TIRANA, May 7 – Albania secured a $40 million climate project under the “Albadap” programme, which Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj described as the largest climate initiative in the Western Balkans.
At a press conference in Tirana, Jaupaj said no EU or Western Balkan country runs a similar project financed by the Global Environment Facility. He linked the outcome to a three-day climate conference in the capital. The event gathered European institutions and international environmental organisations.
According to Jaupaj, the conference delivered positive results for Albania. He also said it strengthened the country’s role in regional climate policy.
A second forestry project worth $50 million also secured international support, Jaupaj said. He said North Macedonia backed the initiative and that the Global Green Climate Fund will review the grant. The project targets reforestation and restoration of fire- and erosion-damaged areas.
In addition, the government will create four regional forestry agencies. Jaupaj said the structure will strengthen field presence and improve support for municipalities in forest management planning.
Authorities also plan to establish a state forestry enterprise. Jaupaj said several European countries already apply this model in forest governance.
Separately, the ministry completed the national forest registry in October 2025. Jaupaj said the process involved cooperation with the national cadastre. He said the registry covers around 1.2 million hectares of forest land.
He said the figure places Albania at a strong comparative level against EU averages.
The plan also includes a return to state-run nurseries. Jaupaj said the measure will expand reforestation capacity and support recovery of degraded land and roadside vegetation.
Finally, the ministry presented a 2026–2036 climate plan. It outlines 66 priority measures. Jaupaj said the plan focuses on resilience against fires, floods and other climate-related risks.
/a.p./
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