Water, air and noise pollution are considered among the most concerning environmental issues in Albania. More than half (66%) of citizens consider water pollution a serious problem, and almost as many consider waste pollution (63%) and plastic pollution (64%).
A national environmental survey conducted in February, as part of the EU4GreenGen project by the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, has highlighted that the majority of citizens see pollution as quite a concern for the community where they live.
They appear willing to change their approach to the environment, but they state that there is no appropriate infrastructure.
The survey gathered impressions on the level of information citizens have about biodiversity and the environment in general, as well as the main environmental issues facing the country.
According to the survey, only one in four citizens (24%) are familiar with the concept of biodiversity. Similarly, one in three citizens (33%) said they have heard of the circular economy, which according to the explanatory report indicates gaps in the understanding of environmental concepts related to public policies.
Waste collection is rated more positively (43%) than overall cleanliness (31%).
"Although management services are performing better, perceptions of cleanliness remain average and often negative," it is stated in the presentation of the findings.
In this regard, differences are observed between cities. The highest citizen assessment of waste management resulted in cities such as Berat and Kukës, while the lowest in Gjirokastër, Korçë and Elbasan.
Meanwhile, regarding the perception of green areas, it remains average or negative.
"Only 25% evaluate them positively, while 46% negatively", is highlighted among the findings.
According to the survey, there are strong regional differences, with higher ratings in Berat, Dibër and Kukës, and lower ratings in Durrës, Gjirokastër and Lezha.
"Tirana remains below average, with a high level of dissatisfaction," is further emphasized.
Although only 5% of households separate waste at source, the vast majority (92%) say they would be willing to do so if appropriate systems were in place.
"This shows that it is infrastructure, and not citizens' attitudes, that is the main obstacle," according to the survey findings.
Citizens, the survey report states, have a high level of awareness of concepts such as recycling (92%) and waste management (85%), but this awareness falls short of more technical terms.
"Composting (65%) and green development (63%) show an average level of awareness, while the circular economy (33%) remains largely unknown," it is said among the findings.
About 81% of citizens surveyed say they are personally responsible for environmental pollution, while 45% list municipalities and 41% businesses.
“In terms of trust, municipalities are seen as the most trustworthy actors for environmental protection (65%), followed by cleaning and waste collection companies (50%) and the government (47%),” the report states.
46% of respondents are willing to pay an additional fee for a cleaner environment, while 27% are undecided and 28% are against.
The highest willingness is observed in the regions of Dibra, Kukës, Gjirokastra and Lezha. While Elbasan and Korça show stronger resistance, with only 33% willingness and about half against the additional payment.
Albania is in negotiations for membership in the European Union, where Chapter 27 on Environment remains among the most challenging. Over the last decade, the EU has invested over 280 million euros in the environment, water and climate sectors in Albania.
According to the survey, public support for approximation with EU environmental standards is strong, with 81% perceiving it as beneficial.
"However, awareness of EU-funded environmental projects remains low, only 22%," the report concludes.
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Erisa Kryeziu has completed higher studies in Journalism and Communication and Master of Science in Public Relations at the University of Tirana. She has been a journalist and project manager at Citizens.al for five years, where she reports on social issues and human rights, especially on issues of rights at work, in education, gender equality, marginalized groups, people with disabilities such as and for environmental issues. At the same time, she works as a project coordinator with a focus on youth and media education. User of new reporting techniques such as "Mobile Journalism" and citizen engagement tools in reporting (ECR-Engage Citizens Journalism).
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