In the field of environmental management studies, a major activity which ended during 1993 was the second phase of the “Environmental Strategy Study in Albania” carried out by the CEP in co-operation with and financed by the World Bank. Thus, the conclusion of this study is of great importance because it precedes the realisation of concrete projects in the field of environmental protection. On the basis of this study and in the spirit of the Environmental Ministers’ Declaration, Lucerne 1993 and of an important document of this Conference: The European Environmental Action Programme, the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was developed.

The NEAP is a detailed elaboration of the environmental strategy t be followed, and a program of actions to be taken and duties to be performed by all organisations and institutions related to environmental issues in the Republic of Albania. The organisational, administrative, legal and technical measures foreseen by the NEAP such as: economic reform and restructuring which takes into account the environmental protection as well, the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework, treatment of problems related to soil erosion and contamination, reforestation, industrial and urban pollution aim at the integration of environmental protection in development programs of the economic and social sectors of the country, i.e. endeavour to face the challenges of sustainable development, its principle being meeting of today’s demand should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own demands.

The NEAP summarises concrete actions and recommended solutions in short term (up to 1 year), medium term (1-3 years) and long term (3-5 years) periods, and also a series of priority projects related to the treatment of sewage waters and urban wastes, forest increase, measures against erosion, the realisation of which necessarily requires financial support.

The NEAP approval by the Government in 1994, constitutes a potential incitement and a working program for the ministries and other institutions, the activity of which affect the environment, to take a series of organisational and technical measures which will bear witness to their systematic and serious commitment to solve the inherited and new environmental issues.

The confronting of the work of the ministries and municipalities with short term duties defined in the NEAP and the law on Environmental Protection, ascertains that the commitment of these institutions does not respond to the realisation of this plan, mainly in the organisational aspect, in sectorial or local policies, legal and regulatory framework, strategies for the management of hazardous wastes and water, identification of investments for the industrial activity which will continue to operate.

It is essential that the ministries, other central institutions and local authorities elaborate in details the NEAP according to the problems treated, foresee and allocate relevant funding and follow up the duties accomplishment in time. In order to have a serious commitment and responsibility , every ministry or municipality should have its own structure to handle environmental problems, in which sectorial or local environmental protection policies are reflected. These policies should define and program sectorial and local environmental priorities in ministries, municipalities and research institutions to assist in the appropriate solution of the inherited problems and their prevention of emerging ones, generated by new developments.

One of the priority areas for tourism development in the program of the Democratic Government, is the coastal zone. In this framework and to precede these developments in the zone from Durres to Vlora, several activities aiming at the integration of environmental requirements with those of the economic and social development, have been foreseen. In like manner the study for coastal areas management in the north of Durres and south of Vlora has started. It focuses on issues related to the preservation of biological diversity, ecotourism development, and creation of necessary infrastructure. An important outcome of these studies will be the preparation of an Environmental Action Plan for Coastal Zone, which will be followed by an Investment Program to be financed by foreign donors and domestic sources. These types of studies are a new experience to our country, regarding the development of the coastal zone in consistence with the carrying capacities of the environment in general and of the ecosystems in particular, according to a planning system and integrated management of all the sources of this zone in harmony with the principle of sustainable development.