The Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Clean-up Project (ICZMCP) aims to assist the government to develop and prepare an integrated coastal zone management plan for the sustainable development of the Southern Coastline of Albania, and to provide targeted public investments to facilitate tourism development.

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Albania Coastline

Resources

Press Release: World Bank Supports Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Clean-Up(June 25, 2005) Press Release: World Bank supports formulation of the Southern Coastal Development Plan in Albania(March 12, 2007) Statement: World Bank on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Clean-Up Project(February 2, 2009) Project Details: Goals, Documents Q&A: Objectives of the project Inspection Panel: Registration, Inspection, Management Response Related Link: Government Project Website

The project covers the geographical area from Llogora Pass to the Greek border, but also includes a component to clean up a polluted industrial site at Porto Romano near Durres.
In addition, the project is financing the construction of a solid waste landfill, the construction of a passenger terminal in Saranda Port, community-based investments in coastal villages along the Southern Coast, and environmental cultural heritage preservation in Butrint National Park.

The Economy

Albania has made significant progress since its transition from a communist regime towards a market-based economy. But still today, Albania is a lower middle income country with an average income of $3,412 in 2007, far lower than the average in the nearby European Union.

“Tourism, leisure, and recreation” could be one of the leading economic sectors where Albania can demonstrate regional comparative advantage. In 2007, the tourism industry generated 14 percent of total GDP, and 11 percent of total employment.

Albania’s Southern Coast

With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and high biodiversity, Albania’s Coastal Zone is one of the country’s most valuable assets. And with significant areas undeveloped in its Southern coast, Albania today has an opportunity that is unique in Europe to sustainably manage its coastline, maximizing both conservation and development objectives.

However, as evidenced by uncontrolled development in other parts of the Albanian coast line, this opportunity has been threatened by the lack of national and local plans as well as effective institutions for developing the coastline in a sustainable manner.

The Southern Coastal Development Plan

The Southern Coastal Development Plan and Regulations prepared under the project were approved in the National Territory Adjustment Council in July 2008. Extensive training, participatory dialogue, and public consultations were part of plan preparations. These regulations will guide construction activities to preserve coastal environmental and cultural heritage. The next step will be to support the preparation of local plans for the municipality and communes in the area. These local plans will include extensive participation and consultation at the community level.

The plan preparation is coupled with community-based investments, from which the first round of coastal village infrastructure investments are underway, including roads, sewage facilities, and cultural enhancement infrastructure.

Project Financing

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Clean-up Project (ICZMCP) is the first phase of a two-phase Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Clean-up Program, which will be implemented over 7 years. The total cost of the Project is estimated at US$ 38.6 million, of which US$ 17.5 million is funded by a World Bank credit. Other co-financing includes US$ 3.11 million from the Dutch Government, US$ 2.23 million from the Japanese Government, US$ 5.20 million from the European Commission, US$ 2.60 million from the Austrian Government, and US$ 0.95 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).