Second Environmental Performance Review of Albania

Chapter 1: Policymaking framework for environmental protection and sustainable development13Photo 1.1: Skanderbeg Museum, KrujaThe Strategy sets specific targets such as:• Extension of urban and rural areas with publicwater supply service from 90.7 to 96.0 per centand from 57.0 to 82.0 per cent respectively;• Increase in the urban and rural areas where asewerage system is working from 83.0 to 87.0per cent and from 10.9 to 35.0 per centrespectively;• Increase in the volume of sewage treated intreatment plants to 35 per cent.The Stategy presented outlines of action plans, whichhad to be developed into detailed implementationplans, in order to achieve the targets.The 2003 National Energy Strategy and Plan ofAction (updated in 2005) reviewed the mainenvironmental loads due to the energy sector(particulate matters and oil pollution, refineryresidues, unpleasant smell) which had to be reduced.Respecting the principles of environmentalprotection, the Strategy underlined the importance ofefficient use of energy, reduction of greenhouse gasesand increasing use of renewable energy sources(Chapter 9).The 2008 Sector Strategy of Transport for the period2008-2013 consisted of strategies for separatetransport modalities (road, rail, marine and air)without comprehensive analysis and mid-term targetsfor the whole sector. Mitigation of vehicle emissionsand protection of the marine environment arementioned; however, environmental aspects ingeneral had not been considered important issues inthe Strategy.The 2008 Sector Strategy of Tourism for the period2007-2013 is a revision of the Strategy of Tourismfor the period 2002-2012. It is based on principlesderived from the statements of the European TourismForum on:• Development of sustainable tourism;• Growth and sustainable development of thecultural tourism market, and enterprises forundertaking positive steps towards long-termplans aimed at increasing the number of tourists;• Need for recognition and investment in culturetourism spaces.The 2007 Sector Strategy of Agriculture and Food(SSAF) for the period 2007-2013 was prepared forthe sector that can be considered one of the mostimportant of the Albanian economy. Although, thesector’s contribution to GDP has been decreasingover recent years, agriculture remains the main workoption for people living in rural areas (50 per cent ofthe total population). The list of priorities identifiedin the SSAF included the following:• Improve the management of irrigation anddrainage systems – as water is the main input forincreasing agricultural production;