TIRANA, June 24/ATA/ Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran was in Himara Municipality today to launch the Environmental Partnership Forum, which will run its first pilot program there during the current year.
The Forum unites local institutions, businesses, and residents to create lasting environmental solutions.
During the meeting with Mayor Vangjel Tavo and representatives of the municipality, Local Advisor to the Presence’s Local Governance and Environment Programme Elton Qëndro presented the rationale and objectives of the Forum, the added value of Himara as a pilot municipality and the expected benefits for local stakeholders.
There was also presented the proposed governance structure of the Forum and the further steps for its implementation.
Participants exchanged views on the main environmental challenges and priorities facing the municipality, opportunities to strengthen stakeholder involvement and local ownership, as well as the municipality’s expectations from the Forum process.
Discussions also focused on opportunities for future cooperation and the identification of potential stakeholders to participate in the Forum.
A field visit to Himara’s water facilities offered a valuable opportunity to discuss ongoing initiatives and priorities for sustainable resource management and environmental governance.
The Environmental Partnership Forum is part of the OSCE Presence project, “Strengthening Local Government Capacities and Improving Environmental Governance in Albania – Phase II.” It is implemented in close co-ordination with the Minister of State for Local Government and the Agency for the Support of Local Self-Government. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./
