Projects

ALBANIA FUELWOOD DEMAND ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS

The overall objective of this project were;
• to ascertain the level of demand for fuelwood in Albania;
• To analyse the fuelwood supply chain, processing and combustion to identify opportunities to increase the efficiency of firewood use;
• To estimate the overall balance between the sustainable supply and current demand; and,
• To recommend to government any opportunities to improve the supply and efficiency of heating for the rural towns and villages.

Client : The World Bank (PROFOR)

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SECTORIAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN ALBANIAN ALPS

The overall objective of this assignment was to develop a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Sectorial Tourism Development Plan in Albanian Alps;
• Conducting stakeholder consultation which has also been addressed in the SEA report;
• Drafting of SEA report as well as consultations with stakeholders;
• Reflection of comments and suggestions from public consultations in the final SEA report;
• Presenting and addressing institutional and legal issues;
• The final SEA report addresses the issues related to nature protection issues, reflecting the access of the NAP to protected areas (announced or promulgated as such in the future);
• Evidence of the characteristics of flora, fauna and habitats;
• The SEA's related to forest and pasture;
• A detailed analysis of the current situation of urban waste has been made in the area under planning, identifying "hot spots" and suggesting appropriate measures;
• Measures regarding air quality and acoustic pollution;
• Measures regarding the quality of surface water and groundwater have been addressed and proposed, identifying "hot spots" of water pollution;

Client : Albanian Development Fund (ADF)

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR MALESIA E MADHE MUNICIPALITY

TThe overall objective of this assignment was to develop a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in frame of the General Development Plan for Malesia e Madhe municipality;
• Conducting stakeholder consultation which has also been addressed in the SEA report;
• Drafting of SEA report as well as consultations with stakeholders;
• Presenting and addressing institutional and legal issues;
• Addressing the issues related to nature protection issues, reflecting the access of the NAP to protected areas (announced or promulgated as such in the future);
• Evidence of the characteristics of flora, fauna and habitats;
• The SEA's reference to forest and pasture;
• A detailed analysis of the current situation of urban waste has been made in the area under planning, identifying "hot spots" and suggesting appropriate measures;
• Measures regarding air quality and acoustic pollution;
• Measures regarding the quality of surface water and groundwater have been addressed and proposed, identifying "hot spots" of water pollution;

Client : Decentralization and Local Development Programme (DLDP) - Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation(ADF)

STUDY ON SEDIMENT MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING (Case studies; Ulëza BASIN in Mati Watershed and Bovilla in Tirana)

The overall objective of this assignment is to investigate, observe and record the actuality of soil loss and its control periodically, to study the dynamics and development trend, based on previous studies made in order to provide quantitative estimates of the value of some specific targeted environmental services, and to propose mechanisms to start/increase payment for these services in one case study in Albania.

Client : Ministry of Environment, Albania

Conservation and use of the agro-biodiversity in Rural Areas in Albania, CABRA II

The main objective of the project is; “The implementation of conceptions for the conservation and the sustainable use of the biodiversity, including agro-diversity, in the Albanian Alps is improved”.
The project has been designed to support rural development in northern Albania (Albanian Alps/area north of Drin River).
The project has to improve:
• conservation of biodiversity/agro-diversity
• public awareness and capacity building
• livelihood of local people and
• to take care about sustainability and gender.
The project will act mainly in form of pilot project and local examples. In detail support of:
- implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and other national strategies and plans for biodiversity and rural development
- establishment of a biodiversity monitoring system
- elaboration of protected area management tools
- establishment of a system of protected areas in the Albanian Alps and a management system for these protected areas
- development of strategies for sustainable use of biodiversity
- promotion of biodiversity-friendly agricultural production
systems and sustainable forestry
- implementation of sustainable management of agro-diversity
- development of eco-standards for agricultural products and forestry (timber)
• Development of value chains for biodiversity-friendly agricultural products, wild plants, timber and non-timber forestry in order to improve the income of local people in a sustainable way.
Client : GiZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Germany

Drafting the management plan for the national park Albanian Alps

The main objective of the project was to protect natural and landscape values in Albanian Alps.
• Assess the current status and the predictable future development of NP forest and pasture resources and relate it to conservation and management alternatives and national policy programs of the sector;
• Explain the kind, type and degree of changes which have occurred in land cover and forest and pasture resources in NP area, their foreseen consequences, and the measures to be taken to mitigate negative impact of current forest and pasture use and to improve the living conditions of the local population;
• Describe the main environmental components affecting the current state of forest and pasture resources and their interactions in order to address use conflicts and regulate future development of the National Park;
• Make a preliminary assessment of the role of the pasture economy and of the specific
The project was implemented in cooperation with INCA Abania

Client : Ministry of Environment, Albania

DRAFTING NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ACION PLAN (2014-2024)

The Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) decided that the National Strategy on Biodiversity and the Action Plans (NSBAP) should form the main instruments for the implementation of the Convention and its Strategic Plan. The Document serves as a guide for the way the country aims to achieve the objectives of the Convention, in the context of its international obligations. The action plans rank the steps that need to be taken, in order to accomplish the goals of the strategy. The National Strategy on Biodiversity and its action plans are the key instruments for the implementation of the Convention (CBD) at the national level. The document will run a full assessment of the content, adoptability, implementation and effectiveness of the existing SAPB and in light of this assessment there will be recommendations for the steps that will need to be taken to make sure that the Document of Strategic Policies on Biodiversity Protection fulfils its role as a key mechanism for the implementation of the Convention and the Strategic Plan on Biological Diversity 2014-2024.
This project was implemented with Institute for Research and Development (Marin Barleti University).

Client : Ministry of Environment

Devoll Hydropower Forest study (drafting afforestation plans, forest harvesting, socio-economic study, environmental study) Supervising the forest works

Afforestation and deforestation studies
- Designation the afforestation projects forn an area of 1500 ha
- Designation the deforestation (forest harvesting) projects forn an area of 1200 ha
- Supervising works for implementing above mentioned projects
Erosion impact assessment and erosion protection solutions.
• Perform an overall erosion study close to the buffer areas and in the main tributaries.
• Estimate the amount of reduced sedimentation into the main river and each lake due to afforestation.
• Suggest erosion mitigation measures to be used by DHP in the future.
• Suggest erosion monitoring systems/procedures.
• Define clear methodology/procedure to be followed to minimize erosion through afforestation in the future.
• Prepare an erosion map identifying areas which needs immediate action and those to be monitored in the future.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the whole program and on specific areas to be worked
• This should be prepared in Regional, District, Local Government and if possible in village level.
• It should be detailed according to property type; National, Communal or private
• Landscape impact assessment for the mentioned activities.
• Impact assessment on flora and fauna or any other related component.
• Greenhouse gases impact Assessment for all activities to be implemented in frame of these ToRs (afforestation, deforestation, improvement of the pasture lands etc) for the mentioned area.
Social Impact Assessment
• This was prepared in Regional, District, Local Government and if possible in village level.
• It should be detailed according to property type; National, Communal or private
• Impact on livestock or any other livelihood.
• Impact on employment/unemployment.
• Impact on livelihood in case of leased forest to PAHs (individuals)
• Other possible types of impacts.

Client: Hydropower under Statkraft (Norway), Devoll

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Fier, Albania.

The main objective was; To assess the potential for ground contamination and its likely implications in respect of the site in its proposed use as industrial space (offices, equipment storage and routine maintenance and repair of oilfield equipment) by the client. Specifically, the review will assess the potential for soil and groundwater contamination, from current and historical uses on and off-site in order to assess potential risks to sensitive receptors including the future site users and the surrounding environment, including surface and groundwater receptors, ecological receptors and neighboring properties. It will also assess the environmental risks associated with the site against relevant Albanian legislation.

Client: ENVIRON Ltd, United Kingdom

Preparation of the management plan for communal micro-catchment of Fierza commune

Main objective was to design a project based on a micro-catchment level, in order to have a sustainable use of natural resources in Fierza commune. The project was implemented via a full participatory approach

Client: Ministry of Environment, Albania

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and other sustainable land uses in watershed management in the Ulza watershed (Mati region)

The project was implemented through two cases; in Albania on SFM and watershed management in the Ulza watershed, and in Kosovo on SFM and wood biomass production and use.
In Albania the focus is on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and other sustainable land uses in watershed management in the Ulza watershed. The study will analyze the role of SFM on especially erosion control and its influence on water management. Besides SFM also other land uses are taken in consideration such as range land management. The benefits of sustainable land use are assessed on downstream users and their willingness to contribute to securing such services. This should result in suggested potential systems for Payment for Environmental Services (PES).
The project using the two cases will define scientifically sound methodologies, establish key baseline data for these cases and provide quantitative estimates of the value of some specific targeted environmental services. The project will based on the learning and results propose mechanisms to start or increase payment for environmental services in the two cases.
An important aspect of the project was dissemination of the results and experiences. The outcomes of the study and analysis are shared and provided at a regional and more international level. A deliberate participation and consultation process was used throughout the project.
The project was implemented in cooperation with CNVP and other partners

Client: PROFOR/WB

”Trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve Prespa” – Support to Prespa National Park in Albania Elaboration of the forest function plan and forest management plan for forest economy Prespa1

The purpose of the Management Plan of Prespa NP Albania was to assess and monitor the extent, biodiversity and conservation state and sustainable development of Prespa NP forests, woodlands, and pastures in a timely and accurate manner. More specifically, it is to provide data for the Criteria & Indicators processes to monitor biodiversity and sustainable development, and data to support objectives of the project “Support to Prespa National Park in Albania”, and for reports on climate change (e.g., Kyoto Protocol). The FMI of Prespa NP is also to provide a framework for collecting data on other criteria and indicators (e.g. social-economic indicators), and for studying the factors affecting forest biodiversity, forest conservation and sustainable management, etc. FMI should be sufficiently flexible that the implementing agency (Prespa NP Administration and MEFWA) can integrate the inventory design into management plan and other environmental studies carried out by Prespa NP administration, national and international institutions in the country.

Client : KfW – Germany,Ministry of Environment, Albania

Waste Amount and Composition Survey for Tirana municipality

The Solid Waste Amount and Composition Survey (WACS) were carried out as a part of the study to formulate the plan for development of solid waste management facilities of Tirana Municipality. The results of WACS provided the basic information for the characteristic of solid waste such as waste generation amount and composition required for planning of the action plans of solid waste management.
The tasks in frame of that project were;
Carry out solid waste amount and composition survey. The survey consisted of the following components including the analysis of data and preparation of the report;
a. Domestic Waste Amount and Composition Survey (WACS)
b. Survey on Incoming Waste Amount Survey at Sharra Disposal Site
c. Illegal Dumping Waste Survey for each of those surveys a different methodology was used;

Client : International Value Planning, Inc. (JICA) Japan

Reducing the Vulnerability of Albania’s Agricultural Systems to Climate Change: Analysis of Adaptation Options

Specifically, this project provides a menu of climate change adaptation options for the agriculture and water resources sectors, along with specific adaptation actions, that are tailored to four distinct Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) within Albania. This menu reflects the results of three inter-related activities, conducted jointly by the consultant team and local partners:

1) quantitative economic modelling of baseline conditions and the effects of certain adaptation options;
2) qualitative analysis conducted by the expert team of agronomists, crop modellers, and water resource experts; and
3) input from a series of participatory workshops for farmers in each of the AEZs. This report provides a summary of the methods, data, results, and adaptation options for each of these activities.

Client : IEc (Industrial Economics Incorporated), USA and the World Bank

Study on shrub rehabilitation through silvicultural treatments, and Best Management Practices in Forestry

The project consisted in the preliminary assessment of the shrubs’ situation in the country.
Also the recommendation of several silvicultural measures for the rehabilitation or increase their productivity (yield).
Also, some good practices for the sustainable forest management are prepared to help communities and farmers,
LGUs and Forestry Service in the field. Those good management practices are published in the form of a hand book.

Client : Natural Resources Development Project (NRDP)

Local Capacity Development Service and the Forestry Value Chain Baseline Survey and Analysis

The project aimed to make a detailed analysis of market services in the field of forest in Albania.
For this purpose, was assessed two main categories in the country;
1. Service providers (the type of services they offer and their cost),
2. Profiteers of the services (various local and national associations, local governments etc.).

Client : SNV – the Netherlands

Basic Data Survey for JICA ODA Loan in Albania

Logistics services, Administration services, Assistance to interviews/arrangements, Overall coordination,
Assistance in obtaining approvals and permits, Assistance to information collection
To assist the Study Team in preparing preliminary plans for potential projects for future JBIC financing for the fields; Economy, Agriculture, Education, Environment, Transport etc.

Client : ExeIdea – Japan, JICA

Respective communes, Natural Resources Development Project NRDP) – supported by the World Bank

A forest inventory to all of those LGUs of an area of 75,000 ha, as well as the division of forests for 142 villages of those LGUs was performed. For each village the forest plan was developed according to the vision of forest users (community). Socio-economic analysis of each village and for the whole LGU was carried out. There are foreseen the measures for improvements of forests/pastures, and sustainable management of natural resources of those LGUs. The projects implementations were designed for each community, each village and a general project was designed for the whole LGUs.
Data were collected based on community-based forest and pasture management approach. Social and economic analysis and some environmental outcomes were analyzed. The management plans were approved by several stakeholders, as commune head, Directorate Forest Service, Communal Councils etc. The forest management plan is valid for 10 years. GIS analysis involved all data related to land use, forest state, pasture land, forest stock, erosion presence, improvement measures, land tenure etc., and other environmental outcomes. Training and capacity-building seminar were organized to make forest service staff member introduced to new ways for designation of the management plans, multi-functions of forests and environmental outcomes of the project. Those projects are completed via participatory approach methods.

Client : Respective communes, Natural Resources Development Project NRDP) – supported by the World Bank

Afforestation of the bare areas in order to protect new highway Milot – Kalimash (Rreshen)

The project goal was to protect the newly built highway from erosion and landslides.
In total, there are planted more than 13,000 trees .

Client : Bektel – Enka JV

Preparation of GIS maps for Nature Park “Laguna e Patokut” - Kurbin

Key actions concern the protection, promotion and management of marine and aquatic sensitive ecosystems as well as the evaluation and sustainable development of natural protected areas. A GIS (Geographical Informational System) is necessary designed for the collection, storage and analysis of objects and phenomena where geographic location is an important characteristic. In this assignment the application of a GIS will be of support for site identification, stratification for baseline and monitoring plan, and for leakage analysis and mitigation. The GIS dataset will include the Digital Map of the Patok marshland and the surrounding area and several thematic layers and information associated to each site

Client : University of Salento – Italy in the framework of Interreg III Italia-Albania

GIS Mapping for the Guide to the Coastal Wetlands of ALBANIA

A guide (book) on Albanian Coastal Wetlands

Client : University of Salento – Italy in the framework of Interreg III Italia-Albania

JBIC Pilot Study for Project Formation for Transport Network Development in Western Balkans

Logistics services, Administration services, Assistance to interviews/arrangements, Overall coordination,
Assistance in obtaining approvals and permits, Assistance to information collection.
To assist the Study Team in preparing preliminary plans for potential projects for future JBIC financing

Client : EXEIDEA, Japan

JBIC Pilot Study for Project Formation for Transport Network Development in Western Balkans

Logistics services, Administration services, Assistance to interviews/arrangements, Overall coordination,
Assistance in obtaining approvals and permits, Assistance to information collection.
To assist the Study Team in preparing preliminary plans for potential projects for future JBIC financing

Client : EXEIDEA, Japan

New Management Plan for Dajti National Park, Tirana, Albania

Main objective of the project was; “to enhance the quality of management of the Dajti National Park in order to realise the full biodiversity, social, aesthetic and economic potential of the Park”
Under the ToR the consultants were requested to review an area comprising the existing Dajti National Park area of 3300 ha and a further area estimated at 18700 ha identified in the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan – Albania (1999). In preparing the management plan the consultants were required to consider that the National Park Plan should (be):
User-friendly and founded upon the realistic ability of the National Park administration to implement the management plan;
Developed through a public participatory approach and, wherever possible opportunities identified for the public to participate in the management plan’s future implementation procedures;
Identify strategic partnerships and formulate approaches which would enhance the Park’s future management and development;
Developed in the context of achieving a National Park that is financially viable and self-sufficient.

Client : AFP, DGFP

EIA for Forest Management plans

EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) for 140 management plans designed for communal and state forest and pastures in Albania

Client : PMU

Study for medicinal plants in Berat and Skrapari districts. – Berat and Skrapar distrikt

GIS analysis involved and applied for data collected in concerned districts (Berat and Skrapar) for inventory of medical plant resources. Diversity of medical plant species, protection of hot-spots of medical number of plants, habitats of medical plant species, was analysed by applications of GIS methodology. Social-economical assessment of plant uses was carried out. Data were collected form a part of villages that rely on medical plant spontaneous marketing.

Client : MADA (Mountains Area Development Agency)

Study of Tirane-Durres area through satellite imagines, and the definition of environmental changes. - Tirana

Objective of this study was to determine changes in environment in the area of Tirana – Durres through satellite images.
Satellite imagines were compared for year 1990 and 2004. Through this comparison it was determined how land use changed, caused by interventions, decrease of green area in urban areas, areas of forests and pastures, state of water resources, level of infrastructure, surface of urban area and that of industrial. EIA was performed for main land use changes in the study area.

Client : Ministry of Environment

Forest National Inventory Operations, (Local Consultant of Agrotec SpA, ANFI Project Albania)

This project was a forest inventory in the districts Durres, Tirana, Kruja, Mati, Diber, Bulqiza, and Librazhdi.
Data was collected according to the network of permanent plot areas by the size of 25; 200; 400 m2.
For each area a measurement of diameter, height, age, and density cover for each forest species
was taken, and data about fito-sanitary situation, wood quality, regeneration, harvestings, illegal cuttings, erosion,
fires etc. was collected. Work tools included GPS, the instrument for the measurement of height, distances, slopes (VERTEX), angle measures, measurement diameter

Client : Agrotec SpA, Italy