Tirana, 22 February 2023 - The Albanian Government has taken a major step towards strengthening its civil protection system by adopting the new National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030). These documents, together with the National Risk Assessment, are vital to mitigating, preventing, preparing for, and responding to disaster risks in Albania.

Developed by the National Civil Protection Agency in partnership with the RESEAL project, funded by the governments of Sweden and Portugal, the implementation of these documents will enhance the country's capacity to manage, cope with, and reduce disaster risks. The strategy, which is the first-ever disaster risk reduction document prepared by Albania, is in line with the Sendai framework and EU guidelines and takes into account the impact of climate change on disaster risk reduction, with a particular focus on gender and vulnerable groups.

The DRR strategy, a cross-sectorial document, will be implemented over the next seven years and is supported by a robust action plan that outlines specific measures, including the establishment of early warning systems, strengthening of emergency response and recovery systems, prevention and response to disasters, improving building standards and land use planning, supporting critical needs for DRR infrastructure, and enhancing community participation in disaster risk reduction.

Haki Cako, General Director of the National Agency of Civil Protection, emphasized the importance of these national documents to building a safer and more resilient Albania, a full member of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. "We recognize the devastating impact that disasters can have on our communities, and we are taking proactive steps to reduce risk and protect our citizens."

Petra Burcher, Head of the Swedish Development Cooperation, in Albania said:

"This is an essential part of Sweden’s support to Albania after the earthquake 2019. The now approved National DRR Strategy and its Action Plan is an important milestone to prevent disaster and to continue efforts to strengthen disaster risk management in Albania.”   

Monica Merino, UNDP Resident Representative, stressed the significance of the strategy and action plan, stating: "The adoption of the strategy and action plan marks a significant milestone in Albania's efforts to strengthen the national system on disaster risk management and civil protection. It represents a comprehensive and coordinated approach at all levels to disaster risk reduction that will help protect Albanian citizens and communities from the devastating effects of disasters."

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and its Action Plan, the National Risk Assessment Document, and the ongoing preparation of the National Civil Emergency Plan have been developed through a broad consultation process. The adoption of these national DRR strategic and planning documents demonstrates Albania's commitment to improving its mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery ability to disasters. It also serves as an example for other countries in the region grappling with the effects of disasters and climate change.