The project’s first phase has begun with aerial photography over 680 km² of urban terrain, establishing a higher standard for geospatial accuracy and data collection.

Operations leverage ultra-high-resolution 5 cm ground sample distance (GSD) imagery alongside LiDAR scanning at a density of 10 points per square meter.

The primary aim is updating and expanding Albania’s national Base Map to deliver precise, contemporary cartographic records.

As reported by ASIG, “The novelty of this project is the use of very high resolution technologies, 5 cm GSD, as well as LIDAR scanning with a density of 10 points/m².”

For the first time, this project uses side-angle aerial photos to build 3D city models and sharp images of urban areas. These new data tools will improve how we manage and study cities, nature and farming.

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During a television interview, Mazniku said that the map is intended to be approved by October of the current year.

According to him, “The work on the new territorial reform is continuing on the basis of a detailed economic, financial, demographic and social analysis”.

“Today, we are continuing work on this draft. We heard from experts on Thursday, who presented a detailed report, which is now public. That report carries a lot of important economic, financial data and on the way municipalities function”, said Mazniku.

According to Mazniku, about 40% of municipalities in the country do not provide even half of the services they should offer to citizens.

“Since the elections are in 2027, while in November the President should announce the date. This means that in October is the deadline to approve this reform in the Parliament, so there is time for the President to announce the elections with the new map”, he emphasized.

Speaking about Tirana, he stated that the capital needs special treatment due to its weight in the population and economy.

“Tirana has 25% of the population of Albania and over 50% of the turnover generated by the Albanian economy. The map is not Tirana’s problem. Tirana needs either a special law on how it functions, or a special chapter in the law on local government”, declared Mazniku.

Finally, he accused the opposition of having delayed the reform process by not participating in the Commission’s work for four months, but added that the proposals of its experts will be reviewed. /m.m/a.f/p.s./

The National Council of Material Cultural Heritage has finalized the protection and management plan for archaeological zone ‘A’.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja highlighted that this site is the ancient Illyrian city in Bushat.

According to him, a joint Albanian-Polish team has been excavating the site since 2018, uncovering crucial data on the development of this ancient city.

So far, the identification of two entrance gates by archaeologists has permitted a more precise delineation of the city’s territorial extent.

Meanwhile, the recent excavations in the upper city have focused on reconstructing its spatial organization and urban layout.

Gonxhja emphasized that preliminary results show that this part of the upper city was massively built in the middle of the 4th century BC. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

Lamallari appreciated this meeting as a crucial moment to reflect on a major territorial reform of our justice system.

“Three years’ post-implementation, data confirms improved productivity and reduced backlogs in specific courts. Yet, serious challenges remain in the appeal courts, necessitating decisive, expert intervention,” said Lamallari.

According to the Minister of Justice, some findings require urgent interventions to address the increased backlog, reduce trial times and bring justice closer to the citizens.

“It is worth noting that the Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction, the Court of Fier and the Administrative Court of Lushnja, for the districts of Gjirokastra, Vlora, Korça and some rural areas, it is no longer acceptable for geographical distance to hinder access to judicial services”, he continued.

Minister Lamallari stated that, “The review of the judicial map is not a step back, but a step forward, an alignment process to improve system functionality and ensure adherence to European standards”.

“We will advance the Justice Reform with determination and transparency to improve it where necessary, with the ultimate goal that Albanians will finally have justice with non-negotiable democratic standards. We have the trust of the citizens and the responsibility towards them to guarantee them faster, more qualitative and more accessible justice”, concluded Lamallari. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

Attending the congress were experts from 34 countries around the world.

According to Koçiu, this initiative puts Albania on the international map of scientific research and cooperation.

“Proud of the contribution of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in strengthening the University of Medicine through important partnerships, such as the latest one with the “San Donato” group and the “Vita Salute-San Raffaele” University in Milan”, said Koçiu, while emphasizing that technology and scientific research are essential for a more advanced healthcare system closer to the citizen. /j.p/p.s./

Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja shared today the post of the office of the German Cooperation in Albania, GIZ, where it is emphasized that this is a great achievement for Albanian public transport.

“Thanks to the collaboration of the Albanian General Directorate of Road Transport Services and GIZ Albania, public transport information throughout Albania is now GTFS compliant, a global data standard.”

GIZ thanks all the partners and contributors who made this important achievement possible.

“Together, we are improving public services and moving towards a more connected and sustainable future in Albania!”/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media the opinions of some local and foreign tourists who have chosen the beaches of Himara, Borsh, Jala and Dhërmi.

“Here you find holiday-makers from all over the world who are enjoying the sea, the beautiful weather, the warmth of Albanian hospitality and the fantastic food; while businesses confirm that the map of tourists who have frequented our coast has extended from the Nordic countries up to visitors from the distant Argentina”, wrote the prime minister.

A family from the Czech Republic appreciated the beautiful landscape, the calm sea, the pleasant country”.

“The weather is good, the people are kind, the food is good. It’s just beautiful here. It is a beautiful place and we can move freely”, said another foreign tourist.

An Albanian holiday-maker appreciated the service and security.

“I come from Scotland. We like Albania very much. We have been here for two weeks. We have traveled from Theth in the north to Ksamil, Saranda, Berat and we are here. We liked it a lot”.

I adore this place. I’ve been here for two weeks and the weather has been fantastic, the people are very nice,” said another holiday-maker.

“I come from Turkey. Here in Albania the sea is very clean. I like this because in Turkey we have a problem with this part. The beaches are beautiful, the people are lovely, it’s quiet. I really like it here,” said another.

“I come from Prishtina. I feel good. It is a beautiful place, we come regularly. In Dhërmi, Ksamil, Jal, on the entire Albanian coast, we come 5-6 times a year”, said a holiday-maker from Kosovo.

“I like everything, the clean sea, the hospitality. If compared to Italy, the prices are competitive”, said an Italian tourist.

The administrator of a private business said that he is very satisfied with the clientele. “There are many foreigners and Albanians. 80% are foreigners here. We had clients from Argentina, from Sweden, from Norway”, he added. /m.m/p.s./

Kumbaro hinted that the map of protected areas could be reviewed.

“The protected areas are absolutely a top priority. However, we should also understand what has happened with the protected areas, but they are also part of nature that need to be protected as they bear some important, unique values ​​of biodiversity and the ecosystem they create,” Kumbaro said.

Albania is a forerunner compared with other countries in the region.

“In compliance with the law of protected areas, where Albania is a forerunner compared with other countries in the region, since no Balkan country has established a protected areas agency, as it is the case in Albania, the Agency of Protected Areas with 12 regional directorates, tasked with management of the protected areas,” Kumbaro said.

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Such a domination trend continues for over 15 years.

In terms of written premium per capita by prefectures, Tirana tops the ranking with 14,258 ALL per capita, followed by the prefecture of Gjirokastër with 7,065 ALL per capita and Durrës with 5,333 ALL per capita, Vlora with 4,725 ALL per capita and Korça with 4,698 ALL per capita.

As to the damages paid during 2022 according to the prefectures, it turns out that Tirana prefecture has the largest share of paid damages with 70.28%, followed by Durrësi prefecture with 7.34%.

The insurance density indicator has increased in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 2022, this indicator was about 7,598 ALL per capita, with an increase of about 711 ALL compared to the previous year.

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Although there are still no concrete numbers of tourists staying in the hotels of Lezha, there has been noticed an increase in their number compared to previous years.

Mayor of Lezha Pjerin Ndreu confirmed this in an interview for ATA.

Speaking about the challenges of this tourist season, he said: “We still cannot talk about official figures as we are in the middle of the season. However, the situation is very good and better than the previous years. Kune area has received a lot of tourists thanks to investments. And 3 years ago, it was an area with poverty”, said Ndreu for ATA.

Speaking about the expansion of the map of foreign tourists who choose Lezha, Ndreu said that there is an increase in foreigners coming from all countries of the world.

“Clearly, considering Tale, the coastline of the Kune-Vain lagoon, Shengjin and Rana e Hedhun, the influx of tourists has increased significantly”, said Ndreu.

According to him, Lezha is already a favorite destination.

“30 km of coastline, the Kune-Vain lagoon, the historical part of Lezha, the religious part, artisans and cuisine are the most spectacular combination that you rarely find anywhere. The prices have not experienced any significant increase either on the beaches or in the restaurants,” he said.

Also, Ndreu emphasized that the cleaning and order service on the beaches is at a high level.

Lezha also offers other tourist attractions besides the coast.

Asked about their promotion and inclusion in tourist guides, Ndreu emphasized that, “There is an ‘infopoint’ in Shengjin where you can find every information”.

“There are guides, there are websites, ‘Welcome to Lezha’, etc., that are accessible. There are maps of spots that can be visited, etc., he said. /p.s./