Experience of Implemented CAMP and Suggestions for the Future

1. Experience of Implemented CAMP and Suggestions for the Future CAMP “ALBANIA” prepared by: Alma BAKO

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3. Brief description • Area:CAMP – “ALBANIA” – the whole Albanian Coastal Area under this project CZM – Plan for Durresi-Vlora region (central coastal region) – within framework of UNEP/MAP “Coastal Area Management Program” CZM – Plan for North and South coastal regions – METAP • Period: • CZM – Plan for the whole Albanian Coastal Area – implemented during the period 1993 – 96 • September 1993 – signed the agreement between Gov. of Albania and UNEP • December 1994 – Coastal Profile of Durresi-Vlora region • December 1994 – July 1995 – the first phase of CZM Plan of North and South Coastal Region • July 1995 – February 1996 – the second phase of CZM Plan of North and South Coastal Region • February 1996 – finalization of the CZM Plan for the whole Albanian Coastal Area • April 1996 – Workshop in Tirana. Presentation of the final document to the Albanian Government

4. Main issues: • Coastal area relatively intact ecologically • 1990 – change of political structure • Free movement of population and fast development • Problems identified: • Soil erosion • Coastal and marine pollution • Urban, agricultural pollution • Coastal urbanization • Privatization of space and resorts • Overexploitation of natural resources • Improper sitting of structures and settlements • Degradation of the cultural and archeological values in some areas • Uncontrolled movement of people, as well as illegal occupation of land • Legislation, institutional and implementation issues

5. Activities • Coastal profile of the central coastal region (Durres – Vlora) – result of sectoral reports • Reports produced within MAP SPA/RAC activities in Albania • GIS training course • ICZM training course • On-job training Other activities to be mentioned under CAMP are: • Water Resources Management Study for Erzeni and Ishmi rivers • Carrying Capacity Assessment for Tourist Activities in Lalzi Bay • Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the Ksamili Peninsula Project • Training Program on Geographical Information System

6. Achievements of CAMP Influence of CAMP to the solution of priority environment-development problems: • Strengthening of the sectoral cooperation • Introduction of the Integrated approach • Strengthening of capacities of planning sector • Raising awareness regarding the importance of the protection of environment and promotion of sustainable development • Identification of ESA-s, socio-economic processes and conditions, problems generated after democratic changes, identification of main problems and their impact on environment • CZM plan influenced for solving some priority environment and development problems

7. Achievements of CAMP (2) Improvement of institutional capacities of ICAM: • Increasing awareness regarding environment. Increasing awareness regarding the importance of coastal zone management • Increasing awareness of public, NGO-s, private sector,etc; • Strengthening of capacities in treating and solving various environmental and development problems • Strengthening of capacities, increasing knowledge of institutions at national level regarding coastal areas through literature, workshops, seminars etc, on-job training • Finally the efforts to have a separate body (Committee for Environmental Protection was part of the Ministry of Health when the CZM Plan was prepared) succeeded to have in 1998 the National Environmental Agency, directly depended from the Council of Ministers. Furthermore, last September is established the new Albanian Ministry of Environment • NEAP-Immediate Measures, it is promoted the establishment of environmental structures in the line Ministries, institutions, local level, etc

8. Achievements of CAMP (3) Application of tools and techniques of ICAM: • Field surveys • Evaluation and assessment (EIA, carrying capacity assessment) • Data management • GIS • Development scenarios • Alternative scenarios

9. Achievements of CAMP (4) Formulation and implementation of national policies and strategies: • NEAP: • Sustainable Development Strategy • Tourism Development Strategy • etc • NEAP – Immediate measures • Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan • National Water Strategy • Solid Waste Strategy

10. Achievements of CAMP (6) Training and capacity building: • Training through: • Seminars • Workshops • On-job trainings • Introduction of a multisectoral approach in the management of coastal and marine resources areas. • Capacity building in the Committee for Environmental Protection and national scientific research institutions (working groups members and consultants)

11. Description of the follow-up activities • Follow-up activities: • CZM Plan for Durresi-Vlora region • CZM Plan for North and South Coastal Regions (Phase 1 & 2) • Project on “Management of the Karavasta Lagoon” • “Kune-Vaini Lagoon” Project • “Conservation of Wetland and Coastal Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Region”

12. Main actors and donors • Main actors: • International organizations: EU, UNDP, WB, EIB – through METAP UNEP/MAP/PAP/RAC • National actors: Committee of Environment Protection (Ministry of Environment) Albanian Government institutions Universities NGO-s Local government and community • Donors: • UNEP/MAP • WB • UNDP/GEF

13. Assessment of the management of CAMP • Strategic issues vs. local actions: • The concept, strategy and measures to achieve sustainable development are defined in the CZM Plan • Implementation and promotion of actions (relevant plans and projects) not succeeded • Integration of activities: • Preparation of the CZM Plan – according to a multidisciplinary approach • Reality of the sectoral integration – not in the required level due to specific actions promoted by each sector separately, neglecting sometimes CZM Plan.

14. Assessment of the management of CAMP (2) • Co-operation between national and local authorities • Weak cooperation between national and local authorities • Public participation • Weak public awareness and participation • Involvement of stakeholders • Relatively good involvement of relevant national authorities, scientific institutions, etc • Insufficient involvement of local level authorities • Relatively good involvement of NGO-s • Donors – more or less successfully involvement • Neglected private sector and media

15. Lessons learned • Shortcomings: • Weak co-ordination between different levels • The CZM Plan objectives are considered more or less general • Unsatisfactory public involvement • Unsatisfactory public awareness, insufficient information system • Population issues are not adequately taken into consideration • Urbanization and land use conflicts, privatization process, failed to be satisfactorily integrated into management policies

16. Lessons learned (2) • Strong points: • The consideration of the whole Albanian coastal area under CZM Plan • Promotion of the co-operation between national authorities, scientific institutions, experts etc • Promotion of formulation policies and strategies at national level • Promotion of sustainable development • Training of the experts • Increasing awareness regarding environment and coastal issues • Strengthening of capacities at national level: line ministries, institutions etc dealing with coastal area • Transferring international knowledge and experience • Promotion of the co-operation with international funding institutions etc

17. Recommendations for the improvement • A better multilevel co-ordination – establishment of a coordinating stakeholders • Involvement of all stakeholders, promotion of public-private partnership • Building and strengthening of capacities at local level • Identification of follow-up activities • Involvement of different donors to provide continuity and avoid overlapping • Enforcement and implementation of the legal framework, approximation with EU Legislation Specific recommendations regarding Albanian CZM Plan:

18. The proposed steps to be undertaken • The adoption of the strategy of CZM Plan • The implementation of the Strategy • Integration of the CZM Plan into the National Spatial Strategy • To achieve such recommendations is needed: • The assessment of the existing environmental and socio-economic conditions • Preparation of the action plans for the priority areas identified with urbanization problems • Preparation of action plans for tourism development • Preparation of the management plans for the environmental sensitive areas • Preparation of the Coastal Law • Identification of the projects for funding