoring indicators;• Improved knowledge and skills on information management and user-friendly reporting data.

Each training module might be structured in 8 sessions (out of which 6 are content based), which offer a combination of theoretical basis with practical elements.

One Introductory session in the beginning of each training will introduce participants with the agenda, training objectives, speakers and participants.

62


Learning objectives


Water management

1. Introduction to EIMMS and water management2. International obligations in reference to respective Rio Conventions 3. Legal framework and institutions 4. Environmental monitoring indicators:• Status• Impact• Pressures 5. Use and Reporting of Environmental Monitoring data

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)


• Increased expertise on water management monitoring; • Introduced with international and national obligation on data collection and reporting;• Informed on the status of water quality, monitoring indicators;• Improved knowledge and skills on information management and user-friendly reporting data

At the end, the evaluation session will serve to measure the achievements of each training course and collect ideas for future steps. The content based sessions are organized in PowerPoint presentations, icebreakers, group exercises, small coffee breaks for refection and recover yourself. The content of these modules is complemented with additional materials as publications, movies, documentaries, external website, etc.

Biodiversity 1. Introduction to EIMMS and biodiversity protection, conservation and management2. International obligations in reference to respective Rio Conventions 3. Legal framework and institutions 4. Environmental monitoring indicators:• Status• Impact• Pressures5. Use and Reporting of Environmental Monitoring data

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),

As well as interlinks with:The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),


• Increased expertise on biodiversity protection and management monitoring; • Introduced with international and national obligation on data collection and reporting;• Informed on the status of biodiversity, monitoring indicators;• Improved knowledge and skills on information management and user-friendly reporting data.

It will take 2 working days (16 hours) to complete the training. Each session last up to 2 hours, including “questions and answer” section with participants.

At the end of the training it will be delivered an assessment form to be filled by participants helping to improve this kind of trainings in the future.

63


Learning objectives


Land protection 1. Introduction to EIMMS and land protection2. International obligations in reference to respective Rio Conventions 3. Legal framework and institutions 4. Environmental monitoring indicators:• Status• Impact• Pressures5. Use and Reporting of Environmental Monitoring data

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),

As well as interlinks with:The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

• Increased expertise on land protection monitoring; • Introduced with international and national obligation on data collection and reporting;• Informed on the status of land degradation and quality, monitoring indicators;• Improved knowledge and skills on information management and user-friendly reporting data.

Air and Climate Change

Introduction to EIMMS and air and climate change issues2. International obligations in reference to respective Rio Conventions 3. Legal framework and institutions 4. Environmental monitoring indicators:• Status• Impact• Pressures5. Use and Reporting of Environmental Monitoring data


As well as interlinks with:The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• Increased expertise on air quality monitoring and climate change issues; • Introduced with international and national obligation on data collection and reporting;• Informed on the status of emissions, monitoring indicators;• Improved knowledge and skills on information management and user-friendly reporting data.

Table 7: The content and learning objectives for each thematic, according to target group needs

64

The Table no. 8 summarizes the variances and adjustment of the training modules for different target audiences. It is applicable for the five identified topics:

Reference to Thematic Sessions

Central Governmental Institutions and Agencies

Local Authorities and Agencies at Regional and Municipality level

Non-Governmental Organizations

Academia, Research Institutions and Monitoring Agencies

1. Introduction to topic/field (i.e. Biodiversity)

Standard session for all audiences

2. Line Institutions and Organizations working in the field

Focus on detailed responsibilities of national institutions

Focus on detailed responsibilities of regional and local institutions

Focus on general information for national and local level

Focus on general information for national and local level and monitoring institutions

3. Status Focus on Env. Indicators monitored at national level

Ref. to SDG 13 (indicators 13.1.1 on statistic of population effected by climate change)

Focus on Env. Indicators monitored at local levelRef. to SDG 11 (indicators 11.6.1 and 11.6.2 – waste and air monitoring at local level)

General information on Env. Indicators at national and local level

Ref. to SDG 11 (indicators 11.6.1 and 11.6.2 – waste and air monitoring at local level)

Focus on monitoring methodologies at national and local level

Ref. to SDG 14 (indicators 14.1.1 on chemical parameters and other pollution monitoring indicators in seas)

Ref. to SDG 15 (indicators 15.4.1 on red list index)

65

Reference to Thematic Sessions

Central Governmental Institutions and Agencies

Local Authorities and Agencies at Regional and Municipality level

Non-Governmental Organizations

Academia, Research Institutions and Monitoring Agencies

4. Threats Focus on Env. Indicators monitored at national level

Ref. to SDG 14 (indicators 15.1.1 on oceans and seas pollution and environmental change)

Ref. to SDG 15 (indicators 15.1.1 on forestry and land degradation)

Focus on Env. Indicators monitored at local level

Ref. to SDG 15 (indicators 15.3.1 on biodiversity land degradation)

General information on Env. Indicators at national and local level

Ref. to SDG 15 (indicators 15.3.1 on biodiversity land degradation)

Focus on monitoring methodologies at national and local level

Ref. to SDG 14 (indicators 15.1.1 on oceans and seas pollution and environmental change)

Ref. to SDG 15 (indicators 15.3.1 on land degradation)

5. Legal Framework (Impacts)

Detailed information on International and National frameworks

Ref. to SDG 13 (indicators 13.2.1 – country strategies on climate change)

Ref. to SDG 14 (indicators 14.2 on plans for marine protected areas)

General information on International and National frameworks and detailed information on local responsibilities

Ref. to SDG 15 (indicators 15.2.1 – on sustainable management of forestry)

General information on International and National frameworks; as well as local regulations

Ref. to SDG 13 (indicators 13.3.1 – awareness and education activities with general public and target groups)

Ref. to SDG 15 (different indicators related to this SDG aiming education and awareness through activities such as BioBlitz, Bird-Sensus, Forest Explorer, Clean and Green Albania, etc)

Detailed information on International and National requirement for monitoring and methodologies

Ref. to SDG 14 (indicators 14.2 on plans for marine protected areas)

6. Reporting and use of EIMMS

Standard session for all audiences

Table 8: The variances and adjustment of training modules for different target audiences

66

Training Module on Waste Management

General objective: To strengthen and to increase target group’s field of expertise on waste management subject, aiming at improving environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, according to the national legislation and international agreements.

Specific Objectives

• To increase the expertise of officials, researchers and non for profit representatives on specific aspects of waste management issues in Albania;

• To introduce participants with national legislation and international obligation in the waste management field;

• To inform the participants on the status of waste management in country, needs and challenges;

• To get familiar with environmental monitoring indicators (status, impact and pressures);

• To improve knowledge and skills on information management and user-friendly reporting data for general public.

67

THEMATIC SESSIONS TOPICS Estimated TIME

1. Opening session Agenda, Objectives of the training, Introduction to speakers and participants

0.5 hour

2. Introduction to Waste management concept

Waste as a natural resourceWhat do we generate as waste from various sectorsWhat are the main tends on waste generations and management

1 hour

3. Line Inst. and Org. working in the field

Responsibilities of Central and local Governmental Institutions on waste management

1 hour

4. The main components of the waste management cycle

Urban and non-urban waste generation in AlbaniaNon-hazardous and hazardous waste generationEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Status Indicators - Ref. to the status monitoring indicators) Methodology of data collection at central level (INSTAT) and local level (Municipalities)

4 hours

5. Main threats to environmental pollution and resource depletion

Impact of land degradation and climate change Impacts on pollution level of rivers and seasEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Pressure Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

6. Legal framework for waste management, EU framework and International conventions

Policies, Strategies and Action Plans to Waste management (Ref. to National Strategy on Integrated Waste Management)EU Directive on Integrated Waste ManagementCross cutting links with Conventions on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Land DegradationEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Impact Indicators)Methodology of data reporting

2 hours

7. Information, Education and Awareness

Information exchange and data report in a user-friendly formatModels of awareness and public information and education activities such Trash Out App, Marine Debris Tracker App., etc

2 hours

8. Evaluation Session Conclusions; evaluation of the training 0.5 hours

68

Training Module on Biodiversity

General objective: To strengthen and to increase target group’s field of expertise on biodiversity subject, aiming at improving environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, according to the national legislation and international agreements.

Specific Objectives

• To increase the expertise of officials, researchers and non for profit representatives on specific aspects of biodiversity protection and management issues in Albania;

• To introduce participants with national legislation and international obligation in the biodiversity field;

• To inform the participants on the status of biodiversity in country, needs and challenges;



69



0.5 hour

2. Introduction to Biological diversity concept

What means biological diversityWhat nature gives usWhat are the main changes in biodiversityThe future of biodiversity

1 hour


Central Governmental InstitutionsNAPA and RAPAs

1 hour

4. The main biodiversity components/elements in Albania

Albanian nature and biodiversityBiodiversity in rivers and lakes, the coast and marine waters, protected areas and forestsEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Status Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

5. Main threats to our biodiversity

Impact of land degradation/use on biodiversity Deforestation impact in habitatsEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Pressure Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

6. Legal framework for biodiversity protection and International conventions

Policies, Strategies and Action Plans to Support Biodiversity ConservationConvention on Biological DiversityEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Impact Indicators)Methodology of data reporting

2 hours


Information exchange and data report in a user-friendly formatModels of awareness and public information and education activities such BioBlitz, Bird Census, Forest Explorer, etc

2 hours


70

Training Module on Water management

General objective: To strengthen and to increase target group’s field of expertise on water management, aiming at improving environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, according to the national legislation and international agreements.

Specific Objectives

• To increase the expertise of officials, researchers and non for profit representatives on specific aspects of water management issues in Albania;

• To introduce participants with national legislation and international obligation in the water management field;

• To inform the participants on the status of water quality in country, needs and challenges;



71



0.5 hour

2. Introduction to Water Management concept

Water as natural resourceWater usage by quantity and quality indicatorsWhat are the main global trends in water quantity and quality

1 hour


Responsibilities of Central and Local Governmental Institutions (on environmental, health, agriculture, energy sectors)

1 hour

4. The main water components/elements in Albania

Underground and running water bodies in AlbaniaUsage and impacts by sectors: availability and efficiency of usageEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Status Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

5. Main threats to water resources

Impact of climate change / land degradation/biodiversity Impacts on health and economy (industry, energy and agriculture)Environmental Monitoring Indicators (Pressure Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

6. Legal framework for water protection and International conventions

Policies, Strategies and Action Plans to water protectionCross cutting links to ConventionsEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Impact Indicators)Methodology of data reporting

2 hours


Information exchange and data report in a user-friendly formatModels of awareness and public information and education activities such Marine Tracher Debris, etc

2 hours


72

Training Module on Land Protection

General objective: To strengthen and to increase target group’s field of expertise on land protection, aiming at improving environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, according to the national legislation and international agreements.

Specific Objectives

• To increase the expertise of officials, researchers and non for profit representatives on specific aspects of land protection issues in Albania;

• To introduce participants with national legislation and international obligation in the land protection field;

• To inform the participants on the status of land quality in country, needs and challenges;



73



0.5 hour

2. Introduction to Land protection concept

Land as natural resourceWhat are the main global trends in land degradation (loss and fertility reduction)

1 hour


esponsibilities of Central and Local Governmental Institutions (on environmental, agriculture, infrastructure sectors)

1 hour

4. The main land components/elements in Albania

Land structure and composition in AlbaniaUsage and impacts by sectors: surface and intensity indicators Environmental Monitoring Indicators (Status Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

5. Main threats to land degradation

Impact of climate change / land degradation/biodiversity Impacts on health and economy (industry, energy and agriculture)Environmental Monitoring Indicators (Pressure Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

6. Legal framework for land protection and International conventions

Policies, Strategies and Action Plans to land protectionCross cutting links to ConventionsEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Impact Indicators)Methodology of data reporting

2 hours


Information exchange and data report in a user-friendly formatModels of awareness and public information and education activities such as BioBlitz, etc

2 hours


74

Training Module on Air Quality and Climate Change

General objective: To strengthen and to increase target group’s field of expertise on Air Quality and Climate change related issues, aiming at improving environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting, according to the national legislation and international agreements.

Specific Objectives

• To increase the expertise of officials, researchers and non-for-profit representatives on specific aspects of air quality and climate change issues in Albania;

• To introduce participants with national legislation and international obligation in the air quality and climate change field;

• To inform the participants on the status of air quality in country, needs and challenges;



75



0.5 hour

2. Introduction to Air Management and Climate Change concept

Air as a natural resourceIndoor/Ambient and Outdoor airWhat we understand with Climate Change concept and its relationship with air qualityWhat are the main global trends in air quantity and climate change

1 hour


Responsibilities of Central and Local Governmental Institutions (on environmental, health, industry and transport sectors)

1 hour

4. The main air components/elements in Albania

Air quality in AlbaniaEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Status Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

5. Main threats to air quality Impact of climate change on air quality (indoor and outdoor) Impacts on health (transport, urbanisation, industry)Environmental Monitoring Indicators (Pressure Indicators)Methodology of data collection

4 hours

6. Legal framework for air quality/protection and International conventions

Policies, Strategies and Action Plans to air qualityCross cutting links to Conventions specifically to Climate ChangeEnvironmental Monitoring Indicators (Impact Indicators)Methodology of data reporting

2 hours


Information exchange and data report in a user-friendly formatModels of awareness and public information and education activities such uch real-time reporting to public, etc

2 hours


76

B. METHODOLOGY

A range of methods can be used during the training course to engage participants, ensure effective learning experiences and stimulate greater collaboration.

These methods include:

• presentations;

• lectures;

• group discussions;

• case studies;

• small group exercises;

• self-assessments; and

• field trips.

The training materials that can be used should:

• be easy to understand;

• be economical to produce;

• be relevant to one or more learning outcomes;

• represent a secondary source of information;

• complement the learning experiences;

• include as much practical and direct job-based information as possible; and

• include illustrative examples that support text-based information.

At the end of the training course, participants can be equipped with:

• copies of suggested overheads available both as hard copy and in electronic version so that they can be modified for local use;

• support materials including a smaller format of the overheads for quick reference during the training session and as a handout to participants, together with a

reference and reading list and suggested group activities;

• hard copy handouts; and

• other resources documents, assessments and tools to share with colleagues in their institution.

C. EVALUATION

There are various methods of measuring the effectiveness of a completed training experience. These include:

• in-class evaluation questionnaires;

• post-training questionnaires;

• post-training debriefing; and

• interviews with participants, supervisors, colleagues and subordinates.

On the evaluation form, participants should be asked to:

• evaluate the event (in general) – from mediocre to excellent;

• evaluate the quality and adequacy of the curriculum and materials – from mediocre to excellent;

• evaluate the logistics – from mediocre to excellent;

• identify the three main outputs of the training, from a personal point of view; and

• provide other comments or suggestions (e.g. topics to include/exclude, changes in methodology or format).

In addition, an electronic follow-up questionnaire can be sent out two-three weeks after the training to assess the post-training impact.

Recipients should be asked to:

77

• estimate how many people were given access to the training outputs in their institution; and

• provide concrete examples how they used the training knowledge in performing their daily work/tasks on environmental monitoring and data information reporting.

In the annexes are presented some samples training tools (a training evaluation template and a logistics planning template) complementary for developing an effective training with positive impact at the participants (target group).

Every template can be further elaborated and adapted according to the thematic of the training.

5.3 Tirana Aarhus Center portal needsSince 2002, the OSCE has been supporting the establishment of Aarhus Centres in close co-operation with the UNECE Aarhus Convention Secretariat, and in most cases with the support of the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative, an inter-agency partnership (OSCE, UNDP, UNEP, UNECE, REC and NATO as an associate partner) dedicated to reducing environment and security risks. Providing a bridge between governments and civil society, the Aarhus Centres complement existing official information sources while being closer and more easily accessible to the public.

Aarhus Centres are resource centres where people can inform themselves about existing legislation relevant to their environmental rights and obtain legal counselling. The Aarhus Centres provide a space in the public domain where our collective responsibility and the rights that follow from it can be put into practice. They facilitate access to information and provide a venue where people can meet to discuss environmental concerns. They can assist members of the public with participating in environmental decision-making and gaining access to justice.

In July 2006, the OSCE Presence in Albania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the MTE on “Collaboration in the Field of Environmental Information and Implementation of Aarhus Convention Requirements in Albania”. Under this agreement, it was foreseen to establish an AIC in Albania. In December 2006, the first AIC was opened in the MTE. The second AIC was opened on 20 September 2007 at the premises of the Civil Society Development Centre (CSDC) in Shkodra. The third AIC was opened in Vlora on 19 December 2007, also at the premises of the Civil Society Development Centre (CSDC) in Vlora.

78

According to the MoU the Centers shall perform the following tasks:

• serve as a link between the Government and NGOs in the sphere of environmental policy making and implementation in Albania;

• serve as a link between Albanian environmental NGOs and their potential counterparts among international organizations;

• serve as a basis for coalition-building among NGOs dealing with environmental issues, as well as partnership between NGOs in the Balkans;

• serve as a basis to enhance communication and flow of information between the MTE, line ministries, government and academic institutions.

The AICs form a wide network that can implement regional, national and local activities and can be an effective instrument in facilitation of the general implementation of the Aarhus Convention at all levels. This network can also deal with trans-boundary issues such as trans-boundary pollution, trans-boundary EIA and others.

The Aarhus Centre in Tirana functions currently as part of a ministry unit, which is integrated into the structure of the MTE. It also serves as a secretariat for the Aarhus Advisory Board, which acts as a body to advise the MTE as well as also supports, counsels, and more generally encourages the decision-makers on Aarhus implementation issues as well as discusses issues related to implementation and related conventions. At the same time also informs “the public and civil society, related to strengthening public participation in decision-making, environmental and environmental management, respect the public's right to information and on ensuring the public's right to justice on environmental matters.”

The Aarhus center was requalified through

the GEF-UNDP EIMMS Project, following an awareness raising campaign that involved a collaboration between the Ministry and Academia, concretely the Faculty of Architecture Students of UPT. The campaign “365 hours for the environment “was a long sprint, seeking bold and innovative interior design at the intersection of the physical, the digital and the biological for the Tirana Aarhus Information Center at the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

It challenged architecture 5th grade students of the Polytechnic University of Tirana to apply sound building science principles to create cost-effective and a market-ready design in line with the Aarhus Convention requirements.

The “365 Hours for Environment” was designed to provide students with an opportunity to participate in hands-on interior designing and project implementation, experience working in a multi-disciplinary team, which is vital to professional work and partnerships and networking with government professionals and UNDP Albania project team.

Following the requalification, an MOU was signed between the MTM and UNDP with the main objective to provide a framework of cooperation and facilitate collaboration between the Parties, on a non-exclusive basis, in areas of common interest and it was agreed to cooperate in the following areas of activity:

1. Improve their co-operation and interaction in the field of environmental information and attract the public to decision-making;

2. To increase the exchange of information and expertise necessary for the tasks performed by the Aarhus Center in Tirana;

3. Undertake and implement joint initiatives and activities within the scope of the Aarhus Center Tirana;

The Vlora AIC being as an NGO-based center is more dynamic and flexible. It has effective communication with other NGOs and public.

79

It has done attempts for effective fundraising skills as well as more opportunities to raise funds from different donors. Vlora AIC can also utilize additional resources from other projects and the volunteer members of the Vlora University in support of AIC activities. However, Vlora AIC should be supported more by local authorities.

On the other side Shkodra AIC seems to be more likely project-based activity center hosted into the premises of Shkodra Municipality. Activities of the Shkodra AIC are planned according to the project framework and funds allocated for that purpose. In addition, as there is an enormous need in awareness raising, especially in communes of the covering regions, both AICs can effectively reach more into the local population and organize different awareness raising activities with their experience.

According to the assessment on the performance of institutional mechanism regarding environmental information monitoring and reporting, the Aarhus Centre should play a more active and independent role in managing environmental information in local level and around the country.

There is a need to elaborate a common vision for AICs activities and services, but local conditions and priorities must be taken into consideration as well.

The Aarhus Centers in Vlora and Shkodra play an especially positive role in disseminating environmental information, facilitating dialogue and cooperation with local governments and local public on local issues. They also, provide information on Aarhus Convention and its implementation, organize some public hearings and discuss events based on local needs/problems. But these activities are still at small scale and ad-hoc based.

There is necessary that the role of Aarhus Information Centre should be strengthened through establishment of new centers in other cities of Albania.

Aarhus Centers are very efficient in the dissemination of environmental information. However, they are not connected to the government’s environmental information records, registers or databases (if such exist) and so not part of the official process of information dissemination. In this respect, it is recommended to establish mechanisms through which governments provide up-to date information to the AICs on a regular basis and allow access to electronic databases, relevant lists, registers and files.

All the Aarhus Centers could be linked within a broader network along with other institutions responsible for monitoring and reporting environmental information.

Also, the Aarhus Centers should be among the units linked to the integrated information system, should provide input and, at the same time, should be users of the system, providing or using the information specific to their needs.

The role of the Aarhus Center in Tirana needs to be strengthened through more efficient coordination, giving a higher political profile and support to it from the MTE. The institutional capacity, human and financial as well as technical resources of the MTE needs to be strengthened in the first place as the major coordinator responsible for the management of environmental information.

The role of Aarhus Centre in Tirana could be more dynamic throughout environmental information reporting/sharing on online bases, and in that regard support was given from the Aarhus centre helpdesk for the establishment of social media channels i.e Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc.

The Aarhus Centers in Shkodra and Vlora are more proactive in this direction. AIC Vlora has its own Website and Facebook address, while AIC Shkodra use mainly the Facebook. They provide updated information mostly on their projects/activities.

80

The Aarhus Centre in Tirana should improve the content of information provided on the Ministry of Tourism and Environment website. There should be information on the environmental monitoring reports, public consultation processes, public debates or hearings, draft documents and draft laws, the ongoing consultations on EIAs, etc.

Also, there could be links provided with governmental institutions responsible for environmental monitoring and reporting in Albania and other organizations implementing different projects related to the environmental information reporting regarding their project results, publications, manuals, etc.

In addition to putting up the information on the web site, there should be also a notification note sent to the e-mail list of all stakeholders/interested actors that a new document, draft document is available or a new initiative has been launched for consultation.

81

6.1 Conclusions:• There is a very close link between climate

change and disaster risk reduction given that climate change is expected to increase the incidents of extreme events. This requires a multi-disciplinary framework and a cross cutting analyses that will allow the country to adopt the best adaptation options. One important aspect that the government should take into account is the incorporation of climate change and disaster risk reduction considerations into all aspects of policy planning and development.

• According to the actual system of environmental data surveying and collection and publication and the obligation that the country has in the frame of the international agreement, the most important data exist but in the same time there is a need to review and to improve the system of the monitoring end reporting, such as Improvement of the existing system and increased the number of monitoring station for air quality indicators:

• Regarding the improvement of the national system of Water Monitoring, Albania has the obligation to increase the number of stations to cover all river basis according to the European standards. There is a need of improvement of environmental indicators and their parameters set to be monitored. It is necessary to include the Drive and Response indicators as currently only the State, Impact and Pressure indicators are collected.

• For majority of the staff responsible for environmental monitoring and reporting, they are not very familiar with their obligations, roles and responsibilities regarding monitoring and reporting of information. It is necessary to find ways of institutionalizing these knowledge and skills and transferring to other staff members through further in-house trainings, maintaining modules and up to date training materials, as well as linking the training to the positions of employees.

• There are several institutions dealing with environmental information but not all the information is easily retrievable with no proper system established to interlink and retrieve for utilization.

• There is a need to review various environmental and social economic indicators in order to create a well-integrated and manageable monitoring systems.

• The role of the Aarhus Focal Point needs to be reinforced through more efficient coordination, giving a higher political profile and support to it from the MTE leadership

• The Aarhus Focal Point needs to devote more time to strengthen the coordination and cooperate more efficiently with the representatives of key line ministries, local governments and NGOs.

• The MTE and its structures need to be

VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS

82

assessed regarding the institutional needs, the necessary human resource, technical and financial resources for improved environmental information management and these should be integrated, addressed during the institutional changes.

• The status and functions of the Aarhus Center located in the ministry needs to be strengthened. It should be evaluated and decided how it could play a stronger role in supporting information data management.

6.2 Recommendations: • The Governmental Agencies responsible

for collecting and managing environmental information should develop more their institutional capacities including proper human, technical and financial resources to successfully implement their roles.

• To achieve stronger impact on the institutional level, technical developments and necessary human resources should be allocated and capacity building is needed.

• The capacity building or training requirements should be built in career development, job description for authorities. Capacity building could take different forms depending on the need and target group; These could include:

• Trainings, workshops, dialogues, awareness raising as well as exchange programs and study visits.

• Guidance materials, practical toolkits could be developed for respective authorities.

• Capacity building activities by different actors should be coordinated to increase efficiency and synergies.

• The capacity building modules should be more strategic and targeted specifically, designed to support capacity building of institutions and agencies responsible for environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting of data, at national, regional and local level.

• The modules should promote also the sharing of knowledge and information among different stakeholders who are working on environmental monitoring, data evaluation and reporting in order to fulfil successfully their duties.

• Practical guidance should be given to the environmental and other authorities

83

on the use of environmental data and information sharing with interested parties. Guidance should be provided on what information should be made available online proactively. The most relevant web sites should be screened and improved.

• The central role of the Aarhus Focal Point should be strengthened and should be better supported by the Aarhus Board, the Aarhus Centres and a network of supportive NGOs, international organizations and other stakeholders.

• The role of the Focal Point should be more of a coordination role, and should only partly implement activities, should share and delegate tasks to the Information Center, Aarhus Center and other departments, structures within and under the MTE.

• The Aarhus Centre in Tirana should improve the content of information provided on the website, through:

• Better integration and coordination of information flow among the environmental authorities in order to create an integrated environmental information system.

• Provide more information online regarding decision-making on draft policy documents, draft legislation under development, during the EIA procedure about EIA draft reports and reports on public comments and how comments have been taken into account.

84

VII. ANNEXES

7.1 Sample training evaluation template

1. The most important goals/expectations you had for this training were:

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. To what extent were your goals/expectations met?

o Exceeded expectations

o Met expectations

o Partly met expectations

o Did not meet expectations

3. What was your overall reaction to this training?

o Excellent

o Good

o Satisfactory

o Poor

o Unsatisfactory

4. How did you feel about the length of the training for absorbing the quantity of information presented?

85

o Too long

o Just right

o Too short

5. How do you rate the quality and the relevance of the presentations?

o Excellent

o Good

o Satisfactory

o Poor

o Unsatisfactory

6. How do you rate the quality of the training facilitation?

o Excellent

o Good

o Satisfactory

o Poor

o Unsatisfactory

7. How would you rate the training as a way to learn and exchange experiences?

o Excellent

o Good

o Satisfactory

o Poor

o Unsatisfactory

8. How do you rate the logistical arrangements for this training?

o Excellent

o Good

86

o Satisfactory

o Poor

o Unsatisfactory

9. What specific knowledge gained during this training could you use in your work?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Thank you!

87

Who will do the task

Deadline to finish the task

Status of the task

Select the hotel, take offers and make reservations

Prepare the agenda

Make a list of trainers and contact them

Prepare invitation letters, registration form, information notes etc.

Invite participants, send out invitation letters with the registration form, information notes etc.

Collect registrations, select participants and write an confirmation e-mail on their participation

Make a list of participants as registrations arrive

Arrange catering on meeting days (coffee breaks and lunches)

Identify technical requirements, such as screen, laptop, microphone system and Internet access, and request price offers

Hire a bus for site visits (if any)

Collect background materials and prepare presentations for the meeting

Make hard copies of the materials

Prepare certificates for participants

Print nametags and table tents

Prepare evaluation forms

Prepare attendance sheet and registration papers for signing

Take minutes at the meeting

Take a group picture

Post materials on the website

7.2 Sample logistics planning template

88

VIII. REFERENCES

Lirim Bekteshi, 2013. Monitorimi i Gjendjes Mjedisore të Zonave Veriore dhe Lindore të Shqipërisë nëpërmjet Monitorimit të Ajrit duke përdorur myshqe si Bioindikatorë; Universiteti i Tiranes, Fakulteti i Shkencave te Natyres, Departamenti i Kimise;

Lazo P., Vasjari M., Frontasyeva M.V., Stafillov T., Malaj F., Gjika I., Goryainova Z., Baceva K, (2012). Active moss biomonitoring technique for atmospheric deposition of heavy metals study in Tirana and Vlora cities, Albania, Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, Vol. 21; No. 8 (accepted for publication);

Saraçi M., Çullhaj A., Robinson D., Damo B., (1995) Analytical investigation of soil from tree plantation in south east Albania. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 4: 624-629. - Schutzendubel A., Polle A. (2002). Plant responses to abiotic stresses: heavy metalinduced oxidative stress and protection by mycorrhization. J Exp Bot 53: 1351–1365

Shallari S., Kristo I., Sallaku F., Sulce S. (2009). Concentration and distribution of cooper, zinc and cadmium in contaminated soil near metalurgical plant of Elbasan Albania. Option mediterranéennes seria A n.50: 425-432;

Tota O., Huqi B., Skuraj E., Sallaku S. (2010). An investigation of the spatial variability of heavy metal concentration in floodplain sediments around the metalurgical combine of Elbasn, Albania. Research Jurnal of Agricultural Science 42: 340-346;

Flora Qarri, Pranvera Lazo, “Vlerësimi I Gjendjes Mjedisore Të Zonave Vlorë-Fier

Nëpërmjetmonitorimit Të Ajrit Duke Përdorur Myshqet Si Bioindikatorë, Universiteti I Tiranes, Fakulteti I sjkencave te natyres, departamenti I Kimise;

KESH, 2013, Vleresimi I Impaktit Mjedisor Për Komunitetin Energjitik Të Europes Jugë Lindore Apl 5- Projekti I Sigurisë Së Digave Në Shqipëri Rehabilitimi I Hidroçentralit Të Ulzës;

Niko Dumani, 2013; Studimi Mbi Burimet Ndotëse Të Ujërave Detare Të Gjirit Të Vlorës, University “Ismail Qemali”, Vlore.

2011; 1st Annual Report Of The Environmental Monitoring Of The Greece-Albania Ipa Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013;

Kupe L., Miho A. (2006): Considerations about environmental state of important aquatic habitats in Albania based in algal assessment – A Review. To be printed in the Proceedings of RiverNet Conference, Tirana 15-16 May 2006;

The Environmental Research In Albania Tirana, May 2009;

UNDP, Albania, 2006; Project “Albanian National Capacity Selfassessment For Global Environmental Management”,

1997, Prof. Dr. Ergjin Samimi – Director;Prof. Dr. Perikli Qiriazi – Geographer;Ass. Prof. Dr. Skender Sala – Geographer;Merita Dollma (Operator and Translater ) – Geographer;Anila Ciba (Web-design) – Physicist 1997, “Environmental Information Systems In Albania” Assessment Report Geographic Studies Centre;

Raimonda Totoni (Lilo)1 , Edlira Baraj2 “Study Of Pm10 Levels In Urban Air Of Tirana (Vasil

89

Shanto Cross-Road) And Statistical Analysis of Data Collected,

Report on Air Quality in Albania, 2005,; year 2001-2004 Agron Deliu Institute of Public Health, Tirana;

Florian Mandija ; Jozef Bushati, December, 3. - 7. 2012, Adivising Information Student Center University of Shkodra Shkoder, Albania “Overview of Measurements of Air Ion concentrations under specific Situations;

Evaluation of Air Pollutants Concentrations Status through Passive Tube Sampling method in Albania Dhurata Premti1 , Ilirjan Malollari1 1 Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Tirana. International Refereed Journal of Engineering and Science (IRJES) ISSN (Online) 2319-183X, (Print) 2319-1821 Volume 3, Issue 5(May 2014), PP.72-76;

The Strategic Environmental Assessment of the CBC Programme “Greece- Albania 2014- 2020”, STYLIANOS GYPARAKIS Chemical Engineer N.T.U.A;

Laura Gjyli1 , Pirro Prifti1 , Lindita Mukli2 , Silvana Gjyli3 , Irida Ikonomi1 , Jerina Kolitari4. Microbiological Contamination of Outdoor Air in Marine Durres’s Harbour, Albania, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Environmental, Chemical, Ecological, Geological and Geophysical Engineering Vol:5, No:4, 2011;

United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) , 2002, Feasibility Study For Urgent Risk Reduction Measures At Sharra Landfill In Albania,

2005, Albanian National Action Plan for the Reduction of the Coastal Zone Pollution from Land Based Sources;

Bacterial gene abundances as indicators of greenhouse gas emission in soils, Sergio E Morales1, Theodore Cosart2,3 and William E Holben1,3

Waste Management Indicators For National State Of Environment Reporting Arendse, L and Godfrey, L Environmentek, CSIR, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa, Tel: (012) 841-3675; Fax: (012) 841- 2506, E-mail: [email protected]

Sustainability Indicators For A Waste Management Approach Rodrigues Bahia Sergio Instituto Brasileiro de Administração Municipal - IBAM Largo IBAM Nº 1 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22271-070 Brasil

Air and climate indicators for supporting European sustainable development policies Robert Koelemeijer - Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, Bilthoven, The Netherlands / EEA-ETC Air and Climate Change

Convention on European Integration, Working Group IV (Environment), Session 1, Theme: Aarhus Convention and Situation in Albania, July 2015

Assessment Report: Evaluation of Vlora and Shkodra AICs, prepared by Milieukontakt Albania, June 2013

90

Documents

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ANDdocuments.rec.org/publications/Raporti_Env.MonitoringDataInformation_final.pdf · This report is prepared in frame of the project: “Establishing Albania’s