When we talk about waste, we usually think that responsibility lies only with citizens or municipalities. In fact, however, a large part of the responsibility also relates to the companies that produce or import products. This is precisely what the Extended Producer Responsibility strategy, or EPR, is intended to address. Put very simply, EPR means […]
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In the Municipality of Elbasan, structured steps are being taken toward climate neutrality, grounded in data and pilot projects that propose solutions that can be implemented in practice. The Urban Research Institute is a partner in two projects that address, in an integrated way, the key sectors of Elbasan’s urban climate transition—energy efficiency in private […]
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“Berati Riciklon” is consolidating as a success story and a replicable model for source separation of waste, not only because of its concrete results, but because it has set a new standard for how recycling is built and delivered as a public service: organised, well maintained, measurable, and connected to the market. In a sector […]
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Climate change is no longer an abstract risk for Albania. Floods, droughts, fires and infrastructure-related risks are occurring more frequently and at higher costs, while the “cost of inaction” translates every year into pressure on public budgets, local economies and household well-being. This raises a fundamental question for policymaking: do we only have strategies and […]
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The Urban Research Institute Annual Report 2024 brings together one year of work on cleaner cities, climate action, and better local governance in Albania and the Western Balkans. It highlights how data, policy expertise, and community engagement translate into concrete results for municipalities, citizens, and regional economies. In this 2024 annual report, you will find […]
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Overview and Regional Context In late September 2025, coordinated awareness activities took place across 10 Western Balkan cities under the regional campaign Breathe Clean, aligned with World Lung Day. Instead of organising a single centralised event, a shared methodology was adapted locally across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Croatia, demonstrating that climate […]
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A Practical Guide for Producers, Importers and Distributors in the Western Balkans This comprehensive guide helps businesses in the Western Balkans navigate the transition to EU environmental standards, specifically the Waste Framework Directive and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. Key Contents: The guide serves manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and waste management operators, providing both immediate […]
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Published: June 5, 2025 Prepared by: Marinela Spahiu, Project Manager, Climate Bridges project, URI The Climate Bridges Network project was represented at the second EUKI Academy Study Tour to Brussels, taking place from June 3-5, 2025, by Mr. Jakob Dietachmair from CIPRA International Lab. This unique opportunity brings together 20 participants from EUKI projects across […]
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May 29, 2025 – Tirana, Albania by Marinela Spahiu, URI On May 29, 2025, the Urban Research Institute hosted a successful national exchange event in Tirana as part of the Climate Bridges Network project. The event brought together over 30 representatives from civil society organizations, local and national government institutions, and climate experts from across […]
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by Marinela Spahiu, Urban Research Institute TIRANA, ALBANIA – On January 30-31, 2025, consortium members of the Climate Bridges Network in Action project gathered in Tirana for a two-day strategic meeting to launch the next phase of the initiative. The meeting brought together environmental organizations from across the Western Balkans to plan and coordinate efforts […]
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Strengthening climate governance and cooperation in the Western Balkans by building capacities, fostering partnerships, and promoting public engagement for effective climate action and sustainable development. © 2025 EUKI Background The Western Balkans is a region navigating EU accession while facing significant climate challenges. Despite adopting climate policies and plans, countries such as Albania, Bosnia and […]
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The Gender Policy and Plan 2024-2027 is URI’s roadmap for promoting gender equality throughout its work. The URI is dedicated to investigating and addressing pressing social and economic challenges across a spectrum of areas of expertise as defined in its Operational Manual and is committed to understanding the complexities within its sectorial development objectives and […]
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We’re thrilled to present the full MAPCULT documentary, showcasing our journey to transform lives through sustainable agriculture in Përmet, Albania. This film tells the story of how cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants is creating new economic opportunities and offering a sustainable alternative to cannabis cultivation. From the rolling hills of Përmet to the labs and […]
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We’re excited to announce the release of our new eco-tourism mobile app for Kukës, Albania and Rahovec, Kosovo! These interactive guides are designed to help visitors and locals alike explore the rich natural beauty and cultural heritage of these stunning regions. The App is available on Android and iOS.
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Discover Kukës & Rahovec, enchanting short stories on culture, history, nature and legends from these areas. This publication has been crafted by the Urban Research Institute in the frame of EcoRoutes project. A collection of 18 stories, selected through the Writing Contest
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Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Kukës, Albania, with our captivating illustrated travel guide. From breathtaking landscapes to ancient traditions, this guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey through one of Albania’s best-kept secrets.
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This digital guidebook is produced to engage, help and inform foreigntourists exploring Kavaja and Rrogozhina, Albania. The guide’s focuson cultural heritage and traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving,and embroidery aims to offer visitors a chance to connect with localcommunities, understand their history, and appreciate theirtraditions.
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This manual for the development of a monitoring and evaluation system of Albania’s Nationally Determined Contribution 2021-2030 supports the Ministry of Tourism and Environment in the implementation of the policies and measures of the Nationally Determined Contribution 2021-2030, as well as in the qualitative fulfilment of the obligations of Albania towards the United Nations Framework Convention […]
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This publication is an analysis of Albania’s potential for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency; it supports the Ministry of Tourism and Environment in the enhancement of the Nationally Determined Contribution for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as in the qualitative fulfilment of the obligations of Albania towards the United Nations Framework Convention […]
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This publication was prepared under the Readiness and Preparatory Support Project of the Green Climate Fund for the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania “Enhancement of the existing NDC” 2020-2022. The project was implemented by the Urban Research Institute. This document provides an overview of the dimensions of gender vulnerability to climate change in […]
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This document is an assessment of the state of implementation of the national energy efficiency policies and measures for climate change mitigation in Albania’s NDC 2016-2030; it supports the Ministry of Tourism and Environment in the enhancement of the Nationally Determined Contribution for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as in the qualitative fulfilment […]
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Experience the natural beauty of Kukës like never before! Watch our immersive 360-degree videos showcasing the three newly cleared and opened paths by the ECOROUTES project: These videos offer a unique preview of the breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems waiting to be explored. From stunning springs to panoramic mountain views, let these virtual tours inspire […]
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URI developed and published a Manual that sets some standards for supervising and monitoring construction processes, as well as the testing of construction works. The manual also addresses infrastructure projects i.e. public works, according to the legislation in place and best practices. Read more
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This policy paper was developed within the project Building Climate Resilience through Ecosystem-based Adaptation, implemented with the financial support of the German Government through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The aim of the programme is to support developing countries and emerging economies in achieving their climate goals in line with the Sustainable Development […]
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It would be unthinkable for tourists coming to Albania not to visit the beautiful city of Berat. A city full of rich traditions and natural beauty, whose historical architecture represents over 2400 years of heritage. In the framework of the project “Accessible Tourism 4ALL“, with the aim of promoting international tourism, and especially to help […]
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GREEN 27+ consortium consisting of REC Albania, INCA, EDEN Center and Urban Research Institute, supported by 20 other environmental organizations in the country, drafted a Report on the opinion of Albanian civil society organizations on Chapter 27 – Environment, which is the first of its kind in our country. This group strongly believes in the […]
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The identification of good agricultural practices helps sensitize local stakeholders on the ways they manage their olive orchards and if needed to present to them new methodologies for olive management. Additionally, it helps recover local populations’ awareness on their own cultural heritage linked to traditional olive culture as part of the ancient agricultural tradition and […]
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Projekti “Bashkëpunimi ndër-kufitar për zhvillim të qëndrueshëm dhe turizëm, nëpërmjet rritjes së vlerës së trashëgimisë kulturore rurale dhe ruajtjes së burimeve natyrore të zonave me pemishte antike të ullirit – OLIVO” kontribuoi në promovimin e aktiviteteve të qëndrueshme të turizmit dhe ruajtjen dhe mbrojtjen e burimeve natyrore në zonat me pemë ulliri antike/të vjetra dhe […]
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In the framework of the UNEP-funded project “Developing the Capacities of Albania for an Effective Engagement with the Green Climate Fund“, Urban Research Institute has drafted a report on economic instruments that can be used to promote sustainable land use in Albania. Read more
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In the framework of the implementation of the project “Developing the Capacities of Albania for an Effective Engagement with the Green Climate Fund“, Urban Research Institute has developed the Green Climate Fund Handbook for Albania. This handbook was prepared under the leadership and guidance ofthe Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment as National Designated Authority […]
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This guide was developed for 4PLUS project within the “IPA II Greece – Albania 2014-2020 Cross-Border Program” and it aims to help citizens identify potential information on disaster risks, integrate individual and community mitigation plans and make efforts to improve the recovery process post natural disasters. In addition, this guide may be useful for law […]
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The project “Post COVID-19 Recovery in Informal Settlements in the UNECE Region” aimed to strengthen the capacity of national and local governments in UNECE countries to address the needs of the most vulnerable population groups living in the informal settlements. The purpose was to enhance the socio-economic recovery following the pandemic and contribute to urban […]
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This document discusses technical, institutional, contractual and financial solutions needed to make operational a regional scheme on the transfer of the waste from Malësia e Madhe and Kurbin to the Bushat landfill by the end of 2020 and onward. The document sets down the institutional arrangements for a potential regional Entity of Joint Competence (EJC) […]
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“Highlighting Artisanal Manufacturing, cuLture and Eco Tourism – HAMLET” Project addresses the valorization of historical centers, villages and small towns through the sustainable development of the tourism and economic sector, highlighting the environmental and cultural assets of the selected territories. By developing a common strategy of tourism management, the project aims to boost cooperation and […]
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The Project “Regional research on waste management economic instruments implemented in South Eastern European (SEE) countries” is financed under “Sustainable Municipal Services (SMS 2.0)” in Kosovo and co-financed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and by the European Union. Cooperation at the regional level is achieved through a sub-group of Seneca Green, […]
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Though disaster prevention is gaining increased importance in the Regulations of Albania and Greece and in the priorities of the local authorities in the region, baseline data and strategic guidance on how to carry out the relevant priority setting and how to support hazard prevention and reaction measures for citizens with reduced mobility and autonomy, […]
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In order to increase its capacity, Tirana Water supply and Sewerage (UKT) received a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to implement an investment project to finance improvements in the water supply system, more specifically the (i) construction of a pipeline for transferring water from the Bovilla water treatment plant to the […]
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Funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Tirana Water Supply and Sewerage (UKT) implemented an investment project to finance improvements in the water supply system, more specifically the (i) construction of a pipeline for transferring water from the Bovilla water treatment plant to the western part of the city; and (ii) extension of […]
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This analysis provides recommendations to the Ministry of Interior, responsible for the coordination with the local government and local elected associations, on steps that need to be taken to ensure in the sectorial legislation relevant to local self-governance the extent of local autonomy set out in the Cross-Cutting Strategy of Decentralisation and Local Governance. To […]
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The purpose of this report is to point out the importance of the role of the local government in Albania’s EU integration process, by presenting its responsibilities towards the fulfillment of the accession criteria and EU standards, and the status of their fulfillment in year 2017, which can serve as the basis for assessing the […]
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A well-functioning public administration is a prerequisite for transparent and effective democratic governance. It is the foundation for the functioning of the state, determining a government’s ability to provide public services and foster competitiveness and growth.Achieving the necessary standard of public administration requires reforms in many areas of both policy and administration. If reforms are […]
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The implementation of the Administrative and Territorial Reform was accompanied by the delegation from the central government to the local government of specific functions in the field of environment protection; at the same time, with the expansion of municipalities’ territories and populations, the need for local public services related to the environment increased. These additional […]
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This is a summary report on the activities carried out by the Urban Research Institute as part of the “Sustainable Municipal Service (Waste Management)-Kosovo” project, which is funded by GIZ. This report details proposed concepts for improving waste management services in four Kosovo municipalities: Prishtina, Vushtrri, North Mitrovica and Fushë-Kosova. The report includes an overview […]
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A manual and a training module for local government units in inventory and transfer of public properties was prepared and was put to use by several local government units. Within the context of Local Government Assistance Program in Albania, a USAID financed project, the Urban Research Institute prepared this Manual for the identification and inventory […]
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The strategy for the Decentralization of Local Government is under full implementation in Albania. Its implementation requires other legislation to be produced, strengthen of central and local institutions and increase the capacities and service delivery effectiveness at the level of local government units. UNDP Local Governance Program funded corresponds with the momentum in which the […]
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URI in cooperation with the Municipality of Lezha and with the financial support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania, has implemented the project “Participatory Plastic Cleaning and Waste Management in the Municipality of Lezha” as an attempt to help implement the National Strategy on Waste Management and assist in improving […]
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The project was geared from the country’s ambitions to gradually approximate the legislation and practical service delivery standards to EU best practices in consumer protections, as set out in Articles 70 and 76 of Stabilization and Association Agreement. It entailed the preparation of two studies on access to water and sanitation. One study focused on […]
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This publication is prepared by the Urban Research Institute in the framework of the OSCE Presence in Albania project “Strengthening the role of civil society in promoting good governance principles in the fight against corruption at the local government system and structures”, implemented at the Local Government Units of Kamëz, Laç, Përmet, Shijak and Çorovodë. […]
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In January 2009, Qendër Commune was involved in the process of drafting the Strategic Plan for Tourism Development to define a clear vision for the future of the commune and to plan the action steps and necessary resources to achieve that vision. Drafting of the Strategic Plan for Tourism Development was accomplished through an open […]
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This is study is part of a project for the budget analysis and financial management that was financed and implemented by the Swedish organizations SIDA and SIPU International for 9 pilot communes in Korca Region. The communes included in this project were: Proger, Qender-Bilisht, Bulgarec, Voskop, Voskopoje, Mollas, Liqenas, Hudenisht and Proptisht.This project offered technical […]
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