General National Spatial Plan / Shqipëria 2030

GENERAL NATIONAL
SPATIAL PLAN
FIRST NATIONAL DOCUMENT ON
SPATIAL PLANNING
2015 - 2030

GENERAL NATIONAL
SPATIAL PLAN
FIRST NATIONAL DOCUMENT ON
SPATIAL PLANNING
2015 - 2030
Approved by Council of Ministers Decision No. 881, dated 14/12/2016

This plan was drafted with the valuable contribution of a large number of experts
in various fields of economic and social development, as well as territorial
planning specialists, technicians, public administration employees, professors
and representatives of various academic fields, members of non-profit
organizations, business representatives, local government representatives,
and citizens who contributed, through their active participation in a number of
consultative meetings, to the preparation of the vision for the development of
Albania for the next 15 years. This plan is the result of the joint contribution and
unremitting efforts of the specialists of the National Territorial Planning Agency
(NTPA) and the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), which provided their
contribution for about two years to complete this document. Such document
is the first of its kind for our country, introducing an integrated framework of
all the territorial developments incurred to date and setting out a long-term
development and quality model for "Shqipëria 2030".

Head of Process
Eglantina Gjermeni
Minister of Urban Development
Coordinators
Adelina Greca
Director General
National Territoral Planning Agency
Nertil Jole
Director of Territorial Development Policies Directorate
Ministry of Urban Development
Special recognition for his contribution in the drafting of GNP
Hans-Juergen Cassens, GIZ Albania
Team Leader
Anisa Qorri
Director of Territorial Planning Directorate, NTPA
Team
Eleana Beruka, Ismail Broli, Mirzeta Kashnica
Albana Koçollari, Ledio Allkja, Shpendi Balilaj, Ditjon Baboçi, Bledi Dimo, Deni Klosi
Technical Planning Consultants
Angelo D'Urso, international technical urban planning expert
Wilhelm Schulte, planning expert, former Director General of Urban Planning and Landscape,
Ministry of Urban Development and Environment, Hamburg, GIZ
Jan Drews, planning Expert, Director of the Planning Office, Berlin-Brandenburg
Rudina Toto, expert of PLGP programme, USAID
Printed: Shtypshkronja PEGI
ISBN: 978-9928-228-60-4

Preamble
Summarizing a successfully accomplished government
objective in one document naturally gives rise to a sense of
satisfaction and appreciation for whomever engaged in and
gave their contribution in such a historical achievement.
The General National Plan “Shqipëria 2030” represents
the harmonisation of the integrated approach of urban
development with other strategic sectors such as tourism,
agriculture, energy, transport, housing and other aspects,
which intertwine within the objective of long-term and
sustainable development of the country.
I am honoured to have been responsible of leading this
multifaceted and all-encompassing process, which
concluded with the drafting and approval of the General
National Plan “Shqipëria 2030” by the National Territorial
Council and the Council of Ministers. This contemporary
document is today one of the pillars that will support the
development of the territory in the next 15 years.
In political terms, the accomplishment of this objective
during our first government mandate marks an important
achievement. This development policy document, which is
prepared for the first time in our country, puts the socioeconomic
development of the country upon sustainable
principles and criteria. It will serve as a guideline to
planning and implementing experts, as well as central and
local government in their activities related, inter alia, to
land management.
Furthermore, it ensures harmonisation of the development
throughout the territory and a real opportunity to combine
interests in accordance with the characteristics of the
terrain, demographic movements, climate changes and
other factors affecting development nowadays.

On a legal and technical plan, the General
National Plan “Shqipëria 2030” establishes
the legal framework and provides high-level
principles mandatory for implementation by
decision-making authorities, law enforcement
institutions, and citizens. It also puts an
end once and forever to the chaotic and
spontaneous development, and the misuse of
land and natural and touristic resources of our
beautiful Albania.
The Sustainable Development Goals and the
New Urban Agenda 2030, adopted in October
2016 by the UN Member States in the World
Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban
Development, held in Quito, Ecuador, were
taken into consideration in the preparation of
the General National Plan “Shqipëria 2030”.
In addition, clear political and technical
milestones have been established in
collaboration with the Ministries, the local
government bodies, as well as other institutions
and stakeholders that contributed to this
traNTPArent and all-encompassing process.
This inter-institutional synergy ensured the
mapping of this complete, flexible and dynamic
document. Today, we have in our hands a set
of principles embodying the main priorities of
economic, social and cultural development in
the country.
All those involved in the various stages of this
project deserve recognition and appreciation,
including experts from the ministries and
agencies, specialists from municipalities,
professional associations, academia and
interested citizens.
I am also remarkably grateful to the
considerable support provided by our
international partners including USAID,
OSCE, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of
Germany (GIZ), The Embassy of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands and the Council of Europe.
I would like to highlight the contribution of the
team from the Ministry of Urban Development
and the National Territorial Planning Agency,
whose commitment and professionalism made it
possible to programme and process a great deal
of information and prepare this policy document.
The culmination of such serious and
professional work into a legal document is only
the first step. The challenge ahead of us is the
meticulous implementation of the whole range
of principles and objectives enshrined in this
major instrument.
I remain fully confident that this instrument will
serve to the acceleration of the journey towards
European Albania.
Minister of Urban Development
Eglantina GJERMENI

TABLE OF CONTENTS
10 Acronyms
12 List of tables, figures, maps, graphics
1 2
18 General National Plan
“Shqipëria 2030”
18
19
Introduction
Methodology
40 Albania under the
European and regional
context of the Balkans
and the Mediterranean
41
2.1 Connection
Corridors
20
24
1.1 Purpose and importance
of preparing the GNP
1.2 The legal framework
for the preparation and
implementation of GNP and
harmonisation with national
political and economic
instruments
50
2.2 Potentials and
Challenges for
Development and
Integration
28
1.3 GNP objectives and
policies
30
1.4 Vision statement

3
56 Territorial systems
3.3.1 Drawbacks of the
56
58
Main findings and guidelines
of GNP for the territorial
systems
Current structure and territorial
organization trend in Albania
96
99
agricultural sector in
the country
3.3.2 The approach of
the General National
Plan on the agricultural
sector
60
Territorial organization by
the GNP
107
3.3.3 GNP proposals for
the agricultural system
62
3.1 Urban System
108
3.4 Water System
62
64
71
3.1.1 Polycentric, smart
and comprehensive
development based on
European models
3.1.2 The criteria for the urban
system organization
3.1.3 Strategic territorial
proposals for urban centres
108
112
123
3.4.1 National water
framework and current
context
3.4.2 Diversity of water
use
3.4.3 The impact of
climate changes on the
water system
86
88
3.2 Natural System
3.2.1 The approach of the
General National Plan
"Shqipëria 2030"
126
133
3.4.4 GNP
recommendations on
the Water System
3.5 Infrastructure
System
89
3.2.2 The natural system as
an element for diversification
and interconnection of
economic sectors
133
145
3.5.1 Transport
Infrastructure System
3.5.2 Energy
91
94
3.2.3 Proposals
3.3 Agricultural System
153
3.5.3 Electronic
Telecommunication
Infrastructure/ICT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
156 Regionalization
5
174 Economy
159
166
4.1 Collaboration between
cities and local centres
4.2 Towards
regionalization
174
5.1 A description of the
priority economic sectors
ensuring rapid and
sustainable economic
growth
185
5.2 Description of the
country's potential for the
development of economic
clusters
187
5.3 The possibility of
strengthening regional
development poles and
specific development
areas
189
5.3.1 Regional development
pole Kukes - Has - Tropoja
190
5.3.2 Regional development
pole Korça – Pogradec
191
5.3.3 Regional development
pole Elbasan
192
5.3.4 Regional development
pole Tirana - Durres, the
central economic engine
193
5.3.5 Regional development
pole Shkodra - Lezha,
the western gate of the
northern mountainous
region

6
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
5.3.6 Regional development
pole Vlora - Fier - Berat
5.3.7 Regional development
pole Gjirokastra - Saranda,
the southern gate of the
Albanian Riviera
5.4 Specific development
areas
5.4.1 Specific development
area Dibra - Mat - Klos -
Bulqiza
5.4.2 Specific development
area Malesi e Madhe -
Tropoja
5.4.3 Specific development
area Puka - Mirdita - Fushe
Arrez
5.4.4 Specific development
area Skrapar - Permet -
Kelcyre
204 Climate change
204
205
7
216 Implementation
of GNP
216
217
217
8
Introduction
6.1 Evaluation of
climate change,
mitigation and
adaptation
7.1 Phase I 2015 - 2020
7.2 Phase II 2020 - 2025
7.3 Phase III 2025 - 2030
224 Monitoring
230 Glossary
232 Bibliography
234 Appendixes

Acronyms
WBA Water Basin Agency
ADF Albanian Development Fund
NEA National Environment Agency
NANR National Agency of Natural Resources
NTPA National Territorial Planning Agency
NARD National Agency for Regional
Development
NAPA National Agency of Protected Areas
MAT Metabolic Analysis of Territory
ANTP Albanian National Transport Plan
REA Regional Environmental Agency
ARA Albanian Road Authority
WRA Water Regulatory Authority
ASIG State Authority of Geoterritorial
Information
REDA Regional Economic Development
Agency
RDA Regional Development Agency
WB The World Bank
EU European Union
CBD Central Business District
COP Conference of the Parties
GDWM General Directorate of Water
Managment
GDPGD General Directorate of Policies and
Government Decentralization
GDWSS General Directorate of Water Supply
and Sewerage
EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development
EEA European Environment Agency
EEC European Economic Community
EIONET European Network of Environmental
Information and Observation
WRA Water Regulatory Authority
ESDP European Territorial Development
Perspective
ESPON Europe Territorial Vision 2050
(TeVi 2050)
GEI Global Environmental Instrument
GHG GreenHouse Gas
GIS Geographical Information System
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit
GWP Global Water Partnership
IAP Ionian Adriatic Pipeline
IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development
ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management
FDI Foreign Direct Investment
INSTAT Institute of Statistics
IPA Instrument for Pre-Accession
Assistance
UN United Nations Organization
WCPA The World Commission on Protected
Areas
EC European Council
KITCASP Key Indicators for Territorial
Cohesion and Territorial Planning
NTC National Territorial Council
NWC National Water Council
CM Council of Ministers
WSC Water Service Company
TPDL Territorial Planning and
Development Law
MES Ministry of Education and Sports
MARDWM Ministry of Agriculture,
Rural Development and
Water Management
MOJ Ministry of Justice
MEDTTE Ministry of Economic Development,
Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship
MEI Ministry of Energy and Industry
MF Ministry of Finance
MC Ministry of Culture
ME Ministry of Environment
MSWY Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth
MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MIA Ministry of Internal Affairs
MH Ministry of Health
10

MH Ministry of Health
MSLA Minister of State for Local Affairs
MTI Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure
MUD Ministry of Urban Development
NAP National Adaptation Plan
NCCS National Climate Change Secretariat
LGU Local Government Unit
OECD Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development
MTBP Medium Term Budget Program
GDP Gross Domestic Product
WRIP Water Resources and Irrigation
Project
DLP Detailed Local Plan
DPNIA Detailed Plan of National Importance
Areas
EP European Parliament
NSP National Sectoral Plan
PM Program of Measures
RBMP River Basin Management Plan
PP Public Participation
PPP Public Private Partnership
GLP General Local Plan
REC Regional Environmental Center
SEETO South East Europe Transport
Observatory
Sida Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency
WISE Water Information System for Europe
NWS National Water Strategy
NSDI National Strategy for Development
and Integration
TSNWC Technical Secretariat of the National
Water Council
IDS Irrigation and Drainage Strategy
AGS Albanian Geological Service
AT Air Transport
TAP Trans Adriatic Pipeline
TCI Tourism Climatic Index
TETCN Trans-European Transport Core
Networks
ToR Terms of Reference
UNDP United Nations Development
Programme
UNFCC The United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
USAID United States Agency for International
Development
CMD Council of Ministers Decision
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
WBR Western Ballkan Ring
WEF World Economic Forum
AEA Agro-ecological Areas
FUA Functional Urban Area
PA Protected Area
TDMA Tiranë - Durrës Metropolitan Area
SPA Special Protected Area
WBIF Western Balkan Investment
Framework
ANI Areas of National Importance
11

Tables, Figures, Maps, Graphics
Tables
Table 3.1 Urban centres hierarchy, GNP 2030
Table 3.2 Population as per Census 2001 and 2011 for the regional development poles
Table 3.3 Drainage and irrigation of lands as per the counties
Table 3.4 Water system pollution sources
Table 3.5 Measurement of indicators for the water system
Table 5.1 Poverty indicators by county (percentage, gap, severity)
Table 5.2 The main economic indicators, 2012
Table 6.1 Forecasted changes in temperature (°C) from different time horizons related to 1990
Table 6.2 Forecasted changes in annual precipitations (%) from different time horizons related to 1990
Table 8.1 Development indicators according to the problematic
Figures
Figure 1.1 Time span of political, economic and territorial planning instruments in Albania
Figure 1.2 Hierarchy of plans and the scheme of responsible authorities
Figure 1.3 Vision Statement illustrated
Figure 2.1 Pan-European Corridors
Figure 2.2 SEETO Road Network
Figure 2.3 SEETO Railway Network
Figure 2.4 Ports and airports network
Figure 2.5 Albania’s position compared to the economic corridors of European relevance
Figure 2.6 (a) Mediterranean and Balkans projects including Albania: Balkans, Mediterranean, Adriatic
and Ionian seas and the cross-border projects in the Danube macro-region
Figure 2.6 (b) Macro-regional strategies and sea basins
Figure 2.7 IPA CROSS Border projects: Italy-Albania-Montenegro, Albania-Kosovo, Albania-
Montenegro, Albania-FYROM, Albania-Greece
Figure 2.8 Cross-border and national urban centres that should increase cooperation under
IPACB projects
Figure 2.9 Possibilities for Albania to integrate and establish connections in the European urban
centres hierarchy map classified as per MEGA 1 and 2 cities, A scenario
Figure 3.1 Territorial structure 2000-2014
Figure 3.2 (a) Territorial organization for economic management purposes and territorial
planning 2016, as per 4 macroregions
Figure 3.2 (b) Territorial organization for economic management purposes and territorial
planning 2016, as per 6 macroregions
Figure 3.3 Territorial organization as per the driving forces and future trends
12

Figure 3.4 Current organization of the systems in zones, corridors and centres, and their overlapping
Figure 3.5 Future organization of the systems in zones, corridors and centres, and their overlapping
Figure 3.6 Central Place Theory
Figure 3.7 Central places in urban areas
Figure 3.8 Three natural parks proposed by GNP: the Park of Buna, the Park of Alps and
the Park of Vjosa
Figure 3.9 Main elements of the natural system
Figure 3.10 Typology of communes and municipalities
Figure 3.11 (a) (b) (c) Agricultural system diagram “Metabolism of Albania”
Figure 3.12 Food balance in Albania “Metabolism of Albania”
Figure 3.13 Water flow diagram “Metabolism of Albania”
Figure 4.1 Group 1 “Big/peripheral”
Figure 4.2 Group 2 “Small/peripheral”
Figure 4.3 Group 3 “Medium-semi-central”
Figure 4.4 Group 4 “Small/central (prey)”
Figure 4.5 Group 5 “Medium/central (half-predators)”
Figure 4.6 Group 6 “Small/central (predators)”
Figure 4.7(a) Hartographic multivariate representation. (b) Clustered with SOM
Figure 4.8 Territorial interventions proposed by the GNP for local sub/ units, based on the territorial
grouping trends described above
Figure 6.1 Potential floodable areas due to the rise in sea levels up to 2050
Figure 6.2 Classification of endangered areas due to river floods
Figure 6.3 Schematic map for the adaptation of the Drin - Mat area
Figure 7.1 The scheme of integrated instruments for the territorial administration in the areas of
national importance
Figure 8.1 Proposed indicators for monitoring the territorial development, according to GNP 2030
Maps
Map 1.1 Vision map according to the General National Plan "Shqipëria 2030"
Map 3.1 Interactions between gateway cities and hubs, GNP 2030
Map 3.2 Urban system risks
Map 3.3 The current situation of the natural system 2015
Map 3.4 The territorial proposals for the natural system, GNP 2030
Map 3.5 Natural system, GNP 2030
Map 3.6 Agricultural system “Metabolism of Albania”
Map 3.7 Agricultural system, GNP 2030
Map 3.8 Regionalization of agricultural products
Map 3.9 Water flow “Metabolism of Albania”
Map 3.10 Local units inside and outside the jurisdiction area of Water Supply and Water
Supply-Sewerages Entities
13

Map 3.11 Water basins according to water catchment area and resources size
Map 3.12 Surface waters and basins quality. Source: Ministry of Environment, NEA 2014
Map 3.13 Underground waters monitoring network and aquifers typology
Map 3.14 Evaluation of the underground waters vulnerability
Map 3.15 Water use potentials compared to the needs for drinking water
Map 3.16 Risks from water flooding, erosion and river pollution
Map 3.17 Integrated transport infrastructure, GNP 2030
Map 3.18 Road transport and multimodal nodes, GNP 2030
Map 3.19 Rail transport and the multimodal nodes, GNP 2030
Map 3.20 Goods movement in containers
Map 3.21 Goods transport traffic in the Mediterranean
Map 3.22 Multimodal transport development axis in Albania
Map 3.23 Energy flow “Metabolism of Albania”
Map 3.24 Fortification of transmission lines
Map 3.25 Transmission lines
Map 3.26 Renewable energy utilization potential
Map 3.27 Energy infrastructure
Map 4.1 Urban system and territorial interconnection
Map 4.2 Territorial development in Albania, GNP 2030
Map 4.3 The regional development pole Kukes-Has-Tropoja, the eastern gate of the northern
mountainous region, GNP 2030
Map 4.4 The regional development pole Elbasan-Librazhd, GNP 2030
Map 4.5 The regional development pole Korça-Pogradec, GNP 2030
Map 4.6 The regional development pole Shkodra-Lezha, the western gate of the northern
mountainous region, GNP 2030
Map 4.7 The regional development pole Tirana-Durres, the central economic engine, GNP 2030
Map 4.8 The regional development pole Vlora-Fier-Berat, GNP 2030
Map 4.9 The regional development pole Gjirokastra-Saranda, the southern gate of the Albanian
Riviera, GNP 2030
Map 6.1 Water outflow and floods
Map 7.1 The integrated map of territorial systems
Graphics
Graphic 3.1 Protected Areas Development Strategy, NAPA
Graphic 3.2 Agricultural production as per the regions
Graphic3.3 Water use, Elaborated by: NTPA
Graphic3.4 Capacities and utilization of drinking water
Graphic 3.5 Water use diversity
Graphic 3.6 Strategic objectives for 2030
14

Graphic 3.7 Electricity consumption as per the sectors of the economy
Graphic 3.8 Energy balance for hydrocarbons as per the sectors for 2010
Graphic 3.9 Energy from biomass
Graphic 5.1 The main sectors of the economy
Graphic 5.2 The progress of the main sectors of the economy
Graphic 5.3 Annual change
Graphic 5.4 The weight of the main sectors of the economy
Graphic 5.5 The contribution of the main sectors of the economy in the economic growth
Graphic 5.6 The contribution of the regions in the economic growth for 2013
Graphic 5.7 Volume of trade and balance of trade
Graphic 5.8 The public debt and national debt
Graphic 5.9 Foreign direct investment
Graphic 5.10 Employment indicators
Graphic 5.11 Welfare indicators
Graphic 5.12 GDP per inhabitant by county
Graphic 5.13 Population indicators
Graphic 6.1 The forecasted change in annual precipitations (%)
Graphic 6.2 CO 2
equivalent emissions for all economic sectors (kt)
15

1General National Plan
“Shqipëria 2030”

Contents
18
19
20
24
28
30
Introduction
Methodology
1.1 Purpose and importance of preparing the GNP
1.2 The legal framework for the preparation and
implementation of GNP and harmonisation with
national political and economic instruments
1.3 GNP objectives and policies
1.4 Vision Statement

General National Plan
“Shqipëria 2030”
Introduction
The General National Plan (GNP) “Shqipëria
2030” is the paramount instrument of
territorial planning in Albania, which
addresses planning issues in an integrated
manner, considering the Albanian territory
as a whole.
Secondary hierarchy plans will be detailed
based on its principles, objectives and
specifications. These secondary plans
inlcude the National Sectorial Plans (NSP),
Detailed Plans of National Importance Areas
(DPNIA), Regional Development Plans (RDP),
Sectorial Plans at Regional Level (SPRL),
General Local Plans (GLP) and any other
territorial planning instruments stemming
from the development needs.
GNP provides the reference strategic
framework for sustainable territorial
development for the next 15 years, with
a view to ensuring a balanced national
economic and social development, sound
management of its natural resources,
environmental protection, all while ensuring
a rational use of the land.
This document establishes the basis for the
harmonisation of sectorial and cross-cutting
policies which affect the territory or generate
associated effects therein, it structures and
balances urban and rural developments and
provides a reliable climate for long-term
investments.
GNP comes not only as a fulfilment of a
legal obligation, but also as a prerequisite to
achieving the government program objectives
to enhance citizens' welfare and national
economic growth by reducing inequalities,
strengthening the strategic partnership with
neighbouring countries and implementing
policies that foster competitiveness of
economic sectors, thus, ensuring integration
in the European Union.
GNP is launched at a key moment for the
territorial reorganization of Albania, as
an instrument supporting and enabling
a qualitative implementation of the
administrative territorial reform. It
constitutes a key platform for the new
regions and municipalities in the drafting of
their regional and local plans.
18

GNP is not a “construction plan”, it does
not show how many square meters will be
built in our country and does not specify
their location. It is impossible for a strategic
document such as the GNP to provide
an exhaustive list of the execution of all
investments in specific areas for the entire
territory of the country.
All GNP specifications are based on
preserving and strengthening the particular
characteristics of the specific area, region
or territory, as per the priority and adequate
uses depending from those specific features.
In this context, designation of the protected
natural areas, development of urban areas,
transport corridors, tourism priority areas
have been specified in order to save these
areas suitable for such functions from
other contradictory, inappropriate uses or
which generate a negative impact on the
sustainable and qualitative development of
the country.
The plan does not provide for holding,
housing capacities, tourist accommodation,
etc. The plan defines the appropriate spaces
for the development of various sectors and
sets out the principles for the integrated
development of these areas, thus ensuring
the compliance with their ecological and
social capacity. The realization of specific
objectives and the development of detailed
economic, social, environmental and tourism
analyses are subject to sectorial plans. Thus,
aiming to protect from misuse all those areas
and territories suitable for a specific use.
The GNP document is accompanied by
a Strategic Environmental Assessment
study, which will ensure the avoidance and
minimization of negative effects on the
territory.
The GNP document will be subject to
evaluation, in accordance with the new
social, economic and environmental factors:
- every 3 years, according to the Medium
Term Budget Plan timeframe;
- at the end of every 5 years, according to the
timeframe of the NSDI.
The work of the institutions responsible for
updating this document will be continuous
and progressive. The adjustment of the
GNP document according to the new legal
framework to be approved, laws or DoCMs,
which define further rules for the protection,
development and management of the
territory, will be immediate and through a
traNTPArent process.
The updated GNP, reflecting the above
mentioned adjustments, shall be periodically
published in the Register of Territorial
Planning, the websites of institutions
responsible for its updating and other means
of public information.
In any case, when the update of the GNP is
deemed necessary, as a result of reflecting
the legal framework changes or due to new
active social, economic and environmental
factors, coordination and consultation
sessions shall be held with the authorities
responsible for the territorial planning and
development, according to the procedures
defined by the relevant legislation.
Methodology
The methodology for the preparation of the
GNP “Shqipëria 2030” is based on three key
and complementary steps:
1. The metabolic analysis of the territory as
a model applied for the identification and
analysis of the flows of materials and energy
within specific territories. This model provides
the researchers with a framework through
which to explore the interactions of natural
and human systems in specific regions. 1
2. Formulation of the Vision Statement.
3. Strategic Planning, as a technique applied
in local government units, metropolitan
areas and regions, which integrates
social, economic, financial, territorial,
environmental, governance, institutional
and legal issues into a single framework.
It establishes a vision-based development
and enables objectives, programs and action
plans to be implemented. It has no strictly
1
A broader definition is included in the CMD no. 671, dated 29.7.2015 “On approval of the Regulation on Territorial Planning”,
article 2, paragraph 19.
19

egulatory nature. It provides the methods to
address challenges, avoid barriers and to make
an efficient use of opportunities and resources.
It may be implemented through participation.
The process of metabolic analysis of the
territory was based on the territorial
scanning, and was realised through i)
the sectorial strategies already adopted
and those under preparation by central
institutions and ministries ii) inter-ministerial
meetings, seminars with local and foreign
experts, accompanied by field visits, iii) data
collection and analysis on the flows with the
highest impact on the territorial development:
water, food, energy and tourism.
The formulation of the Vision Statement was
the result of a process supported by experts
from priority sectors in the development of
the country within central institutions and
representatives of non-profit associations
and organizations. 2 The Vision Statement
was formulated based on the methodology
and process indicated by ESPON 3 relating to
the Territorial Vision (TeVi) Europe 2050. The
working group used two methods to prepare
the vision: i) based on scientific facts and
information; ii) based on values and guided
by policies.
Both methods were implemented
independently, but they fed into each other
until the final result. This method enables
a vision based on the existing and planned
policies, including the challenges they
bring about, and underlines the dimension
of planning as a process. The formulated
vision maintains the strategic, long-term,
comprehensive and coherent character.
The strategic planning was focused on the
objectives and policies of the plan. The
territorial strategic proposals were made
based on five primary systems organized into
corridors, areas and centres. The elements
taken into consideration in these proposals
are based on the following:
- the potential for multidimensional
economic development determined by the
location, size, accessibility and connectivity;
- the identifying local character conditioned
by specific geographical, natural, historical,
cultural, traditional features of economic,
urban, and social development;
- the security measures against natural
disasters and climate changes.
1.1 Purpose and
importance of preparing
the GNP
Purpose
The purpose of the GNP is to ensure
the preparation and implementation of
frameworks for territorial development of the
Albanian territory.
Importance of GNP
This document is of strategic importance to
the economic, political and legal dimensions
of Albania.
In the economic context, considering the
territory as a finite source and the basis for
the development of all economic sectors, the
plan provides for its balanced, qualitative and
long-term development.
- Provides a common vision for the
development of different sectors, avoiding
duplication of efforts through their
coordination, thus ensuring effectiveness of
economic investments.
- Defines the necessary space for proper
economic development and ensures such
space is properly situated in relation to
infrastructure and labour force.
- The plan enables the avoidance and/
2
For further information, see Annex 1 on the participation process.
3
ESPON (European Territorial Planning Observation) is a EU program with its initial objective of taking concrete steps
towards ESDP (European Territorial Development Perspective) implementation, especially to improve knowledge, research
and information on the territorial development and to be prepared for the EU territory enlargement. Currently, the mission
of ESPON 2020 is to continue the work on the consolidation of the Network of European Territorial Observatory, and to
strengthen political provision and use of credible, regular and comparative data.
20

Objectives of GNP
(a) Promotes territorial cohesion through balanced economic and social regional
development and enhances competition;
(b) Supports the development generated by mixed urban functions and improves
the relations between urban and rural areas;
(c) Promotes accessibility;
(d) Increases access to knowledge and information;
(e) Reduces environmental damages;
(f) Protects and strengthens natural resources and cultural heritage, (with
reference to the Law no.9048, dated 07/04/2003 “On cultural heritage”, amended.
(g) Enhances cultural heritage as a development factor;
(h) Develops energy sources, while maintaining security;
(i) Promotes qualitative and sustainable tourism;
(j) Limits the impact of natural disasters.
Reasons for preparing the GNP
Economic benefits:
• Ensures stability and confidence on long-term investments;
• Identifies adequate land location, which meets the requirement for economic
development;
• Ensures that the land for development is well-situated in relation to the
transport network and labour force;
• Promotes environmental quality in both urban and rural areas, that create
more favourable conditions for investments, thus generating development;
• Promotes cultural heritage as a national asset and a source of profit;
• Identifies developments that fulfil the needs of local communities in urban
and rural areas;
• Promotes regeneration and recovery;
• Enables a more efficient and sustainable decision-making.
Social benefits:
• Takes into account the needs of local communities in the development of policies;
• Improves accessibility, when considering the location of a new development;
• Foresees the provision of local infrastructure, where it is missing;
• Promotes the reuse of free and abandoned land, especially if it has a negative
impact on the quality of life and the economic development potential;
• Supports the creation and maintenance of pleasant, healthy and safe
environments.
Environmental benefits:
• Promotes adequate regeneration and use of land, buildings and
infrastructure;
• Promotes the reuse of previously established land (former industrial
zones, etc.) and minimizes the use for development of free natural lands;
• Protects the assets of environmental, historical and cultural heritage;
• Addresses solutions to natural risks (e.g. floods, air quality, etc.);
• Protects and enhances characteristics of the recreation and natural
heritage areas;
•Promotes multimodal access to already developed or to-be developed
areas (e.g. forecast of railway stations and airports integrated with urban
transport etc.);
• Promotes energy efficiency in development planning.
21

or mitigation of crises of various nature
that Albania may face, crises of financial,
environmental, climatic nature, etc.
- Establishes a reliable climate for long-term
investments.
- Promotes the use of renewable energy
sources.
In the political context, the GNP is of
strategic importance to the multi-dimensional
integration in the European Union, and to
the establishment of sustainable links with
the neighbouring countries, thus building
a climate of political stability that fosters
economic growth.
The plan provides for the implementation
of an economic, territorial and governance
model at multiple levels, capable of attracting
EU funds laying the foundations for territorial
regionalization.
In the legal context, the General National Plan
plays an important role in the implementation
of the sectorial legal framework in the field of
territorial planning and administration. The
planning reform, launched in 2009, could not
be fully and successfully implemented due to
the absence of planning instruments as per
the legal hierarchy.
Following the approval and entry into force
of the Law no. 107/2014 “On territorial
planning and development”, amended, and
the regulations for its enforcement, the
process for drafting planning instruments was
concurrently undertaken. GNP stands at the
top of the pyramid in this hierarchy of planning
instruments. The preparation of GNP is an
obligation arising under the Law “On territorial
planning and development” and a prerequisite
for the preparation and implementation of
lower hierarchy plans.
Two other key reforms on territorial
development were launched in 2014 - 2015,
the Administrative Territorial Reform, that
reorganized the territorial administration at
the local level in 61 municipalities and the
Territorial Regionalization Reform, which
defined the middle level of territorial division
into four main regions.
The GNP is of primary importance to the
success of these reforms, because its approval
ensures a coherent planning from the national
level to the regional and local level.
The need for GNP preparation is further
highlighted in the framework of coordination
for the successful implementation of objectives
of the Government of the Republic of Albania 4 ,
such as:
• Increasing the EU funding absorbing capacity
and implementation of regional development
initiatives as a vital step towards integration;
• The strategic link with the neighbouring
countries as the road towards economic
recovery of the country, guaranteeing the
efficiency of major infrastructure, economic
regional investments and the positioning of
Albania as a model and factor promoting peace
and stability in the region;
• Implementation of an economic, territorial
and governing model at multiple levels, which
reduces inequalities, ensures diversity and
economic independence in a sustainable
manner, ensures the self-recovery capacity of
the Albanian economy, promotes the knowledge
economy and innovation, and converges with
the European economy, while encouraging the
Albanian economy towards progress;
• Strengthening of sectors that will increase
the GDP and employment and will become
the key to sustainability, the adaptive and
self-recovery capacity, and the presentation
of Albania as an important knot within the
regional and international development
network. Sectors such as energy, agriculture,
tourism, and certain extracting and processing
industries should not compete with eachother
for resources, but rather should be
complementary, allow the ecosystem to provide
them services in a sustainable manner and
contribute to the enhancement of knowledge
and innovation as an engine of the future;
• Protection of natural resources for purposes
of independence of sectors, and economic and
social independence of the whole territory.
1. Territory as a source. The protection of
the Albanian ecosystems and their services is
not a purpose per se, but the key to survival
4
According to the Government Program “Next Generation Albania”, 2013-2017.
22

and sustainability in an era where multiple
global crises combine are intertwined with
the approach for regional and international
integration and opening. The society, including
the Albanian one, has embraced a system
of utilitarian and anthropocentric values,
upon the belief that it is only the technology
and increased economic production that will
guarantee the socio-economic sustainability
that people need. With this unilateral system
of values, the human society considers and
uses other components of the ecosystem in
the territory, threatening first of all, its very
existence. The Albanian society, still under
development and in pursuit of the fulfilment
of basic needs, largely risks losing its most
valuable asset – the territory, but at the same
time, it has the possibility to strongly include
the territory within the system of human
values, provided it still preserves a number of
intact natural values.
2. Territory as the basis and reflection of
sectorial development. Social and economic
territorial disparities are still prominent in
Albania. To date, institutions and the society
have attempted to address them through
sectorial policies. This vertical approach,
where sectors, though successful, do not
equally address every individual, family
and residence, has increased inequalities.
This trend is also European. Hence, for the
last 25 years Europe has been trying to
integrate in the development and policymaking
processes the horizontal approach
– the policy for territorial development, as
the source and basis upon which sectors
compete. This dimension, the territory, has
not yet been integrated into sectorial policies
in Albania. But, it is about time for the
economic system to produce faster growth,
while guaranteeing stability and territorial,
social and economic cohesion. Dilemmas
of the type; industry versus tourism, or
agriculture versus urbanization and economic
areas and other related ones should not be
resolved at the expense of resources and
to the benefit of the sector, but in view of
the welfare, sustainable development and
longevity of territorial assets.
3. European Integration. Albania should
apply the binding strategies and directives for
European Integration, without underestimating
the guiding ones, such as the territorial
agenda. The latter is intertwined with all
binding instruments, mutually reflecting
the objectives of IPA II, the Europe 2020
strategy, financial instruments for cohesion
and regional development, etc. The territorial
agenda, as a follow up on ESDP 5 1999, does
not reflect a direct legal instrument, but rather
a European mentality present in the European
debate on territory 6 . The requirements for
opening and integration are part of this debate,
which Albania cannot avoid, while aiming to
become part of the union of the most powerful
states of the old continent.
4. Consequences of the crisis and the risk
of future crises. Albania was affected by the
consequences of the global financial crisis and
its impact has highlighted the weaknesses
of the post-communist economic model.
Increasing figures of this development model
concealed speculative markets, negative
trade deficit, dependency on remittances,
employment depending on foreign investments
and businesses in Albania, lack of a clear and
competitive economic profile, etc. Decrease
in remittances due to the impact of the
crisis in the neighbouring countries and a
large number of returned migrants have
eliminated the balance to high import figures
and increased unemployment. The effects
in the market were immediate, especially in
the real estate market, by weakening both
domestic and foreign business confidence.
The balance of this crisis highlighted
the economic dependency of Albania on
external factors and other countries, and
this constitutes a strong warning signal for
the inevitable need to consolidate a prolific
economic profile that eliminates inequalities
and is capable of self-renewal in a situation
of global opening. Effects of expected climate
changes, of transformation of the energy
sector into independent from carbon sources
and fossil resources, and the increasing
5
Euroepan Territorial Development Perspective, signed by the planning ministers of the EU member states in 1999. Its
objectives still remain valid and coherent for the approach of European policy towards territorial development.
6
One of the latest projects of ESPON is the European Territorial Vision 2050 (TeVi 2050).
23

discrepancy between the current character of
the workforce and rapid technological changes
increase the elements of the unknown. In
particular employment, housing, the urbanrural
structure balance and existence of
favourable natural resources are the first to
be affected by the effects of a future climate,
energy and employment crisis. The country’s
ability will not be to merely predict, but also to
adapt to such conditions, in order to seize the
advantageous opportunity that a situation of
change creates.
5. Sustainability, adaptability and
regeneration. Albania is rich in quality natural
resources, but it is geographically small to be
competitive simply through the efficient use of
resources by economic sectors. In a world of
"borderless economic development", whose
ecological footprint is growing continuously,
competitiveness in the market does not
suffice, and Albania needs to "discover" its
ability for sustainability, regeneration and
adaptability. The ability of society to wisely use
the "treasures" of the territory can guarantee
our independence within a network to which
we are open and want to impact.
6. Urban/rural structure and balances
are undergoing dynamic change and their
mutual effect on the development and the
territory continues to be unpredictable. The
highly monocentric territorial structure at
national level causes the inequalities to
deepen and annexes the development in
the metropolis Tirana – Durres. In many
cases, rural areas suffer a depression in
population and economic activity, and in
other cases they become attached to cities
through continuous urban structures without
any premediated character and functions.
Urbanization disseminated throughout the
territory, often illegal and not preceded
by strategic infrastructure investments is
proof of the lack of a vision, which the future
needs. Continuation and prevalence of this
scenario will result in a fragmentation of
habitats, loss of natural and agricultural
areas, and consolidation and expansion of
urban structures without any identity, without
employment opportunities and loaded with
social issues. Albania needs to preserve the
natural and agricultural territory, as well as
the Cultural Heritage Fund, while restructuring
the urban organisms so that they are
functional, interrelated and complementary.
This restructuring economizes the land
use, creates diversity of human activity,
preserves cultural and historical identities and
integrates people in healthy communities. In a
situation of diversification of the economy and
employment, the interrelation between urban
centres of any level, and the need to engage in
the international network, a multiple transport
structure (mobility) needs to be developed,
which does not further fragment the territory,
but rather supports its consolidation.
The cultural heritage suffers inevitably and
often irreversibly from the informal and
casual development of the territory. All local
government institutions should consider of a
priority level the assets of cultural heritage
in the territories under their administration.
They should specifically refer to the Law on
Cultural Heritage, the Decision of the Council
of Ministers no. 426, dated 13/07/2007,
"On approval of the Albanian Charter of
Restoration" as well as the regulations on
the Management of Historical Centres and
Archaeological Areas.
1.2 The legal framework for the
preparation and implementation of
GNP and harmonisation with national
political and economic instruments
GNP is part of the Integrated Planning System
(IPS) and is aligned with the key processes that
guide decision-making for defining strategic
directions and allocation of resources.
The Integrated Planning System in the country
comprises two main processes:
• The National Strategy for Development and
Integration (NSDI) II 2020 (approved by DoCM
no. 348, dated 11/6/2015) & the Long Term
Development Plan/NSPP, which define the
medium and long term government objectives
and strategies for all the sectors, based on a
national vision.
• The Medium Term Budget Plan (MTBP),
which requires each ministry to develop a
3-year plan for achieving the program goals
24

and political objectives within the ministry's
expenditure ceiling, as defined in the
government fiscal plan.
In addition, there are 4 main processes that
affect and are fully reflected in the NSDI and
MTBP:
• European Integration
• Government Program
• Public Investments
• Foreign Assistance
Extension of guiding GNP frames for a
period of 15 years proves the importance of
this document in ensuring a long-term and
qualitative development of the territory through
the adoption of the most important economic
and political documents of the country.
Albania aspires to join the EU and therefore,
the GNP is guided by the principles and
objectives of a wide set of European
documents, which though not binding and
designed for Member States, are of real value
to candidate countries as Albania is.
In Europe, since at least 1999, the objectives
of the European Territorial Development
Perspective (ESDP) lead the new spirit and
innovative instruments in planning, being
constantly reflected in subsequent legal or
orientation documents (Territorial Agenda
of the European Union 2020, Europe 2020
Strategy, Territorial Vision for Europe towards
2050 etc.). These objectives aim at providing
territorial orientation to development
(polycentrism against territorial
inequalities), ensuring equal access of regions
and people to infrastructure and knowledge,
managing natural resources and cultural
heritage wisely and supporting renewal.
Albania is facing these same challenges
in terms of the future development of the
territory. Recent studies have shown a
significant increase in territorial inequalities
(social, economic and environmental) and the
indisputable need for horizontal interweaving
of sector policies. This is necessary not only
to avoid the negative impact of the exclusively
sectorial implementation of the ministry
policies, but also to strengthen the positive
outcome of their goals on the territory.
The legal framework reform on urban
planning was finalized and adopted with the
Law no. 107, dated 31/07/2014 "On Territorial
Planning and Development", amended, and
the regulations issued for its enforcement, the
Decision of Council of Ministers no. 671, dated
29/07/2015 "On approval of the regulation on
territorial planning" and DoCM no. 408, dated
13/05/2015, "On approval of the regulation on
territorial development".
National General Plan “Shqipëria 2030” comes
as an obligation for the implementation of
this legal framework, and is defined as a
mandatory reference document for every plan
drafted in the Republic of Albania. 7
2015 2018 2020 2025 2030
GNP
NSDI II NSDI III NSDI IV
MBP
Figure 1.1 Time span of political, economic and territorial planning instruments in Albania
7
Law no. 107, dated 31/07/2014 "On the Planning and Development of Territory", as amended.
25

Principles of territorial planning and development 8
1. Development must be sustainable and must provide for the needs of generations
for social equity, economic development and environmental protection;
2. Development of the territory is a matter of national importance; it must be fair
and the value created must be benefitted and appropriated by the society that
creates it;
3. Planning must harmonize public and private, national and local interests;
4. Development must be guided by planning, which is mandatory for all planning
authorities, under this Law;
5. Principles and values of planning documents must be applicable, even after the
amendment thereof;
6. TraNTPArency must accompany the processes of planning and development
control;
7. One-stop service;
8. Silence means consent;
9. Planning should take into account the characteristics of the context of territory
under development;
9.1 Planning should take into account the characteristics and values of the objects
of cultural heritage (monuments of culture) of the territory under development;
10. Decentralization and subsidiarity;
11. Harmonisation with the European Union approach in the field of territorial
planning and development, as well as in terms of environmental criteria,
conservation of biodiversity and protected areas;
12. Development should be based on comprehensive planning and design, which
guarantees equal conditions and rights for all human beings, regardless of the
needs and characteristics of each;
13. Planning and development should ensure the elimination of barriers for a
safe, equal and independent use of spaces by all persons, including those with
disabilities or special groups, for which technical solutions or special equipment
are necessary;
14. Hierarchy of plans;
15. Distribution of development rights must be fair and based on the principle
of proportionality;
16. Mandatory insurance of facilities, civil and professional liability in construction;
17. Access and public participation in the preparation of planning documents and
development control;
18. Integrated planning system.
8
Ibid, article 4.
26

Central Planning Instru-
NATIONAL PLANNING AU-
General National Plan [GNP]
Forum of Planning
Coordination at Central
Level
Council of Ministries
[CM]
Sectoral National
Plan
Sectors
Transport
Energy
Industry
Agriculture
Environ-
Ministries responsible
for planning
National Council of
Territory [NCT]
Detailed Plan of
National Importance
Areas
[DPNIA]
Areas of National
Importance
Protected Areas
Historic Areas
Touristic Areas
Mining Industry
National Spatial Territorial
Agency [NTPA]
Responsibile Ministry for Spatial
Planning and Development
[MUD]
Local Planning Instru-
LOCAL PLANNING AU-
Sectoral County Level
Plan
[SCLP]
Head of County
County Council
County
Coordination
Forum for Detailed
Central Level
General Local Plan
[GLP]
Municipality
Mayor
Municipality
Council
Municipality
Local
Administrative units
Detailed Local Plan
[DLP]
Forum of
Detailed Local
Planning
Plan
Advisory
Forum
Planning
Directories
Figure 1.2 Hierarchy of plans and the scheme of responsible authorities
27

1.3 GNP objectives and policies
17 Objectives for sustainable development 9
1. Give an end to all forms of poverty, wherever it exists;
2. Give an end to hunger, provide food, improve nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture;
3. Ensure a healthy life and welfare for all;
4. Provide comprehensive, quality and equal education and promote long-term
education opportunities for everyone;
5. Achieve gender equality and support women and girls;
6. Ensure the supply of drinking water and its sustainable management for
everyone;
7. Provide access to energy and affordable, safe, reliable and upgraded energy
supply for everyone;
8. Promote inclusive and sustainable economic development, full and productive
employment and decent jobs for everyone;
9. Build adequate infrastructure, promote sustainable and comprehensive
industrialization and encourage innovation;
10. Reduce inequalities within and outside cities;
11. Make cities and human settlements safer, inclusive, sustainable and
re-adaptive.
12. Ensure sustainable production and consumption;
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts;
14. Sustainable protection and use of oceans, seas, and water resources
for sustainable development.
15. Protect, recover and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainable management of forests, fight desolation and stop and subvert land
degradation, stop biodiversity loss;
15.1 Promote, conserve and develop the assets of cultural heritage throughout
the territory of the Republic of Albania.
16. Promoting a peaceful, all-inclusive society for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for everyone and build effective, measurable and
comprehensive institutions at all levels;
17. Strengthen the implementation instruments and revitalize the global
partnership for sustainable development.
9
Agenda 2030 on sustainable development, UN
Source: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/
28

The objectives of the General National Plan
are based on sustainable planning objectives
of the most important documents of European
planning such as the European Territorial
Agenda 2020, the Europe 2020 Strategy,
Territorial Vision for Europe 2050, etc.
GNP strategic objectives
I. Multi-dimensional integration in the
European context;
II. Creating and strengthening a strong and
competitive economic position of Albania
within the Balkans and the Mediterranean;
III. Providing physical and territorial integrity
of the historic, cultural, natural and urban
landscape throughout the Albanian territory;
IV. Increasing and improving the quality of
life of people by promoting economic growth,
eliminating territorial disparities, removing
barriers of access to economy, infrastructure
and knowledge;
V. Promoting the "right to the city";
VI. Establishing the bases for regional
development.
Specific objectives of GNP
The following objectives derive from the Law
no. 107, dated 31/07/2014 "On Territorial
Planning and Development", amended:
a) Specification of principles and guidelines
for a sustainable and balanced territorial
development;
b) Creation of territorial conditions for regional
development;
c) Management of creation and development of
the national public infrastructure;
d) Creation of conditions for the preservation
of ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources
above and under the ground and of the natural
and cultural assets, balancing the effects of
housing systems and economic activities.
Protection and development of green areas
and other agricultural land;
e) Orientation of regional inter-local and local
planning objectives;
f) Coordination of work, alignment and
orientation of sectorial development objectives
that have an impact on the territory;
g) Compliance with the orientations and
guidelines of the European Territorial
Development Perspective.
Policies
• Development of national infrastructure
connecting Albania with pan - European
transport corridors;
• Development of Albania as interconnecting
infrastructure and energy centre for the
Balkans;
• Intelligent growth of the urban system
through polycentric, densifying and
comprehensive development;
• Promotion and access to areas with
natural and landscape features. Intelligent
management of natural resources and
cultural heritage, which ensures the
preservation of cultural identity and diversity
facing growth and globalization. At the same
time, it makes them active and contributing
to the economic growth of the country by
reactivating them as assets and improving
and increasing appropriate access to them;
• Development of multimodal and
environmentally-friendly transportation
system. Promotion of integrated transport
and new concepts of environmentallyfriendly
mobility. Such transport supports
the polycentric development of the territory
to achieve a gradual progress that ensures
equal access to infrastructure and economy;
• Development of energy infrastructure
diversified towards the renewable energy;
• Integrated planning and development
of distribution and connecting flows of
communication, transportation, food and
energy that provides a cohesive, efficient
and quality development of the abovementioned
corridors;
• Hierarchical organization, specialization
and functional grouping of urban centres;
• Promotion of the "right to the city" for
informal areas.
29

1.4 Vision statement
This vision is based on certain assumptions
and preconditions as follows:
• urban population will increase in the
centres of every level of the polycentric
network;
• a stable internal political spirit will be
created, playing the role of the peace and
integration factor in the Balkans;
• development of strategies and taking
concrete measures for coping with the
effects of climate change, including the
current civil natural emergencies, will be a
priority of the government program;
• institutional cooperation will be healthy;
• decentralization of governance and its
democratization will strengthen;
• there will be free elections, through a
traNTPArent and fair process;
• sector and service standards will be
established and serious work will be done
towards achieving them;
• a policy of free movement orientation
through strategic investments and opening of
new jobs in order to reduce the coefficient of
age dependency will be outlined;
• serious investments in increasing the
capacity to increase the absorption power of
the EU funds;
• a strong foundation and operational base
of information will be established, without
which the programming elements of the
vision implementation cannot function;
• ownership of this vision will be guaranteed
by the government, but also by civil groups
and political forces, as a vision of the future
of Albanians, far from political divisions and
differences.
Consideration for drafting the Vision
"Shqipëria 2030"
1. Opening, interconnection and centrality
"Shqipëria 2030" comes along as a European
network centrality (polycentric) and eventually
ceases to be a weak peripheral link. The
territory is covered by an integral and threedimensional
network of movement and
communication, with innovative technology
and above all, environmentally clean, with
quick corridors and solutions that do not
fragment the habitat and allow green
infrastructure to transversely penetrate the
mobility network. Physical and economic
enhancement of the communication and
logistics network forms the basis of Albania's
competitiveness, not only in the region, but
also in Europe and Asia.
The geographical position of Albania changes
from comparative advantage to the most
powerful asset of development. The network
is enriched with additional functions, such
as consolidated urban areas, areas of
extracting and processing economic activity,
clusters, business incubators, financial and
administrative services, etc. The network
itself is conceived as permeable by the
surrounding natural ecosystems, with the
aim of eliminating any possibility of habitat
fragmentation.
The network consists of nodes and corridors.
Nodes create spaces for a whole variety of
complementary functions and attract and
create economic and social gravity. Corridors
connect and manage the goods, people
and activities, by creating second and third
level centrality. Nodes are generally urban,
logistics, of business service areas, economic
clusters and heavy industry activities of
extraction and processing.
In any case, nodes and corridors
are traversed by capillaries of green
infrastructure that ensure the connection of
habitats and longevity of ecosystems, despite
the strength of urban structures and the
risk of fragmentation that they could carry.
In urban areas, the mobility system is built
upon the principle of traffic relief and is rich
in concrete solutions in view of this principle.
Public transport prevails and the technology
used is fully independent from fossil fuels.
2. Territorial planning that allows renewal
- intelligent and productive ecosystems and
spaces
The ecosystem and protected natural
areas constitute the connective tissue of
the national territorial organization. This
area with rich and protected biodiversity
30

consists of natural areas protected against
any human intervention, and also of areas
where the focus is on rural development and
healthy forms of non-intensive agriculture.
Intact ecosystems appear as the "ultimate
destination" environmentally clean, the heart
of the European Green Belt. Agriculture is
part of the green infrastructure capillary,
through investments in urban and productive
agriculture and well-adapted to the urban
environment (not so friendly for crop), and in
organic/biological agriculture.
based on the "mixed-use" principle. Urban
sprawl on the agricultural and natural
territory has been halted for at least the
next 30 years, and a package of development
incentives promotes intervention only in
existing urban structures and the nodes
connecting them.
Whereas the 12-month tourism, built
upon the principle of the travelling citizen,
provides services merged within the
natural ecosystems, such as the network
of ecological trails/routes, tourist farms,
active tourism of experimentation in the
green infrastructure of public spaces,
visits to protected areas, culinary tourism,
and the four seasons in one day tourism,
cultural tourism and the network of historic
archaeological sites, etc. For this reason, the
territory is conceived with a strong belt along
the coast, offering almost the entire range
of tourist services in urban and rural areas,
with an ecological and agriculture network
and a network of rapid communication that
penetrates the territory from West to East and
a number of centralities offering a number of
additional tourist services.
3. Territory as a whole
The Albanian territory is a mosaic of social,
economic and environmental values. Regions
that operate on the principle of catchment
pond are diversified in activities, in view
of national polycentrism. A second and
third network of additional centralities/
cities consolidates the regional polycentric
networks, linked to that at European level.
It ends the urban sprawl, which is
consolidated on the basis of studies on
the suitability of the territory, resources,
ecosystem value, holding capacity and
metabolism to evaluate the best scenarios
of territorial structures, whether established
or not. Existing settlements are consolidated
with services and in quality, while recently
created urban layers are densified,
supplemented with a variety of functions
31

NSDI II Vision 2015-2020
Albania - a vibrant democracy on the European Union integration path, with
a stable and competitive economy that guarantees freedom and fundamental
human rights.
Vision of the Sectorial Strategy "Digital Agenda of Albania"
2015-2020
A knowledge and information based society, through the consolidation of
digital infrastructure throughout the territory of the Republic of Albania;
improving the quality of online public services and increase of government
transparency.
Vision of the Sectorial Strategy for Decentralization and
Local Governance 2015-2020
Strengthening of local governance and decentralization process, with a
view to ensuring higher efficiency of local self-government - is the vision of
the Government that observes the principles and standards outlined in the
European Charter of Local Self-Government and the principles of European
Administrative Space for local government.
32

Vision of the Environmental Sectoral Strategy 2015-2020
A country with a sustainable social and economic development, by protecting
natural resources against pollution and degradation, through their integrated
management, by promoting environmental values and using them to the
benefit of economic prosperity.
This vision is based on the principle of integrated development with the
protection and improvement of environmental medium guaranteeing the
security of economic growth and social welfare.
Vision of the Common Strategy for Agriculture and Rural
Development 2014-2020
The vision for the development of agriculture and rural areas in Albania will
support and develop the conditions for an adequate framework for efficient,
innovative and sustainable agri-food sector, able to deal with competitive
pressure and to meet EU market requirements, through the sustainable use
of resources and productive rural areas, offering economic activities and
employment opportunities, social inclusion and quality of life for residents of
rural areas.
Vision of Tourism: Albania in 2020
Albania will be recognized as an attractive, authentic and hospitable tourist
destination in Europe, based on sustainable use of natural, cultural and
historical potentials easily accessible by international markets. Tourism plays
a major role in the Albanian economy, contributing to the improvement of the
quality of life and creating an attractive environment for investment.
33

VISION OF GENERAL NATIONAL PLAN
ALBANIA, AN INTEGRATED
CENTRE IN THE EUROPEAN
ECONOMIC AND
INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM, A
DIVERSE AND COMPETITIVE
ECONOMY WITHIN THE BALKANS,
A STATE AIMING AT EQUALITY OF
ACCESS TO INFRASTRUCTURE,
ECONOMY AND KNOWLEDGE,
ENSURING THE PROTECTION OF
NATURAL, HISTORICAL AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE, WITH THE
AIM OF BECOMING AN AUTHENTIC
DESTINATION.
34

Figure 1.3 Vision Statement illustrated
35

L
Koplik
E
H
T
Connection with
Central Europe
BERLIN
M O N T E N E G R O
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
ANDRIJEVICA
PEJE
K O S O V O
Vermosh
PLAV
PODGORICE
Tamare
Jezerce
Theth
Valbone
Nikaj-Mertur
TROPOJE
GJAKOVE
Bajze
MALESI
E MADHE
Vlahan
PRIZREN
BAR
L I Q E N I I S H K O D R E S
Grile
SHKODER
Koman
PUKE
Lak-Rosh
FUSHE ARREZ
HAS
Maja e
Pashtrikut
TETOVE
ULQIN
Velipoje
VAU I
DEJES
Munelle
Kalimash
KUKES
Lumi Buna
LEZHE
MIRDITE
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
Korab
GOSTIVAR
BARI
Connection with the West
BRINDISI
Lumi Vjosë
BERAT
VAJGURORE
Rezervati
Apollonia
MALIQ
Kangonji
RROSKOVEC
Pishe-
Poro
PATOS
Mali i
Voskopoje
Tomorrit
Levan
Bredhi i
Ballsh
Drenoves
POLICAN Bogove
Vjose-
KORCE
Narte
SKRAPAR
Rafineri
MALLAKASTER
Morrava
VLORE
Narte
Nikolice
Lumi Drin i Vjetër
Lure
Rubik
DIBER
Ulez
Lumi Mat
MAT
KURBIN
Lumi Ishëm
Spac
Kepi i
Luzni-Bulac
DEBAR
Rodonit
KRUJE
KLOS
Gjiri i
Fabrika e Cimentos
BULQIZE
Lalzit
Fushe Kruje
Lumi Erzen
VORE
KAMEZ
Mali me Gropa
Amfiteatri
Martanesh
Shkozet SHIJAK
DURRES
Shengjergj
Petrele
TIRANE
Kuturman-
Shebenike-
Golem
Qafa e Bushit
Jabllanice
Peze
LIBRAZHD
KAVAJE
Vidhas ELBASAN
PEQIN
RROGOZHINE
PRRENJAS
Zona natyrore dhe
Gjinar
kulturore e Ohrit
Lumi Shkumbin
LUSHNJE
CERRIK
DIVJAKE
A G U NA
K ARAVA STASE
Karavasta
Lumi Seman Grykederdhja
Seman
GRAMSH POGRADEC
Varrezat e Selces
FIER
KUCOVE
PUSTEC
URA
se Poshtme
SELENICE
BELSH
STRUGE
L I Q
E N I
I O
R I
OHRID
M A DH E
LI Q E NI
S E
DEVOLL
I P R
S
P E
E S
VOGEL
I PRESPES SE
LIQENI
MEMALIAJ
KOLONJE
Karaburun
Llogara
TEPELENE
KELCYRE
PERMET
Piskal-
Shqeri
HIMARE
Parku
Natyror
Zheji
GJIROKASTER
Germenj-
Shelegur
Rezervati
Rrezome
LIBOHOVE
DELVINE
DROPULL
KONICA
SARANDE
FINIQ
Butrint
KONISPOL
IOANNINA
FILIATES
Map 1.1 Vision map according to the General National Plan "Shqipëria 2030"

BUKURESHT
LEGEND
PRISHTINË - NISH
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Airport
Main port
PRISHTINE
Economic area
Logistic hub
Scientific research center
Protected areas
Panoramic coastal road
Touristic village
SHKUP
UNESCO site
Forests
M A C E D O N I A
( F Y R O M )
B U L G A R I A
Soil with complex cultivation
Oil bearing fields
Oil refinery
Gas bearing fields
Proposed thermal power plant
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Iron-nickel deposit
STAMBOLL
Active steel-nickel mine
Closed steel-nickel mine
Steel-nickel mine under study
Connection with Asia
Copper deposits
Copper mines
Copper enrichment plant
Chrome deposits
SELANIK
Active chrome mine
KASTORIA
Inactive chrome mine
Chrome mine under study
Chrome enrichment plant
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Coal deposits
G R E E C E
Non-metalic deposit
Vineyards
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
Landfill
Connection with
Southeastern Europe
Hotspots
Proposed landfill
Proposed gas line (GNP)
ATHINA

2Albania under the
European and regional
context of the Balkans
and the Mediterranean

Contents
41 2.1 Connection Corridors
50 2.2 Potentials and Challenges for Development
and Integration

Albania under the European
and regional context of the
Balkans and the Mediterranean
For the purposes of achieving a territorial
integration of the country and a balanced
distribution of flows within its territory,
planning connection, distribution corridors
and urban centres hierarchy is the foundation
GNP is built upon.
Developing a network of connection and
distribution corridors in the country has been
estimated according to three integration
levels; European connection and integration,
strengthening regional ties in the Balkans and
the Mediterranean, as well as interconnection
and permeability of the national territory.
The aim is to increase accessibility from crossborder
regions and beyond, by ensuring that
communication and exchange in urban centres
of national importance and access is fast,
reliable and straightforward.
2015 brought new objectives and strategic
guidelines for the development of the
transportation system in the Western Balkans,
the development of the regional transportation,
but also essential to the regional economic
and social development.
The Western Balkans Conference held in
August 2014 in Berlin, provided a political
framework for a more intensive development
of the transport infrastructure in the region.
Moreover, in the Western Balkans Summit
held in Vienna in August 2015, the leaders
of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo,
FYROM, Montenegro and Serbia (The Western
Balkans Six, WB6) welcomed in particular
the substantial progress achieved in the
field of Transport Connectivity, especially the
agreement among the Western Balkans Six
Prime Ministers in Brussels, April 2015, on
the main regional transport network and the
following agreement (in Riga, June 2015) on:
(i) the extension of the Main Corridors of the
Trans-European Transport Network in the
Western Balkans corridors (Mediterranean,
Eastern/Eastern Mediterranean and the Rhine/
Danube Corridors); (ii) the commitment to
implement a list of pre-identified infrastructure
projects and “soft” measures by 2020 and (iii)
the appointment corridor coordinators.
This agreement - the Connectivity Agenda
- will improve connectivity between the
Western Balkan countries and the EU
network, through the facilities provided by the
European Commission.
40

The Western Balkan countries recognized the
importance of an effective implementation of
the project in cooperation with the respective
International Financial Institution.
• The National Development Plan/National
Package of Strategic Relevance Projects
(National Single Project Pipeline) is designed
in accordance with the methodology
and recommendations of the European
Commission in order to strengthen
development policies in the national context
in compliance with the NSDI II (national
priority policies) and the regional context
(Connectivity Agenda), identifying, preparing
and selecting projects in the energy,
transport, environment and social sectors.
• The National Development Plan (NDP)/
National Package of Strategic Relevance
Projects (National Single Project Pipeline)
includes 41 projects for 2015 (17 projects in
the Connectivity Agenda/Berlin Process & 24
projects of National Relevance), amounting to
a total of 2.2 Billion Euros.
• The Government of Albania drafted the
first NDP/National Package of Strategic
Relevance Projects (NSPP) in 2015, a
package which covers four strategic sectors:
transport, energy, environment and social
infrastructure under the regional investment
projects as part of the Berlin Process. By
early September 2015, the total number of
submitted projects fiches amounted to 112.
After the evaluation within the framework of
evaluation methodology (second evaluation
component/maturity) the number was
reduced to 39 projects of Strategic Relevance.
The National Investment Council in its
meeting of December 9th, 2015 approved
the National Package of Strategic Relevance
Projects (SPP/2015) with 39 projects -
which was also submitted to the European
Commission.
The process to update and design a Unique
Project Package (UPP) has already started
for 2016. The Strategic Planning Committee
Secretariat is coordinating with the line
ministries to initially draft Sectorial Project
Packages and then compile a National
Package. All line ministries and relevant
institutions for the 4 WBIF sectors of
transport, energy, environment (water and
sewerage, flood protection, air pollution) and
social sector (education & sport; healthcare,
art-culture; support for prisons; housing) are
involved in the process.
2.1 Connection Corridors
In the European context, Albania's geographic
location favours the deployment of short
connecting roads that cross Europe, connect
member states at the borders of the
continent, and also Asia and North Africa. The
famous ancient Via Egnatia and the harbours
established in the Albanian coastline since
antiquity are early indicators of this. It is
deemed of relevance to render concrete the
European “central axis” roads that connect
the Northern Europe and Southern Europe
countries or the Gulf countries.
Albania has hardly benefited from this
advantageous position based on the fact also
that the connection corridors of the member
states have been built by bypassing Albania.
The political context and the country's
long isolation have been the main factors
which have hindered integration in the core
network of Pan-European corridors, but the
pace to become part of this network has
been low even 25 years after the political and
economic liberalization. No strategic plans,
which provide a long-term development
vision, have been in place to make this
geographical factor active and positive for
the country’s development and integration
to Europe. Now, Albania is in front of the
concrete picture of the corridors of European
Union countries, TEN-T 10 .
10
Network of Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) is a set of planned strategic networks of road, rail, air and water transport in
the European Union. TEN-T networks are part of a wider system of Trans-European Networks (TENs), including a network of
telecommunications (eTEN) and a proposed energy network (TEN-E or Ten-Energy).
TEN-T provides coordinated improvements to major roads, railways, waterways, airports, sea ports, inland ports and traffic
management systems, providing long-distance roads at, high speed, integrated and intermodal roads.
41

Figure 2.1 Pan-European Corridors
Cartagena
Murcia
Palermo
Valletta
Bari
Taranto
Naples
Rome
Ravenna
Ancona
Bologna
La Spezia
Livorno
Genova
Turin
Milan
Novara
Verona
Innsbruck
Munich
Stuttgart
Metz
Dü
Prague
Ostava
Passau
Wels/Linz
Basel
Venice
Udine
Koper
Rijeka
Klagenfurt
Zagreb
Vienna
Bratislava
Katowice
Warsaw
Kaunas
Vilnius
Gdynia/Gdansk
Poznan
Szczecin/Swinoujscie
Dresden
Wroclaw
Riga
Ventspils
Klaipeda
Tallinn
Helsinki
Hamina Kotka
Turku Naantali
Stockholm
Malmö
Copenhagen
Oslo
Hamburg
Hannover
Magdeburg
Bremen
Amsterdam
Utrecht Osnabrück
Rotterdam
Gent
Calais
Dover
Le Havre
Southampton
London
Birmingham
Liverpool
Manchester
Cork
Dublin
Belfast
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Felixstowe
Paris
Bordeaux
Vitoria
Bilbao
Madrid
Zaragoza
Seville
Algeciras
Sines
Lisbon
Aveiro
Porto
Valladolid
Barcelona
Tarragona
Valencia
Perpignan
Marseille
Lyon
Dijon
Rostock
Zilina
Brno
Arad
Timișoara
Brașov
Craiova
Constanța
Sulina
Burgas
Limassol
Lefkosia
Gothenburg
Trelleborg
Örebro
Gioia Tauro
Cartagena
Murcia
Dover
Le Havre
Southampton
London
Birmingham
Liverpool
Manchester
Cork
Dublin
Belfast
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Felixstowe
Paris
Bordeaux
Vitoria
Bilbao
Madrid
Zaragoza
Seville
Algeciras
Sines
Lisbon
Aveiro
Porto
Valladolid
Barcelona
Tarragona
Valencia
Budapest
Bucharest
Thessaloniki
Athens/Piraeus
Igoumenitsa
Patras
Gioia Tauro
Antequera/Bobadilla
Baltic - Adriatic
North Sea-Baltic
Mediterranean
Orient/East - Med
Scandinavian-Mediterranean
Rhine-Alpine
Atlantic
North Sea-Mediterranean
Rhine-Danube
Palermo
Ravenna
Ancona
Livorno
Dü
Graz
Gdynia/Gdansk
Dresden
Klaipeda
ück
Ljubljana
Trieste
Nuremberg
Regensburg
Strasbourg
Frankfurt/Oder
Berlin
Mannheim
Luxembourg
Frankfurt
sseldorf
Cologne
Würzburg
Zeebrugge
Brussels
Lille
Antwerp
Calais
Liege
Gent

These Pan-European corridors aim at
developing a "sound and competitive economy"
of member states. As stated in the European
Commission report on the Core Network
Corridors, 2013, these Pan-European
corridors are the basis for modal integration,
interoperability, coordinated development and
management of infrastructure.
The strategy for the construction of these
corridors will allow investments and
infrastructure works to be synchronized, to
support efficient, innovative services and
multimodal transport, including railway
services for medium and long distances.
The main Pan-European Corridors are:
Baltic – Adriatic Corridor 11 ,
North-Sea Baltic Corridor 12 ,
North Sea – Mediterranean Corridor 13 ,
Atlantic Corridor 14
Rhine - Alpine Corridor 15 ,
Rhine – Danube Corridor 16 which connect EU
countries, but which can be reached by our
country through the Asiatic – Mediterranean
Corridor, Mediterranean Corridor and
through sea routes by the Scandinavian –
Mediterranean Corridor 17 .
The Mediterranean Corridor connects the
south-western region of the Mediterranean
with the border Ukraine – Hungary, and
then passes the coasts of Spain, France and
through the Alps to the East through Italy,
Slovenia and Croatia. This corridor, which is
3000 km, long aims at providing a multimodal
link between western Mediterranean harbours
and the centre of EU. In addition, it will create
the East - West connection through the
southern part of the EU, contributing to the
inter-modality of sensitive areas such as the
Pyrenees and the Alps, and will connect some
of the major urban areas of the EU through
high-speed trains.
The vertical national axes oriented North-
South connect Albania with Montenegro and
Croatia, enabling connection to this corridor.
This link through Albania already exists, but in
order to be effective it should be strengthened
further. It shortens the links between the
Central European and South-eastern European
countries, and at the Mediterranean region
level it materializes the blue corridor in the
Albanian territory.
The Asian - Mediterranean Corridor is
extended northwest and southeast, connecting
Central Europe to the marine interfaces
of North Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea and
Mediterranean Sea, thus optimizing the
use of harbours and coastal cities of these
countries and sea routes. This corridor
promotes the development of port cities as
the main multimodal and logistic platforms
and improves the multimodal connections of
major economic centres in Central Europe
with the coastal part, using rivers such as the
Elbe. Additionally, the corridor will provide
connection to Cyprus.
11
This corridor is 2,400 km long and will connect the Baltic ports in Poland with the ports of the Adriatic Sea. It begins in the
ports of Gdansk and Gdynia, connecting through developed economic centres cities like Warsaw, Vienna, Venice, Trieste and
Ravenna.
12
This corridor which is 3200 km long will connect the ports of the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea with the North Sea ports.
13
North Sea - Mediterranean Corridor extends from Ireland and the north of the United Kingdom through the Netherlands,
Belgium and Luxembourg to the Mediterranean Sea in southern France.
14
This diagonal corridor will connect the Iberian Peninsula with France and Germany, with high-speed and conventional
railways, ensuring continuity of networks between Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and Strasbourg/Mannheim.
15
This north - south corridor is one of the busiest streets of goods in Europe, connecting the ports of the North Sea,
Rotterdam and Antwerp with the Mediterranean countries in Genoa, via Switzerland and some of the most major Western
economic centres of EU.
16
This corridor will provide the main east - west link between European countries, connecting France and Germany, Austria,
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria along the rivers Danube and Maine to the Black Sea, thereby
improving high-speed railway infrastructure and waterways road links.
17
This north - south corridor is an important axis for the European economy that links major urban centres in Germany and
Italy with Scandinavia and the Mediterranean.
43

Developing the national East - West oriented
axis creates the national horizontal axis
of Albania that together with the shipping
transport and strengthening of Albanian
harbours completes the connection of East and
West. This axis is pictured in the link between
Istanbul, as the Gate to Asia, and Rome and
Madrid as the main centres of Western Europe.
Being part of this network comes as a
necessity not only for the integration of the
country under accession process, but also
to develop the country's economy. It is not
only an obligation, but also in the interest
of a sustainable development for Albania to
prioritize, through the GNP (but also through
policies, plans and strategies, the design of
a legal framework, etc.), to guide the country
towards integration with the infrastructure of
European countries. In addition, the proposal
of local infrastructure projects, which are
in line with the European infrastructure,
enables the country to access the funds for
countries under the pre-accession process
for the purposes of accomplishing these
infrastructures.
For the Balkans, Albania is part of the Pan-
European area of the Adriatic – Ionian Sea,
which connects, via corridor VIII, the Pan-
European transport area of the Black Sea.
The corridor starts at the harbour of Durres,
crosses Tirana and Skopje (FYROM), further
to Sofia (Bulgaria) and to the Bulgarian
harbours of Burgas and Varna in the Black
Sea 18 . Corridor X, as a link between Austria
and Greece along with Corridor IV, in Sofia -
Plovdiv, integrates the corridor VIII in the main
links of Pan-European transport corridors.
The main south-eastern axes, which connect
the EU countries to the Balkans/Turkey/
Caspian Sea/Egypt and the Red Sea, are of
particular relevance and are also pictured
in the links that are permeated through our
country. Simultaneously, there are the routes
that connect the Black Sea to the Adriatic
Sea. They include the connection of the
Albanian harbours to Varna’s and Burga’s
harbours with the harbours of Mediterranean
countries, Italy and Spain.
In order to strengthen the ties with its
European partners, the Government of Albania
signed a Memorandum of Understanding for
the Core Network on 11 June 2003, creating
the South East Europe Transport Observatory
(SEETO), in order to: "Promote cooperation
for the development of the main and auxiliary
multi-modal infrastructure and the Regional
Network of Transportation of the Southeast
Europe. The scope is to also promote and
enhance local capacity for the implementation
of investment programs, the management and
collection of data and analysis on the Regional
Transport Network” 19 .
By joining this organization, Albania aims
to facilitate the process of integration in
the South-eastern Europe and to meet
the objectives set out by the Stabilization
Association Agreement (SAA), including
segments of the Pan-European corridors;
Corridor IV, V, VII, X and specifically Corridor
VIII (Durres – Varna, through Tirana),
including Durres and Vlora harbours, and the
international airport of Tirana.
Ten multimodal transport corridors of
European interest establish the basis for the
development of infrastructure in South-eastern
Europe, where Albania has an advantageous
position due to the outflows in the Adriatic and
Ionian Sea through its maritime harbours.
18
Status of the Pan-European Corridors and Areas by the European Commission TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENT FOR A WIDER EUROPE SEMINAR PARIS 27-28 NOVEMBER 2003.
19
EuropeAid/127468/C/SER/AL, First Five-Year Review Of Albanian National Transport Plan (ANTP), Draft final report part III,
June 2010.
44

In 2010, following the final draft of ANTP II, the
main corridors of importance for Albania in
this report were identified as follows:
• Northern-southern corridor, connection
between Greece and Montenegro, through
Hani i Hotit and Kakavija border crossing
points in Shkodra and Gjirokastra respectively.
This corridor is 405 km long.
• The main eastern-western corridor between
the harbour of Durres and FYROM, part of
corridor VIII.
• Durres - Kukes - Morine as one of the
corridors with the highest impact on the region
due to the connection, through Pristina, with
corridor X.
Furthermore, in 2014, according to the report
of the MTI on infrastructure priority projects
for 2014, the priority projects regarding road
transport were introduced as follows:
•Blue Corridor
Velipoja - Shengjin
Shengjin - Patok
Patok - Durres
Durres - Divjaka
Divjaka - Seman
Seman - Vlora
Vlora - Dhermi
Dhermi - Saranda
Saranda - Butrint
• Arbri Road
• Road Gjirokastra – Saranda
Figure 2.2 SEETO Road Network
Rijeka
Zagreb
Osijek
Zadar
Belgrade
Sarajevo
Sibenik
Nis
Dubrovnik
Podgorica
Pristina
Skopje
Tirana
Existing
Planned
45
0 100km
March 2001

Zagreb
Rijeka
Osijek
Zadar
Belgrade
Sarajevo
Sibenik
Nis
Dubrovnik
Podgorica
Pristina
Skopje
Tirana
Existing
Planned
0 100km
March 2001
Regarding rail transport, the same document has
foreseen the revitalization of the following segments:
Tirana - Rinas (airport) - Durres
Durres - Vlora
Durres - Hani i Hotit (bordering Montenegro)
Durres - Lin, Pogradec (bordering FYROM). 20
Figure 2.3 SEETO Railway Network
The proposals of GNP “Shqipëria 2030” are based on
the sectorial strategies of the Ministry of Transport
and Infrastructure and complement the strategic goal:
Albania, an interconnecting centre among the Balkans
and Europe and a factor of stability in the region.
The provision of effective connections with regional and
European countries, in order to enable a sustainable
growing and competitive economy in the region, is vital
for Albania. In this framework, GNP sets as a national
priority:
• Finalizing and implementing the national road corridors
connecting Albania to the network of Pan-European
corridors and TEN-T Core Network and SEETO;
20
FYROM has endorsed an agreement with the Spanish company “Tipsa” and French company “Louis Berger”
regarding the project for the railway construction from Kerçova to Lin, as part of corridor VIII. The railway section
of this corridor is due to be completed in 2022 and will cost up to 350 million Euros.
46

• Finalizing and implementing the national railway
corridors connecting Albania to the network of
Pan-European corridors and TEN-T and SEETO;
• Expanding and strengthening the existing
airport and establishing new airports of national
and regional importance, associated with
integrated air services in compliance with the
policy of “A single European Sky”;
• Establishing multimodal terminals in the port
cities, integrating the modalities of maritime, air,
rail and road transport;
• Strengthening the existing port units of national
and regional importance harbours, with the
aim of enhancing their capacity for competitive
processing and export of goods and transport
of passengers for the region of the Balkans and
the Mediterranean. Increasing the number of
tourist marines in accordance with the physical
capacity of the Albanian coastline, aiming to
develop a first-class coastal tourist sector, which
is environmental friendly and compliant with the
physical territorial features of the natural and
urban landscape of our coast.
Note: The Southern airport, as also expressed in the text
below, will be duly determined after a careful feasibility
study to be carried out for this specific purpose.
Figure 2.4 Ports and airports network
Zagreb
Pula
Rijeka
Banja Luka
Osijek
Belgrade
Zadar
Sibenik
Sarajevo
Nis
Dubrovnik
Tivat
Podgorica
Kukës
Pristina
Skopje
Tirana
Ohrid
Airports
Ports
Inland ports
Gjirokastër
0 100km
March 2001

Road transport
GNP sets as a strategic priority the implementation and finalization of the strategic projects
connecting Albania to Europe:
- Adriatic Ionian highway - Muriqan, Shkodra - Gjirokastra, Kakavija;
- Northern-Southern highway, the connection between Montenegro and Greece, from Hani i
Hotit in Shkodra to Gjirokastra through the border crossing point of Kakavija, (405 km long);
- Coastal landscape road, a tourist coastal road with low environmental impact connecting
the coastal localities (Velipoja - Shengjin, Shengjin - Patok, Patok - Durres,
Durres - Divjaka, Divjaka - Seman, Seman - Vlora, Vlora - Dhermi, Dhermi - Saranda,
Saranda - Butrint) 21 ;
- Corridor VIII, as a primary road for the transportation of goods (shortest connection of the
Mediterranean Sea with the Black Sea; Durres Varna/Durres - Istanbul) and "Via Egnatia" as
a historical road of tourist importance;
- Central Axis, a road project that passes through Elbasan - Berat - Gjirokastra axis;
- Arbri Road (Tirana - Dibra - FYROM) as a branch of Corridor VIII;
- Nation’s Road (Durres - Kukes - Pristina - Nish) as one of the corridors with the highest
impact on the region due to the connection, through Pristina, with Corridor X.
Rail transport
GNP prioritizes:
• A full restructuring of the system under Directive 2012/34 /EC, as amended.
• A full reconstruction of the existing system, according to the technical specifications
required by:
- The Safety Directive 2016/798/EC
- The Interoperability Directive 2016/797/EC
• A direct long-distance intercity movement and cross-border movement.
• An establishment of multimodal systems:
- Connection of airports with rail transport.
The first project in this regard: the connection of the "Mother Teresa" airport to the
rail network;
- Connection of the railway lines with major ports.
The first project in this regard: the connection of the rail network to the port of Vlora,
Durres and Shengjin;
- Connection of the rail network to the border-crossing points, Montenegro, FYROM
and Greece.
- Enabling the border connection with Greece through rail network as an entry point
to the South - North Balkan railway corridor. From there, it is enabled the rail
transport Thessaloniki - Podgorica and beyond.
21
According to the report of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure on infrastructure priority projects for 2014.
48

Air and maritime transport
• Strengthening the existing harbour facilities, harbours of national and regional
relevance, in order to enhance their capacities in processing and exporting goods
and transport of passengers to competitive levels for the region of the Balkans
and the Mediterranean. Increasing the number of tourist marines, in accordance
with the physical capacity of the Albanian coastline, aiming to develop a first-class
tourist sector, which is environmental friendly and compliant with the physical
territorial features of the natural and urban landscape of our coast.
• Developing the 4 main harbours in Albania as starting points of maritime
highways:
- Durres Harbour (mixed functions: touristic, passengers, goods and fishing, Porto
Romano energy-related harbour);
- Vlora Harbour (mixed functions: touristic, passengers, goods and fishing.
Petrolifera energy-related harbour);
- Shengjin Harbour (mixed functions: touristic, passengers and fishing);
- Saranda Harbour (mixed functions: touristic, passengers and fishing).
In the field of air transport, a feasibility study is recommended for the purpose of
re/using the existing airport runaways, such as Vlora, Gjadri, and Korça, in support
of air transport.
GNP prioritizes the construction of a third international airport southward, other
than the one of Tirana and Kukes (the latter has been approved during the drafting
of the GNP and in the same line as foreseen by GNP). This airport would make the
southern access gate of Albania more accessible and competitive in the region in
terms of economic development in the field of tourism and beyond.
Energy corridors
Strategic projects in the construction of energy corridors:
• TAP - Trans Adriatic Pipeline;
• IAP - Ionian Adriatic Pipeline. It will cross the western part of Albania, from
Fier to Shkodra towards Montenegro with two branches in Ulcinj and Podgorica,
whereas in the south it complements the connection among Fier-Gjirokastra-
Saranda
• IAP-Kosovo. IAP pipeline is branched off in the region of Shkodra - Lezha, to
supply Kosovo through Kukes, forming the so-called Western Balkans Gas Ring;
The above mentioned projects are supported and further detailed by the National
Sectorial Plan on Natural Gas in Albania.
• The 400 kV interconnection line Fier – Elbasan – FYROM.
49

Industrial axis
Sun belt
Expected expansion lines
2.2 Potentials and
Challenges for Development
and Integration
Albania's accession in some European
programs such as the IPA Adriatic Ionian,
Interreg Med Program, IPA Cross-border,
requires the establishment of appropriate
territorial and administrative facilities, capable
of accessing the funding of these programs.
The realization of these projects, the
establishment of new territorial partnerships
in the European context, investments in
corridors that connect us to the main
50
Figure 2.5 Albania’s position compared to the economic corridors of European relevance
European corridors and strengthening
infrastructural links with neighbouring
countries, partners in the Balkans, actually
places Albania at the intersection of important
European axes: horizontal axis Madrid - Rome
- Istanbul, linkage between the Black Sea and
the Mediterranean Sea and the vertical axis,
Central Europe - North Africa and the Eastern
countries.
Under the implementation of the European
Union project and the unification of all
economic, physical, social and cultural
standards, the Balkan countries undergoing
the accession process, follow cross-border
cooperation policies with their neighbours.

200 km
BRASIL
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with
UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence
Northern Periphery and Arctic
Arctic Ocean
Europian Union’s macroregional
strategy
Sea basin
+ Greenland
ICELAND
EU member state
Baltic Sea macro-region
Non-EU member state
FINLAND
Atlantic Area
North Sea
Eligible area of a
transnational programme
Eligible area in a EU
member state
Eligible area in a
non-EU member state
IRELAND
Atlantic Ocean
North Sea
NORWAY
DENMARK
SWEDEN
Baltic Sea
ESTONIA
LATVIA
LITHUANIA
RUSSIA
BELARUS
RUSSIA
North West Europe
Alpine Space
Central Europe
UNITED KINGDOM
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
BELGIUM
POLAND
Danube macro-region
UKRAINE
LUXEMBOURG
CZECH REPUBLIC
South West Europe
+ Azores-Madeira-Canary Islands
Mediterranean
Adrion
Danube Region
Balkan - Mediterranean
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
FRANCE
Alpine macro-region
ANDORRA
SWITZERLAND
MONACO
Adriatic and
Ionian macro-region
Mediterranean Sea
LIECHTENSTEIN
AUSTRIA
ITALY
SLOVENIA
SLOVAKIA
HUNGARY
CROATIA
BOSNIA ANDSERBIA
HERZEGOVINA
MONTE-
NEGRO KOSOVO*
FYROM
ALBANIA
Adriatic and
Ionian Seas GREECE
ROMANIA
BULGARIA
MOLDAVIA
Black Sea
TURKEY
CYPRUS
500 km
Sources : DG REGIO, Interact
Sources : Interact, DG REGIO, DG MARE
MALTA
Figure 2.6 (a) Mediterranean and Balkans projects
including Albania: Balkans, Mediterranean, Adriatic
and Ionian seas and the cross-border projects in the
Danube macro-region
Figure 2.6 (b) Macro-regional strategies and sea
basins. Source: European Commission, Territorial
Cooperation in Europe, A Historical Perspective,
July 2015.
Albania, as a country aiming to become part
of the larger European family, follows and
implements the cross-regional policies with the
neighbouring countries such as Montenegro,
Kosovo, FYROM, Greece and Italy. The European
Union, on behalf of cooperative strategies
implementation, financially and technically
supports these countries. The strategic draftreports
(IPA Cross-border) for the period 2014
- 2020, show that Albania will be provided with
a financial support of 104,512,029 Euros. 22
This program enables and promotes crossregional
cooperation in all potential fields
such as economic areas, road infrastructure,
healthcare and education infrastructure,
culture, protection of values and natural,
historical and cultural heritage monuments.
Albania, being among the rare countries in the
region and beyond, is bordered with Albanian
population. This is a significant fact for the
good cooperation tradition, which cross-border
area residents in Albania have historically had
with residents of neighbouring cross-border
areas. CBS IPA II Programme of the European
Community focuses on further strengthening
these significant relations to further develop
a sustainable economy, preserve regional
stability and protect historical, socio-cultural
and natural values of these cross-border areas.
Given the multiple and strong economic and
socio-cultural relations between Albanian
cities, the implementation of collaborative
strategies in Albania, beyond residents and
local governments involved in the IPA CBS II,
has a positive impact, reflecting their effect on
the entire territory of Albania.
22
Albania - Greece, €42,312,029; Albania - FYROM, €11,900,000 + €30,000,000 of the 400 kV line; Albania- Kosovo, €8,400,000;
Albania - Montenegro, €11,900,000.
51

ITALY
HUNGARY
Croatia-Serbia
Hungary-Serbia
ROMANIA
Croatia-Bosnia
Romania-Serbia
Serbia-BosniaCROATIA
Bosnia-Montenegro
Adriatic Sea
BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA
Italy-Albania-Montenegro
MONTE-
NEGRO
SERBIA
KOSOVO
ALBANIA
FYROM
Serbia-Montenegro
Bulgaria-Serbia
BULGARIA
Greece-FYROM
Bulgaria-FYROM
Albania-Kosovo
Bulgaria-Turkey
IPA CBC 2014-2020 programme
IPA CBC programme between
non EU countries
EU member state
Non EU member state
Black Sea
TURKEY
Albania-Montenegro
GREECE
Greece-Albania
FYROM-Albania
Aegean Sea
Figure 2.7 Figure 2.7 IPA CROSS
Border projects: Italy-Albania-
Montenegro, Albania-Kosovo,
Albania-Montenegro, Albania-
FYROM, Albania-Greece
Montenegro-Kosovo
Ionan Sea
Mediterranean Sea
200 km
Sources : DG REGIO, INTERACT
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with
UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence
KUKËS - PRISHTINË
SHKODËR - PODGORICË
PODGORICE
GJAKOVE
BAR
Tropojë
PRIZREN
DIBËR - SHKUP
ULQIN
Shkodër
Lezhë
Kukës
Dibër
GOSTIVAR
TETOVE
SHKUP
DEBAR
POGRADEC - STRUGË
Figure 2.8 Cross-border and
national urban centres that
should increase cooperation
under IPACB projects
Durrës
Pogradec
STRUGA
BITOLA
EDESA
Source: European Comission,
Territorial Cooperation in
Europe, A Historical Perspective,
July 2015. Elaborated by ©NTPA
Vlorë
Korçë
KASTORIA
Gjirokastër
Sarandë
Ksamil
Konispol
JANINE
52
GJIROKASTËR - JANINË

Figure 2.9 9 Possibilities for Albania to integrate and establish connections in the European urban centres hierarchy map
classified as per MEGA 1 and 2 cities, A scenario.
Source: ET2050 Territorial Scenarios and Visions for Europe Final Report, 30/06/2014. Interpretation and elaboration: ©NTPA
53

3Territorial systems

Contents
56
58
60
62
62
64
71
84
86
87
91
94
96
99
107
108
108
112
123
126
133
133
145
153
Main findings and guidelines of GNP for the territorial
systems
Current structure and territorial organization trend
in Albania
Territorial organization by the GNP
3.1 Urban System
3.1.1 Polycentric, intelligent and comprehensive
development based on European models
3.1.2 The criteria for the urban system organization
3.1.3 Strategic territorial proposals for urban centres
3.2 Natural System
3.2.1 The approach of the General National Plan
“Shqipëria 2030”
3.2.2 The natural system as an element for diversification
and interconnection of economic sectors
3.2.3 Proposals
3.3 Agricultural System
3.3.1 Drawbacks of the agricultural sector in the country
3.3.2 The approach of the General National Plan on the
agricultural sector
3.3.3 GNP proposals for the agricultural system
3.4 Water System
3.4.1 National water framework and current context
3.4.2 Diversity of water use
3.4.3 The impact of climate changes on the water system
3.4.4 GNP recommendations on the water system
3.5 Infrastructure System
3.5.1 Transport Infrastructure System
3.5.2 Energy
3.5.3 Electronic Telecommunication Infrastructure/ICT

Territorial Systems
Main findings and guidelines of GNP for
the territorial systems
• The territorial and territorial structure of
Albania is strongly influenced by the focus of
investments and the existing infrastructure,
which have affected the establishment and
concentration of work places and settlements.
• The territorial and territorial structure is also
affected by the employment structure, which
has suffered changes during the last 25 years;
- Firstly, due to the changes of the economic
and political model, from a society with a
centralized economy and based on stateowned
property to a model based on free trade
and private property;
- Secondly, the employment structure has
also changed due to investments that are
influenced by the proximity and quality of the
connecting and communication infrastructure,
auxiliary services or qualifications, and the
intellectual potential of employable people
provided by specific areas and cities or towns.
• The territory is influenced by the movement
of population from rural and suburban areas to
the urbanized centres in the Western Lowland
of the country and by a high concentration of
the population in the central region, mainly in
the Tirana - Durres area. The result of these
demographic, social and economic changes
has led to a monocentric development of
the country, sharp disparities of economic
and social development, as well as urban
distribution to the detriment of agricultural
lands and vacant natural areas. The rapid
urbanization is concurrently associated
with a high concentration of businesses and
population, reaching to some regions such
as Tirana - Durres, an adequate density
and concentration for satisfactory economic
performance.
• This mode of development carried out under
the“laissez-faire" model has put high pressure
on the demand for housing in rapidly urbanized
areas, insufficiency of the infrastructure for
social, educational and health services, and it
has also led to an increase of the demand for
transport. Meanwhile, in the peripheral areas
the gap of social and economic inequalities
has deepened.
Regarding the territorial dimension, GNP
56

supports the polycentric, comprehensive
and densifying territorial development for
the purpose of smart growth, mitigation of
economic and social disparities with the aim
of a balanced territorial development.
GNP underlines the main role of the Tirana
- Durres economic pole for the economic
growth it provides at national level. To ensure
a sustainable development in its economic
performance, this region should be developed
towards balanced consolidation, renewal,
conservation and re-development oriented
interventions.
• However, some of the positive features
of economic growth of the Tirana - Durres
economic pole, which serve to attract
investments in this area, should be assessed
as a reference model for the development of
other cities or towns, with a view to creating
new poles of economic development. Thus,
this can serve to ensure the mitigation of
unequal national development. Important
cities regarding the potentials they provide
for the establishment of connecting and
communication infrastructure, human
intellectual potential, tradition of historical
and cultural development such as Shkodra,
Lezha, Vlora, Fier, Saranda, Gjirokastra,
Elbasan, Berat, Korça, Pogradec, along
with the surrounding urban centres, may
be economically developed at comparative
levels with Tirana - Durres. Their coordinated
development may balance the monocentric
attraction to the central region of the country.
• The coastal area region of the country is
recognized by GNP as a key region of national
importance regarding its paramount role in
the sector of tourism, energy, agriculture and
infrastructure. The interventions in this region
should be conducted following a conservation
character for the areas of historical, cultural
and environmental heritage relevance, as
well as interventions to consolidate the
areas formed from urban morphology and
with a potential for re-development, the
newly urbanized areas with no quality and to
densify the existing urban areas within their
accommodation capacity, without prejudice to
the characteristic features of the natural and
historical landscape.
• Urban distribution, population movement
from east to west, deep territorial changes in
the structure of the main economic sectors of
the country, industry, tourism, agriculture and
so on, have influenced the substantial change
of the natural, historical, cultural and urban
landscape of the Albanian coastal region. In
order to protect this ecosystem esteemed as
unique within the Mediterranean region, GNP
has established:
1. The Blue Line which aims at:
- protecting, from the prohibited uses the
coastal area, as defined by the sectorial
legislation on the protection of water
resources;
- monitoring the activities for economic
purposes in the area of the coastline;
2. Recognition and protection of the natural
landscape values of the territory extending
from the coastline to the crest of the first hill/
mountain range.
• The demands to increase employment
and develop the economic sectors towards
a territorial friendly economy, suggest an
approach of mainstreaming policies that
promote cooperation among the services,
agricultural, tourist, energy sectors, and
promote novelty and cooperation and expertise
among them. Moreover, it is necessary to
increase and improve access to the labour
market of the highest hierarchies’ urban
centres from the surrounding territories.
GNP highlights the modalities according
to which rural potential may be developed,
empowering the attributes of tourism as per
the local characteristics of the area, developing
agriculture, strengthening local enterprises,
strengthening and diversifying their services,
and developing the marina so that the local
centres and locations within the tertiary cities
or towns can increase their relevance with a
focus on local investments, development of
economic activities and housing.
• “Doing nothing” scenario means a
continuum in the existing conditions, namely
a scenario without a General National Plan
in the next 15 years, if we refer to the study
“Population projections, 2011-2031” of Census
2011, with a growth of about 30% in the
number of population settled only in the region
57

of Tirana, the negative effects in the territory
will increase, as there is a higher inability to
provide coverage with qualitative services.
Simultaneously, this aspect will be associated
with the continuous significant decline in the
number of population in other cities or towns
and a decline in their economic development.
• “Doing something” scenario, through
the GNP, provides an alternative to the
above scenario. The scenario of drafting
and implementing the GNP stimulates the
development of 7 regional development poles
through the identification and prioritization
of policies to be implemented to attract and
generate investments, jobs and to encourage
people to live and work in these regions. It
means that while the metropolitan area of
Tirana increases its economic contribution
at national level, its population will increase
at stable paces, while the other regions will
start to increase the importance of their
economic contribution compared to the
national revenues. Given the round trips for
commuting purposes, the city of Tirana and
the Tirana - Durres metropolitan area is
characterized by a high suburban development
in its surroundings, thus putting pressure and
often damaging the city’s natural and urban
landscape.
• While the pace of regional development
is accelerated, new demands for housing,
services, spaces for allocation or expansion of
economic sectors, infrastructure and beyond
will arise. GNP proposes that the development
of the territorial-territorial structure should be
supported by the development of the national
transport network, which provides improved
service of public transport and strengthens
access and permeability across the national
territory. This network should provide the
international link of the country via the
port cities with the neighbouring countries
of the Balkans region and beyond in the
Mediterranean and Europe.
Current structure and territorial
organization trend in Albania
The approximation based on the territorial
systems implies the acknowledgment
and organization of the territory through
networks, corridors, spaces, areas, nodes
of communication, interlinks of dependency
and communication flows. In order to identify
the basics of territorial development in
Albania, it is necessary to understand how the
territorial structure of Albania has changed
in the last 10-15 years and how this structure
is likely to be developed in the next 15 years.
A valuable contribution to this identification
has been given by INSTAT with the processing
of data from the Census 2011, as well as the
publications “A new urban rural classification
of Albanian population”, “Commuting for
work purposes”, “Typology of communes and
municipalities”, May 2014.
2014 marked a historical turning point in
the administrative-territorial organization
of Albania. On 31 July 2014 the Parliament
of Albania approved the Law 115/2014 “On
administrative - territorial division of the local
government units in the Republic of Albania”.
The new territorial division put an end to the
extreme administrative fragmentation of the
country, organizing the territory and local
government in only 61 municipalities.
Prior to this reform, Albania was
administratively divided into 12 regions,
65 municipalities and 308 communes. The
regions were geographically divided in 36
districts, which did no longer represent any
administrative unit from 2000 and onwards.
The municipalities and communes included
74 cities and 2,972 villages. The cities were
generally situated within the municipalities,
while villages were generally situated within
the communes, though there were exceptions.
During the last decade, changes that have
clearly affected the Albanian landscape may
be recapped as follows:
- major unequal changes of the population
and especially between the region of Tirana
– Durres that continues to gain population
compared to other urban areas, which, on
their part, continue to lose population;
- clear and strong trends of internal migration,
mainly explaining the non-uniform changes
of population;
- construction dynamics that do not follow the
course of population change, namely a larger
number of constructions takes place in areas
58

3 MACROREGIONS
12 COUNTIES
12 COUNTIES
12 COUNTIES
36 DISTRICTS
36 DISTRICTS
36 DISTRICTS
65 MUNICIPALITIES
65 MUNICIPALITIES
65 CITIES MUNICIPALITIES VILLAGES
CITIES VILLAGES
308 COMMUNES
308 COMMUNES
CITIES 308 COMMUNES VILLAGES
CITIES VILLAGES
Figure 3.1 Territorial structure 2000 - 2014, Source: INSTAT
CITIES
VILLAGES
CITIES
VILLAGES
4 MACROREGIONS
12 COUNTIES
12 COUNTIES
12 COUNTIES
61 MUNICIPALITIES
61 MUNICIPALITIES
61 MUNICIPALITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS
ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS
ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS
CITIES VILLAGES
CITIES VILLAGES
Figure 3.2 (a) Territorial organization for economic management purposes and territorial
planning 2016, as per 4 macroregions
61 URBAN CENTERS
61 URBAN CENTERS
CITIES
VILLAGES
6 MACROREGIONS
61 URBAN CENTERS
PRIMARY
TERTIARY
PRIMARY
TERTIARY
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
SECONDARY
TERTIARY
SECONDARY
Figure 3.2 (b) Territorial organization for economic management purposes and territorial
planning 2016, as per 6 macroregions. Source: NTPA
59

with reduced population;
- deep territorial changes in the industrial
sector, which is losing many areas of
manufacturing such as in the sub-branches
of metallurgy and heavy machinery, while it
is also showing a process of new industrial
metropolitan activity.
As for the General National Plan, the
administrative territorial structure is of special
relevance to the territorial organization of the
country, because this structure is associated
with the establishment of key functions
regarding healthcare, educational, social,
infrastructure, economic, administrative and
other related services, which are closely linked
to the enhancement of citizens’ quality of life,
smart urban development (efficient, cohesive)
and mitigation of regional disparities.
The method of governance and territorial
organization is increasingly influenced by
two major drivers: economy, which is related
to the need to provide goods and services
for an increasingly growing population, as
well as politics, which is related to the need
for governance and power of administration
of economic goods. However, following
globalization and rapid growth of urbanization,
natural resources become much scarcer in
support of the ever increasing population.
Ensuring a sustainable continuation of life and
its quality is being questioned during the last
decades, when global warming and climate
changes effects have become even more
visible and are largely conditioning the life of
populations. Therefore, a “new” guiding driver
for the territorial organization and governance
is the environment, whose exploitation to
provide for the present without prejudicing
the future generations, ensures a sustainable,
environmental friendly development. In
order to ensure this, the economy and new
governmental policies are growingly investing
on a growth based on innovative technology
and knowledge, which comprise the core
reaction to smart development.
Territorial organization by the GNP
As also defined by the Planning Regulation 23 ,
the GNP for the territorial organization for
planning purposes at national level, identifies
five territorial systems:
- URBAN system, which is formed by the
unification of urban territories and bordered by
the green line.
- WATER system, which is the entirety of
underground and surface water sources, which
contains all water bodies, including shores as
per the definitions of the special legislation.
The water system is formed by the network of
basic category of “water” land use (U).
- AGRICULTURAL system is composed of
agricultural land occupied by arable land,
plants, orchards, vineries and olive groves,
wherever it is located and with fertility as a
AGRARIAN ECONOMY MARKET ECONOMY KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
Local resources based
organization.
Network - based
organization.
Science and technology based
organization; Environmental Protection.
Industrial Development
Green Development
Figure 3.3 Territorial organization as per the driving forces and future trends
23
Council of Ministers Decision no. 671, dated 29/07/2015.
60

THE PAST
THE FUTURE
TIRANË
Figure 3.4 Current organization of the systems in
zones, corridors and centres, and their overlapping
Figure 3.5 Future organization of the systems in zones,
corridors and centres, and their overlapping
- Monocentric
development, strong
polarization towards the
centre, high concentration
of the population and
economic activities in
Tirana.
- Depopulation of the
Eastern part of the
territory, movement and
concentration towards the
Western Lowland and the
capital.
- Albania integrated
into the region and
Europe, the national axis
part of the European
development network.
- Development of the
urban system towards
polycentrism, strong
economic regions that
communicate with and
complement each other
as well as with the main
cross-border urban
centres.
key feature, as well as channels and reservoirs
at its disposal. The agricultural system is formed
by the unification of lands with basic category
of “agriculture” land use (B). This system is a
result of the timely interaction between human
activities, for cultivations and constructions of
agricultural type within the territory. Zoning
of the agricultural system is based on land
production properties and on activities and
functions developed within this system in line
with the special legislation in force.
- NATURAL system, which is composed
of landscapes, untouched natural spaces,
ecological corridors and spaces that have a basic
category of “nature” use (N) and in line with the
special legislation.
- INFRASTRUCTURE system, which refers to
the main infrastructure networks at national,
regional and local level. The infrastructure
system is formed by the network of basic
category of “infrastructure” land use (IN).
These systems are organized based on relations
between centres, corridors and zones on the
basis of which the planning documents of
lower hierarchies will be detailed. They do
not comprise only definitions for the land use
development, but also opportunities for the
development of economic activities in accordance
with the primary characteristics of the systems.
61

3.1 Urban System
Main findings and guidelines of the
GNP for the urban and local centres
• Strengthening the critical mass of port cities
such as Shkodra, Lezha, Kukes, Durres, Vlora,
Gjirokastra-Saranda is crucial in view of the
polycentric development of the territory, but
also in terms of the supporting role these
cities will provide for the balanced national
economic growth.
• GNP identifies several strategic hubs. These
hubs will support and be supported by port
cities and will connect large surrounding
areas. The hubs identified are as follows:
Rrogozhina, Vora, Bajze, Koplik, Laç, Has,
Fushe Kruja, Lushnja, Porto Romano,
Roskovec, Patos, Ballsh, Orikum, Petrolifera,
Maliq, Prrenjas, Xarra, Himara.
• GNP recognizes the importance of
consolidation of the large peripheral and
central urban areas in the national territory,
in order to ensure a balanced territorial
development. These cities should serve as
focal centres that enhance the ties with their
surrounding rural areas.
• The General National Plan, depending on the
current and proposed status of urban centres,
with a view to ensuring territorial development
in accordance with the plan vision, proposes
consolidating, reinforcing, regenerating,
cooperating and empowering interventions for
urban centres.
3.1.1 Polycentric, smart and
comprehensive development based on
European models
Conclusions on the rate of urbanization in
Albania, following the elaboration of Census
2011 data, (INSTAT 2014):
1. In October 2011, the urban population of
Albania was reported to be 58.2% of the total
population as defined by the new EU typology.
Its value was 10% higher than that of the urban
population calculated in compliance with the
administrative requirements (cities defined by
law), 47.7 %.
2. While according to the administrative
structure of 2011, Albania had 74 cities
which were considered as urban areas, the
results based on the European classification
of the cells grid, show that urban areas are
37 in number (urban settlements defined as
continuous groups of cells, including at least
5,000 inhabitants).
3. Only 5 urban areas in Albania could be
classified with the status of “a city” as per
OECD definition on cities. They proved to be
Tirana, Durres, Shkodra, Elbasan and Vlora.
The city of Tirana includes 5 other local
government units: Dajti, Farka, Paskuqan,
Kamza and Kashar.
4. According to the new EU methodology on
measurement of the rate of urbanization
of local government units, only 10 local
government units resulted in Albania, which
are classified as urban areas (high density
areas); 57 areas of interim density and 306
rural local government units (low density
areas).
5. The Albanian statistical regions of NUTS 3
level (division compliant with the administrative
borders of regions) were classified based
on the new EU urban-rural typology. Only
the region of Tirana was reportedly “urban
dominant”. Durres and Vlora regions
were “interim”. Other regions were “rural
dominant”.
Two main features have characterized the
urban development trend in the last 25 years:
• Migration to the central region (Tirana -
Durres) and to the Western Lowland,
• Urban sprawl damaging agricultural and
vacant natural land.
62

Both these processes have resulted in the
monocentric development of the country, with
prominent features of economic and social
inequality.
This model of unstable urbanization was
associated with a diminution of urban life
quality. The absence of existing infrastructure,
roads, sanitation, schools and kindergartens
has posed more serious challenges to
most of the population which abandoned
their birth towns or villages for better living
conditions, together with the traditional urban
population. The territory, mainly in its eastern
and suburban areas, is characterized by a
high level of depopulation, absence of labour
force and, therefore, poverty. In the western
and central area, mainly Tirana - Durres,
is characterized by a high concentration of
population often facing the lack of adequate
infrastructure of primary services. Informality,
urban sprawl, building stock and second
apartments to the detriment of the traditional
urban and natural landscape, which again
has not resolved the issue of housing for a
broad category of the population, absence of
minimal hygienic-sanitary conditions, mass
construction in coastal areas with objects not
used during almost ¾ of the year, while in the
summer season are not attractive enough for
a qualitative tourism, constitute the dominant
features characterizing the territorial
developments of the last 25 years.
In order to reduce the inequality created, the
General National Plan for the urban system
proposes:
- A polycentric territorial development and a
new urban-rural relationship;
- An inspection of the physical expansion of
cities and urbanized areas, thus promoting
densification instead of urban sprawl;
- A better access to multimodal infrastructure,
which is not only more effective but also
environmental friendly;
- Mixed and complementary functions;
- A smart use and management of the urban
ecosystem, in particular of water, energy and
wastes;
- A conservation and development of natural
assets and assets of historical cultural
heritage in the sense of improving and
actuating these assets in the urban life.
The plan introduces a hierarchy of the centres
and their profiling in the accommodation of
appropriate economic sectors by making use
of the existing potentials.
The plan introduces:
a. 7 primary economic poles identified as
regional development poles:
b. 12 primary urban centres;
c. 9 secondary urban centres;
d. 39 tertiary urban centres;
e. 61 specialized local centres.
This hierarchy orients the investments of
central and local government and projects
in line with the new demands of urban
development to cover citizens with 100% of
primary services, thus guaranteeing the urban
quality of life.
The policy guiding the proposed urban
system structure is the creation and
strengthening of dynamic, attractive and
competitive cities in urbanized regions.
The dynamism of cities goes towards an
intensification of the relations between
cities that share a similar economic growth,
but also with the surrounding areas and
beyond; responds on real-time to the trends
of economic development, innovation and
demographic changes.
The attractive cities are expected to be
mainly developed in two directions:
- Firstly, by investing in the improvement
of urban quality of life, through
the primary services of education,
healthcare, recreation, culture, art, public
infrastructure, quality of environment,
air, security, etc. All these represent key
components in attracting the adequate
population to live and work in these cities
and towns, a population, which becomes
the critical mass that is a prerequisite for
the development of a sustainable market,
preparing the ground for the development of
different economic sectors.
- Secondly, by investing in their existing
urban and natural assets, reassessing the
unique features constituting their territory
and as a result becoming attractive not
63

only to the tourism sector, but also to other
economic sectors.
Competitiveness promotes the development
of cities and characteristic economic
sectors therein.
Primary centres will intensify the
infrastructure of primary services in
healthcare and education, suitable to meet
the demands of urban centres within the
scope of their service of 45 minutes trip.
Investments in infrastructure in order
to increase access of the population of
surrounding areas to the primary centre.
Specialized centres or otherwise referred to
as cities of excellence will be developed in
line with their potentials, in order to become
attractive cities to live and work in.
3.1.2 The criteria for the urban system
organization
The General National Plan is based on
statistical data of INSTAT and data processed
from Census 2011. It should be noted that the
"new urban/rural classification" and the "new
typology of communes and municipalities" 24
describe the existing situation of the Albanian
urbanization and provide estimations based
on the already established trend of indicators
such as population, density, economic
development, employment increase, etc.
The General National Plan is based on these
findings, but also on strategic sectorial
and cross-sectorial projects and provides
its estimations (the scenarios) giving a
higher specific weight to indicators related
to important public investments in various
economic sectors. For example, although
the city of Kukes, upon the assessment of
performance indicators, such as population
growth, emigration rate, employment,
economic development, etc., appears a rural
featured area, in the GNP document, Kukes
is considered one of the gateway cities and
the centre of one of the two economic poles
of northern Albania, due to the existing public
infrastructure and the one foreseen by this
Plan, as follows:
- there is a road of national, regional, and
Balkan importance passing through this
centre;
- it is envisaged to make operational an
international airport, a factor that improves
access, stimulates employment and enhances
competitiveness;
- the border geographical position increases
the chances of expanding the market base
through cross-border commercial economic
exchanges;
- the natural mineral resources of national
importance and quick connection with two
ports of national importance, the port of
Durres and the port of Shengjin.
The same methodology has been followed
for the city of Gjirokastra as the centre of the
southern economic pole.
To reach the level of polycentrism at national
level supporting the hierarchization of urban
centres and economic poles, the GNP was
based on the following criteria:
1. Population
2. Density
3. Economic Development
4. Economic Resources
5. Infrastructure of national importance:
- Transport Corridors
- Gas Pipeline Corridors
6. Ports
7. Airports
8. Historical centres of international
importance
9. Natural resources of national and regional
importance.
It is obvious that not all the cities evaluated
as primary urban centres meet all the above
criteria, but the GNP estimates that in the next
15 years, with the implementation of strategic
project investments proposed by GNP, the
required promotion of their economic and
social development will be achieved.
Hierarchy of centres
The system of urban centres aims to be a
standardized, comprehensive and hierarchical
24
INSTAT, May 2014.
64

system of places (cities), which accomplish
complex functions for the urban and
surrounding rural areas. Urban centres are
epicentres of economic, social and cultural
life throughout the national territory. They
assume functions/tasks/services for the
communities in their respective territory in
line with their function and classification in
the urban system.
Their identification and marking is essential
as it constitutes a mutual obligation (central
and local) for the economic development,
social cohesion and the preservation of
their natural ecosystems. Categorization
on the other hand, constitutes the essence
of sustainable development, focusing on
and differentiating the quantity and type of
sectorial projects as per their characteristics
and features.
- Methodology
The methodology of the hierarchization of
urban centres is based on the Central Place
Theory 25 .
In this theory, the central place has the
primary function to provide goods and
services to the surrounding population. The
degree of influence of the central place is a
function of the service area and the size of
this service area will determine the nature of
territorial organization. Figure 3.6 illustrates
in a simplified manner the system of central
places according to the market principle
with three centre rankings. In such case
the service area of a highest ranked centre
includes the equivalent of three market areas
of following lower ranked centres.
The territorial organization of cities tends to
follow the structure of the central places in
order to ensure a hierarchy of services for the
entire urban population. This is particularly
the case of large metropolitan areas
comprising a variety of nodes (poly-centres),
where a large number of commercial
activities and services are concentrated. It
is assumed that the hierarchy observed at
regional level will correspond to the hierarchy
within a metropolitan area.
The diagram shown in figure 3.7 is
hypothetical and represents the pattern of a
concentric multi - nodal city with a ring road.
For the purposes of this plan, urban centres
and their hierarchical organization are based
on the basic concepts of the methodology
of the central place, but they are enriched
with reflections derived from more dynamic
additional functions, which relate to:
- The existing and proposed infrastructure of
national relevance;
- The concentration and placement feature in
relation to the typical natural resources;
- Balancing the pressures and demands for
urban development mainly in the western
part;
- Mitigation of poverty and depopulation
trends mainly in eastern peripheral regions;
- The need for a balanced territorial,
economic and social development nationwide;
B
B
B
B
B
A
A
A
B
Organization
Commercial area
B
B
B
B
B
Figure 3.6 Central Place Theory
25
Central Place Theory is a contribution of the German geographer Walter Christaller, who conducted researches on the
Southern Germany urban system during 1930s. Christaller, mainly sought to find the interdependence in the relation between
size, number and geographical location of cities. Despite that his work was mainly empirical; the theoretical part had a
deep impact in the urban geography. His investigations enabled the processing of the territorial structure location rule,
fundamental in the urban, economic, transport and urban geography studies.
65

2
4
3
4
3
4
4
3
4
1
3
2
Main axis
Secondary axis
4
2
3
4
4
3
4
1
2
3
4
Commercial central area
Regional centre
Centre of the constituent administrative unit
Local centre
Figure 3.7 Central places in the urban areas
- Issues of local governance, functions
and institutional management elements of
the territory, all municipal centres which
according to the territorial division reform of
2014 were referred to as urban centres.
The system of urban centres throughout the
Albanian territory is characterized by the
following hierarchy:
I. Metropolis,
II. Primary Urban Centres,
III. Secondary Urban Centres,
IV. Tertiary Urban Centres,
V. Local Centres,
VI. Localities.
Urban centres of respective higher levels of
hierarchy, also fulfil the functions of lower
ranked urban centres, thus, the Metropolis
simultaneously fulfils the functions of a
primary urban centre. The Metropolis and
primary urban centres have also the functions
of secondary and tertiary centres.
The metropolis, primary and secondary urban
centres, including interactive areas in the
allocation of functions are eventually defined
as central regions in the national territory.
By defining the system of urban centres
a sustainable network of technical and
social infrastructure of high and specialized
demands is reached and developed.
I. Metropolis, the capital
The first classification is reserved to the
capital, Tirana, with its special status as
the centre of the metropolitan area Tirana
- Durres. The Metropolis is considered to
be the capital of Tirana and its surrounding
functional areas.
The definition of metropolitan area
(INSTAT 2014)
Metropolitan areas are large urban areas
consisting of several agglomerations
interrelated to each other. They can be
defined by size (usually with more than one
million inhabitants), economic specialization,
and national and international importance.
Currently, there is no official definition of
metropolises in Albania, but the Tirana
- Durres corridor is often labelled as
metropolis. The largest region of Albania's
capital is obviously the only urban area
that shows strong dynamics in terms of the
international concept of metropolis.
Sixteen local units around the agglomeration
of Tirana, 9 of the Durres agglomeration, and
2 of the Kavaja agglomeration form what is
called the Tirana - Durres metropolitan area
(TDMA).
66

According to the suggested definition,
proximity to three existing urban
agglomerations is one criterion, while another
criterion is commuting for work purposes.
Movements from Kavaja are oriented towards
Golem, Durres and Tirana; Durres and Tirana
are the first destinations of each other, Kavaja
is the fourth destination of Durres.
The Tirana – Durres metropolitan area counts
for 932,110 inhabitants in the 2011 Census,
while other urban areas count for 796,449
inhabitants and 1,071,579 rural inhabitants.
In the metropolis the functions of the
primary urban centres must be guaranteed
and further developed, beyond infrastructure
and concentration of metropolitan functions,
such as:
- decision-making and monitoring functions,
- innovation centres development functions,
- development of competitive economies,
- development of infrastructure to ensure that
all other urban centres access functions of
national symbolic character.
Tirana metropolis is of central importance
not only to the national territory, but also
on a regional scale for the Western Balkans
and South-eastern Europe. It should be
strengthened as an economic, scientific,
cultural, educational, sports, commercial and
political centre.
II. Primary urban centre
Primary centres are considered to be the
regional centres. Saranda municipality
makes an exception, due to the number of
population, the special function that it is
expected to take after the increase of the
capacity of the tourist port and proximity to
the proposed airport between Gjirokastra and
Saranda.
Primary urban centres are Shkodra, Lezha,
Kukes, Peshkopi, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Berat,
Korça, Vlora, Gjirokastra, and Saranda.
Urban centres should involve the important
functions of general and specialized primary
care service, which are important throughout
the national territory.
These are mainly:
- Economic and residential functions,
- Functions of important traffic nodes,
- Functions of the wholesale and retail trade,
- Cultural and recreational functions,
- Administrative functions,
- Educational, scientific, healthcare and social
care functions.
In primary urban centres, existing bids for
the above functions must be provided in
accordance with the potential demand and in
specific cases the necessary qualification for
their realization should be provided.
Special attention should also be paid to
handling the gateway-cities of the country:
1. Shkodra - Lezha
2. Kukes
3. Tirana
4. Durres
5. Vlora
6. Gjirokastra - Saranda
7. Korça
Features of primary urban centres
• Gateway - cities of national importance.
Entry and exit gateways of the country to the
region.
• Connecting infrastructure of national and
regional importance for the country. These
centres are traversed by at least one corridor
connecting the country to the regional
network and in some cases they have a port
or airport of national importance.
• Include areas of international importance
for cultural values of the archaeological
historical heritage, UNESCO, etc.
• Number of population, over 20,000
inhabitants and the density for the centres of
the municipalities, over 10,000 inhabitants/
km 2 .
• Administrative and political functions.
III. Secondary urban centres
Secondary urban centres are urban centres,
which though not at the hierarchical level of
the primary centres, are very important, as
they are identified by specialized functions
that are significant to their region.
67

Secondary urban centres for the relevant
intermediary sector should focus on higher
functions of primary care of a regional
importance. These include in particular:
- Economic and residential functions,
- Retail trade functions,
- Cultural and recreational functions,
- Administrative functions,
- Educational functions, the basic service, but
also specialized functions of high level, for
e.g. research institutions in specific economic
fields, characteristic of the urban centre,
- Healthcare and social care functions,
- Functions of important nodes of inter-local
transport.
Features of secondary urban centres
• Secondary cities in the plan are referred to
also as talented cities, as specialized features
of economic development characterize them.
• They are characterized by a unique
orientation of their economy such as
agriculture, mining, logistics, nature, food
industry, etc.
• They are at time intervals of up to 30
minutes away from the nearest primary
centre.
• In collaboration with the primary urban
centre they constitute the basis for the
economic development of the primary
functional areas.
• They have administrative and political
functions.
V. Local centres
Local centres are considered the residential
areas with rural and suburban character,
matching the previous municipal centres.
In general, this level of hierarchical
organization is defined in plans of lower
hierarchies as the Cross-sectorial Integrated
Coastal Plan and the Cross-sectorial Plan of
the Economic Area Tirana - Durres.
However, at the national level, GNP has
identified local centres, which though often of
non-urban nature, are characterized by special
features of the economic development, natural
resources, mining, special landscape, cultural,
historical values, etc.
VI. Localities
Localities are considered small residential
centres of rural character. In general, this
level of hierarchical organization as well is
defined in the plans of lower hierarchies as
the Cross-sectorial Coastal Plan and the
Cross-sectorial Plan of the Economic Area
Tirana - Durres. In general, localities are
villages, which are the smallest unit of the
territorial organization.
IV. Tertiary urban centres
Tertiary urban centres are the centres
of municipalities according to the new
administrative territorial reform. Their
definition is important in terms of coverage
with functions of third level educational and
healthcare services as for e.g. polyclinics.
- Economic and residential functions,
- Retail trade functions,
- Cultural and recreational functions,
- Administrative functions,
- Functions of educational secondary schools,
vocational schools,
- Healthcare and social care functions.
68

GNP classification
Functions
Metropolis
Tira na
Gateway city
Primary centre
Shkodra
Lezha
Kukes
Peshkopi
Durres
Elbasa n
Fier
Be rat
Korça
Vlora
Gjirokastra
Saranda
Gateway city
Gateway city
Gateway city
-
Gateway city
National Hub
Gateway city
National Hub
Gateway city
Gateway city
Gateway city
Gateway city
Secondary centre
Tropoja
Bulqiza
Kruja
Kavaja
Librazhd
Pogradec
Lushnje
Kuçova
Permet
Tertiary centre
Tepelena
Maliq
Divjaka
Gramsh
Peqin
Belsh
Mat
Poliçan
Roskovec
Konispol
Mirdita
Himar a
Fushe - Arre z
Libohova
Kolonja
Puka
Delvina
Skrapar
Has
Pustec
Kelcyre
Cerrik
Kurbin
Rrogozhina
Finiq
Memaliaj
Patos
Prrenjas
Shijak
Malesi e Madhe
Vau i Dejes
Vore
Ure Vajgurore
Selenica
Klos
Mallakaster
Devoll
Kamez
Dropull
Local
specialized
centre
Xarre
Lukova
Antigone
Zagori
Petran
Leskovik
Kurvelesh
Orikum
Frasher
Sevaster
Selenica
Bogova
Cakran
Qender
Dermenas
Topoje
Kuman
Kodovjat
Udenisht
Gjinar
Tregan
Klos
Kryevidh
Gjocaj
Golem
Peze
Baldushk
Krrabe
Berzhite
Petrele
Dajt
Shengjergj
Martanesh
Zerqan
Kolsh
Stebleve
Sukth
Ishem
Fushe-Kuqe
Laç
Ulez
Burrel
Melan
Kala e Dodes
Lura
Rubik
Fushe - Bulqiza
Shengjin
Velipoja
Gjegjan
Qafe Mal
Katund i Ri
Bujan
Shishtavec
Synej
Vermosh
Koplik
Ballsh
Voskopoja
Fierze
Localities
To be detailed in plans of lower hierarchy
Table 3.1 Urban centres hierarchy, GNP 2030
69

The categorization of urban centres by
functions
A function is defined as a specific activity or
service provided in a particular urban centre,
which serves residents of the centre and the
residential areas surrounding the centre.
There is a wide range of functions, which can
generally be categorized as employment in the
service, manufacturing or processing industry,
though in certain centres, employment in
specific sectors may prevail, such as:
• mining;
• trade;
• education;
• healthcare services;
• social and cultural services;
• tourism and recreation;
• transport, port;
• agricultural services;
• public administrative services.
Every urban centre fulfils a number of
functions, but the number and extent of these
services varies almost uniquely from one
urban centre to another. In general, larger
centres have a higher number of functions as
well as a larger number of sources for each
function.
However, there are exceptions. In Albania,
some smaller urban centres serve a very wide
rural area and therefore can have a number
of sources for different functions, many times
higher than the number of their resident
populations.
Where the role of small urban centres is
reinforced by the presence of functions
established through administrative policies,
smaller centres in such case can gain an
importance many times higher than the mass
of the population, i.e: Rrogozhina, Divjaka,
Peshkopia, Librazhd, Burrel and Rreshen.
The opposite occurs when small urban centres
are developed as settlements depending
on commuting for employment purposes of
larger urban centres. These types of centres
do not tend to develop the range of functions
suggested by the number/size of their
population, since many of these functions/
services are located and operate in the largest
urban centre/settlement, and furthermore
these urban centres do not serve the farthest
rural areas. Such centres are developed
around the major cities as in the case of the
former communes around Tirana with the
capital itself.
In the General National Plan any municipality
according to the new administrative territorial
reform is considered a tertiary urban centre.
In order for the implementation process, but
also for the updating and revaluating of GNP
in the next few years to go toward as accurate
definitions as possible and clearly defined
criteria for urban centres, it is necessary to
set up a database of these primary functions,
which must be met by every urban centre in
line with the population number. For this, it
is necessary that during the drafting of local
plans, the functional index of these centres
should be measured as a primary indicator,
which assists in the hierarchical organization
of the urban centres with the aim of future
development orientation in them, through
investments at the central and local level.
The functional index for urban centres of up
to 5,000 inhabitants will result from the set of
data classified in 7 categories:
1. financial services;
2. trade services;
3. business services;
4. social and administrative services;
5. educational services (level II and III);
6. tourist and recreational services;
7. agricultural services.
The ranking by functional index is calculated
depending on the population and takes value in
the territorial organization, as the "shortages"
or "surpluses" of services in urban centres are
evidenced through it.
70

In general:
- Urban centres with the highest functional
index compared to their population are
considered urban centres of high market
power, generally a characteristic of cities in
important national junctions.
- Urban centres with the lowest functional
index compared to their population are
considered urban centres with high commuting
activities for employment purposes.
- Urban centres with a functional index
comparable to their population are considered
consolidated centres and are generally large
cities.
Map 3.1 Conceptual display of the proposed
territorial interventions. Urban development
and its consolidation should take into account
the risks at different levels.
Map 3.2 Shows the risks presented on the
new and existing settlements by floods,
earthquakes, landslides, pollution, etc., at
national level. For any new development
analysis and evaluation of risk factors to
the human life must be further detailed by
referring to this material.
In order to have an overview of such
assessment of urban centres, it is necessary to
measure such indicators.
Thus, it is important that when drafting
the General Local Plans, local planning
authorities should measure the functional
index of their territory. This would enable
efficiency of decision-making for on-going
local investments, monitoring of plan
implementation, and measuring its success
or shortcomings.
3.1.3 Strategic territorial proposals for
urban centres
The General National Plan, depending on the
current and proposed status of urban centres
and in order to ensure the development of
the territory in accordance with GNP Vision
“Shqipëria 2030”, proposes consolidating,
reinforcing, regenerating, cooperative and
empowering interventions for the urban
centres.
Consolidation and regeneration - Metropolis,
primary urban centres;
Reinforcement and regeneration - Central
tertiary urban centres;
Empowerment and regeneration – Gateway
cities and eastern urban centres;
Cooperation – at national level;
71

19°0'0"E
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21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
PLAV
VERMOSH
PODGORICE
42°30'0"N
VALBONE
42°30'0"N
THETH
GJAKOVE
42°20'0"N
42°10'0"N
B A J Z E
MALESI
E MADHE
K O P L I K
SHKODER
BUJAN
TROPOJE
FIERZE
FUSHE-ARREZ
HAS
PRIZREN
42°20'0"N
42°10'0"N
42°0'0"N
VAU I
DEJES
PUKE
QAF - MAL
KUKES
SHISHTAVEC
TETOVE
42°0'0"N
ULQIN
GJEGJAN
VELIPOJE
41°50'0"N
SHENGJIN
LEZHE
KOLSH
RUBIK
MIRDITE
LURE
KALAJA E DODES
GOSTIVAR
41°50'0"N
KURBIN
DIBER
MELAN
41°40'0"N
LAÇ
FUSHE KUQE
ULEZ
MAT
BURREL
P E S H K O P I
41°40'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
DURRES
TOPOJE
DERMENAS
FIER
ISHEM
KLOS
KRUJE
SUKTH
VORE
KATUND I RI
KAMEZ
SHENGJERGJ
SHIJAK
NDROQ
GOLEM
TIRANE PETRELE
KAVAJE PEZE
BERZHITE
KRRABE
SYNEJ
BALDUSHK
RROGOZHINE
KRYEVIDH
GJOCAJ
PEQIN
BELSH
TREGAN
DIVJAKE
KLOS
LUSHNJE
QENDER
URA
VAJGURORE
KUMAN
RROSKOVEC
PATOS
KUCOVE
ELBASAN
GJINAR
CERRIK
BERAT
ZERQAN
BULQIZE
MARTANESH
LIBRAZHD
GRAMSH
KODOVJAT
STEBLEVE
DIBER
PRRENJAS
STRUGE
UDENISHT
POGRADEC
MALIQ
VOSKOPOJE
OHRID
PUSTEC
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
LEGEND
Metropolis
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
40°30'0"N
P E T R O L I F E R A
CAKRAN
SELENICE
MALLAKASTER
BALLSH
POLICAN
BOGOVE
KORCE
DEVOLL
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
Specialized local centre
Airport
Proposed airport
Main port
VLORE
SEVASTER
KASTORIA
Energy port
FRASHER
Marina
40°20'0"N
MEMALIAJ
KELCYRE
KOLONJE
40°20'0"N
Gateway city
40°0'0"N
40°10'0"N
KURVELESH TEPELENE PERMET
PETRAN
ZAGORIE
ANTIGONE
HIMARE
LUKOVE
LIBOHOVE
GJIROKASTER
DELVINE
LESKOVIK
KONICA
40°0'0"N
40°10'0"N
Interaction empowerment between gateway cities
National and logistic multimodal city-hub
Interaction between hubs/gateway cities
Logistic hub
Energy hub
Agricultural hub
Interaction between hubs
Reinforcement
39°50'0"N
SARANDE DROPULL
FINIQ
39°50'0"N
Empowerment
Consolidation
KSAMIL
XARRE
KONISPOL
IOANNINA
Regeneration and cooperation (specialized toward
ecotourism, adventure tourism, agricultural tourism,
hydrocarbons and energy sector)
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
FILIATES
39°40'0"N
Regeneration and cooperation (specialized toward
core sectors of mountain tourism, mining-energy and
hydro sector, and agricultural sector)
Cooperation
Map 3.1 Interactions between gateway cities and hubs, GNP 2030
72

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°50'0"E
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
PLAV
PODGORICE
GJAKOVE
42°20'0"N
42°20'0"N
42°30'0"N
42°30'0"N
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
PRIZREN
42°0'0"N
42°10'0"N
42°10'0"N
TETOVE
42°0'0"N
ULQIN
41°50'0"N
Lumi Buna
41°50'0"N
GOSTIVAR
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
41°40'0"N
Lumi Ishëm
DIBER
41°20'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°30'0"N
Lumi Erzen
STRUGE
41°10'0"N
OHRID
41°10'0"N
41°0'0"N
Lumi Shkumbin
Liqeni i OHRIT
41°0'0"N
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
LEGEND
40°50'0"N
Lumi Seman
40°50'0"N
Flood water
1/100 years flooding
Flooding at 1.5 m
Annual flooding
40°40'0"N
Lumi Vjosë
40°40'0"N
MSK 6
MSK 7
MSK 8
40°30'0"N
40°30'0"N
Active landslide
KASTORIA
Areas of landslides
Saltwater penetration
40°20'0"N
40°20'0"N
Coastal erosion
Avalanche risk
Landslide area
40°10'0"N
Water spring
40°10'0"N
Karst spring
Karst areas
Canyons
40°0'0"N
KONICA
40°0'0"N
Karst cave
Wetland area
Industrial points
39°50'0"N
39°50'0"N
Gravel use from river
Exploitation of inerts from the rivers
IOANNINA
Landfills
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
FILIATES
39°40'0"N
Hotspots
Water flow from excavations
Risk from radon
Map 3.2 Urban system risks
73

a) Consolidation and regeneration of
the metropolis of Tirana and primary
urban centres
For the General National Plan it is
important that the economic performance,
competitiveness and national relevance
of the Tirana metropolis and the Tirana
- Durres economic pole continues in
the future. Population and economic
benefits in this area will continue to
grow in the next 15 years. However, the
negative phenomenon of the city’s urban
sprawl in the territory of the surrounding
local units, consuming the free natural
territory, should not proceed. Physical
consolidation of the metropolis of Tirana,
supported by efficient planning of land use
in urban areas, is an essential criterion
to be applied in view of intelligent and
competitive growth of the metropolis.
Consolidation is also required for the
public transport within the metropolis,
including the regional development pole
Tirana-Durres.
In this way, it is aimed that investments
in transport infrastructure in this
area increase the efficiency and
competitiveness of this pole.
To achieve this, the following steps should
be considered to be implemented at
Regional and Local Plans of the area by
the relevant authorities.
- Metropolis
Undertaking a detailed analysis of all
the abandoned, vacant, degraded or
non-agricultural land, will provide
an assessment of the potential
holding capacity of the area to future
accommodation of the required usages,
not only for housing but also spaces for
the development of various economic
sectors. This assessment should start
from the areas closer to public transport
corridors.
Local authorities responsible for the
planning and development of the territory
must use the legal instruments in force
such as the “transfer of the right to
development”, “conditional intensity”,
“the right of preference”, which facilitate
the consolidation of fragmented land and
reallocation in more suitable areas of
functions currently placed in inappropriate
areas. One such case can be for the areas
used for industrial purposes within the
city or the polluting economic activities,
which should be reallocated away from
residential areas or natural resources
such as water resources, etc.
Ensuring the appropriate use of the
existing housing stock, by drafting
sustainable reuse schemes (such as
adaptation to functions different from
residential ones) or the use of fiscal
instruments that promote their use.
The promotion of mixed uses within the
urban area territory is suggested in the
local territorial planning without prejudice
to the development norms and indicators.
The new proposals for multifunctional
shopping centres, which have a mixed
public character, shall be evaluated to be
built within the urban areas, where there
is transport infrastructure. Therefore,
the territorial dispersal brought about
by the allocation of these urban centres
outside the urban line is limited, while the
public and social life of the urban centre is
improved.
Promoting the drafting of detailed plans
for the regeneration of urban areas with
historical potential, but not only, as well
as of public spaces, accompanied by a
detailed framework of a construction code
which should be easily understandable
and implementable by developers and the
community.
74

Densification can be achieved without
compromising the quality and comfort of
urban life. Conserving all natural parks
and existing green areas by promoting
the increase of their number and green
surface. Evaluating the potential for
redevelopment of former industrial and
storage areas for new economic, social,
cultural and recreational activities.
b) Strengthening the north-western
and south-western urban centres
In order to replicate the economic
performance of the regional development
pole Tirana-Durres, Albania needs to
strengthen the dynamism of existing
gateway cities of the western part of
the country: Shkodra - Lezha, Vlora,
and Saranda as well as develop new
connecting gateways in the east and
southwest: Kukes, Korça, Gjirokastra. As
such, the attraction of new investments
in these pole, which will balance and
complement the regional development
pole Tirana-Durres, will be enabled.
All the above-mentioned areas will need
to grow significantly, even beyond the
positive scenario forecasts of high growth
in the population projections of the Census
2011. Some of these cities have strong
tendencies to achieve these conditions.
For example:
- Vlora and Fier cities, the growth data
indicate a good start towards this
scenario. The challenge is to strengthen
their capacity as a friendly economic pole
towards business development, based
on efficient public transport and one that
preserves the physical characteristics of
the natural landscape.
- Gjirokastra – Saranda gateway, needs
to be strengthened in order to develop
and later on become competitive in the
region and complementary to the regional
development pole Tirana-Durres. This is
carried out by GNP with the proposal to
build a new international airport in the
south of the country and increase the
capacity of the port of Saranda as a tourist
port. This new connecting infrastructure
will increase accessibility in one of the
most attractive areas of coastal tourism in
the country such as the southern Riviera,
and in areas of international importance
for the historical and cultural heritage
recognized by UNESCO, such as Butrinti
Park and the city of Gjirokastra.
- Shkodra – Lezha gateway, is another
pole, which needs to be strengthened.
GNP foresees the empowerment of
Shengjini port to double its port capacity,
improvement of physical connections
to Lezha, Shkodra and Velipoja with an
efficient public transport, which is fast
and environmental friendly. The favourable
position of this pole, same as the one in
Vlora - Fier, is reinforced by the railway
infrastructure, which should be revitalized
under the improvement potential of the
rapid and safe connectivity with Podgorica
and the European countries within the
same central network.
However, currently only the Vlora -
Fier functional area is closer to the
possibility of achieving the necessary
critical mass of population and degree
of development of the Tirana-Durres
regional development pole. The later has
a reinforced critical mass, supported
by the development of infrastructure
connections with the surrounding areas
and by the complementary attractions they
offer. Such a strategic approach should
be drawn also for other gateway cities as
centres of regional development poles of
national relevance.
75

These gateway cities are located in the
territory at 100 -150 km distance away
from the Tirana - Durres gateway. Only
Korça and Gjirokastra are located at a
greater distance, but with the construction
of Corridor VIII and the Central Axis, the
time distance is shortened. However, the
population of their surrounding regions
does not exceed 300,000 inhabitants,
with the exception of the Vlora - Fier
area with 700,000 inhabitants. This
means that to achieve the development
scenario as economic regions or
functional areas of national relevance,
their population is projected to double in
size. This expectation is not in line with
the provisions of Census 2011 regarding
the population of the country, which for
the first time in its history is facing a deep
regression.
However, GNP “Shqipëria 2030”
estimates that investing in strategic
national infrastructure in these cities,
new airports, ports of doubled capacity,
fast connections roads, improving the
quality of urban life with investments
in primary healthcare and education
services, utilizing the Albanian energy
potential in the region and developing
the transport sector towards a modern
technology, will generate positive
expectations to live and invest in our
country. Increased investments from
migration will be accompanied by the
growth of population due to returned
migrants and decrease in departures
from the country. The increase in
positive expectations to live within the
country will also be accompanied by
increased fertility.
Time distance is actually more important
than physical distance. Even more
important is the multi-modal transport
between them. So, from one gateway
to another, regardless of distance, it is
76
important to travel within a period of less
than 1.5 hours and have different transport
possibilities by car, bus and train. Based
on this feature another function of these
cities emerges, such as the establishment
of multimodal terminals within them. This
element constitutes an attractive feature
for any type of enterprise and commercial
activity. This scenario can be realized
through the reinforcement of the road and
rail infrastructure as well as multimodal
terminals. However, improving physical
connections is not sufficient. The four
western gates will need to develop in a
complementary way. This complementarity
should be generated by the productive
economic functions of these cities.
In the economic sectors, specialization
according to natural resources is essential.
Enhancing relations between cross-border
regions is a key element for expanding the
market base and range of supply.
Regional Development Poles
of National Importance
Durres - Tirana Pole
Fier - Vlora Pole
Shkodra - Lezha Pole
Elbasan Pole
Korça - Pogradec Pole
Gjirokastra - Saranda Pole
Kukes - Tropoja Pole
Census 2001
(unit: inhabitants) (unit: inhabitants)
843 081
712 176
344 213
362 736
263 410
120 784
111393
Table 3.2 Population as per Census 2001 and 2011 for
the regional development poles. Elaborated by: NTPA
The best way to achieve the critical
mass of these complementary gates is
the polycentric development of cities
with complementary functions between
them, and strengthening cooperation
and interrelations between them. Similar
patterns of polycentric development have
Census 2011
1 012 150
571 752
308 797
295 827
220 782
99 209
85 292

long been implemented in many developed
European countries.
Balancing the contribution of the Tirana-
Durres regional development pole will
depend on:
• the expansion of the critical mass of
every city,
• the combination of the attractions of the
cities by reinforcing and improving physical
connections between them.
The following are considered key factors in
identifying new gateway cities:
- location,
- the existence and capacity of primary
service infrastructure for a considerable
development,
- a respective business concentration and
innovative development potential,
- strategic existing or potential transport
connection,
- establishment or the presence of an
airport or an international port.
Kukes, Korça and Gjirokastra are proposed
as gateway cities to strengthen the critical
mass in the northeast and south of the
country. To achieve this goal, the Integrated
Transport and Land Use Plan for these
cities should be drafted by 2030.
c) Strengthening and regeneration of
urban centres in the central part of the
territory
The difference between the existing critical
mass of cities in the central and western
area and the demand for reinforcement
of the critical mass in the eastern border
cities, presents a territorial challenge, but
also an opportunity for the development of
the central and south-eastern cities of the
country.
The historical attraction of population
towards central cities and major cities
of the Western Lowland has influenced
the reduction of the critical mass of
population (active force for a stable market,
purchasing power and the active force
to generate income), thus affecting the
decrease in the attractiveness factor for
investments in these centres. While the
primary urban centres will continue to
grow in population, the critical mass of
central and southeast tertiary centres and
the attractiveness factor for investments
in these centres need to be strengthened.
Some of these centres have a potential to
attract investments in the mining sector,
but also in the mountain tourism sector.
The strategic approach of GNP is to
improve access of local centres to
the municipal centre and to improve
connectivity of the municipal centre
to the country's main gateway cities.
Therefore, the development of connecting
infrastructure of these centres should
focus on improving the permeability of
their territory and strengthening ties
with the closest ports and airports of
the country, but also with multimodal
hub cities of national relevance. On the
other hand, regenerative interventions
are essential to urban centres, which
have a special character and relate to the
history of city foundation, and revitalization
of industries toward new economic
applications in the field of manufacture,
food industry or new branches of green
industry (production of typical products and
the registration of brands such as honey,
rakia, wine, etc.).
Revitalization consists also in consolidating
historical and cultural assets serving to
tourism economy and in regenerating
architectural values such as the Venetian
towers. These centres are: Vau i Dejes,
Puka, Mirdita, Mat, Klos.
Even more essential for these centres is
the promotion of cooperation between
these centres and the closest primary
urban centres such as Shkodra, Kukes
and Lezha.
- The construction of the railway line
connecting the centre of Rubik with the
77

primary railway line, which is of strategic
importance for the export of industrial
production in this centre, towards the port
of Durres.
d) Regeneration and cooperation of
western centres
During the desk-top review supporting
GNP, such as INSTAT data processing
reports from Census 2011 or Annexes
of functional areas analysis of the
MSLA, it is highlighted the intensive
development that many cities in the
western and central lowlands such
as Golem, Kamza, Kavaja, Orikum,
Velipoja, etc., have undergone in the
wave of urbanization of the last decade.
Especially cities along the coast, Golem,
Orikumi, Shengjini have experienced an
urbanism and revitalization boom due
to the diversification of the agricultural
economic base to a touristic one. These
cities contain a high potential to attract
people and creative ventures in the field
of hotels - tourism, development of
marinas and tourist ports, also due to the
proximity to primary urban cities, which
often serve as a destination for "weekend
escapes”.
The development of a new tourism
economy in close relation to agricultural
economy is required in order to
ensure their further and sustainable
development. These cities are surrounded
by deeply agricultural locations, which
can contribute to and support the tourism
development in these cities. Also, their
tourist potential arises if it manages
to diversify the supply to other types
of tourism such as ecotourism, agrotourism,
fishing, marine, aquaculture,
forestry, etc., and even renewable energy.
Appropriate investments in these
cities will serve to transform them into
connecting nodes of gateway cities with
tertiary centres inland as well as to
develop local centres and surrounding
locations. It is essential to develop a
combination of the activities of primary
centres cities in relation to the activities
in these centres, to dampen the negative
phenomenon of "dorm" or "dead" cities
during most months of the year, except
summer. Investments should focus on
creating links between educational,
industrial, transportation or natural
sciences centres.
Proximity to gateway cities, research and
innovation centres, the tourist potential
based on wild natural landscape or sports
such as fishing and driving can support
this role.
In order to strengthen their role as
linking nodes, investments in local road
infrastructure to improve access to the
surrounding locations and to strengthen
their relationship with primary cities
will be needed; as well as developing
an efficient public transport, improving
electricity infrastructure, sanitation,
water supply and telecommunications.
The development of primary urban
centres in the western part is supported
by the regeneration and strengthening of
a number of small cities in their affinities.
In these cities the tourism sector is
developed, that serves as a catalyst for
the creation of new jobs in the tourism,
services and innovative ventures sectors.
To protect and further increase the vitality
of these cities in the future, to their own
benefit, but also to the benefit of the
surrounding locations, it is necessary
to balance the needs for further
development, which may contradict and
undermine the main features constituting
the core of their attractiveness.
e) Cooperation at national and crossborder
level
In general, the urban areas and centres at
78

the border of the territory are considered
as "peripheral areas". In view of an
intensive economic, qualitative and longterm
development at national level, it is
aimed for both European integration and
the strengthening of the country and of
its role as a centre of economic relevance
and a stabilizing factor in the Balkans.
Functional cooperation or collaboration
between urban centres near the borders
with the neighbouring urban centres
provide for the achievement of this vision
and increase the national relevance of
these 'peripheral' cities.
In border areas cooperation has a special
relevance in order to access and use
efficiently and with maximum impact the
Cross-border IPA funds for the Balkan
region. National road infrastructure
corridors and cross-border national
parks such as the park of the Alps and
Buna, Prespa and Ohrid lakes etc.,
are territorial connecting elements
that promote large-scale cooperation.
There have long been brought and
implemented proposals for various areas
of cooperation in these areas in order
to create economic advantages for the
urban centres within these areas, but still
in a small-scale of social and economic
impact for the inhabitants.
Needs for cooperation in these regions
differ by area, ranging from the increase
of trade exchanges of agricultural and
livestock products, of cooperation with
a view to protecting and enhancing the
natural joint assets up to maximizing the
tourism supply. This cooperation should
not be seen as isolated from primary
economic functional areas of the country,
as the cross-border cooperation areas
are linked to these areas by national
infrastructure. For example, the crossborder
park "Ohrid Lake" and the crossborder
park "Buna River" have the
opportunity to be directly connected with
the port of Shengjin, thus with Lezha as a
gateway city and to maximize the benefits
of cooperation. On the other hand, also
the cooperation between Kukes - Has -
Tropoja with Prizren - Gjakova - Pristina
through "Nations' Road" creates direct
links to the port of Shengjin, Velipoja
beaches, port of Durres, etc., expanding
the economic cooperation framework
between the key urban centres.
In this regard, the specialized local
centres of the country represent a
potential for further development, as
well as the logistic hubs near border
areas, but not only. Secondary and
tertiary urban centres with high profile
potential in agriculture, marine and oil
processing, logistics etc., are Koplik,
Bajze, Laç, Has, Fushe-Kruja, Lushnja,
Porto-Romano, Roskovec, Patos, Ballsh,
Orikum, Petrolifera, Maliq, Prrenjas,
Xarra, Himara.
In terms of cross-border, these
"suburban cities" take a central role in
the development of these regions. These
centres can guide the development of
the eastern region of the country in the
field of entrepreneurship, trade, tourism,
agriculture, energy and mining industry.
Localities and villages
Primary urban centres that have growth
opportunities due to the strong ties to
national infrastructure such as "Nations'
Road", "Arbri Road", the South-Central
Axis should apply an integrated framework
for infrastructure and land use.
By further improving the quality of life,
Tirana will continue to be an attractive
place to live and work in by increasing
investment competitiveness. In order to
continue to be a successful and healthy
city, Tirana should:
• Establish an efficient and qualitative
79

system of public transport. It should
ensure adequate access (in terms of
time, quality, and safety parameters) to
workplaces, schools, hospitals and all
institutions of education, healthcare,
social, public and recreational services.
• Improve international access by
reinforcing the national airport with a
multimodal terminal equipped with a
public transport bus station and train
station. Construct the railway line for
passenger transport from the "Mother
Teresa" airport to the city of Tirana.
• Reinforce transport linking Tirana to
other gateway cities: Durres, Shkodra –
Lezha, Vlora - Fier, Saranda - Gjirokastra.
• Strengthen and improve the
infrastructure of water supply and
sewerage.
• Concentrate the manufacturing activities
in the vicinity of public transport.
• Promote investments that develop
creative capacity and research in the field
of education through the development of
tertiary education and establish effective
links between industry and research
institutes.
• Keep the difference between the way
of the urban development of the centre
and surrounding areas with typical rural
specialized features, while maintaining the
hierarchy of centres.
• Protect the natural assets of Tirana such
as the National Park of Dajti mountain,
surrounding lakes and parks, river valleys
and urban parks.
• Invest in elements that enhance the
quality of life of the city, schools and health
centres, kindergartens, nurseries, as well
as points of attraction, as the cultural and
entertainment centres.
• Eliminate areas of social segregation
and their integrated development in urban
consolidated areas.
In a wider context:
- Strengthen the Tirana - Durres corridor
in order to increase its economic integrity.
- Vora plays a strategic role as a linking
node to Tirana-Durres and with the largest
airport in the country, Rinas, further
specializing as a logistic hub.
- Construct an integrated network of public
transport between Tirana - Durres and
Tirana to the surrounding localities.
- Pressure for housing constructions in
Tirana is accompanied by a high demand
for commuting for work purposes. This can
be eliminated or mitigated by making such
cities be more oriented towards a selfsufficient
economy or development. 26
Localities and villages in rural areas near
and around the economic poles
Rural areas near and around existing
economic poles and urban areas, mainly
in the region of Tirana - Durres, vary from
their typology between areas with strong
rural - agricultural characteristics at high
pressure for urban development and in
areas with poor agricultural qualities due
to their extensive suburbanism. These
areas do not even meet the characteristics
of an authentic urban or rural area.
Deeper into their territories extend wide
natural surface areas with landscape
features often under the pressure for
urban developments and construction
of secondary housing, thus risking the
loss of features of the ecosystem and
the unique landscape they incorporate,
as well as deprivation of these spaces
from being used by the wider public due
to the establishment of private closed
communities.
The rural areas near and around the
proposed economic poles
In areas with strong agricultural character,
new developments in the field should
26
More detailed definitions are provided in the Cross-sectorial Integrated Plan for the Economic Area Tirana - Durres.
80

espect the existing rural character of
the villages. Beyond the villages, an
importance should be given to structures
serving to the agricultural and livestock
products, as well as to establishing the
strategic infrastructure suitable for them.
These areas need booking of spaces to
provide a green mass, which will serve as
the "lungs" of the city and surrounding
urban areas.
Urban extensions for residential
development in such areas, which can be
deployed in closer urban areas, should
be minimized as much as possible.
Initiatives to develop local tourism
should be encouraged and supported
through domestic policies, by investing
in the renewal of the urban centres
of the villages, which retain the local
architectural character, in order to attract
visitors, attract local businesses, as well
as improve quality in order to generate
employment.
Further development should be oriented
toward already urbanized areas, which
have lost their primary rural-natural
character, in order to protect the remaining
spaces with these features. Legal
instruments of transfer of the right to
development, conditional intensity etc.,
should be widely used by local planning
instruments in order to create equal
opportunities for development. Local plans
will play a key role in the implementation
and elaboration of this process.
Localities, villages and rural areas in the
Western Coastal Region
Villages and rural areas of the western
region of the country are characterized by
a variety of local development features.
Despite the rapid transformations
some of them have suffered during
the urbanization of the past 25 years,
for reasons outlined in Chapter I, still
a vast number of them have retained
their natural territorial property values.
Generally these villages have features
that differentiate from their geographical
location and proximity to special natural
areas.
Villages in lowland coastal areas,
traditionally developed toward agricultural
sector, are located on the agricultural land
of the western lowlands. These include
locations and villages that have historically
developed a prioritized agricultural sector,
far from the coastline, to have a pressure
of tourist buildings and away from the
main road infrastructure to be impacted
by urban development. Generally, these
villages and rural areas suffer from
depopulation and abandonment of the
agricultural sector. Appropriate policies
must be followed for these local centres
and rural areas in order to reinforce the
recovery of infrastructure connecting
these areas with the closest primary
urban centres. These villages carry a
strategic role in the development of a
specialized agricultural economy, which is
the main source of agricultural products
nationwide. It is important to create an
adequate network that will connect these
characteristic agricultural areas and
will strengthen the system of collection,
storage and distribution to processing
or wholesale centres. Innovation in
technology use and specialization of these
agglomerations areas in the service of a
higher productivity and a higher quality
will form the basis for their sustainable
development.
Villages in lowland coastal areas, affected
by urban and tourist developments
These include locations and villages, which
due to their proximity to the coastline
and major urban cities have altered their
territorial physical character under the
pressure for constructions in tourism area
and second residences in the coastal area.
81

Traditionally, the economy of these areas
has been closely linked to the agricultural
economy and it has been classified as
rural, but after processing the data of
Census 2011 by INSTAT, a large number
of them have been changed into suburban
areas.
In absence of a territorial development
control, rapid urban interventions in
these areas have not been associated
with preservation of local characteristics
of construction or appropriate degree
of densification that would respect the
characteristic fractures of the territory and
the landscape. This has resulted in the
decline of the quality of urban and natural
landscape features. The core services
infrastructure in most cases is absent or
does not satisfy the requirements of the
new economic sector of tourism. Some of
these areas deprive access to the wider
public because of the development of
closed communities with holiday flats,
while the rest have become dormant and
empty areas in most of the year, to revive
only during 1- 2 months in summer.
These areas need urban renewal, which
will aim at improving the architectural
qualities toward the traditional features of
the area. This should promote research
into traditional and characteristic
architecture of these locations and
villages. Regeneration is also required for
water and wastewater infrastructure and
above all to strengthen the collection and
processing infrastructure of urban waste
as well as the wastewater processing
plants. In some cases, redevelopment
can result necessary to newly built
areas, but degraded due to poor quality
of construction and failing to fulfil the
functions for which they were built or even
degradation of the Waterfront 27 landscape.
A priority for these areas still remains
the maintenance of the quality of coastal
waters from urban pollution, regeneration
of green natural spaces, regeneration of
areas designed to improve the physical
quality of construction, but also the
landscape by increasing greenery, the
number of green recreation spaces, which
naturally merge with green corridors, with
green massifs more inland.
In order to achieve economic success in
these areas, in the field of sustainable
tourism, a better liaison with traditional
agricultural villages more inland is needed,
in view of developing a diversified tourist
sector into agritourism and ecotourism,
as well as supporting coastal tourism
with local authentic food products. It
is also important to build appropriate
connections of their road infrastructure
with the closest primary urban centres.
The term "appropriate connecting
infrastructure" means the establishment
of the necessary minimal roads to provide
access and connection to these villages
with the surrounding urban areas, while
maintaining the maximum degree of
fragmentation of the natural existing
territory. Improving public transport as
well as pedestrian and bicycle routes in
these regions are key to the realization of
this liaison.
The areas above are intercepted by villages
that lie in areas of high environmental
sensitivity, such as the villages near
lagoons or river deltas and natural national
parks. These areas have maintained an
undeveloped character, but the new areas
are currently under pressure for urban
and tourist redevelopment. In order not to
repeat previous mistakes, special attention
is required in developing convenient access
to these areas. The degree of intervention
27
Waterfront: term used to describe the water front of urban centers along the coastline.
82

in them shall be absolutely maintained in
compliance with the restrictions arising
from the sectorial legislation on protected
areas, national parks, landscapes and
protected natural landscapes, lagoons
and wetlands, as well as distances from
water resources defined by the sectorial
legislation on the management of water
resources.
Future developments in these areas will
be limited within the lines that limit the
traditional village or the traditional urban
centre. As described for the villages above,
also for these villages and locations, for
the purposes of improving the economy
of these areas in the field of sustainable
tourism, a better liaison with the traditional
agricultural villages more inland is
needed, in order to develop a diversified
tourist sector towards agritourism and
ecotourism, as well as supporting coastal
tourism with authentic local food products.
It is also important to build appropriate
connections of their road infrastructure to
closest primary urban centres. Improving
public transport as well as pedestrian and
bicycle routes in these regions comprise
the key to the realization of this liaison.
Villages in the mountainous coastal areas,
such as the southern coastal villages
which have a more differentiated nature
than the above villages. Due to the physical
conditions of the territory, a large part of
them are located in a mountainous terrain,
but by air, very close to the coastline.
"Difficulty" of access to the coast from
these villages has generally preserved
their main traditional and architectural
features. These areas also suffer from
depopulation due to migration, facing
a revival only during 1-2 months of the
tourist season in the summer, meanwhile
facing a high pressure for massive tourist
developments. These areas need urban
regeneration to improve the connecting
infrastructure, communication and
improve public transport. Territorial
policies in these areas aim at promoting
the development of elite tourism
characterized by the preservation and
strengthening of characteristic elements
of traditional architecture, and natural
landscape and coastline.
Strengthening maritime infrastructure
to ports and marine tourism is a key
infrastructure for their diversification. The
positioning of this infrastructure must
be such as to provide quick connection
with existing traditional villages and
existing urban centres. This would affect
the growth of tourism in these areas and
would avoid turning new marinas into
parking spaces for yachts and cruise
ships only. Of particular importance is the
promotion of cooperation between these
villages with the villages inland known for
local agricultural and livestock products,
which affect the quality and authenticity
of coastal tourism. The Cross-sectorial
Integrated Coastal Plan and Local Plans
for this territory will specify in detail the
way of implementation of these principles
of development.
Localities and villages in remote peripheral
and central mountainous rural areas
(north, northeast, east and southeast).
These areas carry a high potential for
diversification and specialization in
the agricultural sector as a result of
opportunities, mixed uses and activities
on their territory. The identification of
such a potential and its activation should
be the focus of local communities and
business groups in these areas, supported
by bodies such as regional boards,
regional development agencies, central
institutions adjuvant of MARDWA, boards
of the regional enterprises and various
departments of local agencies.
83

3.2 Natural System
The context
In terms of sustainable development,
overbuilding, use of underground for
sanitation and foundations and fragmentation
of free space, and in particular the
exploitation of non-renewable natural
resources should be avoided to the maximum
and maintained at an as low as possible level.
The method of land use as a result of sprawl
and development, leads towards constant
free surface loss along with its functions, in
support of natural ecosystems and climate
protection, recreation, as well as their
functions of economic capacity to forestry and
agriculture, production of renewable energy
and protection of subsoil resources of the
relevant areas.
Currently, the surface of protected areas in
Albania occupies nearly 15% of the national
territory. Inside the national territory there
are 15 national parks, 22 natural reserves,
without counting the protected landscapes
and natural monuments, which are much less
visited and not at all treated as part of any
economic sector. Also, Albania is part of the
European Green Corridor.
A more detailed description of the current
situation of the Albanian natural system is
presented in the State of the Environment
Report, developed by NEA, and in the
Crosscutting Environmental Strategy,
published by the Ministry of Environment.
Managed natural
reserve 27.64%
Managed natural resources
protected area 3.97 %
Natural strict area 1.04 %
Natural monument 0.75 %
15.54%
Protected landscape 20.84 %
National park 45.76 %
Terrestial protected area 13.24%
Marine protected area 2.3%
Graphic 3.1 Protected Areas Development Strategy, NAPA
84

Drawbacks of the natural system
During the past two decades, Albania has been involved in rapid urban
developments, which have been associated with a direct impact on the natural
and the environmental system. Increased consumption, transportation, solid
urban waste, wastewater discharge into rivers and seas, uncontrolled forest
cutting, erosion of river banks and erosion of the mountains are just some of the
phenomena which have occurred. In more details some of the issues the natural
system faces, consist of:
1. Habitat degradation, coastal, hilly and mountainous erosion remains a growing
phenomenon not only because of the interference in rivers and in coastal areas, but
also because of abusive forest cutting and fires.
2. Abusive forest cutting and uncontrolled grazing within the territory or close to all
PAs. However, according to the Law on protected areas, the use of forests within
the territory of PAs is not allowed. The risk from spread of wildfires is present
throughout the summer season. Generally, fires have been intentional, but they
have also derived from wrong practices followed by shepherds to improve pastures
through their combustion.
3. Hunting of birds and wildlife, overfishing, illegal fishing and use of prohibited
tools, mainly in the plains, coastal and wetlands remains a problem. Also, the
granting of licenses and number of fishermen should be limited in wetland areas,
and hunting should take place primarily with traditional methods, with embouchure
and taking into account the protective status of fishing areas and lagoons. The
development of aquaculture should be practiced at a distance not closer than 1.500
m from the territory of the protected area.
4. Infrastructural projects without environmental permits.
5. Ineffective management of recreational activities, non-management of visitors
and of the solid waste they create, not only cause damage to the landscape and
scenic values of the park or the PA, but they are also present in the areas mostly
preferred by visitors.
6. One of the hottest developments in recent years and which opposes proper
management of protected areas remains the prevention of unlawful activities,
mainly of illegal constructions. This problem has been and still remains a serious
concern. Such constructions have been identified in all the territories of protected
areas and national parks.
7. Quarries and mines represent a very negative occurrence in the destruction of
nature and landscape, habitats.
To the General National Plan, environment is not an area
preserved by human activity, but an asset preserved in
service of the humankind and sustainable economic
development.
85

3.2.1 The approach of the General
National Plan “Shqipëria 2030”
In the General National Plan, the environment
represents the natural and cultural heritage,
physical characteristics of the natural territory,
but also those of the constructed areas. Under
this context, there are two main features of the
natural system:
• It is part of the national wealth,
• Its forms and characteristics depend both on
the natural and human activity.
Since, both natural and human activities are
dynamic, the natural system is ever changing
as well. Territorial policies should recognize
this dynamic and work with these differences
in a creative way to orient changes toward a
more sustainable development of the natural
system. The physical characteristics of the
Albanian landscape have quite distinctive
features, which make our country unique in
this regard. The landscape is shaped starting
from the ridges of the eastern part, their
fragmentation ways from rivers and river
valleys, the long coastline and its interaction
with lagoons and green natural belts of
Mediterranean pines, most typical lakes of the
region, as well as by the combination of these
features with the biological diversity and the
historic urban landscape.
The major objective of GNP is: the sustainable
development of the natural system.
This objective is to be achieved through the
following policies:
- Increasing national and international
responsibility for current and future
generations, by combining the concepts of
sustainability and good governance;
- Protecting and enhancing protected natural
areas; creating a sustainable system of
environmental communication;
- Increasing the role of environment in
the economic development of the country;
mainstreaming the natural system in the
economic value of development sectors;
- Increasing the role of environment in the
quality of urban life by promoting and creating
convenient access to natural areas.
Both, the importance and responsibility of
Albania as part of the natural and cultural
network of Europe lies in the fact that its
environmental and cultural values should be
preserved, not only because of their unique
nature, but also because they relate to the
natural system, and historical and cultural
heritage of Europe.
Environment and nature, due to their widely
interoperable character, are systems, which
do not only belong to a single territory or
population; they are part of a larger network.
The concept of using a property we do not
fully possess, but that we share in time and
space, is essential to territorial development
policies. The most typical example of this
interaction is the impact on climate change,
experiencing different countries and peoples
by the improper exploitation of non-renewable
resources and environmental pollution in other
countries.
In the economic development, the environment
provides the resources base wherein are
supported many economic activities such as
agriculture, forestry, fishing, aquaculture,
mineral use, energy use, industry, services and
tourism.
The resources for these activities should be
used in such a way as to ensure as much as
possible their renewal and regeneration.
The environment on the other hand, has
also an economic role in the creation of the
country's attractions to draw the placement
of as many economic activities and people.
This has to do with the social role through
which the environment contributes to the
quality of people's lives. This role is reflected
in different dimensions: from the narrow
surrounding inhabited environment due to
wider landscapes of the coast, city, village or
locations.
Benefits in this context differ from the way that
convenient access to these natural landscapes
is provided to people, whether for active
recreational uses and passive use as regarding
the viewing/observation of scenic landscapes.
86

GNP builds upon the crosscutting strategy of
the environment and policies of the Ministry
of Environment without any intention to
reformulate new policies, but underlines
the importance of the fact that development
proposals from GNP should occur in the
framework of ambitious policies to protect
the environment in general and mainstream
these policies in the framework of the
development of various economic sectors.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment
accompanying the General National Plan
document will play an important role in
the integration of environmental protection
measures and their implementation by the
GNP. The legal framework applicable to the
design of territorial plans obliges all planning
authorities that will undertake the design of
territorial plans of lower hierarchies, pursuant
to the GNP, to develop strategic environmental
assessment document for each of these plans.
Environmental quality and therefore of the
whole natural system is an essential factor for
enhancing the competitiveness of Albania in
the global economy market. These findings are
highlighted for the importance they have to be
implemented to regional and local plans that
will follow the GNP.
The importance and economic value of
the natural system
The natural system and the benefits it offers
are an important economic value. According
to international initiatives, it is recommended
that the economic value of ecosystems
and biodiversity is reflected not only in the
decision-making, but also in the accounting
and reporting systems 28 . This recommendation
is in line with global Aichi targets.
In the national context, the protected areas
(PAs), national parks (NPs), and natural areas
represent some of the greatest values of the
country from the following perspectives:
• Biological,
• Ecological,
• Economic,
• Natural Heritage,
• Social and Cultural.
They can convert into an effective way to create
good economic incomes through sustainable
development, apart from converting into strong
integration elements not only in the Balkan
context but also in the European one.
Moreover, protected areas are considered
as strengths for the sustainable tourist
development.
"They should become an integral part of the
development of the region in which they are
located and a leading force to find ways to
improve the quality of life of people living near
or within parks without prejudice to the
fundamental values of nature” 29
3.2.2 The natural system as an element
for diversification and interconnection
of economic sectors
The interconnection of the natural system
with other economic sectors is one of the
GNP approaches to sustainable economic
development. In this respect the ways of
its approximation change in line with the
characteristics of the urban centres where
they are located.
Local centres and localities (cooperation and
reinforcement):
- Urban development should be encouraged
within urban areas utilizing the existing
constructed infrastructure;
- Soils with good fertile features, but which
cannot be used for agriculture should be
planted where possible. This would increase
economic opportunities in the area for the
use of timber or for the improvement of the
natural landscape and the growth of tourist
attractions;
- Soils with not very good agricultural features
are recommended to be used as photovoltaic
28
Following the international initiative for the visibility of the economic values of nature TEEB. http://www.teebweb.org/
29
Conference Dinaric Arc Parks - http://www.parksdinarides.org/sq/t-reja/wwf
87

or wind parks, especially for areas near
existing electric stations and network;
- In soils with intensive agricultural use it is
recommended to reuse agricultural waste for
generation of electricity. This would enable
the development of renewable energy and
protection of the quality of water flows from
the dispersal of agricultural waste;
- Promotion of water flows for water sports
and activities.
In secondary and tertiary urban centres
(consolidation and strengthening):
- Prevention of urban dispersion;
- Prohibition, where possible, and reduction of
the loss of agricultural land and natural free
land because of urban use;
- Protection of rural landscape features and
minimization of its fragmentation, maintaining
as clear as possible the characteristic
differences between urban and rural
landscape;
- The creation of green infrastructure for
small and large cities, that will allow residents
access to natural areas and recreational
activities which will take place in them;
- Maintain and where possible enhance the
environmental protected areas and biodiversity
in them;
- Protection of construction buildings and civil
engineering structures with characteristic
landscape values of historical and cultural
tradition.
The process of economic diversification has
already started in some places and may
be further intensified and extended. The
potential for increasing the use of these
natural resources requires wise management
of all environmental resources in the form of
landscape protection policies, policies for new
housing settlements, preservation of cultural
heritage and biodiversity.
Coastal areas offer an attractive panoramic
environment, which is both highly productive
and provides a rare biological diversity.
This area accommodates a wide range of
economic and recreational activities. The
Drafting of Integrated Plans on Coastal
Zone Management is indispensable, as it
will provide an integrated approach to the
interactions between economic sectors and
various authorities, whose activity is linked
to the coast and the legal framework. The
Integrated Cross-sectorial Plan developed in
parallel with the GNP, takes a special value in
these conditions, as it provides such a unifying
overview.
In urban, secondary, tertiary centres and
local centres (regeneration):
- Environment as a tourist product that
attracts visitors by the quality of the natural,
historical - and cultural landscape and
biodiversity, as well as a wide range of options
for the development of natural activities;
- Attracting entrepreneurs and people who
are characterized by skills and a wide range of
technical and intellectual expertise, for whom
living in small towns where environmental
quality is guaranteed, enables them the quality
of life that they require;
- Advanced development of communication
infrastructure, which can provide the
extension of economic activities degree and of
enterprises located in a certain place.
88

Vision and objectives of sectorial documents on the natural system
The Crosscutting Environmental
Strategy 2015-2020 defines Albania as "a
country with a sustainable social and economic
development, protecting natural resources
from pollution and degradation, through
their integrated management and promoting
environmental values and putting them to the
benefit of economic prosperity."
The objectives to be achieved during this
period also supported on cross-sectorial
policies of environmental protection and
climate change are:
Protected areas
- Increasing protected areas to 17% of
the territory, through extension and their
integrated management;
- Identifying and establishing the network
"Natura 2000" and preserving the natural
landscape;
- Ensuring the conservation status for 5% of
threatened species and habitats;
The vision of the National Agency
of Protected Areas in Albania in
the Protected Areas Development
Strategy 2015-2020:
“Protected areas in Albania convert into
territories for the protection and conservation
of nature and biodiversity, promoting their
varied values (tourist/recreational, cultural,
gastronomic, aesthetic, landscape values,
health, spiritual, etc.), at the service of
sustainable development with a positive impact
of local communities and increasing their
welfare”;
Waste
- Increasing the amount of waste going to
landfills to 45%;
- Recycling and composting of urban waste at
around 55%;
- Implementing the rehabilitation plans for
9 priority hotspots and drafting plans for the
remaining hotspots;
of the Action Plans on Water Resource
Management by 2020;
- Continuous monitoring of the quality of
surface and ground waters from institutions in
collaboration with MoE;
- Rehabilitating damaged river beds by 25% by
2020;
- Managing surface and ground waters in order
to reduce their pollution by 95% compared to
2011;
Forests
- Sustainable management of forest and
grassland resources;
- Comprehensive inclusion of local
stakeholders in the management and
sustainable development of this sector;
- Establishing payment schemes for the
ecosystem;
- Providing the regulatory, institutional and
economic framework for the implementation
of sustainable forest management;
- Full (100%) transposition of the European
legislation in the field of forestry;
- 100% coverage with breeding plans for all
forests economies at national level;
- Reducing by 40% the illegal cutting from the
forest fund;
- Rehabilitation through afforestation and
reforestation of the burnt areas and the
rehabilitation of forage pasture and tree
planting to 15% of forest and pasture area by
2020;
- Preventing further erosion of forest and
pasture land in 25% of area, by 2020;
Air
- Reducing by 40% the pollution level in urban
areas;
- Achieving levels of air pollutants based on
human health, at the respective values: NOx
- 40 µ/m³ for PM10 - 40 µ/m³, for PM 2,5-25
g/m3 and 20 g/m 3 and SO2 -125 µ/m³ for 24
hours or 20 µ/m³ per year.
Water
- Carrying out the protection and improvement
of water quality through the implementation
89

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Map 3.3 The current situation of the natural system 2015 Map 3.4 The territorial proposals for the natural system, GNP 2030
90

3.2.3 Proposals
Photo credit by Mariusz Kluzniak
GNP vision for the natural system is in line
with the crosscutting environmental strategy
vision and the protected areas development
strategy. GNP approach to this system is
expressed through two concepts: Promotion
and Access.
In this context, the solutions proposed by the
GNP are:
a) Increasing the natural areas through the
expansion of protected areas and natural
connecting corridors along river valleys;
b) Including three national parks in the
national network of protected areas:
• The park of Buna
• The park of Alps
• The park of Vjosa
Concurrently, it is proposed the addition of the
Emerald Network in the network of protected
areas. In all, it represents a network where
ecosystems, habitats, species, landscapes
and other natural features of pan-European
relevance will be maintained, according to
the criteria and provisions of the law "On
protected areas". According to the objectives
set in the crosscutting strategy this network
must be completed by 2020, which will be
the basis for inclusion in the Pan-European
Ecological Network (Natura 2000). The system
of protected areas includes also the natural
corridors, which should be considered as
areas suitable for the development of a soft
environmental friendly infrastructure.
Photo credit by Alket Islami
Photo credit by Roland Dorozhani/EcoAlbania
Figure 3.8 Three natural parks proposed by GNP: the Park
of Buna, the Park of Alps and the Park of Vjosa
91

Kune-
Vain
Emerald Network
National Parks
Natural Corridors Bicycle Routes Europian Green Belt
Figure 3.9 Main elements of the natural system
c) Achieving the target of 20% terrestrial
protected area and 15% of marine protected
area by 2030;
d) Creating recreational spaces and natural
attractions along the river valleys;
e) Introducing the national network of bicycles,
which accesses and crosses natural areas and
those of historical and cultural heritage;
f) Increasing public participation in decision
making and implementing decisions for the
management of
natural systems;
g) Consolidating and increasing the
performance for the well management of
nature, PAs and biodiversity of central and
local actors;
h) Mainstreaming management plans into the
planning system and local plans;
i) GLP shall be developed simultaneously with
the management plans, in order to achieve the
cohesion of planning instruments, forecasts
and deadlines;
j) Increasing the marine and coastal protected
areas up to 10% in line with the Aichi
objectives of the Convention on Biodiversity
2020;
k) Supporting the sustainable development of
the natural system for recreational purposes
and for the promotion of ecotourism;
l) Sustainable, economic and ecological
management of protected areas;
m) Integrating Albania in the Balkan and
European context through projects for "Dinaric
Arc Eco-region” and the "European Green
Belt";
n) Including the natural system in the
economic development chain;
o) Reforestation and regeneration projects of
degraded areas by natural phenomena such
as erosion and floods, but also due to the
human activity.
92

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LAÇ
KRUJE
Ulez
BURREL
MAT
KLOS
Luzni-Bulac
FUSHË BULQIZË
MELAN
DIBER
Via Skanderbeg
41°40'0"N
41°30'0"N
Gjiri i
Lumi Erzen
Lalzit
SUKTH
VORE
KATUND I RI
DURRES Amfiteatri
KAMEZ
Mali me Gropa
BULQIZE
MARTANESH
ZERQAN
41°30'0"N
41°20'0"N
Via Egnatia
Porti i Durresit
SHIJAK
DAJT
NDROQ
PETRELË
GOLEM TIRANE
BËRZHITË
PEZË
Peze
KAVAJE
Petrele
KRRABË
SHËN GJERGJ
Kuturman-
Qafa e Bushit
STEBLEVË
Shebenike-
Jabllanice
STRUGE
Via Egnatia
41°20'0"N
41°10'0"N
SYNEJ
BALDUSHK
ELBASAN
LIBRAZHD
OHRID
41°10'0"N
RROGOZHINE
41°0'0"N
Lumi Shkumbin
KRYEVIDH
Karavasta
GJOCAJ
PEQIN
BELSH
CERRIK
TREGAN
GJINAR
PRRENJAS
Liqeni i OHRIT
UDENISHT
41°0'0"N
DIVJAKE
LUSHNJE
KLOS
Zona natyrore dhe kulturore e Ohrit
Liqeni i PRESPËS
LEGEND
40°50'0"N
Via Appia
Roma- Brindisi
Lumi Seman
Grykederdhja
Seman
Apollonia
TOPOJË
URA
VAJGURORE
KUCOVE
Itinerari
GRAMSH
KODOVJAT
POGRADEC
Varrezat e Selces se Poshtme
PUSTEC
40°50'0"N
Main port
Metropolis
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
Lumi Vjosë
Pishe-
Poro
Vjose-
Narte
Porti i
Vlores
KUMAN
DERMENAS FIER
QENDËR
Levan
PATOS
VLORE
ÇAKRAN
SELENICE
BALLSH
RROSKOVEC
MALLAKASTER
BERAT
POLICAN
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bogove
SKRAPAR
MALIQ
Voskopoje
KORCE
Nikolice
Rezervati
Kangonji
Bredhi i
Drenoves DEVOLL
Morrava
KASTORIA
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Specialized local centre
Natural monument
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
Vlora 2
Karaburun
ORIKUM
Llogara
SEVASTËR
HIMARE
KURVELESH
TEPELENE
MEMALIAJ
KELCYRE
Parku
Natyror
ZAGORIE
Zheji
GJIROKASTER
PERMET
PETRAN
FRASHËR
KOLONJE
Piskal-
Shqeri
Germenj-
Shelegur
LESKOVIK
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
Protected areas network
(existing and proposed)
Areas having tourism development as a
priority (existing)
Proposed natural corridors
Forest land
Sailing route
LUKOVË
Rezervati
Rrezome
ANTIGONË
LIBOHOVE
Bicycle route
40°0'0"N
DELVINE
DROPULL
KONICA
40°0'0"N
Tourist area/site
Existing UNESCO site
39°50'0"N
Porti i Sarandes SARANDE
FINIQ
Proposed UNESCO site
39°50'0"N
Panoramic coastal road
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
KSAMIL
XARRË
Butrint
KONISPOL
IOANNINA
39°40'0"N
European Green Belt
Coastal area of national importance
FILIATES
Map 3.5 Natural system, GNP 2030
93

3.3 Agricultural System
The context
Agriculture has traditionally been one of
the most important branches of economic
development. Agricultural products are part of
the regional identity formation of the country,
with a wide range of environmental, natural
and climate changes.
Although technological developments will
replace the human role in many agricultural
processes, this sector still remains the primary
source of economic income and employment
opportunities in rural areas. However, the
agricultural sector will have to face and
adapt to the constantly growing customer
demands as a result of the modernization
and restructuring of trading typology and the
consequences of climate change. Efficiency in
the food sector and agriculture together with
fisheries and forestry as well as diversification
of farmers' activities are key components of
the rural economy.
The study of the typology of communes and
municipalities 31 undertaken by INSTAT 32
reflects the physical characteristics of each
administrative unit (former commune). It is
noted therein that from 373 local government
units (Albania had before the administrative
- territorial reform), 102 possess agricultural
economies in lowland areas and 140 own
agricultural economies in mountain areas.
Based on the data published by INSTAT 33 24%
(or approx. 699,000 ha) of the general surface
of the country is classified as agricultural land,
of which only 561,000 ha is arable land.
About 43% or 304,000 ha of agricultural land is
situated in the agricultural area with generally
good production qualities.
This classification is very important for the
General National Plan, as it has helped in the
orientation of specialization of the country's
functional and economic areas.
The agricultural sector in our country is
considered among the sectors with major
impact on the indicators of the gross domestic
product values, with 16.79% in 2009 and
19.63% in 2013. 30 The figures recorded during
this time period show the increase of economic
sector of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in
the gross domestic product.
Agricultural development is also important in
terms of improving the living standards and
eradicating poverty. Beyond the direct effects,
the growth of income and food for farming
families will have an impact on the standard
of living both in urban and rural areas through
food products with lower prices.
30
For the period 2008-2013 (referring to statistical yearbook, 2010-2014/ Economy & Finances, tab. 10 p.94) it is presented the
structure of the gross domestic product by economic activity, agriculture, forestry.
31
The territorial administrative reform, replaced the term "commune" with its relevant changes with the term "constituent
administrative unit".
32
Typology of communes and municipalities, Census 2011, p.35, May 2014
33
INSTAT, Statistical Yearbook 2010 - 2014, Agriculture Tab.1 Land structure, p.134
94

Urban
Centres
The capital
The capital
Centres with national importance
Centres with national importance
Regional centres of agglomeration
Regional centres of agglomeration
Local centres
Local centres
Peripheral local units
Suburban Metropolitan with high status
Suburban Metropolitan with high status
Suburban Metropolitan with low status
Suburban Metropolitan with low status
Suburban with low status
Suburban with low status
Suburban with high status
Suburban with high status
Rural
Special types
Non-urban communes with mining/energy orientation
Non-urban communes with mining/energy orien
Serives and industrial communes
Serives and industrial communes
Non-urban communes with touristic orientation
Non-urban communes with touristic orientation
Agricultural local units
50 km
50 km
Commune/municipality border
Commune/municipality border
Agglomerations 2011
Agglomerations 2011
Local mixed lowland agricultural units
Local mixed lowland agricultural units
Local mixed mountain agricultural units
Local mixed mountain agricultural units
Local lowland agricultural units
Local lowland agricultural units
Local mountain agricultural units
Local mountain agricultural units
Figure 3.10 Typology of communes and municipalities. Source: INSTAT, Census 2011
95

3.3.1 Drawbacks of the agricultural
sector in the country
In the past, but also now, damages to the
agricultural land fund have been observed,
wherein concurrently it is noticed the reduction
of agricultural land fund due to informal
construction, unfounded expansion of urban
spaces in detriment of agricultural land,
damage to the river beds, etc. Due to the
division of land (Law no. 7501), agricultural
land is fragmented into small plots, which
significantly constrain the large-scale use of
agricultural machinery.
The mechanism of the agricultural sector still
remains a challenge to face in the coming
years.
Closely related to the agricultural economic
sector is also the food processing industry of
agricultural products, which as an important
branch of Albanian economy, has recorded
an evident and consistent development in the
recent years. A more significant growth is
observed in the sub-branch of milk processing
(dairy), meat etc. Among the key factors that
cause a good dysfunction of the agricultural
system may be:
from uncontrolled internal demographic
movements. This phenomenon affects the
degradation and reduction of agricultural land.
• Floods and infrastructure amortization
(irrigation - drainage system)
- Leaving the agricultural areas bare
(uncultivated) in the north and south of the
country,
- Erosion,
- Deforestation,
- Amortization or demolition of relevant
protective infrastructure (protective dams,
control gates, malfunctioning of pumping
stations, blockage of drainage channels etc.),
- Uncontrolled extraction of inert materials
from river beds, endangering the river
deviation, disposal of industrial waste or inerts
along the riverbanks.
• Distribution and fragmentation of the
agricultural land
- The change of the political system, which
was accompanied by the destruction of large
farms (cooperatives) and in the best case, their
replacement with small farms (family farms).
- The legal framework, the Law No.7501 by
which the land was fragmented.
• Demographic movements (internal
migration + emigration)
- Reduction of the active workforce in this
sector. According to the World Bank, 75% of
immigrants of our country are men, which has
led to significant reduction of the workforce in
agriculture. 34
• Informal constructions
- "Usurpation" of agricultural land on the
outskirts of large urban centres of the country
34
Modelling migration dynamics in Albania, a hazard function approach, Azzarri, C. and Carletto, C. 2009
96

Agricultural land Organic farms Distribution network
Figure 3.11 (a) (b) (c) Agricultural system diagram“Metabolism of Albania”
Balanca e Ushqimit në Shqipëri
Food balance në in kiloton Albania (kton) in kiloton (kton)
IMPORT PRODUCTION CONSUMPTION EXPORT
115
45
222
117 57 475
meat & lifestock
starchy roots
sugar crops
Source: FAO
Burimi: FAO
230 701 1 376
oil crops
processed
fruits & vegetables
cereals
feed
sugar
vegetable oils
animal products
waste
246
Figure 3.12 Food balance in Albania “Metabolism of Albania”
food
aquac products
3 398 190
biofuels
& others
97

AGRICULTURE
URBAN METABOLISM ALBANIA
Food production
Agriculture
Land use agriculture
Permanent crops
(olives,grapes and citrus)
Mixed farming
(grains, potatoes, vegetables and livestock)
Biological food
Organic operators
Medicinal herbs
Food network
Distribution, processing and trade
Food cluster
Sea harbour
Airport
Highways
Shipping connection
Landscape conditions
Nature
Protected environment
98 Map 3.6 Agricultural System “Metabolism of Albania”, source: NTPA

3.3.2 The approach of the General
National Plan on the agricultural sector
Even in the agricultural system, polycentric
development of the country highlights the need
for defining and identifying the main poles
of agricultural land. Given the geographical
position of agricultural land, the classification
of local economies, the history of development
in the agricultural economy and connecting
infrastructure network, GNP proposes the
consolidation of 6 agricultural poles in urban
centres of Tirana, Lushnja, Saranda, Korça and
Shkodra.
The determination of these centres as
agricultural poles necessarily means
possessing and providing some facilities
towards the agricultural products.
In these centres, it is envisaged the
establishment and consolidation of:
- Research centres for agricultural product
analysis,
- Building structures with sufficient capacity
for the collection, processing and packaging of
various agricultural products of local farmers,
- The creation of local markets for the
promotion and marketing of bio-organic
products, protection of remote mountainous
areas, forests, forages and other areas
suitable for the cultivation of aromatic plants
from abusive informal interventions, in order to
ensure continuity of cultivation and collection
of various types of aromatic plants, which are
widely used in the pharmaceutical market,
- Promoting research and development links
between the innovation centres and processing
of food products in order to form the country's
agricultural points/poles. This may lead to the
development of agricultural tourism in country.
In the context of improving the service
functioning of the water irrigation and
drainage system of agricultural land, GNP in
line with the main objectives of MARDWA (the
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development
and Water Administration) determines the
following objectives:
a) Sustainable completion of water needs,
through rehabilitation and modernization of
irrigation systems,
b) Sustainable management of irrigation
systems, through the separation of powers
and responsibilities for the maintenance
and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure
between the central government,
administrative units and water use
organizations,
c) Ensuring with priority the drainage system
of agricultural area in the western lowland,
through the rehabilitation, improvement of
existing infrastructure and increased capacity
of hydropower plants.
d) Reducing the risk from river and sea floods,
through redesigning of protective structures,
considering new urban developments near
rivers and their deltas.
3.3.2.1 Development of agricultural/
agro-processing poles
Based on the data from INSTAT, 24% of
Albania's territorial area is considered
agricultural land. In 2014 the arable area
and the planted agricultural area amounted
to 60% or 14% of the entire territory.
Agricultural products, which are produced
mainly in the Western Lowlands, in Korça
and other large rural spaces, are generally
deposited in small collection sites, established
by local entrepreneurs or collected and
stored individually. Significant amount of
agricultural products, due to the lack of proper
management, and the impossibility of having
large collection, storage, processing and
marketing sties for the agricultural products
are perished still without being traded, thus
causing an economic risk to the local farmers.
The lack of the necessary infrastructure in
terms of the agricultural product collection
affects negatively the economy of the
local farmers and the development of the
agricultural sector, by significantly inhibiting or
reducing the amount of planted crops.
The General National Plan, in the main
strategies for the sustainable development
of rural areas and the improvement of the
standard of living of residents in rural areas,
foresees the undertaking of initiatives by the
relevant authorities for the construction and
management of large sites for the collection,
99

processing and marketing of agricultural
products. By 2030 six large collection centres
are expected to operate. Namely, the cities
designated as agricultural poles, due to
the implementation of such strategies are
Tirana, Shkodra, Korça, Lushnja, Saranda
and Dibra. In each of these cities, the General
National Plan based on the economic and
social analysis of infrastructure, suggests the
establishing of large agricultural centres or
increasing and modernizing the existing ones.
These recommended agricultural centres fulfil
at least the following services:
1) Possession and provision of enough storage
space to cope with the amount of agricultural
production in different seasons.
2) Possession and provision of respective
conditions and technologies for the agroprocessing
of agricultural products, while
simultaneously enabling the control of food
quality, according to the European Union
standards.
3) Allocation of laboratory rooms where
analyses of the physical conditions of each
crop are carried out, by means of taking the
relevant samples.
4) Possession of advanced technologies in
the area of research and development of
seeds and seedlings, in order to develop the
agricultural sector with the same pace of the
European Union.
5) Possession of technical and specialized
people in the marketing of agricultural
product.
3.3.2.2 Bio-agriculture/organic farming
Organic farming in our country, thanks to
climate conditions, geomorphology of the
agricultural land and traditional knowledge
of local farmers, has many favourable
advantages to expand and grow further as
an agricultural sub-sector.
The European market and the
Mediterranean market, due to the
development of elite and culinary tourism,
show positive trends in the ever increasing
consumption of bio-organic products.
The document drafted by MARDWA 35 ,
"Crosscutting strategy on agricultural and
rural development, 2014-2020", according
to the figures set out therein, shows that
in 2011 more than 120 farms were certified
as organic producers. In Albania, 662 ha of
land are cultivated with organic products.
Over 90% of the certified organic products
consist of medicinal and aromatic plants
collected spontaneously. Organic farms
operate almost throughout the territory of
the country, concentrated more as locations
mainly in spacious flat rural areas as
Tirana, Fier, Lushnja, Kavaja, Vlora, Durres,
or in mountainous towns such as Skrapar,
Pogradec, Kruja, Korça.
Beyond improving the quality of food
products, organic farming simultaneously
displays considerable impact on the
economic growth of the tourism sector. In
Albania, agro-tourism, mountainous/lake/
sea/river/cultural and historical tourism,
etc., are closely associated with the culinary
identity of the respective areas. Here
we can mention Theth, Dardha in Korça,
Voskopoja etc. These areas have a high
potential for the development of different
types of tourism thanks to the food and the
bio organic products, for which they are
characterized.
Establishing competitive farms
According to the data published by INSTAT
the number of farms operating in the
market, from 2013 until 2014, has been
increasing at national level, though not at
a very considerable pace. Among the main
factors affecting the incomplete efficiency of
local farms can be sorted as follows:
• Lack of a comprehensive support
infrastructure serving the development of
farms in rural areas;
• Uncontrolled demographic movements
and the phenomenon of human resources
reduction in rural areas;
• Fragmentation into small plots of
agricultural land;
35
Published in the Official Journal no.709, dated 29/10/2014
100

• Lack of well-functioning of local
agricultural product marketing.
Based on the publication of the strategic
document of the MARDWA for 2014-2020, the
average farm size has increased from 1.14 ha
in 2007 to 1.20 ha in 2012, while the size of
the plot has remained unchanged indicating
a high level of land fragmentation that
characterizes the agricultural sector.
For the purposes of increasing the economic
efficiency of farmers, a faster pace of
agricultural farms establishment in the
country is required. As reflected in the
"Agriculture Statistics, 2014" published by
the Institute of Statistics, the total number
of farms operating in Albania in 2014 was
352,315. Among the 12 regions of the
country, the region of Fier has the highest
number of farms in 2014, namely 52,169
farms, while the region of Kukes counts for
the smallest number of them, with 10,108
farms.
Out of 350,916 farms in 2012, more than
300,000 of them had their focus of activity
oriented to the production of field crops and
livestock.
routes/long natural paths into attractions
with a high potential for adventure tourism
development.
- The development of rural tourism and
other activities related to tourism such
as cultural tourism, natural tourism and
mountain tourism, summer tourism, etc.
by maintaining/reconstructing and putting
at the disposal of tourist accommodation
sector the buildings/dwellings/traditional
houses of cultural and architectural
value, for business purposes such as
accommodation, food, leisure, trade, etc.
- The processing/marketing in small-scale
of agricultural products such as milk, sheep
and goat milk, fruit/mushrooms/medicinal
and aromatic plants, including the collection
of wild plants and other traditional products
to improve food processing based on
standards of hygiene and professional
enterprise.
- Alongside the development of the typical
agricultural activities on the farm, the
development of atypical agricultural
activities, such as beekeeping and
agricultural cultivation of aromatic plants,
are recommended.
Publications from relevant regional
departments of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Rural Development and Water
Administration and the Institute of Statistics
show that the production efficiency of
these farms, due to the fragmentation of
agricultural land, needs to be improved.
- The recognition and protection of the
role of farmers as guardians of natural
resources.
- The assessment of the potential of the
country's forestry sector using degraded
forest areas as land with potential for
cultivation of local agricultural products.
- The promotion of economic forestry sector
(wood processing/joinery etc.), as an added
option to the green construction.
- The promotion of rural tourism through
the promotion of forest areas, turning
101

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
Ë
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°50'0"E
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
Vermosh-
Guci
PLAV
PODGORICE
Valbone
42°30'0"N
42°30'0"N
Qafe Morine
42°20'0"N
Hani i
Hotit
TROPOJE
BUJAN
GJAKOVE
MALESI E MADHE
Zhub
42°20'0"N
FIERZË
42°10'0"N
Liqeni
K O P L I K
i
SHKODRËS
SHKODER
FUSHE-ARREZ
HAS
Morine - Vermice
PRIZREN
42°10'0"N
Zogaj
VAU I
DEJES
PUKE
QAF - MAL
Shishtavec
42°0'0"N
Muriqan
KUKES
TETOVE
42°0'0"N
ULQIN
GJEGJAN
SHISHTAVEC
Puljaj
VELIPOJË
41°50'0"N
Lumi Buna
Porti i Shengjinit
LEZHE
MIRDITE
LURË
41°50'0"N
RUBIK
KALA E DODËS
GOSTIVAR
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
DIBER
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
FUSHË KUQE
KURBIN
ULEZ
MAT
MELAN
41°40'0"N
Lumi Ishëm
Blate
41°30'0"N
ISHËM
KRUJE
KLOS
FUSHË BULQIZË
DIBER
Vicisht
41°30'0"N
Lumi Erzen
SUKTH
VORE
KATUND I RI
KAMEZ
BULQIZE
ZERQAN
MARTANESH
41°20'0"N
SHIJAK
DURRES
NDROQ
DAJT
SHËN GJERGJ
STEBLEVË
Stebleve
41°20'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
Porti i Durrësit
Lumi Shkumbin
KAVAJE
SYNEJ
KRYEVIDH
GOLEM
PEZË
RROGOZHINE
GJOCAJ
TIRANE
BALDUSHK
PEQIN
PETRELË
BËRZHITË
KRRABË
ELBASAN
CERRIK
TREGAN
GJINAR
LIBRAZHD
PRRENJAS
STRUGE
Qafe
Thane
Liqeni i OHRIT
OHRID
41°10'0"N
LEGEND
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
Lumi Vjosë
Lumi Seman
TOPOJË
DERMENAS
FIER
DIVJAKE
LUSHNJE
QENDËR
ÇAKRAN
KUMAN
URA
VAJGURORE
RROSKOVEC
PATOS
BALLSH
BELSH
KLOS
KUCOVE
BERAT
GRAMSH
KODOVJAT
POGRADEC
UDENISHT
MALIQ
VOSKOPOJË
Tushemisht
PUSTEC
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
Stenjë
DEVOLL
Kapshtice
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
Metropolis
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Local specialized centre
Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre /
Fushe-Kruje, Lushnja, Vlora, Korca, Shkodra
40°30'0"N
MALLAKASTER
POLICAN
BOGOVË
SKRAPAR
KORCE
Agricultural pole
Shkodra, Dibra, Tirana, Lushnja, Korca, Saranda
Porti i Vlorës
SELENICE
VLORE
SEVASTER
MEMALIAJ
KASTORIA
40°30'0"N
Land with complex cultivation / agricultural land
Vineyards
40°20'0"N
ORIKUM
TEPELENE
KELCYRE
PERMET
FRASHËR
KOLONJE
40°20'0"N
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
40°10'0"N
HIMARE
KURVELESH
ZAGORIE
GJIROKASTER
PETRAN
LESKOVIK
40°10'0"N
Forest land
Municipality boundary
LUKOVË
ANTIGONË
LIBOHOVE
Tre Urat
Road infrastructure
River
40°0'0"N
DELVINE
DROPULL
Kakavije
KONICA
40°0'0"N
Water line
Dam (Group A)
39°50'0"N
Porti i Sarandës
FINIQ
Dam (Group B)
SARANDE
39°50'0"N
Dam (Group C)
KSAMIL
XARRË
KONISPOL
IOANNINA
Main port
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
Qafe Bote
FILIATES
39°40'0"N
Border crossing points (existing)
Border crossing points (proposed)
Map 3.7 Agricultural system, GNP 2030
102

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19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
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19°30'0"E
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20°10'0"E
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20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
Ë
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
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20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
PLAV
PODGORICE
42°30'0"N
42°30'0"N
GJAKOVE
42°20'0"N
TROPOJE
42°20'0"N
MALESI E MADHE
42°10'0"N
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
SHKODER
FUSHE-ARREZ
HAS
PRIZREN
42°10'0"N
VAU I
DEJES
PUKE
42°0'0"N
TETOVE
42°0'0"N
ULQIN
KUKES
41°50'0"N
Lumi Buna
LEZHE
MIRDITE
41°50'0"N
Arable crops
Porti i Shengjinit
GOSTIVAR
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
DIBER
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
MAT
41°40'0"N
Lumi Ishëm
KURBIN
DIBER
41°30'0"N
KLOS
Lumi Erzen
KRUJE
BULQIZE
41°30'0"N
DURRES
VORE
KAMEZ
41°20'0"N
SHIJAK
41°20'0"N
41°10'0"N
Porti i Durrësit
KAVAJE
RROGOZHINE
PEQIN
TIRANE
ELBASAN
LIBRAZHD
PRRENJAS
STRUGE
OHRID
41°10'0"N
Fruit trees
41°0'0"N
Lumi Shkumbin
DIVJAKE
LUSHNJE
CERRIK
BELSH
POGRADEC
Liqeni i OHRIT
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
41°0'0"N
Vineyards
40°50'0"N
Lumi Seman
KUCOVE
GRAMSH
40°50'0"N
40°40'0"N
Lumi Vjosë
FIER
RROSKOVEC
PATOS
URA
VAJGURORE
BERAT
MALIQ
PUSTEC
KORCE
40°40'0"N
Olive grooves
DEVOLL
MALLAKASTER
POLICAN
SKRAPAR
Citruses
40°30'0"N
Porti i Vlorës
VLORE
SELENICE
MEMALIAJ
KASTORIA
40°30'0"N
40°20'0"N
TEPELENE
KELCYRE
PERMET
KOLONJE
40°20'0"N
40°10'0"N
HIMARE
GJIROKASTER
40°10'0"N
40°0'0"N
LIBOHOVE
DROPULL
KONICA
40°0'0"N
Livestock
DELVINE
39°50'0"N
Porti i Sarandës
SARANDE
FINIQ
39°50'0"N
KONISPOL
IOANNINA
39°40'0"N
39°40'0"N
FILIATES
Map 3.8 Regionalization of agricultural products
103

Berat County
Ton/head
Dibra County
Bees
Sheep
Fruit
trees
Goats
Vineyards
Corn
Greenhouse
vegetables
Fruit
trees
Olive
grooves
Potatoes
0
5000
10000 15000 20000 25000 30000
0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000
Olive grooves
Greenhouse
vegetables
Vineyards
Fruit trees
Bees
23082 18386 26460 22295 0,2
Potatoes
Fruit trees Corn Goats Sheep
25598 20071 30946 63000 125000
Durres County
Ton/head
Elbasan County
Wheat
Cattle/
cow
Vineyards
Corn
Greenhouse
vegetables
0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000
Greenhouse
vegetables
Corn
Vineyards
Cattle/cow
Graphic 3.2 Agricultural production as per the county
Wheat
25598 20071 30946 63000 125000
Greenhouse
vegetables
Sheep
Fodder
Livestock/
cow
Corn
Vineyards
Goat
Wheat
Beans
Olive
grooves
0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000 700000
Olive grooves Beans Wheat Goats Vineyards
14833 4509 40801 127000 47105
Corn
Cattle/cows
Fodder
Sheep
Greenhouse
vegetables
47105 43000 666154 177000 5522
104

Fier County
Ton/heads
Gjirokastra County
Pigs
Cattle/cows
Corn
Wheat
Fodder
Olive grooves
Legumes
Vegetables
and watermelon
Greenhouse
vegetables
Wheat
Fodder
Vineyards
Sheep
Goats
0 200000 400000 600000 800000 1000000 12000001400000 1600000 1800000 0 500000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000
Greenhouse vegetables
Vegetables and
watermelon Legumes Olive grooves
38552 414032 8472 27436
Goats Sheep Vineyards Fodder Wheat
128000 270000 14112 206854 9000
Fodder
Wheat
Corn
Cattle/cows
Pigs
1710079 73904 71436 50000 21000
Korça County
Ton/heads
Kukes County
Cattle/cows
Goats
Bees (honey)
Sheep
Fodder
Legumes
Wheat
Potatoes
Goats
Fruit
trees
Sheep
Potaoes
Bees
honey
0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 350000 400000 450000 0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000
Potatoes Wheat Legumes Fodder
64164 62580 3557 403321
Bees (honey) Potatoes Sheep Fruit trees Goats
128000 270000 14112 206854 9000
Sheep Bees (honey) Goats Cattle/cows
267000 0,4 97000 34000
105

Lezha County
Ton/head
Shkodra County
Olive grooves
Vineyards
Bees
(Honey)
Fodder
Wheat
Legumes
Cattle/
cows
Corn
Corn
Pigs
Pigs
0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000
Pigs
Corn
Legumes
Wheat
Vineyards
Olive grooves
Pigs
Corn
Legumes
Wheat
Vineyards
Olive grooves
66000 26908 1318 11954 4343 1579
66000 26908 1318 11954 4343 1579
Tirana County
Ton/head
Vlora County
Cattle/cows
Corn
Fodder
Goats
Olive groves
Greenhouse
vegetables
Vineyards
Vegetables &
watermelon
Olive groves
Woolen
livestock
Bees (honey)
Citrus
50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000350000 400000 450000 500000 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 350000 400000
Vegetables and
watermelon
Vineyards
Greenhouse
vegetables
Olive grooves
Fodder
Cattle/cows
Citrus
Bees (honey)
Sheep
132060 17480 7362 7507 436069 20000 10657 0,6 338000
Olive grooves
Goats
Corn
13916 127000 34365
106

3.3.3 3 GNP proposals for the
agricultural system
Objective: Efficiency for a competitive
agricultural sector
- About 40% of the total area in Albania is
classified as agricultural land (24% arable land
and 15 per cent pastures), while the rest is
divided between forests (36 per cent) and other
functions.
- 43% of agricultural land, thus almost half
of it, is concentrated in the most populated
coastal plains of the west. About 34% of
agricultural land lies in river valleys and 23%
in the mountainous area.
- 20% of GDP comes from the contribution
of the agricultural sector, but the biggest
contribution of this sector is in the number of
employees, at around 50%.
- The highest challenge of this sector is
to reduce the imbalanced commercial
relationship between the import of agro-food
products (increased by 40% in 2012 compared
to 2007, while exports have increased at an
even higher rate, respectively 75% in the
respective periods).
Policies supported by the National Plan in this
regard are:
- Preservation
- Consolidation
- Modernization
• Maximizing preservation of the agricultural
land fund, through the urban development
densification policies. With the adoption of the
General National Plan “Shqipëria 2030”, new
constructions on agricultural land which do
not serve to the agricultural system are not
allowed.
- Well-functioning of the natural ecosystem
through the protection of green corridors
alongside the waterways (rivers).
- Reforestation of the degraded forests and
planting new areas of woodland in the free
natural areas by respecting the identity of the
relevant forest area.
• Establishing a network of successful
agricultural economic chain: production -
collection - processing - marketing, in order to
increase the economic value chain.
• Reducing the cost and increasing the quality
through investments in the following:
- Production technology for its modernization;
- Investment in the maintenance
infrastructure, irrigation channels, irrigation,
pumping stations, etc.
• Integration and cooperation with other
sectors of the economy:
- Agriculture-tourism, where the peculiarity of
the Albanian tourism sector is identified by the
agricultural products, characteristic in taste
and quality.
- Agriculture-transport, where transport
infrastructure serves to enhancing the
efficiency of the agricultural network in the
collection and marketing of agricultural
products.
- Agriculture-energy, where energy is used
in the processing of agricultural products
and is oriented towards the use of renewable
resources.
• Establishing agricultural centres/poles and
profiling the latter based on the cultivation
tradition of local crops.
• Creating brands of characteristic Albanian
agricultural products - Made in Albania.
Specializing in the cultivation and processing
of typical Albanian products such as:
- Medicinal plants,
- Fruit trees, nut trees,
- Olives and grapes,
- Characteristic vegetables of the country,
- Agricultural processed products.
107

3.4 Water System
3.4.1 National water framework and
current context
In drafting the General National Plan the
country's needs for a sustainable development
have been taken into consideration in line
with the current priorities of the country, the
Government Program for a sustainable socioeconomic
development and the European
Directives for the development priorities
aiming to achieve the expected priority results
as per the objectives stipulated in the program,
in order to provide assistance in solving the
most pressing problems of the country such as
energy and water.
In the process of drafting the GNP, it is of
relevance to recognize the water potential of
the hydrographic network of Albania, which
will include such important elements of the
Albanian nature like springs, lakes, rivers,
groundwater and the Albanian coastal space
in the Adriatic and Ionian seas. This will
serve to supply the population and industry
with eventual drinking or irrigation water,
hydropower, fishing, sailing, etc., while
respecting the standards of the European
Water Framework Directive concerning the
preservation and conservation of the natural
and living environment.
Scientific management of water and energy
has been and still remains an essential
moment with important consequences for the
welfare of present and future generations.
The European Union constantly advises that
the economic development of the country must
not be based on the intensive use of resources
in general and water resources in particular.
This should be compensated by developments
in technology, effective in maintaining the
balance of their use, considering the increased
demands of vital needs for them, and in
preserving and regenerating the latter. It
is recommended that the current relations
between economic growth, consumption of
water and energy resources and production
of waste differ significantly. Economic
development must be accompanied by
rational use of sustainable water and energy,
production of limited quantities of waste,
while preserving biodiversity, ecosystems and
avoiding environmental transformation into
wastelands.
Albania, based on its physical and
geographical conditions, possesses vast
natural resources. According to today's
references, the natural resources of water
and energy include water and renewable
energy sources (such as the hydrographic river
network, groundwater, and lake and lagoon
waters, artificial reservoirs, marine waters,
solar radiation, wind, geothermic, etc.) and
non-renewable sources (oil, gas, combustible
minerals, etc.).
Renewable natural resources are the greatest
natural wealth and the most important of
our planet, due to a special quality that is not
possessed by any other element. They are
inexhaustible and renewable.
The Albanian legislation is constantly evolving
towards the alignment of the Albanian law
with EU Water Directives. Consequently,
the Albanian Government Program for a
sustainable socio-economic development
in line with the European Directives for
development priorities aims at programming
the objectives as per the priority results
expected, in order to provide assistance in
solving the most urgent problems of the
country such as the efficient water use and
administration.
General information about the water
values and resources in Albania
Albania is a mountainous country with about
450 km of coastline and is distinguished for its
dense network and rich hydrographic system,
which is made up of rivers, springs, lakes and
the waters of the coastal area in the Adriatic
and Ionian seas.
Estuaries and deltas of 8 major rivers in
Albania, formed by more than 152 rivers and
streams are located in this space. About 65%
of their watershed lies within the Albanian
territory, a lagoon system with a total area of
108

WATER
URBAN METABOLISM ALBANIA
Water system
Flooding
Flood risk areas
(100 year return period)
Sedimentaion
Erosion
Salination
Soil salination
River system
Catchment areas
River basin
River with creeks
Water quality
Pollution
Moderate polluted river
Organic polluted river
Industrial polluted river
Polluted lake and sea
Urban discharge
Industrial discharge
Hotspote
Existing dumpsites
New dumpsites
Sewage coverage
Water supply
Fresh water
Well
Springs
Artiicial basins
Water potential
Map 3.9 Water Flow “Metabolism of Albania”, source: NTPA
109

1,500 km 2 , broad sandy and rocky beaches,
wetland series, littoral strips, the system of
sand dunes, forests, etc. All these factors,
together with the typical Mediterranean
climate make the Albanian coastal area a
large area with ecological values.
The sources of drinking water in the country
exist in the form of natural springs, rivers,
lakes and groundwater aquifers. The supply
with drinking water mainly comes from
natural springs and underground water
sources, besides the metropolitan area
of Tirana, which gets a part of the supply
from the mountainous water springs that
have been dammed to create a superficial
reservoir for water supply, which must
therefore be treated.
The Albanian territory is crossed by 65%
of the total surface of water basins of the
Balkans, about 43,900 km 2 .
Water resources in Albania are distributed
in six hydrographic water basins, which all
flow running west or northwest across the
country and have their systems from north
to south of the country as follows: Drini and
Buna rivers, Mat river, rivers of Ishem and
Erzen, Shkumbin river, Seman and Vjosa
river. It is important to note that these river
systems drain soil not only in Albania, but
also in large parts of the inhabited areas of
FYROM, Kosovo and Montenegro.
On the territory of our country, there
are also located about 250 natural lakes
of different types and sizes: tectonics,
karsts, glacial etc., and about 650 artificial
reservoirs and lakes, scattered throughout
the country.
It should be noted that uncontrolled human
activity has damaged and still continues
to damage the ecological balance of the
hydrographic network of Albania in many
aspects. Significant damage is caused
by the discharges into the waters of the
hydrographic network of Albania, of the
urban emissions and previously untreated
waste or industrial waste discharges, like
minerals, hydrocarbons etc. Inappropriate
use of inert materials from river beds
aimed for construction, or the extraction of
sand on the seashore, damaged beaches
and sand dunes, intensifying the process
of harmful marine abrasion. Even massive
and indiscriminate cutting of forests is
intensifying the process of soil erosion,
forming strong upward erosion.
Important terms and obligations of
the legal framework
“Water basin” is the area of land from
which, through a series of streams, rivers
or lakes, all surface waters flow into a river,
which flows into the sea, in a single wide
estuary, in a delta or in another river.
"Banks" are strips of land along the sea,
lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and ponds, as
well as along the flow of the rivers and
streams that, in view of the use, include at
least two areas:
a) In a width of 5m in perpendicular
direction to the ground form the upper
hillside of the natural bed in the steep coast
and 20m from the maximum line of the plots
with return probability once in 25 years,
the water on the flat banks, used for public
purposes with special provisions;
b) In a width of 100m in perpendicular
direction to the ground from the upper
hillside of the natural bed in the steep coast
and 200m from the line of the maximum
level of the plots with return probability
once in 25 years the water on the flat banks
in which every activity is determined by the
management of bodies or management of
water resources. The difference of the shore
steep slope side is 10% in perpendicular
direction to the shore.
"Water resources" are all sea waters,
sea territory, the coastline, the exclusive
economic zone, continental shelf, surface
and underground waters, together with
aquifers, and precipitation under the
jurisdiction and control of the Republic of
Albania.
110

"Geothermal Water Resources" are waters
that have temperatures consistently higher
than the average annual atmospheric
temperatures of the region, under the effect
of underground temperature, depending
on the geological structure, which may
contain sintered material and gas at a
higher amount than the surrounding water
resources, where water, vapour and natural
gas are exploded or extracted from places
where they are held through the heat from
underground, or from the dry and hot
rocks and through underground structures
modified by man.
"Mineral and thermal water resources" are
waters of cold and warm nature that are
naturally at different underground depths
in suitable geological conditions, which
are or have been brought to the surface
of the earth by one or more sources that
are determined by their mineral content or
other components, such as potable water,
curative water and similar names.
“Sanitary protection zones”
1. In order to preserve the water quality around
the source, sanitary protection areas are set
around the surface or underground source
of water used for the supply with drinking
water of the urban and rural population. The
boundaries of these zones are defined by
regulations drafted by the National Water
Council and healthcare institutions.
2. The protection areas will consist of:
a) An immediate protection area, which is
placed under the control of the agency that
deals with the production and distribution of
drinking water. This area is surrounded.
b) An area of close protection within which
it will be forbidden to build buildings, set up
industries, carry out agricultural and livestock
activities, create wells, dug channels, deposit
or discharge waste, sewerage, chemical and
toxic substances, use fertilizers and pesticides
and place cemetery.
c) A far protection area, within which the
activities foreseen in letter "b" will be subject
to special administrative authorization under
the applicable legal framework.
“Prohibited activities in coasts and beaches”
In coasts and beaches it is prohibited:
a) to change or shift the vegetation or
artificial cover;
b) to remove inert materials (sand, gravel,
stones, etc.) or turf;
c) to construct parking lots for vessels and
vehicles;
d) to create a dry place for nets;
e) to dig, drill or cause washing.
2. The water authorities are entitled by the
provisions to regulate, restrict or prohibit
the use of the beach, sea floor, dunes,
steep banks and any other surface that
is designed to protect the coast and its
maintenance, when this requires insurance
and maintenance of the beach.
“Activities on shores”
On the private and state owned lands along
the shores of rivers, streams, canals, lakes,
ponds, reservoirs, coastal lagoons and seas
there must necessarily be left:
a) An area of free land at a width from 5
to 20 meters from the shore. The width of
such surface can be further extended in
the vicinity of the mouth of the river, on
the outskirts of tight reservoirs, or if the
topographical and hydrological conditions of
rivers, lakes or reservoirs call it necessary
for securing people and property. Activities
in these areas shall be determined by the
provisions of the water authorities.
b) An area of land at a width of 100 m to 200
m, in which every activity is defined by the
water authority.
111

3.4.2 Diversity of water use
Water sources are a major resource for the
country. They are classified into surface waters
and underground waters. The relation of water
to the other sectors of economy is central to
our country. It is important to note that:
- 99% of the energy we use comes from the
exploitation of water resources,
- 14 billion m 3 of water is used by the energy
sector,
- 1.5 billion m 3 of water is used for the
agricultural sector.
The Albanian climate provides a rich amount
of fresh and clean water in the country, where
the bulk of drinking water is taken from
underground sources (80%), and only 20% of
surface waters. Less than 0.05% of the total
annual rainfall and river water is used for
industrial use and supply of water to
families per year. The irrigation system used
in agriculture is 0.25%. The only consumer
of water in Albania in a broader scale is the
energy sector. About 3% of all water flows
through large or small hydropower plants. This
amount is almost equal to the total amount of
water flowing from the rivers in our country.
The total water reserve of the surface water
and underground water is about six times this
amount. Its water system provides Albania
with an essential ecosystem device such as
electricity production, fertile agricultural land
and a landscape that is attractive for both
residents and tourists. However, the deferred
maintenance, deforestation in the north and
east (which promotes erosive activity), dams
and pollution (organic and inorganic), increase
the degradation of the lakes and rivers quality.
Mesatarja e prurjeve Average të ujërave të fresh rrjedhshëm water dhe flows rezervave and në reserves Shqipëri in Albania
në km 3 3
në vit (prurje) dhe km in km 3 per year (flows) and km 3
surface water 93.0
rivers 14.0
hydropower 14.0
oulow to the sea 41.0
irrigaon 0.5
industry 0.2
domesc use 0.6
precipitaon 426.9
evaporaon 397.0
112
Source: FAO, CIA Factbook groundwater 14.8
Burimi: FAO, CIA, Figure Fact book 3.13 Water Flow Diagram “Metabolism of Albania”, source: NTPA

a) Water in terms of potable water
supply
Most potable water in Albania comes from
underground sources (80%) and 20% from
surface waters (Floqi, 2007). Recognition,
protection and use of underground waters
are essential to urban planning.
The average amount of potable water per
capita is 12,800 m³ per year, among the
highest in Europe, while the current annual
quantity per capita of potable water supply,
is 80 m³ per year.
Underground waters can come from natural
sources of different geological formations (for
example limestone), hydro geological drillings
of wells, collective or individual wells.
The predictions of the GNP for the
concentration of population in the next
15 years and the economic activities of
national importance should go in line
with the objectives of secure supply of the
population. Below there are some maps
showing the vulnerability of the ground
waters, the water supply map and water
potential in order to highlight the ratio
among areas not provided with this service
compared to their potential, and the map of
the pollution of water resources in relation
to the concentration of population and the
measures proposed by GNP.
Approximately 70% of the country's
main cities are supplied with water
from underground wells. Also, they
are the main source for irrigation and
agriculture. Underground water is also
susceptible to contamination and in
order to preserve its quality it should be
protected. Products or substances intended
for human consumption are added to the
water used in enterprises for production,
manufacturing, handling, maintenance or
commercialization.
Surface waters can originate from
rivers, lakes or watersheds. All surface
waters presenting characteristics in
accordance to the standard of drinking
water must necessarily be subject to
appropriate treatment. Albania is also rich
in underground water resources. This is
proved by the surfacing of a large number
of sources, both small and large, in many
parts of the country (see "Hydro geological
map of Albania") such as the source of Blue
Eye, the source of Black Water (Uji i Zi), etc.,
which mark a flow of several m³/sec.
Central government authorities are
responsible for water resource management.
In this regard the recognition of the
vulnerability of ground waters and surface
waters as the primary sources for the supply of
safe drinking water is essential for the GNP.
113

Potable water 42.5 %
Irrigation water
Industry water
Construction water
Other
21 %
18.3 %
6.7 %
11.5 %
Graphic 3.3 Water Use. Elaborated by: NTPA
Total of annual production from
potable water resources
Current annual production for
drinking water supply
80m 3 /person
12,800m 3 /person
* Source: Situation in the Water Supply and Sewerages sector and Water Regulatory Entity,
Annual Report 2009_ERRU
Graphic 3.4 Capacities and utilization of potable water. Elaborated by: NTPA
114

WATER USE DIVERSITY
1 SOCIAL 2 AGRICULTURAL 3 ENERGETIC 4 ENVIRONMENT
Water as a need for
potable water supply
and sanitation.
Water in the
agricultural aspect for
land drainage and
irrigation.
Water as the main
source for energy
production.
Water in the aspect of
environment and
quality.
RESPECTIVE INSTITUTIONS
Ministry of Transport
and Infrastructure
Ministry of
Agriculture, Rural
Development and
Water Administration
Ministry of Energy
and Industry
Ministry of
Environment
Graphic 3.5 Water use diversity. Elaborated by: NTPA
115

Mati River
Ishem River
Golem
SHKODER
SHKODER
VELIPOJE
KUKES
LEZHE-
SHENGJIN
LEZHE
Velipoja bea
Sh
PESHKOPI
Gjiri i Lalzi
DURRES
TIRANE
DURRES
TIRANE
Durresi bea
KAVAJE
KAVAJE_2
ELBASAN
POGRADEC
FIER
BERAT
KORCE
KORÇE
VLORE
VLORE
Vlora be
ORIKUM
GJIROKASTËR
LEGEND
SARANDE
-Coverage with water supply service for 2014
KSAMIL
-Coverage with water supply service and
sewerage for 2014
-Coverage with water supply service and
sewerage for 2009
-Fully operational water treatment plants
-Under construction or partially operational water
treatment plants partially functioning
-Under design water treatment plants water treatment plans
LEGEND
Basins as per catchment size
-River basin of Drini_14,173 km²
-River basin of Vjosa_7,527 km²
-River basin of Seman_5,649 km²
-River basin of Shkumbin_2,445 km²
-River basin of Mat_2,441 km²
-River basin of Ishëm-Erzen_1,433 km²
-Coastal line
-River corridors
-Potable water aquifers that are being used 90-1300 l/s
Water sources with flows higher than 250l/s
-Natural resources
-Drilling wells
-Artificial basin
Map 3.10 Local units inside and outside the jurisdiction
area of Water Supply and Water Supply-Sewerages
Entities. Source: Annual report 2009 & 2014 – Water
Regulatory Entity, General Directorate of Water Supply and
Sewerages. Elaborated by: NTPA
Map 3.11 Water basins according to water catchment area and
resources size. Source: State of the Environment Report, NEA;
Water resources of Albania, Niko Pano, Elaborated by: NTPA
116

ALG1001
ALG2001
SHKODER
ALG3001
SHKODER
KUKES
ALG5002
ALG3002
KUKES
ALG2002
ALG1003
ALG1002
Velipoja beach
Shengjini beach
LEZHE
LEZHE
ALG5001
ALG3003
PESHKOPI
PESHKOPI
ALG2004
Gjiri i Lalzit beach
ALG2003
ALG1004
ALG3004
Durresi beach
DURRES
TIRANE
ALG2005
DURRES
TIRANE
ALG1005
ALG1006
Golem beach
ALG5004
ELBASAN
ALG4002
ALG4003
ELBASAN
ALG4007
ALG3005
ALG4008
ALG4004
ALG5005
ALG2006
ALG5003
ALG4009
FIER
BERAT
FIER
ALG2008 ALG4005
ALG1009
BERAT
ALG3006
ALG2007
ALG1008
Vlora beach
VLORE
KORÇE
ALG4006
ALG4007
VLORE
ALG5007
ALG2005
ALG1010
ALG5006
ALG1011
KORÇE
ALG5009
er than 250l/s
Dhermi beach
Himare beach
Borsh beach
Sarande beach
GJIROKASTËR
LEGEND
River basins quality
Good quality
Poor quality
Bad quality
Monitoring stations for lakes
Bad quality
Good quality
Satisfactory quality
Very good quality
Monitoring stations of seashores
Very good quality
Good quality
Satisfactory quality
Bad quality
Monitoring stations of rivers
Very good quality
Good quality
Satisfactory quality
Poor quality
Bad quality
ALG2010
ALG1013
ALG1014
ALG1016
ALG1015
GJIROKASTËR
ALG2011
ALG1017
ALG2012
ALG5010
ALG1018
ALG2013
ALG1012
LEGEND
Carbonate aquifer
Porous aquifer
Magmatic aquifer
Conglomerate and sandy aquifer
Other aquifers
Conglomerate and sandy aquifer
ALG4006
Aquifers codes
Water monitoring stations
River basin borders
Cities
Lakes / rivers
Map 3.12 Surface waters and basins quality. Source: Ministry
of Environment, NEA 2014. Elaborated by: NTPA
Map 3.13 Underground waters monitoring network and
aquifers typology. Source: CESMA Project 2012.
117

LEGJENDA LEGEND
Shumë i ulët Very low
I ulët
Mesatar
I lartë
Low
Moderate
High
Shumë i lartë Very high
LEGJENDA LEGEND
48 - 60 48 - 60
60 - 90 60 - 90
90 - 110 90 - 110
110 - 130110 - 130
130 - 150130 - 150
150 - 174150 - 174
Map 3.14 Evaluation of the underground waters vulnerability
118

MALESI
E MADHE
TROPOJE
FUSHE - ARREZ
HAS
SHKODER
PUKE
VAU I
DEJES
KUKES
LEZHE
MIRDITE
DIBER
KURBIN
MAT
KRUJE
KLOS
DURRES
KAMEZ
BULQIZE
VORE
SHIJAK
KAVAJE
TIRANE
ELBASAN
LIBRAZHD
RROGOZHINE
PEQIN
PRRENJAS
DIVJAKE
LUSHNJE
BELSH
CERRIK
POGRADEC
GRAMSH
PUSTEC
FIER
URA KUCOVE
VAJGURORE
RROSKOVEC
BERAT
MALIQ
PATOS
DEVOLL
MALLAKASTER
POLICAN
SKRAPAR
KORCE
VLORE
SELENICE
MEMALIAJ
KELCYRE
KOLONJE
TEPELENE
PERMET
HIMARE
GJIROKASTER
LEGEND
Areas with potable water potential
- Very high
- High
- Moderately high
- Moderately low
- Low
- Very low
- Areas not cover with water supply service
DELVINE
SARANDE
LIBOHOVE
DROPULL
FINIQ
KONISPOL
Map 3.15 Water use potentials compared to the needs for drinking water.
Source: Environment and Security – UNDP, Annual Report – Water Regulatory Entity 2014.
Elaborated by: NTPA
119

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°50'0"E
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
PLAV
VERMOSH
PODGORICE
VALBONE
THETH
GJAKOVE
42°20'0"N
BUJAN
42°10'0"N
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
KOPLIK
FIERZE
PRIZREN
42°10'0"N
SHKODER
42°0'0"N
QAFE - MAL
KUKES
TETOVE
ULQIN
VELIPOJE
GJEGJAN
SHISHTAVEC
41°50'0"N
Lumi Buna
SHENGJIN
LURE
KALAJA E DODES
41°50'0"N
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
KOLSH
RUBIK
DIBER
GOSTIVAR
LEZHE
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
LAÇ
ULEZ
MELAN
41°40'0"N
Lumi Ishëm
FUSHE KUQE
BURREL
FUSHE BULQIZE
DIBER
41°30'0"N
ISHËM
ZERQAN
41°30'0"N
Lumi Erzen
SUKTH
KATUND I RI
MARTANESH
41°20'0"N
GOLEM
DURRES
NDROQ
TIRANE
KAVAJE
PEZE BERZHITE
PEZE
PETRELE
SHENGJERGJ
STEBLEVE
41°20'0"N
41°10'0"N
SYNEJ
KAVAJE_2
BALDUSHK
KRRABE
STRUGE
OHRID
41°10'0"N
KRYEVIDH
ELBASAN
41°0'0"N
Lumi Shkumbin
GJINAR
Liqeni i OHRIT
TREGAN
KLOS
UDENISHT
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
41°0'0"N
40°50'0"N
Lumi Seman
TOPOJË
BERAT
KODOVJAT
POGRADEC
40°50'0"N
QENDËR
40°40'0"N
Lumi Vjosë
DERMENAS
FIER
KUMAN
KORCE
40°40'0"N
ÇAKRAN
VOSKOPOJË
VLORE
BALLSH
BOGOVË
LEGEND
40°30'0"N
SELENICE
40°30'0"N
Coastal area of national importance
KASTORIA
Tourist line as per the Coastal CSIP
ORIKUM
SEVASTËR
FRASHËR
Blue line for the water corridors according to GNP
PERMET
Water outflow and flooding areas
KURVELESH
ZAGORIE
PETRAN
Clean rivers
ANTIGONË
LESKOVIK
Polluted rivers
LUKOVË
Highly harmful industrial areas
GJIROKASTER
KONICA
Wastewater treatment plants
SARANDE
Chemical pollution
Urban pollution
Dumpsites locations
KSAMIL
Locations of urban and industrial pollution
Coastal erosion
XARRË
IOANNINA
Urbanisation
39°40'0"N
42°0'0"N
42°20'0"N
42°30'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°10'0"N
40°10'0"N
40°0'0"N
40°0'0"N
39°50'0"N
42°30'0"N
39°50'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
39°40'0"N
Surface water such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs
FILIATES
Specialized local center
Map 3.16 Risks of water flood, erosion and river pollution
120

) Water in agricultural terms for
drainage and irrigation of land
Water for the irrigation of agricultural
lands is taken from 626 reservoirs with
a volume of 562 milion m³. Referring to
the documents published by MARDWA 36
it appears that currently 13 drainage
boards are working, which cover the entire
territory of the country, according to the
regions administrative boundaries. The
infrastructure of irrigation, drainage and
flood protection is designed to irrigate about
420,000 ha of agricultural land (360,000 ha
potentially irrigable), ensuring 280,000 ha
drainage and reducing flood risk from river
and sea. The area mostly threatened by
flooding is the Western Lowland. In order
to drain an area of 75,000 ha, 28 pumping
stations/waterworks need to operate.
The main objectives are defined as:
• Fulfilling sustainable water needs,
through rehabilitation and modernization of
irrigation systems,
• Sustainable management of irrigation
systems through the separation of powers
and responsibilities for the operation,
maintenance and rehabilitation of irrigation
infrastructure between the central
government, administrative units and water
use entities,
• Ensuring priority drainage for the
agricultural area of the Western Lowland
through the rehabilitation and improvement
of existing infrastructure and increasing of
pumping stations capacity,
• Reducing the risk of river and sea flooding,
through redesigning of protective structures
and re-considering new urban development
near rivers and their estuaries.
County
Arable land
Water used for irrigation
m3/ha/year (2010)
Potencial
Currently
Irrigated land
(%)
Berat 52908
13150
10180
19.2
Dibra
41056
22945
15996
39.0
Durres
40568
19049
12731
31.4
Elbasan
72872
31768
21103
29.0
Fier
121961
77142
46451
38.1
Gjirokastra
45111
21057
10604
23.5
Korça
90909
33944
21874
24.1
Kukes
25292
10211
7768
30.7
Lezha
34736
18914
9168
26.4
Shkodra
50625
34611
16930
33.4
Tirana
56609
14657
1140
19.7
Vlora
62873
34004
20600
32.8
Table 3.3 Drainage and irrigation of lands as per counties. Source MARDWA
36
http://www.bujqesia.gov.al/al/programi/ujitja-dhe-kullimi
121

c) Water as an energy source
Water resources of our country, apart from
the recreational and tourist aspect, are very
important for the energetic and geo energetic
development of the country. 99% of the
electricity we use comes from the exploitation
of water resources. Geo energy also comprises
a potential in this regard.
The heat of the layers in deep soil and thermal
water of wells are two sources of this energy
use. The flow of energy in the western regions
of Albania has a density of 40MW/m 2 , while in
the north-eastern and south-eastern regions
the density reaches to 60mW/m 2 .
It is important to emphasize the preservation
of surface water resources, mainly of the
rivers from use for hydropower purposes.
Although this is a form of obtaining electricity
from a renewable source, there is no proper
study showing the extent of the impact of this
over-exploitation on the natural ecosystem
surrounding river valleys or the coastline
where they are deposited.
Requirements for a reliable supply of
residential areas are closely connected to
the technical requirements of water supply
infrastructure. Below there are some legal
criteria to be taken into account when drawing
up territorial plans.
Technical and sanitary requirements for the
water supply network
- External lines
The dimensioning of external lines, water
distribution network and the ways of
implementation of works in these facilities are
carried out under the technical conditions of
the design and implementation determined
by the Ministry of Environment and Ministry
of Health (Instruction No. 203/1995, Law No.
9635/2006).
The track of the water lines should avoid
passing through areas of the cemetery, waste
disposal sites, landfill of animal waste, various
industrial discharge areas etc. (Law No.
8605/2000). In case of mandatory crossing in
these areas, the distance should be not less
than 30 m, accompanied by other protective
enforced measures such as: reinforced
isolation with a bitumen layer and cardboard
tarpaulin or glass cloth, pipeline lining,
concreting of pipeline, bringing it into a trestle
(overhead) with insulation measures, etc.
(Ainsworth, 2004).
While passing through water obstacles,
rivers or streams, measures should be
taken in case of failure to supply with water
the inhabited centres. In case of supply of
residential areas only from one water source
when the route passes in the above-mentioned
areas (DCM No. 145/1998) the line should be
duplicated. Protective measures should be of
a constructive character, as passing through
gabion baskets, overhead traversing above
pylons, etc. The control manholes for the
external lines should be equipped with metal
lids. Before working inside the manhole, the
lid should be left open about 30 minutes to
complete its full ventilation (SDWA, 2011).
To protect metal pipes from corrosion, they
get hydro insulated before being placed in
the channel. For the pipelines which pass
over land (outside in the air), they are also
thermo insulated. In case of underpasses
of the irrigation or drainage channels, the
upper part of the pipe shall be 0.3 m from the
bottom of the channel (Law no. 8605/2000)
and reinforcing measures are also taken
through concreting or lining. Any construction
on the water supply lines is strictly prohibited.
Connection and supply with drinking water for
any type of building shall be made with the
permission of the water supply management
entity and the State Sanitary Inspectorate.
- Internal network
The shape of the internal water supply
network may be of the loop, branched typology
or combined type (Ainsworth, 2004). The
connection of the internal network of domestic
water supply to the main water supply network
should be through a control or manoeuvring
manhole (access chamber). At these points,
return valves are needed too.
During the construction of the water supply
network, pipelines should be above those
of sewerages. It is recommended to apply
the following requirements (SDWA, 2011;
122

EPA, 2011; Instruction no. 203/1995, Law no.
9635/2006).
- When the pipelines are in parallel, the
drinking water pipeline is recommended to be
0.5 m above the sewerages pipeline and the
distance between them side to side not less
than 1.5 m for water supply pipelines with a
diameter up to 200 mm, and not less than 3 m
for pipelines with a diameter over 200 mm;
- When pipelines are intersected, then that of
the drinking water is recommended to be over
0.5 m above the sewerages pipeline;
- In exceptional cases and with the approval
of the SSI other placements can be allowed,
and before covering the pipelines with soil,
it is recommended to conduct the hydraulic
testing of the network to check the quality of
the works in the presence of state sanitary
inspector.
- Water tanks
Water tanks are designed and constructed
to offset the amount of water at the time of
maximum consumption and pressure in the
water network. Calculation of their volume is
made on the basis of the technical conditions
of design and implementation approved by the
Council of Ministers (SDWA, 2011; EPA, 2011;
Instruction no. 203/1995, Law no. 9635/2006).
- Water tanks are intended to be placed on the
dominant points of the residential centre to
provide the necessary pressure in the upper
floors of the furthest houses;
- The number of water tanks and sections that
can work independently shall be not less than
two;
- The water tank is recommended to be
equipped with a manoeuvre chamber;
- The water tanks should be equipped with lids
that are firmly sealed with locks and interlocks
in order to prevent atmospheric waters;
- Tanks are equipped with “U” ventilation tubes
at a height of 2 m from the ground surface and
the lower wing shall be 0.5 m in order to avoid
the penetration of atmospheric waters, dust
and insects. To eliminate the entry of animals,
a wire mesh is installed on the pipeline with
holes of a diameter not more than 0.85 mm;
- The tanks are equipped with the inlet, outlet,
discharge, overflow and fire pipeline. The
overflow pipeline is placed leaning downwards
and is equipped with a syphon to avoid access
of various animals;
- Hydraulic testing is conducted before the
tank is covered by soil in order to check its
possible leaks and to repair them;
- Materials used to build the tanks can be
different like stone, reinforced concrete, metal
(stainless steel). The type of materials used
to build tanks must not allow water quality to
change;
- The places where the pumps are placed must
have sufficient natural lightning 1: 7-1: 8 (DCM
no. 145, dated 26/02/1998). The floor should be
insulated from underground waters.
3.4.3 The impact of climate changes on
the water system
The annual average rainfall is 1,485 mm, but
it is distributed unevenly in time and space:
the hillside has an average of 800 mm of
rainfall per year, while in the coastal territories
and mountainous regions rain falls regularly
at an average of 2,000 mm per year. 80% of
the rain falls during winter months, thus
flooding the agricultural land, while the annual
and seasonal crops of summer depend on
irrigation. According to the data, 2/3 of water
from water resources is lost during transport
and distribution, because infrastructure is
obsolete and poorly maintained. Efforts to
rehabilitate and rebuild the irrigation systems
have been on-going since 1990. In 2007, about
340,000 hectares of agricultural land had
irrigation infrastructure and approximately twothirds
was operational. 37
About 78-80% of families nationwide have
access to potable water from the water
supply line, but the service is intermittent
and of poor water quality. The average urban
families have access to water only 6 to 13 hours
a day. In rural areas, the use tap water is of
scarce quality and many families open their
wells. In the early 2000s, 73% of such wells
were contaminated by bacteria. Gastrointestinal
diseases caused by contaminated water are
already known. 38 Albania has over 600 dams of
reservoirs for irrigation and energy production.
37
According to the World Bank 2003a; World Bank 2007a; Sallaku et al 2003; Beddies et al 2004; 2010a World Bank
38
According to the World Bank 2003a; World Bank 2007a; Sallaku et al 2003; Beddies et al 2004; 2010a World Bank
123

Ninety per cent of the country's electricity is
supplied by hydropower and the demand has
exceeded the supply since 1998. The country
has numerous aquifers, but many of them are
affected by salt water or pollution.
Albania has very limited facilities for handling
sewerage waters, therefore, surface and
underground waters are often polluted by
urban, industrial and agricultural waste. 39
Patterns of change are broadly similar to the
change of annual precipitations, which means
increased in high geographical areas and
reduced in low areas. But the overall increase
in the evaporation means that a reduction in
surface streams is possible. The rainfall regime
over Drini catchment is characterized by snow
during winter in the northern and eastern part
and rainfalls in its western part.
For the catchment area of the majority of river
branches (Valbona, Shala, etc.), a large part
of the annual flow is formed by the melting of
snow in spring. An increase in temperature
means that there are more precipitations in the
form of rainfall and therefore the surface flows
during winter are increased and the melting
of snow in spring is reduced. An increase in
temperatures also increases the evaporation
and reduces the amount of water stored in
reservoirs during the winter.
Potential impacts of climate changes on the
water sector are:
• Increase in the long-term of the annual
average temperature of air and reduction
of seasonal and annual average rainfall
(combined with higher demand for evaporation)
will reduce at a longer term the annual and
seasonal surface flows in the catchment of
Drini.
• There will be no major changes to winter
time horizon up to 2100, about a maximum of
7%. Flooding will continue to occur during this
season and the period of spring floods will be
shifted to the winter season.
• High temperatures will relocate the
permanent snow limit at a higher level;
seasonal snowfall patterns are likely to change
starting later and ending earlier. Consequently,
the flows from the melting of snow in the
spring are expected to decrease significantly.
The maximum reduction is 30% for 2050 and
66% up to 2100. This should be taken into
consideration by the hydropower industry.
• In general the river flood risk will increase,
the period of the greatest risk will move from
spring to winter. Effects of recharging ground
waters (a major source for catchments) can
rise from climate change.
• Increasing sea levels can cause some
direct effects, including overflow of water
and displacement of wetlands and lowlands,
coastal erosion, increased damage from
storms and floods, increased salinity in
estuaries and coastal aquifers, and increased
coastal ground waters.
• Underground water supply will be affected
by the reduction of water filtration due to the
reduction of precipitation and river flows, and
the loss of soil moisture due to increased
evaporation. Reduction of underground water
supply in combination with the increased
salinity of ground waters can cause lack of
drinking water of adequate quality.
Risks from climate changes
Risks from climate changes
- The main factors affecting climate change
are: deforestation and reduced vegetation
cover, which allow:
- Changes in microclimates,
- Increase of erosion, which affects the
vegetation cover allowing the permeability of
soil layers above aquifers, as well as floods.
- Another factor that influences climate change
is the change in the rainfall regime. All these
factors together affect water quality.
Other factors that affect climate change are:
- Reduction and damage of vegetation cover,
- Floods,
- Risks caused by aquifers,
- Permeability by rivers,
- Erosion,
- Changes in temperature,
39
Sallaku etc. 2003; World Bank 2006a, Zdruli and Lushaj 2001; 2010a World Bank
124

99%
89%
Water supply coverage
Sanitation coverage
21.5
h/d
30%
Water supply duration (hours/day)
Non -revenue water reduction
Graphic 3.6 Strategic objectives for 2030; Source: Water Supply and Sewerages Services Sectorial
Strategy 2011-2017; Elaborated by NTPA
Përfundime
Strategjitë identifikojnë disa probleme kryesore në sektorin e furnizimit me
Conclusion
ujë dhe kanalizimeve. Këtu mund të përmendet fakti se edhe pse një ndër
vendet me potencial me të lartë ujor në rajon, furnizimi me ujë në Shqipëri
The strategies
është i ulët në
identify
krahasim
some
me
key
vendet
problems
e tjera evropiane,
in the sector
veçanërisht
of water
në zonat
supply and
sanitation. rurale. Furnizimi Here we me can ujë mention ka ndërprerje the fact ose that nuk although ka presion one të qëndrueshëm
of the countries
with në high rrjet, water një pjesë potential e madhe in the e ujit region, mbetet the e pa water faturuar supply që vjen in nga Albania mungesa is low e
compared ujë matësave, to other menaxhimit European të countries, dobët dhe efikasitetit particularly të ulët in rural të përdorimit areas. të Water
supply burimeve has interruptions njerëzore si dhe or mungesa no sustained e dezinfektimit pressure të on ujit, the e cila network, sjell rreziqe a large part
potenciale për shëndetin e popullatës.
of the water remains unbilled from lack of water metering, poor management
Në objektivat e strategjive, vihet re se investimet në sektorin e ujit nuk janë
and low
të orientuara
efficiency
drejt
of the
zonave
use
në
of
rritje
human
dhe zonave
resources
me potencial
and lack
për
of
zhvillimin
disinfection
e
water,
which turizmit. brings potential risks to public health.
Strategy Plani objectives, i Përgjithshëm noted Kombëtar, that investments u vjen në ndihmë in the këtyre water strategjive sector nëpërmjet
parashikimeve expanding areas të përqendrimeve and areas with të popullsisë tourism development në 15 vitet e ardhshëm potential. në
are not oriented
towards
The General polet ekonomike National kryesore Plan, assists dhe në qendrat these urbane strategies sipas through hierarkizimit. the prediction of
Studimi mbi nevojat kombëtare do të shërbejë për të përcaktuar sasinë e
concentrations of population in the next 15 years in the major economic poles
nevojave për investime kapitale në sektor.
and in urban centers by hierarchy.
The study of national needs will serve to determine the amount of capital
investment needed in this sector.
125

- Damage of the aquifer layers,
- Exploitation of water resources by
hydropower,
- Illegal logging and deforestation.
The effects become visible in the decline of
water quality and loss of biodiversity.
3.4.4 GNP recommendations on the
water system
The GNP recommendations are in line with
the problems observed by the sectorial
strategic documents, the metabolic analyses
of the system and the supporting studies
conducted over the years. These have been
classified as follows:
• Recommendations regarding
management issues
- Rational use of water while maintaining
the balance of aquifers abstraction/
recharge;
- Control of illegal activities;
- Development of clear policies that affect
the sector's development in the water
system;
- Coordination among institutions at local,
regional and central level;
- Improvements in the legal framework
regarding monitoring.
• Recommendations regarding issues with
the amount of waters
This is related to the promotion of
sustainable use of water resources,
therefore the following are required:
- Investments in capacity-building and
know-how on water resources and in
particular on the geological layers and
aquifers limits;
- Sustainable exploitation of underground
waters, including uncontrolled drilling;
- Maintaining catchments with rain
precipitations for agricultural use.
• Recommendations regarding pollution
issues
Human activities and natural resources
together are the leading cause of ground
water pollution, which is associated with
long-term negative effects on ground water.
Regardless of how small these pollution
sources are, due to the fact that the removal
of contaminants from ground water is
difficult, purifying water has high costs.
Despite the distance, a potential source of
contamination should not be placed above
the well height. We should note that the
method of construction of a well and its
placement can be the premise that leads
to the nitrate pollution, but they are not the
only cause of pollution.
• The recommendations refer to
pollution from various sources which
have great impact on the quality of water
resources. The main causes of pollution
have been identified as: mismanagement
of wastewater treatment infrastructure,
restricted sanitary areas, unstable
agricultural practices and illegal drillings.
Thus, sectorial plans, at regional and local
level, should reflect concrete measures that
protect the water system from:
- Pollution from sewerage,
- Pollution from agricultural activities,
- Pollution from mining,
- Pollution from surface areas and crossborder
waters with other countries,
- Pollution from urban waste collections,
- Pollution from illegal activities,
- Damage of river banks,
- Illegal drillings,
- Industrial zones in cross-border countries,
- Use of pesticides and fertilizers,
- Pollution from landfills,
- Limited (small) protection areas,
- Bad or no treatment of wastewater from
urban, industrial and agricultural uses,
- Intensive exploitation of river gravel,
- Urban waste dumpsites,
- Considerable agricultural and industrial
activities.
Proposals
Policies of urban densification and natural
corridors along the river valleys are the
primary policies that the General National
Plan brings to the support of this system.
To protect the Water System, GNP has
established:
126

• the Blue line which aims at:
- Protecting the coastal line from prohibited
uses as defined by the sectorial legislation
on the protection of water resources;
- Monitoring the activities for economic
exploitation in the area of the coastal band;
- Regenerating the natural corridors that
follow the flow of the river streams.
• To recognize and protect the values of
the natural landscape of the territory that
extends from the shoreline to the crest of
the first hilly/mountain range.
• To take under protection the basin of
Vjosa 40 . Vjosa differs from all other rivers
in the Balkans for its high degree of water
flow, geological formations and the diversity
of the landscape along the valley. The
protection will be accomplished through
a process of integrated management of
water resources, aiming to define ecological
areas to be declared under protection,
harmoniously pursuing the following
principles:
1. Social Equality: to ensure equal access
for all users (especially the marginalized
groups and poor users) to the necessary
quantity and quality of water, to meet their
needs and welfare;
2. Economic Efficiency: to bring benefits to a
greater number of users;
3. Ecological Sustainability: to ensure that
the water ecosystems are considered as
separate users and their allocation is done
to support their natural function.
Furthermore, we highlight the
recommendation of the European
Parliament (P8_TA-PROV (2016) 0134 2015
Report on Albania).
40
See the recommendation of the European Parliament (P8_TA-PROV (2016) 0134 2015 Report on Albania) that “…The
Government of Albania shall control the development of hydropower plants in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the
area around Vjosa river and protected areas, in order to preserve the integrity of the existing national parks; recommends
to improve the quality of the environmental impact assessment, to take into consideration the EU standards, defined in
the “Birds and Habitats Directive” and “Water Framework Directive”; encourages the Government of Albania to increase
traNTPArency through public participation and consultation process during project drafting”.
127

Water System Pollutants
1. Agricultural Potential
Polluters
Wrong applications of pesticides,
fungicides and fertilizers
Leakages from storage containers
Excessive animal feed
Livestock use
2. The management of
Polluting Waste
Septic systems location
3. Agricultural Potential
Polluters
Old landfills
Unfenced landfills
Storm water
Septic tanks
Fuel storage systems
Farms, lawns, motor engines
and swimming-pools chemicals
Urban wastes
Abandoned wells
Table 3.4 Sources of the water system pollution
128

4. Industrial Potential
Polluters
Chemicals
Oil
Cleaning devices
Machineries
Metals
Electronic products
Bitumen
Mining (superficial and
underground)
Pipelines
Storage tanks (overhead and
underground)
5. Commercial Potential
Polluters
Car services
Oil
Gas stations
Road maintenance warehouses
Freezing equipment
Boatyards, railway machineries
Construction sites, airports
Dry cleaning
Pipelines
Medical facilities, research labs
Photo processing, printers
Operational and abandoned
wells (e.g. gas, oil, water supply,
injections, monitoring and
exploration)
Walls dividing lagoons with
scum
Applications in river soils
129

I. Pressures on water quantity
Fresh water renewable resources
Fresh water renewable resources
during drought periods
Total flow of surface and underground waters vs.
total quantity of rain waters
Water use
Ratio between water quantity used for various purposes
vs. fresh water resources
Demand for water use
Ratio between underground waters used for various purposes
vs. total quantity of underground waters
Water quantity per capita
Ratio between the demand for water quantity for various purposes
vs. total quantity of water resources
Water used by hydropower plants
Ratio between drinking water quantity vs. 1-total quantity of
water resources quantity 2-underground waters quantity
Underground water use
Ratio of annual domestic water quantity per capita
Demand for potable water
Ratio between water quantity used for irrigation purposes
vs. total quantity of water resources
Demand and water quantity
for irrigation
Ratio between water quantity used from hydropower plants
vs. total quantity of water resources
Reduction of underground waters
Reduction of underground waters due to over abstraction
Losses
Ratio between water quantity that is lost (not from use) in the system
due to various reasons vs. registered quantity of water resources
Table 3.5 Measurement of indicators for the water system
130

II. Pressures on water quality
Quality of potable water
This is tested by means of the quantity of samples
to test patable water
Industrial waste waters
Quantity of untreated industrial waste water flow vs. waste water
flow quantity (generated in a specific area)
Domestic waste waters
Quantity of waste water from domestic use vs. domestic waste
waters in a specific area
Specific pollutions
The quantity of a pollutant vs. the maximum level allowed for
the same component in potable water
Use of fertilizers on
agricultural lands
The quantity of organic fertilizers or minerals used per unit
of the agricultural land
Use of pesticides
The quantity of pesticides used per unit of the agricultural land
Landfills
Reuse of Water
Ratio between recycled waters reuse vs. the quantity
of waste water flows
Permeability of sea water
in the coastal aquifers
The quantity of water flows (brackish salty or under the direct
threat of permeability vs. total quantity of fresh waters)
Protection of habitats
The total amount of protected areas vs. the total area of a zone
Water demand depending
from ecosystems
The quantity of the demand for water along the rivers
Annual water demand for endemic
and threatened species
Endemic and threatened species
131

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°50'0"E
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
VERMOSH
Vermosh-
Guci
PLAV
Valbone
42°20'0"N
42°30'0"N
E762
PODGORICE
Hani i
Hotit
RAZEM
Bajze
TAMARE
BOGE
JEZERCE
THETH VALBONE
TROPOJE
NIKAJ-MERTUR
Qafe Morine
Zhub
GJAKOVE
E851
42°30'0"N
42°20'0"N
E762
FIERZE
42°10'0"N
42°0'0"N
BAR
Landscape
coastal road
E851
ULQIN
KOPLIK
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
Zogaj
Muriqan
E851
MALESI
E MADHE
Itinerari
Grile
SHKODER
KOMAN
Mjede
VAU
I DEJES
PUKE
Krume
FUSHE-ARREZ
Morine-
Vermice
HAS
E851
Maja e
Pashtrikut
KUKES
Shishtavec
PRIZREN
TETOVE
42°10'0"N
42°0'0"N
41°50'0"N
Puljaj
Lumi Buna
VELIPOJE
E762
Baqel
LEZHE
Rubik
E851
MIRDITE
Rreshen
E851
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
Korab
GOSTIVAR
41°50'0"N
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
Skuraj
Milot
Lure
DIBER
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
Lumi Ishëm
Kepi i
Rodonit
Ulez
Kune-
KURBIN
Vain
Lac
E762 Gjorm MAT
Mamurras
KRUJE
Spac
Burrel
Luzni-Bulac
Blate
DIBER
Via Skanderbeg
41°40'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
Via Egnatia
Ishem
Fabrika e Cimentos
Mali i Dajtit
Vicisht
Budull Fushe Kruje
BULQIZE
Lumi Erzen
Gjiri i
KLOS
Lalzit VORE
KAMEZ
E762
Sukth
Shkozet
Mali me Gropa
Kashar
Martanesh
SHIJAK
Shengjergj
DURRES
Stebleve
Yzberisht
Plazh
Shebenike-
Peze
Kuturman-
Golem TIRANE
Jabllanice
Qafa e Bushit
KAVAJE
Lumi Shkumbin
Kalaja
e Turres
E853
RROGOZHINE
DIVJAKE
Karavasta
Lekaj
Dushk
Petrele
E852
Bishqethem
PEQIN
LUSHNJE
Paper
BELSH
Kraste
ELBASAN
Vidhas
CERRIK
Mirake
Gjinar
Dardhe-Xhyre
LIBRAZHD
STRUGE
E852
Xhyre
PRRENJAS
Qukes
E852
E86
Lin
E86
Memlisht
E852
OHRID
Qafe Thane
Liqeni i OHRIT
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
Via Egnatia
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
Gradisht
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
Via Appia
Lumi Vjosë
Sazan
Lumi Seman
Pishe-
Poro
Levan
Novosele
Narte
Libofshe
Grykederdhja
Seman
Karaburun
Kraps
E853
E853
FIER
SELENICE
VLORE
Kote
ORIKUM
Llogara
URA
VAJGURORE
RROSKOVEC
PATOS
MALLAKASTER
Kasnice
Ballsh
Rafineri
E853
Kuc
HIMARE
Corrush
Izvor
KUCOVE
TEPELENE
Progonate
Ftere
Borsh
Molisht
BERAT
POLICAN
Ballaban
MEMALIAJ
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bogove
GRAMSH
KELCYRE
SKRAPAR
Piskove
Ura e
Leklit
Manastiri i PERMET
E853
Nivanit
Parku
Natyror
Petran
Zheji
Kardhiq
Rezervati
Rrezome
Prishte
Odrican
GJIROKASTER
Hotove-
Dangelli
LIBOHOVE
Guri i Kuq
Voskopoje
MALIQ
Vithkuq
KOLONJE
Piskal-
Shqeri
Germenj-
Shelegur
E86
KORCE
Borove
Tre Urat
Tushemisht
POGRADEC
PUSTEC
Rezervati
Kangonji
E86
Nikolice
Bredhi i
Drenoves
DEVOLL
Morrava
Stenje
Bilisht
Kapshtice
KASTORIA
E86
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
LEGEND
Rrimary road
Planned/under construction primary road
Primary roads to be reinforced / proposed
Secondary roads
Planned/under construction secondary roads
Secondary roads to be strengthened / proposed
Tertiary roads
Planned/under construction tertiary roads
Proposed/under construction tertiary roads
Railway infrastructure
Proposed railway infrastructure
E851 E86 E853 E852 E762
Trans-European Road Network
Coastal Landscape Road
Road with a landscape to be recovered
Sailing itinerary
Border point Proposed border point
Symbols for railway infrastructure
40°0'0"N
DELVINE
Jorgucat
KONICA
40°0'0"N
Main station
Passengers station
Station only for goods
39°50'0"N
SARANDE
Saranda port
Mesopotam
FINIQ
E853
Kakavije
DROPULL
E853
39°50'0"N
International hub
National hub
Airport
Marina
Urbanization
Priority and natural protected area
Butrint
KONISPOL
IOANNINA
Proposed airport
Airfields
National Importance Area
Municipal center
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
Qafe Bote
FILIATES
Landscape coastal road
39°40'0"N
Main port
Energy port
Protected natural tourist area
Waterfront tourist area
Map 3.17 Intergrated transport infrastructure, GNP 2030
132

3.5 Infrastructure System
The relevance of the infrastructure system
in carrying out the vision of GNP “Shqipëria
2030”, converting Albania into an energy hub
for the region and into an interconnection
centre for the Eastern Europe, is highlighted
since the very first chapter of the GNP.
Territorial integration of the country and
the balanced distribution of flows within the
territory depend on increasing the capacity
of transport of people, goods, energy and
information, as well as improving time
efficiency, cost reduction and bridging
distances.
The physical infrastructure of roads, public
transport, energy and communication are of
special relevance to the GNP, as they directly
affect the establishment, expansion and timely
connection of a particular development.
Other economic and social infrastructures
such as water supply – sewerage system,
treatment of waste water, transportation,
disposal and treatment of waste, schools,
hospitals, are required to be established
in accordance with the concentration of
population and meet the requirements for
appropriate expectations if we aim a balanced
territorial development of the country. Waste
management should be treated with priority,
especially the efficiency, and low-cost and
competitive management, if it is to develop the
industrial and processing sector in the country.
The main feature of countries with successful
economies is that they have an integrated,
well developed infrastructure, which supports
mobility. Public and private transport, energy
and communication networks, convergence
of this network at strategic points promote
sustainable development.
The general objective of the General National
Plan is to support the development of an
integrated network of transport, energy and
communications, while different management
and governing authorities sectors must predict
their further development in an integrated
manner. Therefore, in the future when it comes
to new transport, energy or communication
corridors, they must be designed under a
common view, in a network that does not
fragment the territory, but is integrated with
the necessary capacity to respond to the
requests for development up to and beyond
2030.
In any case these development frameworks
should be easily adaptable to future
developments, such as the demographic
changes or other national needs. For instance,
reserving or storing existing abandoned
airfield infrastructures for potential future
uses.
Because such investments are associated
with special/high economic needs, which often
determine the level of progress in this sector, a
strategic planning and coordination of private
and public sectors is necessary.
The network of physical infrastructure consists
of the following key elements:
• transport - including public, rail, air and sea
transport,
• energy - including electricity, oil, gas,
mineral resources,
• communication - including
telecommunications network, optic fibres, etc.
3.5.1 Transport Infrastructure System
To support a balanced regional development
the national transport should be developed:
• On the basis of transverse corridors east
- west, connecting the eastern part of the
country to the main ports and corridors that
allow longitudinal north – south permeability
of the territory.
• The establishment of an integrated network
of public transport infrastructure, supported
by multimodal terminals connecting the main
urban centres.
• Capacity building in support of new and
innovative technology in the transport sector,
which enables the reduction of energy demand
and reduction of CO 2
emissions in the air in
this sector.
133

• Strengthen international connecting
corridors access across the country by
strengthening the interconnection and
exchange nodes in the network of national
transport and international connections,
ports, airports, customs border crossing
points.
Regional and local plans and the use of land
in these areas must take into consideration
this development of the transport network
and support it with the development of the
secondary and tertiary network.
a) Road transport corridors
Albania's future transportation can be
classified into:
• transversal strategic corridors
• longitudinal strategic corridors
It is important to note that some of these
corridors are perceived as interconnecting
strategic lines and that their detailed projects
and programs will be followed by sectorial
strategies.
Transversal Strategic Corridors
In the northern part:
- “The Nation’s Road”, a completed axis,
which needs to be improved with terminals
to strengthen the connections of people and
goods in public transport, Kosovo - Tirana,
Kosovo - Durres, Kosovo - Shkodra - Lezha
(port of Shengjin, Velipoja beach).
In the central part:
- "Arbri Road", an axis under construction
which cuts by 100 km the distance from Dibra
- FYROM to Tirana and the port of Durres.
- Central VIII Corridor - This corridor,
although it has not received the right attention
in terms of policy to its full construction,
constitutes one of the most important and
strategic links of our country of regional
and international interest; it represents the
shortest link between the Black Sea and the
Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean). The key point
in this corridor will constitute in empowering
the port of Durres. This corridor will be
strengthened not only by the revitalization of
the existing railway line and its improvement,
but also by the road construction of the "Via
Egnatia", as a landscape road of historical and
cultural heritage value.
In the southern part:
- The potential interconnection between Korça
- port of Vlora. There are good opportunities to
be developed, especially with the construction
of TAP pipeline. Therefore a faster access
to the sea would be provided to one of the
primary centres and also encourage and
increase the incoming capacity of the port
of Vlora not only from the central part of the
country but from the eastern and southern
part as well.
Supportive Transversal Axis
- Shkodra-Vau i Dejes-Kukes
- Durres-Kruja-Dibra
- Berat-Gramsh-Pogradec
- Himara-Kelcyra-Permet–Kakavija
- Sarada–Kakavija
Longitudinal Strategic Corridors
The North-South and Adriatic-Ionian
highways ensure a fast permeability of the
territory and the connection with the countries
of the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.
These corridors will be strengthened by the
revitalization and improvement of the existing
railway line.
Coastal landscape road [Velipoja - Shengjin
- Patok - Durres - Divjaka - Seman - Vlora -
Dhermi - Saranda - Butrint], one of the most
strategic ties with regards to strengthening
the economy of the country's coastal
tourism and agrotourism. The road will be
of a landscape nature, with a low impact
on the environment (not designed for heavy
traffic) that is equipped with the appropriate
infrastructure in key connecting – stationary
nodes, which coincide with local centres
or important localities along this route. It
is worth mentioning that due to a higher
environmental sensitivity of the areas where
segments of this route are expected to fall, a
special attention should be given to the design
of the green belts along the route.
Central Axis, [Tirana - Elbasan - Berat -
Gjirokastra] will reinforce the north - south
connection of the country, which is of strategic
134

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°50'0"E
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
VERMOSH
Vermosh-
Guci
Valbone
PLAV
42°10'0"N
42°30'0"N
42°30'0"N
PODGORICE
TAMARE
JEZERCE
THETH
VALBONE
Qafe Morine
42°20'0"N
Hani i
Hotit
RAZEM
Bajze
BOGE
NIKAJ-MERTUR
TROPOJE
Zhub
GJAKOVE
42°20'0"N
42°10'0"N
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS Koplik
MALESI
E MADHE
FIERZE
Krume
HAS
Morine-
Vermice
PRIZREN
Zogaj
Grile
SHKODER
PUKE
Maja e
Pashtrikut
42°0'0"N
Muriqan
Mjede
VAU
I DEJES
KOMAN
FUSHE-ARREZ
KUKES
Shishtavec
TETOVE
SHKUP
42°0'0"N
ULQIN
Puljaj
Baqel
41°50'0"N
VELIPOJE
Lumi Buna
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
LEZHE
Rubik
MIRDITE
Rreshen
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
Korab
GOSTIVAR
41°50'0"N
Skuraj
Milot
Lure
DIBER
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
Kune-
Vain
Lumi Ishëm
Kepi i
Rodonit
KURBIN
Lac
Gjorm
Mamurras
KRUJE
Ulez
Spac
MAT Burrel
Luzni-Bulac
Blate
DEBAR
41°40'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
Gjiri i Ishem
Lalzit
Mali i Dajtit
Lumi Erzen
Budull Fushe Kruje
KLOS
DURRES VORE
Sukth
Mali me Gropa
Shkozet
Kashar
KAMEZ
Martanesh
SHIJAK
Yzberisht
Plazh
Golem
TIRANE
Shengjergj
Kuturman-
Qafa e Bushit
BULQIZE
Vicisht
Stebleve
Shebenike-
Jabllanice
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
Peze
Petrele
KAVAJE
Lekaj
Kalaja
e Turres
Bishqethem
PEQIN
RROGOZHINE
Lumi Shkumbin DIVJAKE
Paper
Dushk
BELSH
Karavasta
LUSHNJE
STRUGE
Kraste
Mirake
Xhyre
PRRENJAS Liqeni i OHRIT OHRID
ELBASAN
Qafe Thane
Qukes
Vidhas
Gjinar
Lin
CERRIK
Tushemisht
Dardhe-Xhyre
Memlisht
Stenje
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
40°50'0"N
Lumi Seman
Grykederdhja
Seman
Gradisht
Libofshe
KUCOVE
GRAMSH
Guri i Kuq
POGRADEC
PUSTEC
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
40°50'0"N
40°40'0"N
Lumi Vjosë
Pishe-
Poro
Levan
URA
FIER VAJGURORE
RROSKOVEC
PATOS
BERAT
Mali i
Tomorrit
Voskopoje
MALIQ
Rezervati
Kangonji
Bilisht
40°40'0"N
Novosele
Narte
Kraps
Kasnice
MALLAKASTER
Ballsh
Rafineri
Molisht
Bogove
SKRAPAR
KORCE
Bredhi i
Drenoves
DEVOLL
Morrava
Kapshtice
40°30'0"N
SELENICE
VLORE
Corrush
POLICAN
Odrican
Vithkuq
Nikolice
KASTORIA
40°30'0"N
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
Karaburun
ORIKUM
Llogara
Kote
Prishte
Hotove-Dangelli
Izvor
MEMALIAJ
KOLONJE
KELCYRE
Piskal-Shqeri
Borove
Piskove
TEPELENE
Manastiri i PERMET
Ura e Nivanit
Leklit
Germenj-Shelegur
Progonate
Kuc
Parku
Petran
Natyror
Zheji
HIMARE Ftere
Kardhiq
LIBOHOVE
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
LEGEND
40°0'0"N
Borsh
Rezervati
Rrezome
DELVINE
GJIROKASTER
Konica
KONICA
40°0'0"N
International /national main corridors
Interurban roads
Jorgucat Kakavije
Regional/urban road
Airport
39°50'0"N
SARANDE
Mesopotam
FINIQ
DROPULL
39°50'0"N
International hub
National hub
Port / Anchor point
Border crossing point
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
KORFUZ
Butrint
KONISPOL
Qafe Bote
FILIATES
IOANNINA
39°40'0"N
Main station
Station only for goods
Passengers station
Municipal center
Protected natural tourist areas
Marine tourist area
Map 3.18 Road transport and multimodal nodes, GNP 2030
135

importance to Albania's integration within
the central European corridors. It will also
improve the inland urban centre links.
Eastern Corridor [Tropoja - Has - Kukes -
Dibra - Bulqiza - Prrenjas - Pogradec - Erseka
- Leskovik], due to the physical characteristics
of the territory, mainly mountainous and hilly,
this link is not an easy task, but it is important
in terms of investments in improving the
quality of the existing road infrastructure
and where possible deviations and shorter
connections between cites and urban centres
in general. This connection is important in
terms of strengthening the country's eastern
gates in particular, also mitigating the
marginalization of the urban centres of the
country's eastern suburbs.
Implications of the road infrastructure
network in the multimodal transport
- Implementation of a road investment
program under the GNP is a key element in
increasing the accessibility and better regional
development throughout the territory of
Albania.
- Regional and secondary roads will play a
key role in linking the main national transport
corridors to rural areas and smaller local
centres within these areas, which will need
to be supported with funding policies and
programs.
- Further improvements will be needed to
increase the quality of road connections
between urban centres, which will be
developed as gateway cities or multimodal
hub centres, with a special focus on Lezha,
Durres, Vlora, Himara, Saranda.
b) Air transport
• 40% of the international tourists currently
travel via air transport.
• Air transport industry generates a total of 29
million jobs globally (through direct, indirect
and induced catalytic impact).
• Aviation is estimated for its high utilization
norms (occupancy) from 65 to 70%, which
is more than the double of the road and rail
transport.
• Air transport completely covers its
infrastructural costs. Unlike road and rail
transport, it is a net contributor to the
National Treasury through taxation. 41
• The airline industry has contributed to
the globalization of the world economy. It
connects buyers and sellers, transports goods
through nations, breaks barriers of distance
and time. 42
Factors affecting the growth of air traffic
are myriad, complex and act globally,
regionally and nationally. Among other main
factors of economic growth is the economic
development of a country, which is generally
expressed by the GDP. A country with a
high GDP means a developed market and
employees who travel to develop their firms
and to expand the market of operation. This is
translated into lower rates of unemployment
and higher household incomes leading to
increased desire to travel. Reduction in real
costs of air travel leads directly to the growth
of air traffic. Otherwise known as "South East
Effect" is the phenomenon of galloping growth
of air passenger traffic due to reductions in
the costs of flying and introduction into the
market of Low Cost lines. Such an example
in Europe is Ryan Air, famous for "Weekend
getaways" enabled to European citizens.
Population growth rates are another factor
that affects the growth of air traffic. This
phenomenon is generally observed in
countries with significant demographic growth
such as India or China. But despite this, for
the increase in population to affect the growth
of air transport it must be accompanied
by increased income per capita. Economic
liberalization is another key factor that directly
has an impact on AT. A free market increases
competition, improves quality and brings
travel cost reduction by enhancing the high
figures of passengers.
41
http://www.icao.int/Meetings/wrdss2011/Documents/JointWorkshop2005/ATAG_SocialBenefitsAirTransport.pdf cit. Mott
MacDonald, 2005
42
Introduction to Air Transport Economics: From Theory to Applications, 2013
136

But, can the development of air transport
spur economic growth?
IATA 43 report on "Aviation Economic Benefits" 44
argues that the investment in AT can generate
economic benefits in a large scale. There are
important and positive benefits generated
by investments in aviation infrastructure and
services, particularly in emerging economies.
By increasing the links of a country in the
global air transport network, investment in
aviation can increase productivity and ensure
long-term economic growth.
Further liberalization helps to increase
the connectivity through air transport. AT
liberalization could further increase the
demand and ensure that the services which
provide connections to increase and to be
sustainable in the longer term. It also provides
the necessary commercial freedom for airlines
to adjust appropriately the capacities in order
to adapt to changes of the market demands.
For example, the increased connectivity in
air services between Poland and the United
Kingdom since 2003 has increased by 27% the
GDP of Poland, while growth in the UK, already
consolidated in this service, was much more
smaller, about 0.5%. These changes provide
a long-term estimated growth of Poland's
GDP of $634 million per year. The UK has also
benefited, with a GDP growth estimated at $45
million per year.
Broader economic benefits from aviation help
to enhance long term competitiveness. The
higher interconnection that AT provides and
improvements in productivity and GDP growth
that it can ensure, help to significantly increase
the competitiveness of a country. The World
Economic Forum (WEF) has developed a global
competitiveness index (GCI) for the travel and
tourism sector. WEF index includes many of
the factors needed to develop connections and
create wider economic benefits in terms of
productivity and economic growth. There is a
clear positive correlation between a country’s
liaison and its performance in the WEF index.
For emerging economies, annual economic
return rates (on investment in the AT sector)
are lower than in developed countries, still
remaining at high levels, ranging from 16%
to 28%. Developing countries face capital
expenditures, especially for new planes,
which are similar to those faced by developed
countries. Thus, although the increase in
GDP is proportionally higher in emerging
economies, capital expenditures are still high.
However, the available economic return is still
high and provides a strong justification for
investment in the aviation industry.
GNP proposes liberalization of the market
in this sector bringing in Low Cost airlines.
Thus, two new airports in the north and
south of our country are proposed. In
the North, the airport of Kukes has been
materialized as an investment. Whereas in
the south, it is suggested to construct the
airport more inland of the territory in order
to protect the vulnerability of the Albanian
coastline. However, a feasibility study should
be carried out by the responsible sectorial
transport authorities, in order to define
more specifically the location of this airport.
This airport will serve, among others, the
cities of Saranda and Gjirokastra, which
have both been considered not only as the
main urban centres for the next 15 years,
but are also designed as entry gates to
the most interesting tourist regions of our
country. Concurrently, the former airport
fields in Shkodra and Korça are proposed to
be preserved free from construction, while
assessing the possibility to develop them to
the benefit of the air transport in the near
future.
This proposal directly affects the achievement
of the objectives of the GNP: increasing
competitiveness in the region, raising the
country's connectivity with the region and
beyond, and therefore expanding markets and
economic growth.
In collaboration with MTI, indicators should
be developed to measure the country's
43
International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global commercial company for airline companies, which
represents 260 airline companies or 83% of the total air traffic
44
http://www.iata.org/publications/economics/Documents/890700-aviation-economic-benefits-summary-report.pdf
137

connection with the region and beyond, the
accessibility and its permeability.
c) Maritime transport
- Europe (EU/EEA) has the largest fleet of
ships in the world, directly employing around
300,000 sailors aboard commercial vessels
and 3 million people in related jobs. 45
- The White Paper published by the
European Commission, which reflected the
ambitions and goals of the EU for 2050,
stated as a main goal the unification of
the transport system to solve the needs of
500 million European citizens. Regarding
seaports, the goal is their connection with
the transport of goods and where possible
with inland waterways. 46
- Considering that over 80% of world trade
is carried out by sea freight, maritime
transport remains the backbone supporting
international trade and globalization. For
the EU, which remains the most important
exporter at the global level and the second
importer, shipping and all other marine
services are essential in helping European
companies to compete globally. 47
- Nearly 40% of the exchange of goods
between the EU member states is
carried out by sea. Each year, 400 million
passengers arrive or depart from the
European ports. The domestic market for
the provision of maritime transport services
has a key role in the performance of the
European economy as a whole and the
quality of life and prosperity of maritime
regions. The islands and peripheral regions
are especially dependent on maritime
transport. 48
European ports are vital inputs, which
connect its transport corridors with the
rest of the world. 74% of goods enter or exit
Europe by sea pass, which lead Europe to
be the best regarding port services in the
world. Ports play an important role in the
exchange of goods in the domestic market
and in connecting peripheral areas and
islands to the mainland. They are not only
essential to the movement of goods, but also
generate employment. 1.5 million workers
are employed in European ports, with the
same amount again employed indirectly in
22 maritime European countries. 49
Meanwhile, the important Albanian ports of
Durres, Vlora and Shengjin, are not noticed
on the "List of Sea Ports in the Core and
Comprehensive Networks” 50 .
This is a disadvantage, which the GNP
seeks to address through the corridors
proposed and the primary reinforced centres
by converting these cities into entry and
exit gates for the country, but also into
strategically strong points with important
gravitating inflow of tourists transport,
goods, and energy distribution nodes.
Becoming part of the development of the
national infrastructure, which connects
Albania to the pan-European corridors
and strengthening major ports will lead to
development and making Albania part of the
European-funded development programs.
For example, "The new guidelines for
the development of the trans-European
transport network (TEN-T)" have already
identified 329 key ports along the European
coastline, which will become part of a
unified network boosting development and
competitiveness growth in the European
Common Market. In this way the financial
instrument, which will connect the services
will provide up to €26 billion to support the
European infrastructure including ports and
their inland connection for 2014-2020. 51
45
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/strategies/facts-and-figures/transport-matters/index_en.htm cit: ECSA, Bimco/ISF, ITMMA
46
http://www.gizmag.com/single-european-transport-area/18345/ (last access 03/09/2015)
47
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/maritime/international_en.htm (last access 03/09/2015)
48
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/maritime/internal_market/index_en.htm (last access 03/09/2015)
49
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/maritime/ports/ports_en.htm (last acess 03/09/2015)
50
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/maritime/ports/doc/2014_list_of_329_ports_june.pdf (last access 03/09/2015)
138

Proposals
GNP proposes increasing and strengthening
the main existing ports in Albania.
The port of Shengjin, Durres, Vlora and
Saranda are proposed to increase their
capacity and functions, according to the
studies that will ensure the differentiation
of functions and technical projects, for the
implementation of adequate conditions.
The port of Saranda as well, is proposed to
increase its capacity, oriented towards the
tourism sector.
construction to be only associated with
increased tourist activity in inhabited centres,
whether existing villages or secondary
coastal cities. Construction of marinas
in underdeveloped areas requiring new
connecting infrastructure and not indicating
a direct impact on economic growth and
empowerment of the existing residential
centres around them, is not promoted.
- Port of Shengjin is proposed to be profiled
as the port of the main urban centres of
Lezha and Shkodra, and the western and
northern gates of the axis Lezha - Nish and
Shkodra- Podgorica.
- Port of Durres is suggested to receive
investments to increase its capacity and
complementary functions. It is proposed
as the central western gate connecting the
national roads of Corridor VIII to the West and
the corridor Scandinavia - Mediterranean.
Concurrently, the industrial port of Porto
Romano, near the port of Durres, as its
complementary part, is suggested to be
connected with the adequate infrastructure
and supplemented with complementary
functions.
- Port of Vlora is proposed to receive
investments to increase its capacity and
complementary functions. It is proposed to
serve as the south-western gate, which is an
important node of a strategic axis, not only
as a transport corridor, but also as an energy
corridor.
- Port of Saranda is proposed to receive
investments to increase its capacity and
convert it into a main tourist port.
• GNP suggests that the construction of
marinas should be closely related to the
development of cities and tourist areas.
In this regard, the Plan suggest their
51
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/maritime/ports/ports_en.htm
139

19°0'0"E
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42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
VERMOSH
Vermosh-
PLAV
Guci
Valbone
42°10'0"N
42°30'0"N
VALBONE
42°30'0"N
42°20'0"N
PODGORICE
TAMARE
BOGE
Hani i
Hotit
RAZEM
Bajze
JEZERCE
THETH
NIKAJ-MERTUR
TROPOJE
Qafe Morine
Zhub
GJAKOVE
42°20'0"N
42°10'0"N
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS Koplik
MALESI
E MADHE
FIERZE
Krume
HAS
Morine-
Vermice
PRIZREN
41°50'0"N
42°0'0"N
Zogaj
Muriqan
ULQIN
Lumi Buna
Puljaj
VELIPOJE
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
Grile
SHKODER
Mjede
VAU
I DEJES
Baqel
KOMAN
LEZHE
Rubik
PUKE
FUSHE-ARREZ
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
MIRDITE
Rreshen
Maja e
Pashtrikut
KUKES
Shishtavec
Korab
GOSTIVAR
TETOVE
SHKUP
41°50'0"N
42°0'0"N
Railway lines
Stations as per their functions
Logistic nodes
Hani i Hotit
Skuraj
Lure
DIBER
Bajze
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat Milot
Kune-
Vain KURBIN
Lac
Lumi Ishëm
Gjorm
kepi i Rodonit
Mamurras
KRUJE
Ulez
Spac
MAT Burrel
Luzni-Bulac
Blate
DEBAR
41°40'0"N
Koplik
Grile
SHKODER
Mjede
Morine
KUKES
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
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41°0'0"N
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Lumi Vjosë
Lumi Seman
Lumi Erzen
Lumi Shkumbin
Pishe-
Poro
Levan
Novosele
Narte
Gjiri i Ishem
Lalzit
Budull
DURRES VORE
Sukth
Kashar
Shkozet SHIJAK
Kalaja
e Turres
Yzberisht
Plazh
Golem
Peze
KAVAJE
RROGOZHINE
DIVJAKE
Karavasta
Grykederdhja
Seman
Karaburun
Kraps
ORIKUM
Lekaj
SELENICE
VLORE
Fushe Kruje
TIRANE
Dushk
Gradisht
Libofshe
URA
FIER VAJGURORE
RROSKOVEC
PATOS
Llogara
Kote
HIMARE
KAMEZ
Bishqethem
PEQIN
LUSHNJE
Petrele
Paper
BELSH
KUCOVE
Kasnice
MALLAKASTER
Ballsh
Rafineri
Kuc
Corrush
Mali i Dajtit
Shengjergj
BERAT
KLOS
Mali me Gropa
Molisht
Vicisht
Stebleve
Kraste
Mirake
Xhyre
PRRENJAS
ELBASAN
Qukes
Vidhas
Gjinar
Lin
CERRIK
Dardhe-Xhyre
POLICAN
Martanesh
Kuturman-
Qafa e Bushit
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bogove
GRAMSH
BULQIZE
SKRAPAR
Odrican
Voskopoje
Memlisht
Guri i Kuq
Vithkuq
MALIQ
STRUGE
Liqeni i OHRIT
Qafe Thane
KORCE
Shebenike-
Jabllanice
Prishte
Hotove-
Dangelli
Izvor
MEMALIAJ
KOLONJE
KELCYRE
Piskal-
Piskove Shqeri
TEPELENE Ura e
Borove
Leklit Manastiri i PERMET
Nivanit
Progonate
Germenj-
Parku
Petran
Shelegur
Natyror
Zheji
Ftere
LIBOHOVE
OHRID
Tushemisht
Stenje
POGRADEC
Nikolice
Rezervati
Kangonji
PUSTEC
Bredhi i
Drenoves
DEVOLL
Morrava
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
Bilisht
Prespa e
Vogel
Kapshtice
KASTORIA
41°30'0"N
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Shkozet
DURRES
Sukth
Plazh
Golem
Kavaje
Lekaj
Baqel
Rreshen Fushe-Arrez
LEZHE
Rubik
Burrel
Skuraj
Klos
Milot
Lac
Gjorm
Mamurras
Ishem
Fabrika e cimentos (Cement factory)
Fushe-Kruje
Budull
Vore
Mirake
Kraste
ELBASAN
Vidhas
Paper Cerrik
Bishqethem
Peqin
TIRANE
Kamez
Kashar
Yzberisht
Librazhd
Prrenjas
Qukes
Xhyre
Rrogozhine
Memlisht
Dushk
LUSHNJE
POGRADEC
Guri i Kuq
Gradisht
Maliq
Libofshe
KORCE
FIER
Bilisht
Kraps
Levan
Kapshtice
Kasnice
Novosele
Ballsh
Narte
Rafineri
VLORE
Memaliaj
Tepelene
GJIROKASTER
Dropull
Kapshtice
Lin
Qafe Thane
GJIROKASTER
Konica
40°0'0"N
DELVINE
Mesopotam
Kakavije
KONICA
40°0'0"N
LEGEND
International hub
Airport
39°50'0"N
SARANDE
FINIQ
DROPULL
39°50'0"N
National hub
Port / Anchorage point
KORFUZ
Butrint
KONISPOL
IOANNINA
Main station
Station only for goods
Border crossing point
Municipal center
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
Qafe Bote
FILIATES
39°40'0"N
Passengers station
Protected natural tourist areas
Map 3.19 Rail transport and the multimodal nodes, GNP 2030
140

d) Rail transport
The importance of investments in the
regeneration and establishment of a
sustainable railway system is found in the
main objectives of the EU strategic documents
in relation to transport: over 50% of goods
transported on roads longer than 300 km will
be carried out by rail and marine transport
(30% by 2030).
- Transferring 50% of the public road
transport to railway transport.
- Tripling the length of railway lines for highspeed
trains by 2030, also intervening in
amending the legal framework that will enable
this.
- Creating a fully functional multimodal
system by eliminating barriers.
As per the MTI document on the priority
projects for transport infrastructure in 2014,
the sector of railway transport is projected to
be revitalized in the following segments:
• Tirana-Rinas (Airport Road)-Durres
• Durres-Vlora
• Durres-Hani i Hotit (border with
Montenegro)
• Durres-Lin, Pogradec (border with
FYROM). 52
GNP proposes:
• Restructuring the railway system in line with
the Directive 2012/34/CE, as amended;
• Constructing railway lines to support
intercity movement;
• Constructing railway lines within the ports of
Vlora, Durres, Shengjin and using them for the
transportation of passengers as well;
- Establishing multimodal systems;
- Connecting airports to the rail transport;
- Connecting railway lines to major ports;
- Connecting the railway network with the
border crossing points: Montenegro, FYROM
and Greece. Enabling a railway connection
of the border with Greece as an entry point
to the South-North Balkan railway corridor.
From there is enabled the rail transport to
Thessaloniki - Podgorica
and beyond.
On transport in general:
• An evaluation of the main urban centres to
become key cities, national entry-exit gates
should be carried out. In these gateway cities,
not only intersect roads of a primary national
relevance, connecting us to the European
corridors, but they also provide alternative
transport for exchange of goods via rail and
water infrastructure.
• Developing joint cross-border projects with
a focus on increasing connectivity through
improved transport infrastructure.
• For all secondary centres, the provision of a
transport network is foreseen which enables
a fast connection of these centres with the
primary urban centre providing specialized
and more advanced public services.
• Considering the possibility of unifying the
transport corridors with the energy corridors,
not only for the corridors planned, but also
assessing the existing ones.
• Projecting national roads of historical
character, i.e. revitalization of "Via Egnatia"
and "Via Skanderberg" etc., as landscape
tourist routes; at this point the cooperation
with historians is important.
• Reducing emissions of pollutants (CO2)
through investments in technology, innovation
and capacity building (the European target
for 2030 is to reduce emissions by 60%
for transport in general). Encouraging the
use of new technologies in transport and
environmental friendly energy sources,
such as electricity, hydrogen and hybrid
technologies for long-distance freight
transport and more.
• Promoting urban public transport
and alternative transport through "soft"
infrastructure, roads for pedestrians and
bicycles.
52
The agreement for the project of railway construction from Kerçova to Lin which is part of the VIII corridor.
141

Arctic Ocean
Arctic Ocean
North America
7%
Atlantic Ocean
Africa
12%
Europe
9%
18%
Asia
3%
45%
Pacific Ocean
Pacific Oceanr
South America
3%
Indian Ocean
Australia
4%
Southern Ocean
Map 3.20 Goods movement in containers
Map 3.21 Goods transport traffic in the Mediterranean
Venece
Ravena
Koper
Rijeka
Ancona
Taranto
Cagliari
Gioia Tauro
Pireus
Izmir
Malta
Latakia
Limassol
Beirut
142
Alexandria

V
Beograd
VII
IV
IV
Bukuresht
IX
VII
Constanta
Sarajevo
X
VII
Bjala
Nis
VIII
Pleven
Gorna
Varna
Ploce
Podgoricë
Prishtinë
X
Radomir
Sofia
IV
VIII
Burgas
Dupnica
Plovdiv
Svilendgrad
Bari
Brindisi
VIII
Shëngjin
Durrës
Tiranë
Elbasan
Shkup
Veles
VIII X
Lin
Florina
Kapshtice
IV
Selanik
E
IX
Ormelion
E
Alexandroupolis
IV
Stamboll
Vlorë
Sarandë
Kristalopigi
E
Janina
Igumenica
Corridor IV Corridor VII Corridor IX EGNATIA highway
Corridor V
Corridor VIII
Corridor X
North - South Corridor
Map 3.22 Multimodal transport development axis in Albania
Italy serves as a logistic platform of exchanges
between the Mediterranean area and Northern
Europe. Albania can take this role in the
Balkans and the Black Sea.
Albania, in the future, can be an important
transit point for freight traffic from the Far
East, India, Middle East and North Africa, to the
Balkans and the Black Sea.
Over the recent years, Ancona has obtained a
particularly favourable position particularly for
the lines connecting to Asia and especially China.
This role can be covered by the port of Shengjin
through strong investments, as one of the
deepest ports for container transport, (Map 3.21).
Import - export of goods in the world shows the
great potential of the Adriatic highway, where
the role of the Albanian ports should also be
considered, (Map 3.20).
These opportunities multiply with the creation
of "FITM", through the connection with Corridor
X, VIII and the EGNATIA highway.
Note: Map 3.22 conceptually represents the axes
of multimodal transport development supported
by strategic European axes.
143

ENERGY
URBAN METABOLISM ALBANIA
ENERGY PRODUCTION
Hydropower
Large hydropower plant
Hydropower concession
Hydropower concession
New hydropower plant
Electricity network
Powerplant
Substation
Line 400 kV
Line 220 kV
Line 110 kV
OH line under construction
Future OH line
Energy potential
Rrezatimi ditor mesatar
Eolic system
< 0.25 GJ/M3
Geothermal energy
20 - 30 GJ/M3
30 - 40 GJ/M3
temperature in depth
Fossil energy
Oil eld
Gas eld
Gas seep
Oil eld
Trans Ariatic Pipeline
TAP line
144 Map 3.23 Energy Flow “Metabolism of Albania”, source: NTPA

3.5.2 Energy
a) The context and objectives of the energy
system
In order to ensure a competitive internal
energy market, it is necessary to orient the
energy production towards alternative sources,
such as renewables or hydrocarbons. On the
other hand, this development strategy will
ensure a stable supply of energy, which will
coincide with the growing demands of the
population and the impacts of climate change.
OBJECTIVE: DEVELOPING AN EFFICIENT
ENERGY NETWORK
POLICY: DIVERSIFICATION TOWARDS
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Regarding the energy infrastructure system,
the National General Plan aims:
• 0% energy import - converting Albania to
an exporter of energy instead of being an
importer; In the recent years our country's
dependency on imported electricity has
been increasing. Gross import of electricity
(incoming energy) resulted in an increase of
44,5% in 2014, reaching to 3,356 GWh from
2.323 GWh in 2013. The gross exports of
electricity (outgoing energy) reached to 288
GWh in 2014 from 1,425 GWh that was a year
ago); 53
• To consolidate the two main ports with
appropriate infrastructure for the exportimport
of crude oil and its derivatives: Porto
Romano and the port of Vlora 2 – Petrolifera
Terminal;
• To construct the gas energy corridors: TAP -
IAP - IAP Kosovo - and interconnection lines.
These will enable the integration of Albania's
energy system in the energy infrastructure
of the Western Balkans and Europe. In this
context, Albania is an important corridor
connecting Greece with European Union
countries and Croatia. TAP also provides an
opportunity for underwater power link between
Italy and Albania, one of the largest economies
of the European Union;
• An energy efficient network system which
will: 54
- use 20% of renewable energy,
- have 20% energy efficiency,
- reduce by 20% the emissions of CO2 into the
atmosphere.
• To achieve the three macro-objectives
for creating an internal energy market at
a European level: Competitiveness - Safe
Supply – Sustainability. 55
GNP addresses and prioritizes the leading
indicators of economic development in the
energy sector, as follows:
- Revaluating the reserves for energy
production from traditional energy sources
and renewable ones. Of great importance is
to encourage and promote capacity building
in renewable and clean energies based on the
Kyoto Protocol.
- Revaluating the potential of renewable water
resources for electricity complex production
from small and medium HPPs, as well as for
hydro-economic development.
- Evaluating geothermic sources under the
use of renewable energies as a valuable
contribution to the country's energy balance.
- Evaluating from the macroeconomic and
feasibility point of view the production and use
of bio fuels in Albania.
- Scientific and technical assessments for the
study of environmental and economic impacts
in areas above and below hydropower dams up
to the sea.
- Transforming the electricity system into a
more sustainable system, less dependent on
energy imports, based on the growth of power
transmission capacity and on the diversity of
energy sources, and into an electricity system
of the future. Optimizing the distribution
system and reducing energy demand, by
providing appropriate and sustainable
solutions.
- Improving energy management, to increase
its efficiency, including innovations to
rationalize the use and energy conservation,
53
Electricity Balance, INSTAT 2014
54
National Strategy on Energy 2013-2020
55
With reference to the European Commission policies on energy
145

Domestic consumption
Transport
45.7%
Agriculture
67.9 %
Services
1.8 %
3.1 %
Other
12.3 %
Services
21.3 %
18.3 %
Industry
Industry
14.1 %
7.4 %
7.4 %
Domestic consumption
Agriculture + Fishing
Graphic 3.7 Electricity consumption as per the sectors of the economy. Source: National Strategy on Energy
2013-2020; Elaborated by: NTPA
Graphic 3.8 Energy balance for hydrocarbons as per the sectors for 2010. Source: National Strategy on Energy
2013-2020; Elaborated by: NTPA
enhance security, reduce harmful emissions
into the environment and increase competition
in the energy sector.
- Evaluating opportunities to increase the use
of hydrocarbons as alternative energy sources.
Revaluating industrial coal reserves based on
their quality and quantity, as well as identifying
opportunities for its production and use for
industrial and municipal purposes, through the
application of clean coal technology.
- Revaluating the extracted and prognosis
reserves of oil and gas as per their quality and
quantity, as well as identifying opportunities
for the implementation of advanced
technologies in order to increase the extractive
quantities of oil and gas, accompanying this
with the improvement of technologies for
processing these raw materials, and their
use for electricity generation, transportation,
industrial applications, services, and domestic
consumption.
For the General National Plan, it is important
to strengthen the existing hydropower
infrastructure, as the macro values show that
a large proportion of imported electricity is
due to the losses in distribution lines. While
attention should be given to increasing the
security and the capacity of large hydropower
dams in the north, such as Fierza, Koman
and Vau i Dejes. Their total installed capacity
reaches the value of 1350 MW.
- In relation to the transmission and
distribution networks, special attention is
paid to strengthening the national network in
order to meet international standards of supply
and to take into account the growing demand
for energy. The main forecasts are: 400 kV
transmission lines Albania - Kosovo, Albania
- Montenegro, Albania - FYROM and Albania -
Greece;
- Increased Dam security;
- 110 kV loop lines of southern Albania
(completed).
Regarding the relationship between regional
and local planning and planning of electricity
network, the following issues should be taken
into consideration:
• The need to resolve the electricity
infrastructure in the regional and local plans to
ease economic progress at national, regional
and local level.
• The need to connect with the operators of
the transmission and distribution networks,
especially in urban and suburban centres.
• To ensure the necessary territorial
availability for current and future electrical
transmission lines (overhead or underground)
in order to ensure continuity of supply to
existing users and those anticipated for the
future.
146

) Types of renewable energies
Based on the National Action Plan on
Renewable Energy Resources, 2015-2020
(NAPRES), which was approved by DCM No. 27,
dated 20/01/2016: Albania provides over 95% of
electricity from hydropower, a substantial part
of energy is imported, the quantity of which
varies - depending on the annual conditions
- between 30% and 60% of the total primary
energy supply. Renewable energy can be a
solution for reducing this dependency on
imports and improving not only the security
of energy supply, but also the macroeconomic
and political security of the country by
reducing the country's budget deficit.
Based on these facts that provide the context
for the possible increase of the role of RES in
the current energy and economic situation in
Albania, and based on the principles of energy
security and the added economic value in the
national economy, the following RES policy
objectives have been approved:
I. Consuming renewable energy sources to the
level of 38% in 2020;
II. Diversifying renewable resources in the
country, not only from hydropower but also
from wind, solar, biomass and geothermal
energy; Using domestic energy sources,
especially in remote areas by opening new jobs
and improving the living standards;
III. Increasing the contribution of biofuels and
other fuels from renewable sources by 10% in
the total fuel consumption from the transport
sector by 2020.
Hydropower
Currently, all electricity production in the country
depends on hydropower. Although Albania has
a large hydropower potential, up to now only
35.4% of it is used. The country has a total
installed capacity of 1,466 MW and an average
production which marks 4,800 GWh. The total
hydropower reserves enable the installation of
a power at 4500 MW and the annual production
can reach up to about 16-18 TWh. 56
Electricity supply is affected by two main factors:
- Instability of the weather (dependency from
rainfalls),
- The lack of diversification of energy production
(lack of other options for power generation).
The challenge of supplying Albania with electricity
is further affected by the constraints of the internal
and external transmission capacity associated with
the region, as well as from the insufficient amount
of energy available for the supply of and trade
with the neighbouring countries. This situation,
including extreme weather conditions, adversely
affects not only Albania, but its neighbours as well.
In a liberalized market environment, the growing
trend of energy demand raises issues of territorial
planning in relation to:
• Priorities to reinforce the electricity transmission
and distribution networks,
• The establishment of new lines or stations in
places where loads are expected to be added,
• The establishment and consolidation of the best
practices in local planning.
Related to the expansion of the power supply
potential, it is important to put into operation the
"Ashta1 & 2" HPPs and complete the construction
of Devoll Hydropower plant. Plans for the
construction of new hydropower plants on the
Drini i Zi river, will be evaluated in accordance with
cross-sectorial technical studies (whether water
basins management plans, hydroenergy sectorial
plans or other), which will be drafted and approved
by the competent authorities, in accordance with
the applicable legal framework and adherence
to international conventions and directives of this
sector.
Solar energy
Our country is considered to have the best
regime of solar energy and a high potential of
solar radiation. Solar energy is a promising
source of energy for the future and its use is a
potential for the following reasons:
• it is a natural source of energy, which is
inexhaustible,
• it is the largest natural reserve of energy that
is distributed worldwide in larger quantities
than our energy needs,
• it is clean, it does not require additional
expenses and does not represent any danger to
the environmental pollution.
56
Thorough details on the hydro-energy figures and capacity can be found in the official webpages of MoEI and NANR.
147

The above-mentioned arguments lead to the
conclusion that in Albania, the use of solar
energy to produce hot water for sanitary
and technology needs and the production of
electricity, by replacing electricity, is a chance
provided by nature that should be carefully
used.
In the territory of our country we have a
significant potential of solar energy, where
many areas are exposed to radiation ranges
from 1,185 kWh/m2 per year up to 1,700 kWh/
m2 per year.
Estimates show that the more favourized
regions for natural energy potential are,
again, the western regions. Thus, every m2
of horizontal surface in these regions during
the November-March period actually gets
up to 380 kWh/year, while the territorial
average for this period is about 340 kWh/
year. The territorial solar distribution (amount
of sunshine hours) and particularly the
relative one, which in such cases is used as a
quantitative indicator of shadowing, is about
2,400 hours in the whole territory, whereas
in the western part it is over 2,500 hours
and in the field of Myzeqe it reaches to more
than 2,700 hours. In the northeast part solar
radiation has quite small values. For example,
in the city of Kukes, the annual amount of
sunshine hours is less than 2,000 hours.
The highest value of daily quantities of solar
radiation is observed during the warm period
of the year and particularly in the summer
months. There have also been estimates of
PODGORICE
PODGORICE
MONTENEGRO
MONTENEGRO
KOSOVO
KOSOVO
PRIZREN
PRIZREN
BITOLA
BITOLA
KARDIA
KARDIA
GREECE
GREECE
Line 110 kV
Line 110 kV
Existing lines
Existing lines
Line 220 kV
Line 220 kV
Line 110 kV (planned) Line 110 kV (planned)
Line 400 kV
Line 400 kV
Line 220 kV (planned) Line 220 kV (planned)
Line under constructionLine under construction
Line 400 kV (planned) Line 400 kV (planned)
Main HPP
Main HPP
Map 3.24 Fortification of transmission lines
Map 3.25 Transmission lines
148

"bad days" (these days are those in which the
solar day is less than 1.5 hours. The analysis
of this parameter confirms that the western
part of Albania is more favourable than the
inland in terms of solar energy utilization. In
our country, the number of sunny days varies
from an average of 240-260 days a year up
to a maximum of 280-300 days a year, in the
south-western part. 57
Wind energy
As in all the subtropical regions of Europe,
even in our country we have winds flowing,
which often vary in direction and speed
throughout the year. The average wind speed
in Albania varies respectively from 1.6m/sec
in Peshkopia to 4.6m/sec in Xarra. Regarding
directions, greater speed corresponds to
the south , SW and NW directions. Based
on the data obtained until now, studies
and indicators demonstrative promotions
have been carried out, which are based on
the potential possibilities of wind energy
production. (National Program for Research
and Development, Ministry of Education and
Science).
Geothermal energy
Today, low enthalpy geothermal energy is
directly used in an integral manner with the
solar and wind energy. It is primarily used
for house heating and cooling and for the
recreation of healthy people and ecotourism.
It is also used for balneology purposes, for
the heating of greenhouses, for production of
flowers and vegetables, for the development
of agriculture, in the growth of fries and
cultivation of algae, for the production of
creams for skin diseases, makeup, and, lately,
also for the extraction of microelements and
natural salts. Low enthalpy geothermal wells
and resources in Albania, such as springs of
hot water, are located in three geothermal
areas: in Kruja, Ardenica and Peshkopia. It
is noteworthy that in our country, thermal
waters in spas use geothermal hot springs
for curative effects. Energy use from these
waters still is not being utilized, although their
potential offers such an opportunity. According
Map 3.26 Renewable energy utilization potential
to the report of the NANR, energy
experiments estimates from the four largest
sources, the thermal Baths of Elbasan,
Peshkopia, the well of Kozani - 8 and Ishmi
- 1/b, show that the general flow of thermal
water is at 44.8 l/sec, the capacity of the
geothermal energy is 6.64 MWt and the
potential power to be installed is 7,084 kW.
These data are promising enough to start
energy projects for the use of this renewable
energy source.
Solar energy (quantity of sunshine hours)
< 2100
2100 - 2300
2300 - 2500
2500 - 2700
> 2700
Wind energy
3000 - 4500
4500 - 5250
Geothermal energy

The ground waters of our country are another
natural asset of an invaluable value. In total,
11 major aquifer basins, whose reserves have
been estimated from the recent studies, were
identified. Interesting data on the presence
of aquifers have been confirmed by drillings
for oil and gas, thus expanding the research
area. Karsts systems also contain significant
water reserves. Also, very important are the
sources of fresh water in the coastal area of
Vlora - Saranda.
considered to be the result of illegal logging.
The potential of bio energy production is
greater when considering that Albania has
some 403,651 ha of bare land that could be
used for short time rotation plantations or
energy production.
36 % Forests
Thermal waters still constitute unused
assets. They are spread in various parts
of our country. Interesting information
was derived from oil drilling in the Kozani
and Ishmi wells, where during acquisition
presence of water with satisfactory benefits
at temperatures fluctuating between values
of 60-87 0 C 58 has been observed.
16 %
Pastures
24 %
Other sources
24 %
Agriculture
Land
Regarding temperature, it varies between
extensive limits, up to 18.8 0 C, at an average
of 16.4 0 C in 100 m depth, until it reaches
105.8 0 C in 6,000 m depth. In the central part
of the lowland near the Adriatic, where there
are many oil and gas wells, the temperature
reaches 68 0 C at 3,000 m depth. Albania
enjoys a high potential for obtaining energy
from geothermal and biomass sources.
Energy from biomass
Biomass is an energy source that is spread
almost all over the country. Besides firewood,
which continues to be used inefficiently, the
large amount of shrubs and urban solid
waste 59 presents a great interest.
The main types of forests are oaks, beech,
and black pine. Our country has five types of
forest trees, Mediterranean shrubbery, beech,
oak, Mediterranean and alpine spruce. The
annual potential of biomass for bio energy
production includes firewood, branches,
leaves and wood processing residues.
Firewood consumption is estimated to be
around 2 million m3, much more higher than
the official statistics data. This change is
Graphic 3.9 Energy from biomass. Source: Rural
Development Strategy for Albania, World Bank
c) Hydrocarbon-based energy sources
Currently, scientific and economic
management of energy sources (oil, gas,
coal) is closely related to the amount of
reserves, situation and usage conditions of
existing deposits, etc. Due to the condition of
wells, financial difficulties for investments in
maintenance works, the need for technology
renovation and the application of modern
software for conducting surveys, the
production provided by the oil resources has
been in relatively low figures. During these
recent years, in order to create the possibility
for investments in existing oil and gas fields,
a series of Hydrocarbon Agreements have
been signed with several foreign companies,
which consequently have led to the increase
of crude oil production, improvement in the
condition of wells exploitation, as well visible
environmental improvements. For these
reasons, the production of crude oil in the
country reached to 1,279,136 tons in 2015
from 314,298 tons in 2000.
58
NPRD Water and energy, ARTI
59
Renewable resources and development of energy infrastructure in Albania. The role of trade lines (A. Nashi)
150

The overall potential of hydrocarbons deposits
has been identified from the calculations
of reserves, though it is necessary to make
revaluations based on the contemporary
methods for the conversion of the reserves
in compliance with the current standards.
Under these circumstances, revaluation of the
reserves according to the requirements and
current standards by the relevant structures
of the Albanian state, highlighting known
reserves, reliable and partly potential is an
essential issue for the good management,
alongside the revaluation of the reserves
made by foreign companies that operate in
the existing fields of crude oil and natural
gas.
Although oil fields have been exploited for a
relatively long period now, the coefficient of
reserve recovery is low. However, from the
recently conducted petroleum operations
as part of the Hydrocarbon Agreement
a new discovery of oil and gas has been
unfolded in the area of Shpiragu, region of
Berat (in Block 2 of research area), where
the work for concretization and evaluation
of the hydrocarbon-bearing capacity of the
forecasted structure will continue. Under
these circumstances, further technological
improvements, increased research activity
for new deposits of hydrocarbons, as well
as comprehensive revaluation of deposits,
especially in limestone ones, remain a
paramount task in the sector of oil and gas.
and Selenica 700 million tons of oil, a part of
which are trapped, have migrated to molasse
deposits. Besides Selenica and Patos, surface
feeders in the area of Kuçova are considered
important, given the bitumen bodies
encountered in some of the drilled wells.
Putting these assets into a rapid economic
circulation, by applying investigated utilization
rates, as well as standards for environmental
protection, is of paramount relevance.
Revaluating extractable and forecasted
oil and gas reserves according to their
quality and quantity, as well as identifying
opportunities for the implementation of
advanced technologies to increase the
quantities of extractable oil and gas,
accompanied by improved technologies for
processing these raw materials, and their
use for electricity generation, transportation,
industrial applications, services and family
consumption.
Note: Point “c” has been drafted according to
comments suggested during the consultation
process with the Ministry of Energy and Industry.
Although natural gas reserves and production
are currently limited, scientific analysis of
the situation and review on the perspective of
the geological structures of the Near Adriatic
Plain allow for the forecast of other objects.
At the same time, based on new data, it is
necessary to estimate gas reserves that
might have been generated by also using a
coefficient on the possibility of trapping.
The analysis of geological formation and the
forecasted estimates show that from the
carbonate structures of Patos-Verbas, Kuçova
151

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°50'0"E
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
PLAV
PODGORICE
42°30'0"N
PRISHTINE
42°30'0"N
IAP
Shkoder - Podgorice
GJAKOVE
LEGEND
42°20'0"N
42°20'0"N
Administrative boundaries
42°10'0"N
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
PRMS Shkoder
SHKODER
Koman HPP
600MW
Fierze HPP
500MW
8
Lak-Rosh
Vlahan
CTMS AL - Kosove
IAP
Kukes - Prishtine
PRIZREN
42°10'0"N
Energy port
Airport
Industrial pole
Hydroenergy
Main hydropower plants
41°50'0"N
42°0'0"N
IAP Bushat -Ulqin
ULQIN
Lumi Buna
Ashtat 1&2
HPP 48MW
CTMS
Bushat
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
PRMS
Lezhe
Vau i Dejes
HPP 250MW
A
LEZHE
Biomass
TPP 140MW
Shkopet HPP 24MW
Munelle
Kalimash
7
Lure HPP 25MW
Lapaj HPP
15MW
Skavica HPP
300MW
PRMS Diber
PRMS Kukes
KUKES
Bele HPP
30MW
GOSTIVAR
TETOVE
41°50'0"N
42°0'0"N
Small hydropower plants
110 kV line
Line 220 kV line
Line 400 kV line
Reinforcement of lines
Alternative energy
Area rich in mineral resources
Iron-nickel deposit
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
Lumi Ishëm
B
PRMS
Mamurras
Ishem 1b
PRMS
Fushe - Kruje
Lumi Erzen
TEC Durres
Porto Romano PRMS Durres 2
PRMS Tirane 1
PRMS Durres 1
DURRES
Ballaj
C
PRMS Kavaje
TIRANE
TEC Tirane
E
Ulez HPP 25MW
Mamurras
Shupal
D
PRMS Tirane 2
Karma
Kozan ELBASAN
PRMS
Elbasan 2
DIBER
1
Peshkopi
DIBER
STRUGE
OHRID
BITOLA
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°40'0"N
Iron-nickel mine - active
Iron-nickel mine - closed
Iron-nickel mine - under study
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Chromium deposit
Chrome mine - active
Chrome mine - closed
Chrome mine - study
Chromium enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
ITALY
Lumi Shkumbin
PRMS
Divjake
F
Divjake
Rafineri nafte
Pekisht
PRMS Dumre
Rrasaj
PRMS Lushnje
Seman 1
Kompresor
Kolonje
Gazi Seman
Lumi Seman
Bubullima
Topoje
Ardenice
Kucove
Patos - Marinza
Seman 3
FIER
Bubullime
Rafineri nafte
Verbasi BERAT
PRMS Fier
Visoka
Lumi Vjosë
Frakulla
Cakran- Mollaj
Ballsh-Hekal
Panaja
Rafineri nafte
PRMS Ballsh
VLORE
Drashovice
Kapaj
Gorisht - Kocul
PRMS Vlore
Gernec
Selenice
Petrolifera
Amonice
TEC Vlore
3
2
PRMS Elbasan 1
Llixha
Galigati
Banje HPP
65MW Holte
Kokel HPP
36MW
6
Moglice HPP
171MW
TEC Korce
KORCE
CTMS/PRMS
Prrenjas
Liqeni i OHRIT
PRMS Pogradec
PRMS Korce
Kompresor Gazi
Trestenik
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
Blinisht Qender
KASTORIA
KARDIA
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
Bitumen melting furnace
Coal deposit
Non - metallic deposits
Proposed thermopower plants
Inactive thermopower plants
Biomass power plant
Gas infrastructure
Gas lines (MEI)
Gas line Tirana - Debar (GNP)
Gas fields
Gas compressor
Oil infrastructure
AMBO line
Oil refinery
Oil fields
Areas of oil and gas deposits and
research blocks
40°20'0"N
Kalivac HPP
100MW
PRMS Tepelene
40°20'0"N
Solar energy (quantity of sunny hours)
Ura e Kadiut
Langarice

3.5.3 Electronic Telecommunication
Infrastructure/ ICT
Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) bears an important role in the
economic and social development of the
country. The massive use of Information and
Communication Technology is nowadays a
key factor in economic growth, in business
productivity, in industrial production and
financial markets, including the development
in the field of education, healthcare and
e-government services. In order to enable the
economic growth of the next decade thanks to
innovation and information and communication
technology in Albania, it is necessary to
improve the legal, economic conditions and
train the relevant human resources.
A developed communication infrastructure
will help to attract the intellectual and
physical capital in the country. Electronic
communication infrastructure is today an
infrastructure of overall importance to all
other sectors of the economy and serves to the
development of a digital economy.
Therefore, the General National Plan supports
three priorities of the Government Program
regarding:
- the addition and promotion of digital services,
e-services to citizens and businesses,
- the mass introduction of services in
education to overcome the digital gap and
enhance the capacities of the youth,
- the consolidation of digital infrastructure in
the entire territory of the Republic of Albania,
strictly respecting European principles of free
and fair competition.
high-speed communication, connecting all
educational institutions and state research
institutions with the largest networks of
international research.
The principle of the expansion of this
infrastructure follows the above described line,
i.e. the integration of infrastructural corridors.
This means that in the space provided for the
road or electricity infrastructure, the necessary
space to accommodate current or future lines
of Innovation and Communication technology
should also be considered.
Approval of the Law "On the development of
the high-speed electronic communication
networks and the provision of the right of way"
and the completion of the legal framework
that regulates the coordination of civil works
in infrastructure and co-use of existing
infrastructures according to the European
practices, would bring the reduction of costs
for the construction of communication network
infrastructure and promotion of economic and
social development of the country.
Note: According to the comments suggested
during the consultation process with the Ministry of
Innovation and Public Administration.
Based on the Cross-sectorial Strategy on
the Digital Agenda 2015-2020, the General
National Plan recognizes the development
of digital and broadband infrastructure as
a major priority and proposes the provision
of concrete projects at a regional and local
level involving the deployment of optic fibres
network in cities that will serve a long-term
development of the digital economy.
GNP supports investments in the national
research network, with the aim of promoting
153

4Regionalization

Contents
159 4.1 Collaboration between cities and local centres
166 4.2 Towards reginalization

Regionalization
One of the most distinctive features of the
late twentieth century was closely linked with
the creation of cities and regions as spaces
and important actors in the economy and
the global and national policy. Faced with
globalization and the integration process,
for Albania, the establishment of regions
presents the highest potential for economic
development at national and international
level, which shows the stability and
progressive growth that should be supported.
Region, as a form of territorial organization
that enables the connection between the
territory, economy and policy, is a flexible
system that helps decentralization, ensures
the economy of scale, facilitates institutional
relations and beyond.
However, regionalization can only happen if
certain strategic components within these
areas, such as cities and surrounding rural
areas, cooperate more closely to increase
mutual benefits.
Consequently, it is widely accepted that
through mutually beneficial cooperation, an
added value for the regions is created, over
the rate of profitability that can be achieved
if urban centres will choose to develop
individually.
At the rise of a territorial reorganization
in Albania, where the first success was
achieved with the adoption of the Territorial
and Administrative Reform, regionalization
is expected to be the next step in support of
European integration of the country and the
implementation of the recommendations of
the Decentralization Strategy.
The aim of the GNP in this document, based
on this reform, is to present a scenario for
functional cooperation of mutual benefits
between urban centres and rural areas,
which will increase the opportunities
for rapid and long-term development,
supported by the submitted proposals
for the development of the system. This
model of urban "grouping" proposed by
GNP does not contradict or supersede the
organization and functioning of the current
administrative divisions or the development
regions defined in the draft of the Law on
Regional Development and Cohesion. This
156

proposal helps and guides the planning
and development of the territory in order
to achieve the macroeconomic objectives
of the GNP, for polycentric, intelligent and
comprehensive development.
If we refer to the OECD countries, it should
be mentioned that their approach to regional
development has changed over the recent
years. In the past, regional development
policies have had a tendency to achieve
economic development targets (employment,
welfare) through subsidies to large
infrastructural projects and attracting inward
investment. The failure of these policies as
a result of not using the economic potential
and poor social cohesion brought about
the demand for a new approach to reduce
inequalities and support economic growth.
This new approach focuses on economic
growth as a result of the development of
competition, while integrating environmental
and social issues. This is also the approach
of the GNP to territorial proposals.
"Increasingly, Member States recognize that
national economic prosperity depends on the
liberation of the full economic potential of all
regions within the territory of a country." 60
Being competitive is essential in order to
ensure a balanced national development
in an open and integrated economy, at a
European level and beyond that. Raising
future living standards and the ability to
progress will depend on Albania's ability to
integrate successfully in international and
regional markets as well as the ability to
capture the right investments in the service
market associated with high employment.
The country must be competitive in those
factors that generate and attract investments
and promote economic activity.
Regional development helps to achieve this
objective since it enables an optimal critical
mass of supply – demand for different
resources and services, necessary to make
the territory attractive to investments.
The availability of a critical mass of
qualitative workforce and business
infrastructure are essential to achieve
competitiveness. That is the reason
wherein GNP focused on identifying the
complementary functions of areas that are
attractive to investments or generate them,
by promoting cooperation with local centres
around them. It is understandable that if this
approach were to apply equally to the entire
territory, it would result in consumption of
limited resources and non-utilization of the
existing potential of the centres where there
is a critical mass.
International and domestic research and
experience prove that certain conditions
must be met to support economic growth and
regional competitiveness. These conditions
are:
- The need for a critical mass of population,
which simultaneously constitutes a
substantial workforce and a demand for
consumer products and service mechanism
functioning. However, this is not enough,
but this critical mass of population in the
workforce should be characterized by a range
of skills and have the capacity for novelty
and innovation. At the same time there must
be a better interaction between transport
infrastructure and business or trade
infrastructure. It offers a fairly competitive
and sustainable business development that
responds to the pressures of economic forces
of the country and the world.
-The potential for developing the economic
activity at the regional level should be
encouraged by the advantages deriving from
the exchange of information, cooperation,
and innovation, the adoption of best practices
and mobilization of financial and human
capabilities.
- In general it can be called "enterprise".
This creates the necessary dynamics,
which promotes diversification, guarantees
competitiveness and progress in regional
development by reducing disparities between
regions.
- Strong and dynamic cities are required to
support a competitive business environment,
working in partnership with the surrounding
rural areas, and ensuring an effective supply
60
Paul LeBlanc, Chair of the RDPC at the Ministerial meeting 2013.
157

19°0'0"E
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42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
VERMOSH
42°30'0"N
42°30'0"N
PODGORICE
VALBONE
THETH
42°20'0"N
BUJAN
TROPOJE
GJAKOVE
42°20'0"N
42°10'0"N
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
KOPLIK
MALESI
E MADHE
FIERZE
FUSHE-ARREZ
HAS
PRIZREN
SHKODER
42°10'0"N
BAR
KUKES
42°0'0"N
ULQIN
VAU I
DEJES
PUKE
GJEGJAN
QAFE - MAL
SHISHTAVEC
TETOVE
42°0'0"N
41°50'0"N
Lumi Buna
LEZHE
LURE
KALAJA E DODES
GOSTIVAR
41°50'0"N
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
KOLSH
RUBIK
MIRDITE
41°40'0"N
Lumi Mat
LAÇ
FUSHE KURBIN KUQE
ULEZ
MAT
MELAN
DIBER
41°40'0"N
Lumi Ishëm
BURREL
ISHËM
FUSHE BULQIZE
41°30'0"N
KRUJE
KLOS
DEBAR
41°30'0"N
LEGEND
41°20'0"N
Lumi Erzen
SUKTH
KATUND I RI
VORE
DURRES
SHIJAK
NDROQ
KAMEZ
MARTANESH
BULQIZE
PEZE SHENGJERGJ
TIRANE
ZERQAN
STEBLEVE
41°20'0"N
Metropolis
Primary centre
Secondary centre
GOLEM
PETRELE
Tertiary centre
41°10'0"N
SYNEJ
KAVAJE
PEZE
BERZHITE
KRRABE
BALDUSHK
ELBASAN
LIBRAZHD
STRUGE
OHRID
41°10'0"N
Specialized local centre
Existing airport
RROGOZHINE
KRYEVIDH
PEQIN
PRRENJAS
Southern airport (proposed)
41°0'0"N
Lumi Shkumbin
DIVJAKE
LUSHNJE
BELSH
CERRIK
GJINAR
TREGAN
KLOS
GRAMSH
UDENISHT
Liqeni i OHRIT
POGRADEC
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
PUSTEC
41°0'0"N
Main port
Energy port
Marina
40°50'0"N
Lumi Seman
TOPOJË
FIER
QENDËR
DERMENAS
KUMAN
URA
VAJGURORE
RROSKOVEC
KUCOVE
BERAT
KODOVJAT
MALIQ
40°50'0"N
Economic area
Logistic hub
Scientific research centre
40°40'0"N
40°30'0"N
Lumi Vjosë
VLORE
PATOS
ÇAKRAN
MALLAKASTER
BALLSH
SELENICE
POLICAN
SKRAPAR
KORCE
VOSKOPOJË
DEVOLL
KASTORIA
40°40'0"N
40°30'0"N
Local unit boundary
National main corridor
Reinforced national main corridor
Primary regional strong interconnection
MEMALIAJ
Primary regional reinforced interconnection
40°20'0"N
SEVASTËR
KELCYRE
FRASHËR
40°20'0"N
Secondary regional strong interconnection
TEPELENE
KOLONJE
Secondary regional reinforced interconnection
KURVELESH
ZAGORIE
PERMET
PETRAN
UNESCO protected monumental area
40°10'0"N
40°10'0"N
Area proposed to be taken under UNESCO protection
HIMARE
GJIROKASTER
ANTIGONË
LESKOVIK
Thermopower plants
LUKOVË
LIBOHOVE
Development centre of processing industry
40°0'0"N
DELVINE
KONICA
40°0'0"N
RDA 1
RDA 2
39°50'0"N
SARANDE
FINIQ
DROPULL
RDA 3
39°50'0"N
RDA 4
XARRË
IOANNINA
Regional development pole
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
KONISPOL
39°40'0"N
Area with development specifics
FILIATES
Map 4.1 Urban system and territorial interconnection
158

of employment opportunities and services.
This allows not only to maintain the existing
population of urban and rural areas, but also
to attract more people.
Specific factors necessary to promote a
wide range of enterprises and employment
activities include:
- Integrated Strategies for the physical,
economic, social and environmental
protection, to guide and promote sustainable
development, particularly in relation to
planning, land use and transport;
- A sufficient number of people in the city and
surrounding areas who have a relation to the
city;
- Regional or national centres for capacity
building;
- Collection of businesses and enterprises,
including those that deal with specialized
activities based on research and technology;
- A central node system of national, regional
and local roads, with good access to the road
and rail network and airports, with a range of
services at appropriate distances, which will
facilitate business activity;
- Effective urban transport systems,
including lanes for pedestrians and cyclists;
- Secure energy supply and competitive
costs;
- Effective telecommunication, including
broadband;
- Access to healthcare services and services
for people with disabilities;
- Regional cultural centres such as a theatre/
gallery/art and sports centre;
- A high quality built environment, including
parks, green spaces and other services;
- Suitable land zoning for residential and
industrial development uses;
- The resolution of the current requirements
and reservation of space to resolve future
demands for water supply services or
wastewater treatment services;
- Effective waste management structures and
services.
Having completed the above requirements
and based on clear and appropriate
standards that some localities and strategic
cities have for the development of specific
sectors (e.g. industry, trade and commercial
services), thanks to their geographical
position, natural resources, tradition and
culture, a more balanced orientation towards
development may be achieved.
4.1 Collaboration between
cities and local centres
A wider network of urban and rural areas
should be treated as central element
of any strategy, which aims to expand
the premises to attract or to generate
investment. In this sense, not every city or
urban centre is characterized by the central
role, which allows them to be successful
in the economic diversification of product
depending on investment. Because of this
lack of interconnection between urban and
rural areas, GNP highlights the importance of
capitalization of investments in major existing
urban centres.
National and international experiences prove
that rural and inland areas are of particular
importance in achieving sustainable regional
development. This means a cautious use and
expansion of the economic resources of rural
areas (especially in agriculture and food,
marina/fishing, tourism, forestry, renewable
energy, trade and local services), which at
the same time benefit from the capitalization
and strengthening of the exchange with the
nearest urban areas. Therefore, urban and
rural areas will be considered as cooperative
and complementary instead of being seen as
competing with each other. This urban - rural
partnership is also in line with the approach
of the European Territorial Development
Perspective (ESDP).
Small towns and villages also have more
potential of what one can capitalize. It
depends on the promotion of these areas
and improving physical links such as roads
or public transport networks, energy,
telecommunications, small settlements and
rural areas near them, and the promotion
159

of small commercial enterprises through
innovation.
The potential of small towns and villages lies
in their ability to offer residential features to
accommodate workers, as well as other basic
advantageous functions in terms of low cost
and high quality of life, which is attractive to
many people.
For rural areas which are remote or located
deep inland it is necessary to develop
strategies with well-defined objectives, which
simultaneously would provide the necessary
support for the growth of the rural population.
To support the successful regionalization
of the territory, GNP, based on the above
principles and guidelines, concludes in
determining the 7 regional development
poles at the national level as a result of the
intensification of cooperation between urban
centres within functional economic areas:
• Shkodra - Lezha
• Tirana - Durres
• Elbasan
• Fier - Vlora - Berat
• Kukes - Has - Tropoja
• Gjirokastra – Saranda
• Korça - Pogradec
The regional development poles are supported
by the economic development potential offered
by the:
- Cooperation position between cross-border
regions: Albania - Montenegro, Albania
- Kosovo, Albania - FYROM and Albania -
Greece;
- Infrastructural axes of national relevance;
- Concentration of population - qualified
workforce;
- Natural resources, cultural historical
heritage.
Beyond the regional development poles, GNP
also places an emphasis on the consolidation
of 4 areas of specialized development, which
are:
• Malesi e Madhe -Tropoja (the area of the
Alps)
• Dibra - Klos – Bulqiza
• Puka - Mat – Mirdita
• Kelcyra - Permet – Skrapar
In the functional profiling of the regional
development poles and urban centres from the
GNP, the study published by INSTAT, "Typology
of local governments/ municipalities, INSTAT
2014" has been taken into consideration, which
according to the classification presented,
induces:
- Consolidation and regeneration for the
primary urban centres;
- Reinforcement and cooperation for local
units with a suburban status;
- Regeneration and cooperation for specialized
local units.
Knowing the level of interaction between
different local government units as well as the
classification of their typology, processing of
the Census 2011 61 data by INSTAT, constitute
a good basis for interpreting the current
situation and trends of urbanization of the
territory, which together with predictions
on the territorial development of Albania,
proposed by GNP, guide the main territorial
policy proposals in order to achieve a balanced,
qualitative and long-term development of the
country.
INSTAT study has concluded in a classification
of local subunits in 6 main groups, based on
the level of territorial interactions between
them and the main urban centres, as well
as their positioning in this role. Their brief
description is as follows:
The first group, is composed of local sub/
units with a large territory and low population
density and is characterized by a low level of
daily territorial interactions (levels of daily
inflows and outflows are comparatively low).
This is defined as a "large/peripheral" group
(INSTAT 2014) due to its composition from
former communes/municipalities with large
61
Respectively from the publications “Commuting for work purposes”, “Typology of communes and municipalities” and “A
new urban-rural classification”
160

areas that are peripheral considering the
location of their territory, but also the role
played in the Albanian territorial system of
daily interactions, figure 4.1.
The second group, is composed of local sub/
units, which are characterized by a small
territorial area. This is defined as a "small/
peripheral" group because it is composed
by former municipalities/ communes with a
low level of daily territorial interactions and
which are comparatively small in relation to
the number of inhabitants and their population
density. The level of territorial proximity
between local sub/units of this group is lower
than the level of territorial proximity of those
belonging to the first group, although some
municipalities/communes are territorially
close (i.e. municipalities/former municipalities
in the north-eastern part of the country), figure
4.2.
The local sub/units described above, in the
vision of GNP are important territorial areas,
namely part of the economic pole Kukes - Has
– Tropoja, the eastern Gate of the northern
part for the mountainous tourism region and of
the eastern economic pole Korça - Pogradec.
This means that territorial policies for these
areas should ensure their empowerment in the
transport and communication infrastructure as
well as in the social services. To successfully
fulfil their role in the polycentric development
of Albania these regions should increase their
specific weight in the economy.
For this GNP considers of strategic importance
Figure 4.1 Group 1 “Big/ peripheral"
Figure 4.2 Group 2 “Small/peripheral”
161

Figure 4.3 Group 3 “Medium/semi-central”
Figure 4.4 Grup 4 “Small/central (prey)”
investments in national infrastructure such
as the airport of Kukes, Corridor VIII, Arbri
Road, the strengthening of agricultural poles,
investments in the food processing industry,
as well as promotion of investments for the
development of mountainous, lake, adventure
and balneary tourism that these areas have.
Strategic investments in infrastructure will
increase access to these areas and improve
their quick connection to the Western
economic regions.
The third group is defined as "medium-semicentral".
The local sub/units belonging to
this group are characterized by a system of
daily territorial interactions, where the daily
inflow is higher than the level of daily outflows.
Consequently, the former communes/
municipalities of this group are of a medium
size in relation to these two dimensions
(surface and usual resident population) and
play a semi-central role in the daily territorial
interactions systems of Albania, figure 4.3.
The fourth group, former municipalities/
communes that belong to this group, have
been defined as the "small/central (prey)"
group. The municipalities of this group are
actually small in terms of surface area but
play a very important role in the system of daily
territorial interactions in Albania. Regarding
the territorial location, we can clearly see that
in this case the state of territorial proximity
is not confirmed. Municipalities that fall in
162

this group are quite scattered. In this group it
is worth mentioning municipalities such as:
Tirana, Durres, Vlora, Elbasan and Shkodra,
figure 4.4.
These local sub/ units, in the GNP vision,
form the core of the economic poles of
national relevance identified with regional
development poles. Simultaneously, this
group is composed of the primary urban
centres. These centres characterized by an
intensive urban development in the past 25
years need regenerative and consolidating
territorial policies. While in the local sub/
units of the third group are included urban
centres with high potential for success in
developing basic economic sectors which
characterize them. Located mainly near the
urban centres of the fourth group, they express
the need for territorial policies reinforcing the
existing infrastructure, which will improve the
interconnection and communication with the
primary urban centres. Only in this way can
they intensify the existing character and help
in the diversification of economic sectors of
the economic poles and convert into urban
centres, which would balance densification in
the primary urban centres.
Group 5, "medium/central (half - predators)".
The municipalities that belong to this group
Figure 4.5 Group 5 "Medium/ central (half-predators)"
Figure 4.6 Group 6 “Small/central (predators)"
163

are of a medium - small size in terms of
resident population, density and surface area.
They play a central role in the Albanian system
of daily territorial interactions. This role can be
defined as "half - predators" as they present
a very low level of daily inflows and a relatively
high level of outflows, along with a territorial
distribution that emphasizes that they usually
are not far from the prey, figure 4.5.
Group 6, "small/central (predators)". The
municipalities of this group are relatively large
in terms of the usual resident population
and relatively small in terms of territory.
Taking a look at the territorial location of the
municipalities that belong to this group, it is
clearly distinguished that they are mainly near
municipalities with a high level of territorial
proximity, particularly in the case of Durres,
Tirana and Shkodra.
The local sub/units of the fifth and sixth group
are clearly the territories that have experienced
the largest transformations during the last
25 years under the pressure of urbanization.
Territories outside the primary urban centres,
where speculation on land use beyond the
territory of the former municipalities, the
intermediate legal status and the lack of
dynamic plans and in coherence with the state
of social development, brought about their
transformation into suburban areas, dorm
cities or tourist areas with second empty
residences during ¾ of the year.
This is an undeniable capital, but unlike the
above cases, requires a special attention
to successfully reach and strengthen its
regeneration. Special financial instruments,
land management tools associated with urban
regeneration instruments are necessary to
reactivate the capital and their contribution to
economic growth in the closest primary urban
centres. Conservation policies for agricultural
land and protected natural areas spread in
these territories, as well as their regeneration
where possible are necessary in order to
recover the lost values of natural ecosystems
and enhancing the quality of urban life in them
and in the inhabited centres around them.
Figure 4.7(a) Hartographic multivariate representation.
(b) Clustered with SOM
Kon
Ko
Rig
Rig
164

As input variables for territorial clustering
process, 10 indicators have been selected by
INSTAT (calculated for each former municipality/
commune of Albania), and the territorial
characteristics of each one, figure 4.8.
The indicators are:
1. Surface area (in m 2 );
2. The daily outflow rate: the number of
destinations that have daily motions from
each commune/municipality;
3. The daily outflow: the total daily volume
(total number of employees who commute
daily to work) leaving from each commune/
municipality;
4. The adjusted ratio of daily outflows (ratio
between daily outflows and the usual resident
population);
5. The adjusted daily net flow ratio (the
ratio between the daily net flow, the daily
inflow-the daily outflow and usual resident
population);
6. The adjusted ratio of the daily inflow (the
ratio between the daily inflow and the usual
resident population);
7. The daily inflow rate, the number of
destinations which include motions/daily
flows in each commune/municipality;
8. The usual resident population;
9. The daily inflows, the total daily volume
(total number of employees who commute
daily to work) coming in each commune/
municipality;
10. The net daily flows (daily inflows -
outflows).
It is comprehensible that these indicators
are insufficient to assess the exact degree
of regionalization, polycentrism and the
hierarchical development of urban centres. As
also mentioned in section 3.1.2, GNP is also
based on other existing and potential factors
to reach to a conclusion on these issues.
These factors can be listed in the following
macro-groups:
- Interconnection and access rate,
determined by the infrastructure of national
and regional relevance.
Consolidation
Regeneration
Konsolidim
Rigjenerim
Cooperation
Reinforcement
Kooperim
Përforcim
Strengthening
Fuqizim Redevelopment
Rizhvillim
Figure 4.8 Territorial interventions proposed by the GNP
for local sub/ units, based on the territorial grouping
trends described above
165

- The existing natural resources and energy
corridors of national and regional relevance.
- Possibility of increasing the concentration
of population, skilled workforce.
- Unique natural, historical and cultural
assets affecting the development potential of
the centre as an authentic destination.
- Specialized functions and economic
activities according to the assets.
4.2 Towards
regionalization
For GNP, the regionalization of the country is
not an administrative division, but an attempt
to establish a functional regrouping of the
urban centres and the surrounding territory,
in order to increase their opportunities to be
economically empowered, to generate new
jobs and to enhance the quality of life.
The following maps for each regional
development pole include:
- Residential centres.
- Infrastructure of national relevance focused
mainly on the transport and energy network;
- Territorial interventions; consolidation,
regeneration, reinforcement, redevelopment,
empowerment and cooperation. Generally,
these territorial interventions are not uniform
everywhere, but take the main features of the
basic economic sectors of the region, such
as agriculture, energy, industry, tourism and
urban development.
At least a gateway city is at the centre of a
regional development pole. An exception is
the regional development pole of Elbasan,
which has the potential to be developed as
a national logistic hub, whose proximity to
Tirana, Korça and the development of the
central axis of Berat, cause this area to
undertake a special character of development
as a connection hub centre for the whole
country. Hence, even though in the map it is
presented as a separate pole due to the good
possibilities of interconnecting with Tirana,
Korça and later to Berat, it could easily be
part of one of these development poles.
In general, all areas in the western part are
characterized by regenerating and reinforcing
territorial interventions. This does not
mean that there are not any consolidating
interventions: these are concentrated in
primary or rapidly developing urban and
suburban centres of the recent years, but
for the centres of the western regions the
strengthening comes as a necessity to
increase and improve the capacity of the
connecting infrastructure: ports, airports
(south of the country), etc., while regeneration
is related to the immediate needs of the
waterfronts in the primary urban centres
along the coast.
For urban centres in the central part of the
country, from north to south, cooperation
with the peripheral areas and with gateway
cities at the same time is indispensable, also
strengthening and improving the existing
links which lead to increased access and their
connectivity to regional development poles.
The proposed diversification is introduced
in order to increase the competitiveness
of the basic sectors of economy such as,
agriculture, tourism, industry, etc. In some
cases within the territory of the same region
it is suggested to diversify toward basic
sectors seemingly opposite to each other,
as for example agriculture and industry.
This is due to the fact that in some regions
there are urban centres and territories with
distinguished features of extractive and
processing industry, and close to them there
are other centres with outlined features for
the development of livestock, agriculture,
light food processing industry, mountainous
tourism, etc.
These special features should be reinforced
in the future regional plans following GNP,
and also in the local plans, given that the
development of the "talent" of these centres
with basic "antagonistic" sectors is necessary
to ensure diversity and complementarity in
their urban development.
166

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
SAZAN
PORTO ROMANO
Porto
Romano
0 3.5 7 14
km
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
KASTRAT
19°30'0"E
KOPLIK
GOLEM
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
LAC
FUSHE KRUJE
BALLSH
FUSHE KRUJE
FUSHE
KRUJE
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
RRESHEN
RRESHEN
OTLLAK
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
COROVODE
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
Korridor i rëndësishëm infrastrukturor
Korridor Pejsazhisk bregdetar
Korridor Pejsazhisk
Kooperim ndër - rajonal
Qytet portë
Hub i specializuar
(logjistik, bujqësor, energjitik)
Konsolidim + Përforcim
Fuqizim + Rigjenerim
Konsolidim + Rigjenerim
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
Lokalitete
Pikë Kufitare
Aeroport
Përforcim + Diversifikim
(drejt sektorit bazë të bujqësisë)
Përforcim + Diversifikim
(drejt sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë dhe
industrisë përpunuese)
Përforcim + Kooperim
(të sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë + turizmit)
KRUME
PESHKOPI
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
Port Kryesor
Port Energjik
Marina Turiske
Numri i popullsisë
deri në 1,000
1,001 - 3,000
3,001 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 20,000
20,001 - 30,000
30,001 - 50,000
50,001 - 100,000
më shumë se 100,000
Rigjenerim Urban + Diversifikim
(i sektorëve bazë të energjisë dhe bujqësisë)
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
(drejt sektorëve bazë të ekoturizmit + bujqësisë)
Konsolidim, densifikim + përforcim
LESKOVIK
Korridor i rëndësishëm infrastrukturor
Korridor Pejsazhisk bregdetar
Korridor Pejsazhisk
Kooperim ndër - rajonal
Qytet portë
Nyje Mulmodale Kryesore
Hub i specializuar
(logjistik, bujqësor, energjitik)
Konsolidim + Përforcim
Fuqizim + Rigjenerim
Konsolidim + Rigjenerim
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
Lokalitete
Korridor i rëndësishëm infrastrukturor
Korridor Pejsazhisk bregdetar
Korridor Pejsazhisk Korridor i rëndësishëm infrastrukturor
Kooperim ndër Korridor - rajonal Pejsazhisk bregdetar
Qytet portë Korridor Pejsazhisk
Kooperim Korridor ndër i - rëndësishëm rajonal infrastrukturor
Nyje Mulmodale Kryesore
Qytet portë Korridor Pejsazhisk
Hub i specializuar
(logjistik, bujqësor, Nyje energjitik) Mulmodale Kooperim ndër Kryesore - rajonal
Konsolidim + Përforcim
Hub i specializuar
Qytet portë
(logjistik, bujqësor, energjitik)
Fuqizim + Rigjenerim
Konsolidim Nyje Mulmodale + Përforcim Kryesore
Konsolidim + Rigjenerim
Fuqizim + Rigjenerim
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
Hub i specializuar
(logjistik, bujqësor, energjitik)
Konsolidim + Rigjenerim
Lokalitete
Fuqizim + Rigjenerim
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
Pikë Kufitare
Lokalitete Konsolidim + Rigjenerim
Pikë Kufitare
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
Aeroport
Përforcim
Lokalitete
+ Diversifikim
(drejt sektorit bazë të bujqësisë)
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
Përforcim
Pikë
+
Kufitare
Diversifikim
(drejt sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë dhe
industrisë Aeroport përpunuese)
Përforcim + Kooperim
(të sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë + turizmit)
20°50'0"E
Korridor i rëndësishëm infrastrukturor
Korridor Pejsazhisk bregdetar
Korridor Pejsazhisk
Kooperim ndër - rajonal
Qytet portë
Nyje Mulmodale Kryesore
Hub i specializuar
(logjistik, bujqësor, energjitik)
Konsolidim + Përforcim
Fuqizim + Rigjenerim
Konsolidim + Rigjenerim
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
Lokalitete
Pikë Kufitare
Aeroport
Përforcim + Diversifikim
(drejt sektorit bazë të bujqësisë)
Përforcim + Diversifikim
(drejt sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë dhe
industrisë përpunuese)
Përforcim + Kooperim
(të sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë + turizmit)
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
Numri i popullsisë
deri në 1,000
1,001 - 3,000
3,001 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 20,000
20,001 - 30,000
30,001 - 50,000
50,001 - 100,000
më shumë se 100,000
Përforcim + Diversifikim
(drejt sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë dhe
industrisë përpunuese)
Përforcim + Kooperim
(të sektorëve bazë të bujqësisë + turizmit)
Përforcim + Diversifikim
(drejt sektorit bazë të bujqësisë)
Konsolidim, densifikim + përforcim
Port Kryesor
Port Energjik
Marina Turiske
Numri i popullsisë
deri në 1,000
1,001 - 3,000
3,001 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 20,000
20,001 - 30,000
30,001 - 50,000
50,001 - 100,000
më shumë se 100,000
Rigjenerim Urban + Diversifikim
(i sektorëve bazë të energjisë dhe bujqësisë)
Rigjenerim + Përforcim
(drejt sektorëve bazë të ekoturizmit + bujqësisë)
Konsolidim, densifikim + përforcim
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
LEGJENDA:
42°40'0"N
0 5 10 20
km
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
Vermosh-Guci
PLAV
42°30'0"N
PODGORICE
Vermosh
KELMEND
Valbone
Regional park of Alps
Parku Rajonal i Alpeve
(mountain (turizem tourism) malor)
42°30'0"N
42°0'0"N
42°10'0"N
42°20'0"N
Linja IAP - Mali i Zi
PODGORICE
PODGORICE
Gas pipeline
Albania - Montenegro
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
Hani
Hotit
KASTRAT
Razem
Boge
SHKREL
Malesi e Madhe
QENDER
PULT
Malesi e Madhe
GRUEMIRE
SHALE
SHOSH
MARGEGAJ
LEKBIBAJ
Tropoje
BAJRAM CURRI
Tropoje
BUJAN
LLUGAJ
FIERZE
FIERZE
POSTRIBE Linja IAP - Mali i Zi IBALLE
TEMAL
BLERIM
SHLLAK
Energy zone
Shkoder
Fushe Arres Arrez
RRETHINAT
QELEZ Kabash
Zogaj
Fushe Arres
GURI I ZI
Puke
Vau i Dejes
RRAPE QAFE MALI
ANA MALIT Shkoder
Muriqan
Vau Dejes Puke
DAJC
BERDICE
QERRET
ULQIN
HAJMEL
BUSHAT
VIG MNELE
DAJC
GJEGJAN
FAN
VELIPOJE
UNGREJ
BLINISHT
BALLDRE
Puljaj
KACINAR
MALZI
Qafe Morine
Qafe Morine
BYTYC
ARREN
Has
FAJZA
SURROJ
KOLSH Kukes
Zhub
BICAJ
Has
GJAKOVE
GJINAJ
TERTHORE
Kukes
Kukes
SHTIQEN
TOPOJAN
UJEMISHT GRYKE CAJE
BUSHTRICE
PRISHTINE
Morine- Vermice
Morine-Vermice
Shishtavec
PRIZREN
TETOVE
Gas pipeline IAP - Kosovo
42°0'0"N
42°10'0"N
42°20'0"N
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°40'0"N
41°50'0"N
Lumi Buna
Landscape Coastal
Corridor
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
Gas pipeline
Albania - Montenegro
Lumi Erzen
ShengjinSHENGJIN
Lezhe
Lumi Mat
Lumi Ishëm
ISHEM
Lezhe
SHENKOLL
Kurbin MILOT
FUSHE
KUQE Kurbin
Kurbin
LAÇ
MAMURAS
BUBQ
MANEZ
PREZE
Vore
SUKTH
KALLMET
Shkoder
KOLC
RUBIK
ZEJMEN
KODER THUMANE
Mirdite
Mirdite RRESHEN
ULEZ
Kruje
CUDHI
FUSHE KRUJE
NIKEL
ZALL HERR
KTHELLE
BAZ
OROSH
Kukes
RUKAJ MACUKULL
Mat
LIS
BURREL Mat
KOMSI
SUC
GURRE
XIBER
SELITE
Klos
DERJAN
Klos
ZALL DARDHE
LURE
Bulqize
Bulqize
KALA E DODES
Diber
SLLOVE
FUSHE CIDHEN
ARRAS
KASTRIOT
PESHKOPI
Diber
QENDER TOMIN
FUSHE MUHUR
DiberMELAN
DIBER
LEGJENDA:
LEGJENDA:
Gas pipeline
Tiranë LEGJENDA: - Dibër
ZALL BASTAR
OSTREN
KATUND I RI
BERXULLE TIRANE
MARTANESH
PASKUQAN
TREBISHT
XHAFZOTAJ
MAMINAS Kamez
Vore
DAJT
Durres
Shijak
Durres Shijak KASHAR
SHENGJERGJ
RASHBULL
FARKE
GJEPALAJ
ORENJE
Tirane
LUNIK
Stebleve
STEBLEVE Stebleve
Durres
TIRANE
VAQARR
NDROQ
BERZHITE
PETRELE
LABINOT MAL
QENDER
HELMES
BALDUSHK
FUNARE
Durres
PEZE
KERRABE
STRUGE
Kavaje
GRACEN LABINOT FUSHE
LUZ I VOGEL
Librazhd HOTOLISHT
OHRID
SYNEJ
LEKAJ
BRADASHESH
Librazhd
SHKUP
SINABALLAJ
KRYEVIDH
Elbasan
PAJOVE
Perrenjas
Rrogozhine
PAPER
POLIS
Prrenjas
Struga
PERPARIM
Qafe Thane SHKUP
SHUSHICE
Rrogozhine
Elbasan
Elbasan
KARINE
QUKES
GOSE
SHIRGJAN
GJOCAJ Peqin
Perrenjas RRAJCE
Cerrik
Qafe Thane
TERBUF
Peqin
STRAVAJ
Qafe Thane
Lumi Shkumbin
DUSHK
Cerrik
TREGAN
GJINAR
SHEZE SHALES GJERGJAN
Liqeni i OHRIT
Divjake BALLAGAT
RRASE
GOSTIME
Gas pipeline
GOLEM
PROPTISHT
Liqeni
HYSGJOKAJ Belsh
KLOS
ZAVALIN
HUDENISHT
Albania - Montenegro
i
GRABIAN
KARBUNARE
FIERZE
Lushnje
Pogradec
Tushemisht
PRESPËS
Lushnje
MOLLAS
Pogradec
Tushemisht
PISHAJ POROCAN
Tushemisht
REMAS GRADISHTE
FIERSHEGAN KAJAN GREKAN
Stenje
VELCAN TREBINJE
Tushemisht
Stenje
LIBOFSHE
KRUTJE
SULT
Gramsh
KOZARE
Gramsh
BUCIMAS
Lumi Seman
KOLONJE
Pogradec
ALLKAJ
TUNJE
KODOVJAT
KUKUR
CERRAVE
TOPOJE
POSHNJE Kuçove PERONDI LUMAS
BUBULLIME
Pustec
DARDHAS
MBROSTAR
STRUM
KUTALLI Kuçove
KUSHOVE
DERMENAS Roskovec
Kuçove
PIRG VRESHTAS
QENDER
LENIE
Roskovec Ura
GORE
ZHARREZ
SKENDERBEGAS
Fier
LIBONIK
Vajgurore
POJAN
Ura Vajgurore
KUMAN
ROSHNIK
CUKALAT
PROGER
Berat
Maliq
LEVAN
KURJAN
Patos RUZHDIE
Berat
Linja e Gazsjellesit TAP
Maliq
Lumi Vjosë
PORTEZ
Berat
ZHEPE
MOGLICE Maliq
VERTOP
QENDER
Patos Linja NGRACAN e Gazsjellesit TAP VELABISHT
BILISHT
FRAKULL
QENDER
ARANITAS
GJERBES Linja e Gazsjellesit TAP
Korçe
Kapshtice
NOVOSELE
BILISHT
VOSKOPOJE
SINJE
BALLSH
BOGOVE
CAKRAN
VOSKOP
Kapshtice
Mallakaster Polican
Poliçan
HOCISHT
LEKAS
Korçe
GRESHICE
TERPAN
Selenice HEKAL
Skrapar
DRENOVE Devoll
SELITE
LESHNJE
SHUSHICE Selenice
QENDER SKRAPAR
MIRAS
QENDER VLORE
VENDRESHE Skrapar
COROVODE
MOLLAJ
Vlore ARMEN
FRATAR
VITHKUQ
Dardhe
BUZ
KRAHES
Gas pipeline TAP
VLLAHINE KUTE
BALLABAN
POTOM
LEGJENDA:
LUFTINJE
QESARAT
CEPAN
MOLLAS
SEVASTER
SUKE
CLIRIM
KOTE
Memaliaj
FRASHER
QENDER
LOPES
Kolonje ERSEKE
DISHNICE
Memaliaj
Kolonje
Memaliaj
ERSEKE
ORIKUM
Tepelene
QENDER
NOVOSELE
BRATAJ
Kelcyre
Tepelene
QENDER
Kelcyre
KURVELESH
Permet
BARMASH
HOR VRANISHT
PETRAN
Gas pipeline
Permet
ODRIE
Fier - Sarandë
ZAGORI
QENDER
LESKOVIK
PICAR
Himare
Gjirokastër
LUNXHERI IOANNINA
LESKOVIK
CARCOVE
Greqi
CEPO Gjirokaster ANTIGONE
SELISHTE
ZALL REC
FUSHE BULQIZE
LUZNI
ZERQAN
KALIS
MAQELLARE
SHUPENZ
Blate
GJORIC
Blate
Vicisht
Vicisht
Vicisht
LEGJENDA:
SHKUP
GOSTIVAR
KASTORIA
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°40'0"N
41°50'0"N
LEGEND
Infrastructural important corridor
Coastal landscape corridor
Landscape corridor
Inter-regional cooperation
Gateway city
Multimodal node
Specialized hub
(logistic, agricultural, energetic)
Consolidation + reinforcement
Strengthening + regeneration
Consolidation + regeneration
Regeneration + reinforcement
Localities
Border crossing point
Airport
Main port
Energy port
Tourist marina
Population number
Up to 1,000
1,001 - 3,000
3,001 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 20,000
20,001 - 30,000
30,001 - 50,000
50,001 - 100,000
40°0'0"N
LUKOVE
VERGO
Gjirokaster
LAZARAT
POGON
Libohove
Libohove
Delvine
DROPULL I POSHTEM
Sarande MESOPOTAM Dropull Kakavije
Finiq
DROPULL I SIPERM
Tre Urat
KONICA
40°0'0"N
More than 100,000
Reinforcement + diversification
(towards the sectors of agriculture)
Reinforcement + Diversification
(towards the sectors of agriculture and processing
industry )
39°50'0"N
ALIKO
DHIVER
39°50'0"N
Cooperation + Reinforcement
(towards the sectors of agriculture and tourism)
39°40'0"N
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
KSAMIL
XARRE
LIVADHJA
MARKAT
Konispol
Qafe Bote
IGUMENICE
FILIATES
IOANNINA
39°40'0"N
Urban regeneration + Diversification
(towards the sectors of energy and agriculture)
Reinforcement + Strengthening
(towards the sectors of eco-tourism and agriculture)
Consolidation, densification + reinforcement
Map 4.2 Territorial development in Albania, GNP 2030
Note: For the legend of the maps 4.3 - 4.10, please refer to page 167.
167

km
IAP - Montenegro line
Parku Rajonal i Alpeve
(turizm malore)
Valbone
Regional park of Alps
(mountain tourism)
PODGORICE
PODGORICE
Hani
Hotit
KASTRAT
Malesi e Madhe
KOPLIK
Shkoder lake
Energy zone
Shkoder
GURI I ZI Vau Dejes
BUSHAT
VELIPOJE
DAJC
Puljaj
MARGEGAJ
Tropoje
TROPOJE
Tropoje
BUJAN BAJRAM CURRI
LLUGAJ
LEKBIBAJ
FIERZE
Fushe - Arrez
Puke
Qafe Qafe Morine Morine
PRISHTINE
Zhub
BYTYC
GOLAJ
Has
KRUME
Fashe EnergjitikeGJINAJ
FAJZA
Morine- Vermice
TERTHORE
MALZI Kukes
KOLSH
SHTIQEN ZAPOD
SHISHTAVEC
SURROJ
Shishtavec
BICAJ
TOPOJAN
IAP - Kosovo gas pipeline
ARREN
UJEMISHT
GRYKE CAJE
BUSHTRICE
Lezhe
Mirdite
KALIS
SHENGJIN
IAP - Montenegro line
Linja Gazsjellesit
IAP - Mali i Zi
RUBIK
RRESHEN
Diber
Adriatic sea
FUSHE
KUQE
Mat
PESHKOPI
Kurbin
BURREL
Mat
Bulqize
MAMURAS
0 3.5 7 14
km
Kruje
Klos
Map 4.3 The regional development pole Kukes - Has – Tropoja, the eastern gate of the northern mountainous region, GNP
2030
Blate
Fushe - Kruje
Bulqize
Vicisht
Adriatic sea
PORTO ROMANO
Vore
TIRANE
Durres
LUNIK
STEBLEVE
Stebleve
ORENJE
LABINOT MAL
QENDER
FUNARE
Gas pipeline IAP
Divjake
LABINOT FUSHE
GRACEN
Librazhd
BRADASHESH
Rrogozhine
PAPER Elbasan
POLIS
PERPARIM
PAJOVE
SHUSHICE
KARINE
SHIRGJAN
GJOCAJ Peqin
Cerrik
SHEZE
GJERGJAN
TREGAN GJINAR
SHALES
GOSTIME
RRASE
Belsh
ZAVALIN
KLOS
HOTOLISHT
Prrenjas Qafe Thane
QUKES
STRAVAJ
RRAJCE Ohrid lake
Struga
Prespa lake
Lushnje
FIERZE
GREKAN
KAJAN
Kuçove
MOLLAS
SULT
TUNJE
POROCAN
PISHAJ
Gramsh
KODOVJAT
KUKUR
Pogradec
Tushemisht
Stenje
KUSHOVE
Fier
Roskovec
SKENDERBEGAS
LENIE
Patos
Berat
Maliq
Gas pipeline TAP
Korçe
Map 4.4 The regional development pole Elbasan – Librazhd, GNP 2030
168
3.5
0 7 14
km
Vlore
Mallakaster
Gjirokaster
IOANNINA
Kolonje
Kapshtice

Kamez
Klos
Tirane
Stebleve
Librazhd
Peqin
Elbasan
Prrenjas
Qafe Thane
SHKUP
Cerrik
PROPTISHT
Ohrid lake
Lushnje
Belsh
Kuçove
Gramsh
HUDENISHT
Tushemisht Prespa lake
TREBINJE
VELCAN
Pogradec
DARDHAS
Tushemisht
BUCIMAS
CERRAVE
Pustec
Stenje
GORE
PIRG
VRESHTAS
Ura Vajgurore
Gas pipeline TAP
Berat
Poliçan
MOGLICE
LIBONIK
Maliq
VOSKOPOJE
LEKAS
VOSKOP
POJAN
QENDER KORCE
Korçe
HOCISHT
PROGER
QENDER
BILISHT
BILISHT
Kapshtice
DRENOVE
Devoll
Skrapar
VITHKUQ
MOLLAJ
MIRAS
Dardhe
Qyteze
CLIRIM
MOLLAS
Memaliaj
Kolonje
ERSEKE
QENDER
ERSEKE
NOVOSELE
Tepelene
Kelcyre
Permet
BARMASH
QENDER
LESKOVIK
Gjirokaster
Libohove
LESKOVIK
Tre Urat
5
0 10 20
km
Map 4.5 The regional development pole
Korça – Pogradec, GNP 2030
5
0 10 20
km
Regional park of Alps
(mountain tourism)
Vermosh
Vermosh-Guci
Valbone
PODGORICE
KELMEND
Hani
Hotit
Boge
Tropoje
Qafe Morine
Razem
Shkoder lake
Zogaj
Muriqan
Puljaj
ANA
MALIT
SHKREL
KASTRAT
Malesi e Madhe
DAJC
VELIPOJE
QENDER
RRETHINAT
Shkoder
BERDICE
BUSHAT
BALLDRE
SHENGJIN
GRUEMIRE
HAJMEL
DAJC
POSTRIBE
GURI I ZI
PULT
SHALE
Vau Dejes
SHOSH
SHLLAK
VIG MNELE
BLINISHT
KALLMET
KOLSH
QERRET
UNGREJ
TEMAL
QELEZ
Mirdite
Kabash
Puke
KACINAR
IBALLE
FIERZE
Fushe - Arrez
RRAPE
GJEGJAN
OROSH
BLERIM
QAFE MALI
FAN
Zhub
Energy zone
Kukes
Has
PRISHTINE
Morine
Vermice
Shishtavec
Gas pipeline IAP - Kosovo
Gas pipeline
IAP - Montenegro
SHENKOLL
FUSHE
KUQE
Lezhe
LAÇ
RUBIK
ZEJMEN
MAMURAS
MILOT
Kurbin
RRESHEN
KTHELLE
Mat
SELITE
Diber
Blate
SHKUP
Adriatic sea
Kruje
Klos
Vicisht
Porto
Romano
Durres
Shijak
Kavaje
Vore
FUSHE
KRUJE
Kamez
Tirane
Elbasan
Bulqize
Librazhd
Gas pipeline Vorë - Dibër
Stebleve
Map 4.6 The regional development pole
Shkodra – Lezha, the western gate of the
northern mountainous region, GNP 2030
169

Shengjin
Shkoder
Kukes
Kukes
Lezhe
Kurbin
Diber
PESHKOPI
LAC
Gas pipeline IAP
ISHEM
MANEZ
BUBQ
KODER THUMANE
CUDHI
Kruje
FUSHE KRUJE
Bulqize
Blate
Vicisht
SHKUP
PORTO ROMANO
SUKTH
KATUND I RI
Vore
PREZE
NIKEL
BERXULLE Kamez
ZALL HERR
ZALL BASTAR
PASKUQAN
Adriatic sea
Durres
XHAFZOTAJ MAMINAS
Shijak
RASHBULL
GJEPALAJ
KASHAR
TIRANE
VAQARR
NDROQ
FARKE
DAJT
SHENGJERGJ
Stebleve
PETRELE
BERZHITE
GOLEM
Kavaje
HELMES
PEZE
BALDUSHK
KERRABE
Librazhd
SYNEJ
KRYEVIDH
LUZ I VOGEL
LEKAJ
SINABALLAJ
Prrenjas
Qafe Thane
Struge
GOSE
Rrogozhine
Elbasan
Divjake
Ohrid lake
Lushnje
Pogradec
Tushemisht
Prespa lake
Stenje
3.5
0 7 14
km
Vlore
Gjirokaster
Korce
Map 4.7 The regional development pole Tirana – Durres, the central economic motor, GNP 2030
Durres
TIRANE
Rrogozhine
Prrenjas
SHKUP
Adriatic sea
Elbasan
TERBUF
Qafe Thane
Divjake
DUSHK
BALLAGAT
Ohrid lake
Gas pipeline IAP
GRABIAN
GOLEM
Lushnje
HYSGJOKAJ
KARBUNARE
Tushemisht
REMAS
GRADISHTE
TOPOJE
LIBOFSHE
KOLONJE
FIERSHEGAN
KRUTJE
ALLKAJ
BUBULLIME
POSHNJE
KOZARE
PERONDI
Pogradec
Stenje
Prespa lake
MBROSTAR
STRUM
KUTALLI
LUMAS
Kuçove
SAZAN
PETROLIFERA
DERMENAS
LEVAN
NOVOSELE
Fier
FRAKULL
QENDER
SHUSHICE
QENDER VLORE
Vlore
Roskovec
PORTEZ
Patos
CAKRAN
ZHARREZ
Selenice
ARMEN
QENDER
HEKAL
KUMAN
RUZHDIE
CUKALAT Ura
Vajgurore
KURJAN
NGRACAN
ARANITAS
SINJE
BALLSH
Mallakaster
SELITE
GRESHICE
FRATAR
OTLLAK
TERPAN
Berat
VELABISHT
ROSHNIK
Polican
VERTOP
VENDRESHE
BOGOVE
QENDER
SKRAPAR
ZHEPE
GJERBES
Skrapar
COROVODE
LESHNJE
Maliq
Korçe
Kapshtice
VLLAHINE
KUTE
POTOM
SEVASTER
CEPAN
KOTE
ORIKUM
Memaliaj
Tepelene
Gas pipeline TAP
BRATAJ
Gas pipeline IAP
Map 4.8 The regional development pole Vlora - Fier – Berat, GNP 2030
170
3.5
0 7 14
km
IOANNINA
Himare Gjirokastër Kolonje

Adriatic sea
Fier
BALLSH
Berat
Polican
Skrapar
Selenice
Vlore
KRAHES
BUZ
COROVODE
Korce
BALLABAN
QESARAT
LUFTINJE
SUKE
LOPES
Memaliaj
FSHAT MEMALIAJ
DISHNICE
FRASHER
Kolonje
ORIKUM
Tepelene
QENDER
QENDER
Kelcyre
Gas pipeline TAP
HOR VRANISHT
KURVELESH
Permet
PETRAN
Himare
PICAR
ODRIE
LUNXHERI
ZAGORI
Gjirokaster
CARCOVE
LESKOVIK
CEPO
ANTIGONE
POGON
QENDER LIBOHOVE
Tre Urat
LUKOVE
VERGO
LAZARAT
Libohove
Ionian sea
Delvine
DROPULL I POSHTEM
Dropull Kakavije
Finiq
MESOPOTAM
DROPULL I SIPERM
Sarande
DHIVER
ALIKO
IOANNINA
LIVADHJA
KSAMIL
XARRE
MARKAT
Konispol
Qafe Bote
0
3.5 7
14
km
IGUMENICE
Map 4.9 The regional development pole Gjirokastra – Saranda, the southern gate of the Albanian Riviera, GNP 2030
171

5ECONOMY

Contents
174
185
187
5.1 A description of the priority economic sectors
ensuring rapid and sustainable economic growth
5.2 Description of the country's potential for the
development of economic clusters
5.3 The possibility of strengthening regional development
poles and specific development areas
189
190
191
5.3.1 The regional development pole Kukes - Has - Tropoja
5.3.2 The regional development pole Korça – Pogradec
5.3.3 The regional development pole – Elbasan
192
193
5.3.4 The regional development pole Tirana - Durres, the
central economic engine
5.3.5 The regional development pole Shkodra - Lezha, the
western gate of the northern mountainous region
195
5.3.6 The regional development pole Vlora - Fier - Berat
196
5.3.7 The regional development pole Gjirokastra -
Saranda, the southern gate of the Albanian Riviera
197
5.4 Specific development areas
198
199
200
201
5.4.1 Specific development area Dibra - Mat - Klos -
Bulqiza
5.4.2 Specific development area Malesi e
Madhe - Tropoja
5.4.3 Specific development area Puka - Mirdita - Fushe
Arrez
5.4.4 Specific development area Skrapar - Permet -
Kelcyre

The Economy
One of the positive economic impacts of
the General National Plan is facilitating the
achievement of the sustainable development
goals “Shqipëria 2030”, which aims to:
• support a higher and more balanced
economic development;
• mitigate the disparities between regions and
municipalities, thus facilitating integration in
the less developed regions;
• reduce the economic and social factors
which are the cause of external and internal
migrations;
• reduce poverty, unemployment and
inequality.
The increase in productivity of the Albanian
economy, the increase in access through
corridors of regional, European and global
development on the one hand, and promotion
of employment and the reduction of inequality
among different areas of the country are the
basic pillars upon which the implementation of
“Shqipëria 2030” vision builds upon.
This chapter reflects on the potentials that
each economic development pole presents,
establishing a guiding framework for the
future in relation to the territory.
5.1 A description of the
priority economic sectors
ensuring rapid and
sustainable economic growth
During 1992-2008, the economy of Albania
was characterized by a high economic growth
at 6-8% of GDP. After 2008 the decrease in
the rates of economic growth down to 1-2%
of GDP fostered the return of sharp social
problems such as unemployment, poverty
and the deepening of inequality. Identification
and reduction of development obstacles
hold an important place in the planning
and management of the territory in facing
these challenges. The real challenges of our
economy are clarified by the deep analysis
of: GDP structure; differences at the rates
of growth regarding sectors and regions;
economic and social development disparities
among municipalities and counties and the
analysis of determining factors of the low level
of productivity.
Through the analysis in absolute growth rates
of different sectors of the economy during
174

2000-2015, it is observed that compared to
2000, the industry sector has the highest
growth trend, which until 2012 has been the
sector with the lowest weight in the economy.
This sector had a drastic growth in 2010 due
to the extractive industry and the energy
sector. The increasing trend in the recent
years refers to the energy sector in general.
After 2012, shrinkage in the growth of the
sector of trade, transport and accommodation
has been observed. The influencing factors
can be linked mainly to the shrinkage in the
demand of consumers during these years, as
a result of the prolonged impact of the global
financial crisis.
The analysis of the annual growth rates
during 2000-2015 of the real sectors of
the economy show that they have been
characterized by positive trends, except for
the construction sector after 2009 and trade
sector after 2013, a year which even marked
the lowest growth of the Albanian economy
since after 1997, by only 1%.
The analysis of the specific weight of each
sector in the GDP, shows that during 2000-
2015, the structure of economy has not
undergone any great changes. In general,
there has been a reduction in the agricultural
sector and an increase in the industrial and
services sectors. This is a positive trend
because agriculture is characterized by a low
rate of productivity, whereas the increase in
the weight of productive sectors makes our
economy more competitive. The industry,
trade and accommodation sectors have
declined, which could be explained by the
increase in income per capita, thus going
from consumption goods towards services
even though actually the objective of tourism
development should lead to a growth in the
weight of these sectors.
The structural analysis of the GDP shows
that during the periods when there has been
an economic growth at high levels in the
Albanian economy, the greatest contribution
came from the construction sector supported
by remittances, informal sources and banking
loans. The simultaneous reduction of these
three sources damaged the economic growth
and increased unemployment. This structural
change asked for the identification of
additional sources of economic development.
Other leading sectors should be identified
and supported by active policies and
implementable sector strategies for an
economic growth at high levels, and for a
sustainable and qualitative development.
Diversification and increase in exports,
promotion of the knowledge-based economy
and the increase of productivity remain a
priority for medium-term and long-term
challenges.
The analysis of contributions to GDP by region,
the analysis of the differences at the level of
income per capita, at the indicators of poverty
and inequality influence the drafting of national,
sectorial and local development strategies.
Recognizing and complying with the priority
objectives and the main principles of the
territorial planning and management are
important prerequisites to this challenging
process.
Regarding the contribution to the economic
growth by region, the region of Fier has been
observed to have been the biggest contributor
for 2013. Given that 2013 has been the most
difficult year for the Albanian economy, the
sectors located in this region, such as the
extractive industry and agriculture, have had
the greatest impact on the economy. Whilst
the regions affected by floods, Shkodra, Lezha,
Vlora and Gjirokastra have had a negative
impact, not only on the increase of the GDP.
A higher economic growth requires the
increase of the commercial activity and
the improvement of the coverage rate
of imports by exports. Our country is
characterized by a negative trade balance,
which reaches at 20% of the GDP. The low
level of economic openness, as an indicator
of vitality of an economy, continues to be
critical. The economic openness of our
country is about 55% of the GDP, while small
countries aim at a greater diversification
and levels of economic openness over 100%
of the GDP.
175

400
350 450
432
300 400
450
281
250 350
432
400
228
200 300
185
350
281
150 250
149
300
228
100 200
281
250
185
150
149 228
200
100
0
185
150
149
50
100
0
50 Agriculture Trade
Construction
0 Forests Transport
Other
Fishing Accomodation
Industry
services
Agriculture Trade
Construction
Forests Transport
Other
Fishing Agriculture Accomodation
Trade
Industry
Construction services
Forests Transport
Other
Fishing Accomodation
Industry
services
500%
Graphic 5.1 The main sectors of the economy (billion ALL). Source: Institute of Statistics 457%
400%
500%
385%
300%
457%
262%
400% 500%
229% 385%
200%
457%
208%
300% 400%
262% 385%
100%
229%
200% 300%
208% 262%
0%
229%
100% 200%
208%
2000
2001
2000
2000
2000
2001
2002
2000
2001
2002
2001
2002
2003
2004
2003
2004
2003
2004
2005
2005
2005
2006
2007
2006
2006
2007
2008
100% 0% Agriculture Trade
Construction
Forests Transport
Other
0% Fishing Accomodation
Industry services
Agriculture Trade
Construction
Forests Transport
Other
Fishing Agriculture Accomodation
Trade
Industry
Construction services
Forests Transport
Other
Graphic 5.2 The progress of the main sectors of the economy
Fishing Accomodation
Industry
(in %, year 2000=100). Source: Institute of Statistics
services
2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2002
2003
2003
2003
2004
2005
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2006
2007
2008
2007
2007
2007
2008
2008
2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
2010
2010
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2015
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2012
2013
2013
2013
2014
2014
2014
2015
2015
2015
35.0%
176
25.0%
35.0%
15.0%
25.0%
35.0%
15.0%
-5.0% 25.0%
5.0%
-15.0%
-5.0%
5.0%
-15.0%
-5.0% Agriculture Trade
Construction
-15.0%
Forests Transport
Fishing Accomodation Industry
Agriculture Trade
Construction
Graphic 5.3 Annual change
Forests
(in %). Source:
Transport
Institute of Statistics
Fishing Agriculture Accomodation
Trade
Industry Construction
Forests Transport
Fishing Accomodation Industry
2000
2001
2002
2000
2001
2002
2003
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2004
2005
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2006
2007
2008
2009
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2009
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2011
2012
2013
2012
Other
services
Other
2014
2015
services
Other
services
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015

20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
30.0% 5.0%
25.0% 0.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
24.
24.5%
8.1%
8.1%
21.9%
2000
21.9%
22.4%
22.4%
11.3%
Agriculture
Forests
Fishing
11.3%
18.8%
18.8%
9.7%
9.7%
16.9%
16.9%
26.6%
15.3%
15.3%
18.0%
18.0%
12.0%
12.0%
16.5%
16.5%
27.5%
12.9%
12.9%
19.5%
19.5%
12.8%
2005 2010 2015
Trade
Transport
Accomodation
Construction
Industry
Other
services
12.8%
15.8%
15.8%
29.9%
10.3%
10.3%
0.0%
2000
2005 2010 2015
Agriculture
Forests
Fishing
Trade
Transport
Accomodation
Construction
Industry
Other
services
Graphic 5.4 The weight of the main sectors of the economy (%/GDP). Source: Institute of Statistics
6.0%
10.0%
4.0%
6.9%
8.3%
3.7%
2.6%
5.0%
0.0%
2.0%
-5.0%
0.0% 6.0%
-2.0% 4.0%
2000
6.9%
8.3%
2005 2010 3.7%
2015
2.6%
10.0%
-10.0%
5.0%
-15.0%
0.0%
2.0%
Agriculture
Forests
Fishing
Trade
Transport
Accomodation
Construction
Industry
Taxes
Other services
Increase of GDB
-5.0%
0.0%
-10.0%
Graphic 5.5 The contribution of the main sectors of the economy in the economic growth (%/GDP).
Source: Institute of Statistics
-2.0%
-15.0%
2000
2005 2010 2015
Agriculture
Forests
Fishing
Trade
Transport
Accomodation
Construction
Industry
Taxes
Other services
Increase of GDB
177

Berat
0.02
Dibër
-0.001
Durrës
0.24
Elbasan
0.35
Fier
0.49
Gjirokastër
-0.07
Korçë
0.02
Kukës
0.12
Lezhë
-0.14
Shkodër
-0.19
Tiranë
0.36
Vlorë
-0.09
-0.30 -0.20 -0.10 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50
Graphic 5.6 The contribution of the regions in the economic growth for 2013. Source: Institute of Statistics
55%
45%
35%
25%
39%
42%
42%
41%
40%
41%
43%
49%
51%
47%
52%
57%
56%
57%
58%
55%
15%
5%
-5%
-15%
-24%
-26%
-27%
-25%
-24%
-24%
-25%
-29%
-30%
-28%
-26%
-27%
-24%
-20%
-21%
-21%
-25%
-35%
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
VT/GDP
BT/GDP
Graphic 5.7 Volume of trade and balance of trade (%/GDP). Source: Institute of Statistics
178

80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.09%
-2.0%
-4.0%
-6.0%
-8.0%
0.0%
-10.0%
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
-7.6% 60.7%
58.5%
-6.9%
62.8%
-6.1%
58.8%
-4.9%
56.5%
-5.1%
57.4%
-3.5%
56.1%
-3.3%
53.4%
-3.5%
54.8%
-5.5%
59.7%
-6.5%
58.5%
-3.0%
59.4%
-3.6%
62.1%
-3.1%
65.5%
-6.2%
69.8%
-6.3%
72.2%
-4.0%
2015
State deficit/GDP
Public depbt/GDP
Graphic 5.8 The public debt and national debt (%/GDP). Source: Ministry of Finance
140.000
120.000
100.000
9.6%
11.2%
9.1%
8.1%
7.5%
9.8%
8.7%
80.000
60.000
40.000
3.9%
5.1%
20.000
20.556
29.748
18.923
21.706
35.067
26.182
31.945
58.977
104.035
127.706
113.390
105.905
99.522
132.483
121.237
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
3.0%
3.1%
4.7%
3.2%
3.6%
6.1%
FDI
FDI/GDP
Graphic 5.9 Foreign direct investment (% of GDP and mil. ALL). Source: World Bank
179

The stability of the public finances remains
an important standard for the quality of
governance, the prevention of debt crisis
and the establishment of a healthy relation
between public debts and a high economic
growth where public investments and a
better budgetary support for healthcare,
education, infrastructure and social
cohesion have a priority.
After 2009, the public debt of Albania suffered
a worsening tendency, reaching its highest
level at 72.2% of the GDP 62 . After a high
level in 2013 and 2014 the national debt has
started to improve. The expectations for 2016
are for the country to experience a primary
surplus. This is also stipulated in the current
budget. The policies being undertaken by the
government for the reduction of the deficit
aim to stop the debt crisis and to lower the
general public debt at the level required by
the EU and in accordance with the concrete
restrictive ceilings, as agreed with the IMF.
This agreement, by the end of 2013, created
positive premises to increase the low cost
funding sources and perform with precedence
some of the critical structural reforms such
as: reducing the pension scheme deficit,
reducing informality, reducing non-technical
losses in the power and water supply system.
The Albanian economy needs funding sources.
This is critical especially after the significant
decrease of remittances, the high level of
public debt and also the “freezing” for several
years of crediting of the economy mainly due to
the high level of non-performing loans.
Under such context, increasing the absorption
of foreign investments in productive sectors
of the Albanian economy is part of the main
priorities.
FDIs had a considerable increase until 2009,
but after the global crisis they have suffered
a considerable shrinkage, respectively from
11.2% of the GDP in 2009 to 7.5% of the GDP
in 2013. After 2013 a return to the increasing
trend towards the levels prior to the crises
has been observed.
Facilitating public and private investments is
one of the main objectives of the territorial
plan. This will bring positive effects on the
growth of the economy, employment and
mitigation of unemployment.
Our country is characterized by high
unemployment rates, which in 2015 has been
estimated at 17%. National unemployment
has been generally constant. In 2015, a
slight decrease of unemployment has
been observed. Inconsistency between
demand and supply in the labour market,
massive migration and high unemployment,
especially among youth, have led to reforms
mainly on the side of supply being focused
on good education, enhancing vocational
education and applying active training and reemployment
schemes as an effective reform
to reduce structural unemployment.
Economic growth through employment
increase and with an all-inclusive impact
is considered the best strategy to reduce
the deepening of inequality, which creates
negative economic, social and political
effects.
Currently, Albania is classified among the
countries with upper-middle incomes. The
level of income distribution between the rich
and the poor in the country is not very much
highlighted, mainly due to the low level of
income per capita of the society. Regarding
the individuals that live with less than 3.1$
a day, based on the most recent data, they
are estimated at 6.8% of the population. It
is concerning that this category has been
increasing compared to 2008. Likewise, it is
of concern the increase of absolute poverty,
the increase of the number of people living
under the official threshold of poverty, which
currently is 1.9$ a day.
In addition, one of the main objectives of the
territorial planning is to reduce disparities
among regions, municipalities and villages in
different parts of the country.
62
Bank of Albania
180

50.0%
40.0%
53.8%
47.8%
53.2%
52.8%
52.0%
51.2%
50.5%
49.1%
48.6%
47.6%
47.3%
47.4%
47.4%
46.3%
46.3%
46.2%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
13.5%
22.7%
13.4%
12.7%
12.6%
12.5%
12.4%
13.5%
13.0%
13.8%
14.2%
14.0%
13.9%
16.0%
17.5%
17.1%
0%
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Empoyed Population +15
Unemployement rate
Graphic 5.10 Employment indicators. Source: World Bank, Institute of Statistics
40.0 500
35.0
460
32.5
30.0
25.0
20.0
300
267
30.6 30.0
29.0
400
367
15.0
15.9
200
200
10.0
5.0
0.0
2000
2.2
9.8
6.1 6.8
1.1 0.4 1.1
2005 2010 2015
100
0
No. of poor with

This social distress nourishes the rise of
external migration, but also the rise of internal
migrations around big cities, which has
increased poverty in urban areas and imposes
the increase of public investments in physical
infrastructure, water and power supply,
investments in healthcare and education in
many informal and some still illegal areas.
An integrated analysis of the three poverty
indicators facilitates the identification of
the regions with considerable disparities
compared to the average indicators at national
level. Based on the Statistical Yearbook 2015,
the regions with the highest disparities turn
out to be ones in table 5.1.
Regarding the official level of poverty line, at
national level it is 14.3%; in Kukes it is 22.5% of
the population, in Lezha 18.4%, in Fier 17.1%
and in Durres 16.5%.
Regarding the official level of poverty gap, at
national level it is 3%, in Lezha 4.7% of the
population, in Kukes 3.8%, in Shkodra 3.7 %
and in Durres 3.6%.
Regarding the level of absolute poverty:
the average level nationwide is 1% of the
population, whereas the regions with the
highest levels of absolute poverty appear to
be: Lezha with 1.8 % of its population, Shkodra
with 1.6% and Durres with 1.3%.
In the table 5.2, based on the income per
capita, the regions with the lowest income
compared to the average at national level, turn
out to be Dibra with 67.3%, Kukes with 69.5%,
Korça with 69.9%, Shkodra with 70.3 % and
Kukes with 71.1%. Whereas, over the national
average level are Tirana with 141%, Durres
with 113.1% and Fier with 104.5%.
Our economy is currently facing demographic
challenges, which have a considerable impact
on the economic growth and the stability of
public finances.
Although it is currently estimated that we have
a demographic dividend, the worsening trend
of demographic transition indicators imposes
active policies to increase participation at work
and to narrow the deficit of social insurance,
healthcare and social protection schemes.
The population of Albania has been
decreasing, a phenomenon linked to the
external migration which has occurred in our
country. Regarding the internal displacement
of population there is a movement towards
Tirana and Durres, where from 19.5% and
8% in 2001, they reached at 27.7% and 9.5%
respectively in 2015, meanwhile in other cities
a reduction of population during this same
period has been observed.
Tirana
Fier
Gjirokastra
Durres
Vlora
Kukes
Korça
Berat
Shkodra
Elbasan
Dibra
Lezha
358
349
343
338
334
307
303
442
477
471
559
643
0 477 200 300 400 500 600 700
Graphic 5.12 GDP per inhabitant by county. Source: Institute of Statistics
182

County
Poverty indicators
Percentage Gap Severity
Berat 12.3 2.3
0.7
Dibra 12.7 2.3
0.7
Durres 16.5 3.6
1.3
Elbasan 11.3 2.3
0.7
Fier 17.1 3.4
1.0
Gjirokastra 10.6 2.4
1.0
Korça 12.4 2.5
0.7
Kukes 22.5 3.8
0.9
Lezha 18.4 4.7
1.8
Shkodra 15.5 3.7
1.6
Tirana 13.9 2.7
0.8
Vlora 11.1
2.4
0.8
Total 14.3 3.0
1.0
Table 5.1 Poverty indicators by county (percentage, gap, severity). Source: Statistical
Yearbook 2015, INSTAT
County
County
Poverty indicators
GDP current
Percentage
price
Structure to GDP Gap per capita
Index
Severity
structure
per capita to GDP
GDP (%)
(in ALL)
Berat (milion ALL) 12.3 2.3
(%) 0.7
Total Dibra 1.335.489 12.7 100 460.436 2.3
100 0.7
Berat Durres 43.236
16.5
3.2
309.670
3.6
67.3
1.3
Dibra Elbasan 132.212 11.3 9.9
481.007 2.3
104.5 0.7
Durres
Fier
27.898
17.1
2.1
319.935
3.4
69.5
1.0
Elbasan Gjirokastra 45.349 10.6 3.4
327.027 2.4
71.0
Fier Korça 71.805 12.4 5.4
323.480 2.5
70.3 0.7
Gjirokastra Kukes 105.245 22.5 7.9
346.054 3.8
75.2 0.9
Korça
Lezha
510.093
18.4
38.2
649.737
4.7
141.1
1.8
Kukes Shkodra 54.192 15.5 4.1
371.324 3.7
80.6 1.6
Lezha
Tirana 166.222 13.9 12.4
520.813 2.7
113.1 0.8
Shkodra
Vlora 29.093
11.1
2.2
392.225 2.4
85.2 0.8
Tirana
Total
72.962
14.3
5.5
321.697
3.0
69.9
1.0
Vlora
77.182
5.8
422.054
91.7
Table 5.2 The main economic indicators, 2012. Source: Statistical Yearbook 2015, INSTAT
183
County
GDP current
price
(milion ALL)
Structure to
GDP (%)
GDP per capita
(in ALL)
Index structure
per capita to GDP
(%)

Year
Population
Urban
Rural
2001
3 063 320
42.2%
57.8%
Tirana
Durres
Korca
2005
3 019 634
46.7%
53.3%
Vlora
Elbasan
Kukes
2010
2 918 674
52.4%
47.6%
Berat
Fier
Lezha
2015
2 892 302
57.2%
42.8%
Dibra
Gjirokastra
Shkodra
6.3% 6.3%
6.2%
8.0%
6.4% 5.2%
5.1%
9.1%
19.5%
25.6%
2001
11.8%
2010
10.6%
8.4%
5.2%
3.6%
8.6%
3.7%
12.5%
7.9%
4.8%
3.1%
8.0%
2.8%
11.3%
6.4% 5.9%
5.7%
8.4%
6.3% 4.9% 4.7%
9.5%
22.1%
27.7%
2005 11.2%
2015
10.4%
8.1%
5.0%
3.4%
8.3%
3.3%
12.0%
7.6%
4.7%
3.0%
2.5%
7.7%
10.9%
Graphic 5.13 Population indicators. Source: Institute of Statistics
184

5.2 Description of the
country's potential for the
development of several
economic clusters
GNP in compliance with the national strategic
projects indicates where the development of
the country will be focused in the upcoming 15
years, enabling more regions to be part of the
development.
For a polycentric development of the country
7 regional development poles and 4 specific
development areas have been identified. 63
The economic development of these poles is
influenced by the concentration of strategic
investments in national infrastructure,
accompanied by measures promoting
economic activities, which are further
reinforced through the policies and objectives
of urban planning. According to the law on
strategic investments, there is a specific
definition on what is a strategic investment.
Distribution, size, form, total number and the
performance of the economic sector as well,
are influenced by political decision-making at
national level but also at the European level;
therefore it is necessary to provide:
• national, regional and local plans that
ensure clarity and safety;
• detailed analysis of the economic potentials
according to the regions;
• high environmental quality;
• housing with affordable prices;
• on-time and cost-effective provision of
infrastructure, especially of transport and
energy;
• a detailed and harmonized legal framework
on: taxes, competitiveness, planning and
environment.
GNP determines the strategic framework that
guides the development of the basic sectors of
economy. These guidelines are influenced by:
• placing the labour force in relation to
investments and new developments;
• providing the necessary conditions to the
benefit of strategic investments;
• establishing and making available
the appropriate housing and residential
structures;
• the quality and availability of the connection,
energy and communication infrastructure;
• the aspects of agricultural development;
• how measures are taken to ensure access to
services for individuals;
• how measures are taken for the individuals
to enjoy the environment and access it.
The territorial location of small and
medium enterprises in the country, shows
a concentration of foreign investments
mainly near large urban centres, where the
opportunities for active and qualified labour
force are higher. In such urbanized areas
is also concentrated the national capital,
benefitting from the conveniences provided
by the established infrastructure. However,
investments or enterprises with domestic
capital are distributed widely in the territory,
highlighting the strength of a family-based
economy.
The trends for business development are
expected to be as follows:
• Increased employment in the production
and processing sectors with a tendency to
increase to a higher concentration the labour
in the service sectors;
• In order to be competitive, the enterprises
should invest in research, innovation and
design for the purposes of increasing the
technological content of products;
• Skills in the field of technology and
organisational skills are expected to be
evermore higher;
• Attraction of foreign direct investments
will continue to be a priority for the Albanian
economy. The attractive sectors in this
direction will continue to be the qualitative
tourism, energy and processing industry,
maritime infrastructure and organic farming.
63
See points 5.3 and 5.4 for e more detailed analysis of the regional development poles and specific development poles
185

Regarding the energy-based economy, the
potentials are multiple. With the achievement
of the objectives defined in the infrastructure
system, the country is expected to meet the
conditions of safe and continuous electrical
energy supply and to increase the demands
for the reduction of energy production cost.
The reduction of energy production cost
will give a chain effect in the cost reduction
of the basic products, and consequently
in the increase of the competitiveness of
local products at home and abroad. Due to
the high hydric potential of Albania and the
opportunity to develop alternative energy
parks, (photovoltaic, wind, etc.), many new
processing industries can consider it as an
opportunity to develop such cooperation
mechanisms. Therefore, for example, a high
number of hydropower plants built in the
remote eastern regions can cooperate with
new mineral processing industries and light
industry.
Clusters which are based on the cooperation
with the energy sector should merge with the
construction sector as well, for affordable
primary residential buildings and buildings
in the tourism sector. The generation of
electrical energy from photovoltaic panels
would make the cost of housing and other
structures more affordable and environmental
friendly.
Local industries of infrastructure production
that enable electrical energy generation from
alternative resources (from the sun as well
as geothermal) such as photovoltaic panels,
copper piping with high thermal conductivity,
should be promoted to spring up and develop
locally through investment support programs,
which integrate all necessary financial, fiscal,
legal and institutional measures, to the full
development of a sub-sector.
The higher and vocational education,
but above all the university research and
development institutes, should be oriented
in this direction and cooperate in promoting
innovation in this sector. Promoting and
supporting the trend of concentrating
investments on the extracting and processing
industry with scientific research sectors in the
hydrocarbon and mining area.
Tourism development will be based on
the promotion of territorial concentration
of investments in the field of diversified
tourism and with a focus on the coastal,
health and balneary tourism (SPAs, relax
centres, mainly near thermal sources,
pharmaceutical companies for production
of beauty products and beyond, nearby
medicinal plants collection and processing
areas). In a tourism-based economy, the
incorporation of the economy of historical
and natural landscape is essential. Their
economic recognition and evaluation will
increase the sensitiveness to preserve and
maintain these assets. Tourism development
poses great opportunities to be clustered
with the agricultural economy due to the
mutual economic relationships. Agricultural
farms set up near tourist regions will provide
qualitative local food, making the tourist offer
more unique and attractive.
Furthermore, the cooperation of the tourist
sector, especially relax and SPAs or health
tourism, can increase the values of end
products if it cooperates with the economy
of medical drugs of high value in the country,
or it can capitalize the values of balneary
tourism and eco-tourism for health tourism.
Connecting coastal tourism with agro-tourism
and agricultural farms inside the territory
and connecting with the ever increasing
wine production areas, with the wineries of
Albanian wines.
The development of agricultural economy
shall go towards modernization, increased
productivity and preservation of quality.
Cooperation with the tourism sectors and
the appropriate connecting and distribution
infrastructure with the urban system will
enhance the efficiency and will make this
sector more competitive.
186

5.3 The possibility of
strengthening the regional
development poles and
specific development areas
Regional development poles are
characterized by a territorial area, where
the increase in interactions of economic,
social and cultural relations aims to elevate
the economic performance, to maximize
incomes and to improve the quality of life
in this area. These regions are considered
to be of priority because they are expected
to be the main poles where the economy
of the country will be concentrated in the
upcoming 15 years. In this first national plan,
the dilemmas for territorial development
proposed by "Shqipëria 2030" have been
multiple. The polarized and monocentric
pattern already formed spontaneously by
the attraction of a cheap and also deformed
labour force, was not supported in face of a
polycentric development, which is expected
to balance the deep social and economic
inequalities identified in the recent 25 years,
expanding the opportunities for development,
employment and life quality even in the
marginalized territories. Their placement
on the territory testifies this demand for
balance. GNP has a positive approach to the
expectations of a polycentric development
of Albania. Therefore, it is based on the
positive outputs which are expected to be
generated from the multiple investments
in the national infrastructure of transport,
energy and communication that cross these
regions. Other infrastructures have also been
proposed by the GNP 64 in order to invigorate
their priority role.
Compared to the specific development
areas, the regional development poles aim
to be the epicentres of the multifunctional
development. In this context, the organic
relation that exists between the city and the
region they are part of should be kept in mind,
considering them as a unity. Therefore, when
we talk about such poles as Kukes - Tropoja,
Shkodra - Lezha, Tirana - Durres, Gjirokastra
- Saranda, Fier - Berat - Vlora, Elbasan, they
should be thought as city-regions.
These poles should compete mainly with
the cross-border regions to accommodate
and attract as much global capital as
possible. This capital is movable and tends
to be allocated where the cities prove to
fulfil its needs for: appropriate economic
infrastructure, free and accessible land,
qualified labour force and fiscal facilities. But,
the real wealth of a region does not lie on the
mechanical collection of foreign investments,
which can move to another region without
leaving additional profits and consuming the
assets of the territory.
For a rapid economic growth, but with a
sustainable development, these regions
should take into consideration the
development in clusters, which build upon the
quality of the city's endogenous assets.
The 7 main clusters are listed below:
At the top remain the clusters based on
human capital formation and the quality of
their life. This means that a good governance
of these cities should provide:
Firstly, suitable housing with guaranteed
property titles, opportunities for quality
education for boys and girls and healthcare
services.
Secondly, there are the social clusters
based on the civil society. These kinds of
organizations are important for a competitive
region as they ensure diversity, public support
and promote citizenship.
Thirdly, there are the clusters with a cultural
basis, which includes the cultural, historical
and physical heritage, and tradition and
culture. In this sense, the collective memory
gains value in the economic development.
64
See the chapter on territorial systems
187

By appreciating the past we can cherish the
future, which soon turns into past. Regarding
the physical heritage of the cultural cluster,
we should appreciate the economic relevance
of the historical landscape. This landscape
is important as it creates the sense of
belongingness and identification of the citizen
with the city where he or she lives in, which is
often identified with the neighbourhood or its
historical centre. The sense of belongingness
encourages motivation for quality investment
and maintenance. However, at the same
time the economic value of the historical
landscape should be recognized. Each year,
cultural tourism marks high figures of income
throughout the world. The preservation and
promotion of this physical collective memory,
enriched by culture and local traditions,
constitute a great attractive force for
investments in the region.
Fourthly, it’s the cluster of creative and
intellectual class/circle. This class/circle,
even though in relation with the other part of
population, is smaller in number, represents
the elite of critical thinking and creativity,
which should be nurtured and encouraged
as they provide innovation that is essential
to the future of the region. It is true that
creativity cannot be controlled, but it can be
supported with spaces and the appropriate
infrastructure. For example, researchers
should have labs available, students should
be provided with universities with qualified
staff in order to advance, artists should have
suitable spaces for work and exhibition and
so on, directors, actors, singer should have
a stage to perform their art and above all
should have the freedom to create.
based on nature. Therefore, a refraining
expansion of urbanization and planning that
provides a rich and diversified use of land for
a harmonized development of functions which
are often contradictory should be ensured.
The city and the region carry a symbiotic
relationship, and as long as this relation is
understood and nurtured the mutual progress
is guaranteed.
Sixthly, the cluster with the environment
as a basis means the physical quality of
basic elements of our daily life: the air we
breathe, the water we drink, and the capacity
of the land from which we take the food and
which bears the intensity of our dwellings.
Clear measures for the implementation of
standards preserving the environment should
be implemented and reinforced.
Finally, the seventh cluster of economic
development with infrastructure as a
basis, including transport, energy and
communication infrastructure, water supply,
sewerage and waste management, which
take up a large part of the local capital. This
infrastructure should provide services and
proper access for the wider population to
avoid a marginalized city and all economic
deficits it brings about. The real wealth of
cities and regions comprised of them, lies
on the progressive development of the basic
assets possessed by them. The economic
performance of a region is not measured
only by the increase of regional domestic
production, which remains a cold statistical
datum telling little about the reality.
Fifthly, there is the cluster with natural asset
as a basis and this includes natural resources
such as forests, beaches, lakes, river basins,
rivers, natural landscapes, etc., all of them
with values in productivity but also a source
of satisfaction. The economic value of the
historical landscape and natural landscape as
well should be recognized. This value firstly
lies on the quality of urban life it provides and,
secondly, on the value of tourism economy
188

5.3.1 The regional development pole Kukes - Has - Tropoja
LEGEND
ANDRIJEVICA
Primary road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Oil refinery
PEJE
Secondary road
Copper deposit
Proposed thermal plant
Vermosh-
Guci
Valbone
PLAV
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Chrome deposit
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
Gas compressor
i
Podgorice
TAMARE
Razem
Boge
THETH
JEZERCE
NIKAJ-MERTUR
VALBONE
TROPOJE
Qafe Morine
GJAKOVE
Rail infrastructure
Proposed railway
Main station
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
LIK
E851
E762
Bajze
Grile
MALESI E MADHE
SHKODER
Itinerari
Mjede
VAU I DEJES
PUKE
Kabash
FUSHE-ARREZ
Munelle
Lak-Rosh
Kalimash
Zhub
Vlahan
HAS
Morine-
Vermice
E851
IAP Kukes - Prishtine
Maja e
Pashtrikut
KUKES
Shishtavec
E851
PRIZREN
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
E762
E851
UNESCO site
Olive grooves
Tertiary centre
LIPOJE
Baqel
LEZHE
Central Biomase
Rubik
E851
Rreshen
MIRDITE
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
Korab
GOSTIVAR
Forests
Lands with complex cultivation
Iron-nickel deposit
Dump site
Hotspots
Proposed dump site
Airport
Main port
Energy port
Lumi Drini Vjetër
Lumi Mat
Lumi Ishëm
Lac
E762
Milot
Skuraj
Ulez
MAT
Karma
Lure
KURBIN
Map 5.1 The regional development pole Kukes - Has - Tropoja
Gjorm
Spac
Burrel
Luzni-Bulac
DIBER
Blate
Via Skanderbeg
Strengthening of Kukes city as a primary
urban centre is based on strategic
infrastructural projects, a fully-functional
airport of Kukes, the strengthening of
connections with the main urban centres
around and increasing cross-border
economic cooperation in the sector
of trade, tourism and infrastructure,
applying incentive policies to activate
the economy based on diversified energy
sources, mountain tourism and qualitative
agricultural products which are a
characteristic of the region.
The main projects for the strengthening of
infrastructure are as follows:
• Evaluating the natural potential in terms of
diversification of renewable energy, utilizing
the strong winds in the river mouths.
• Completing the 400kV interconnection lines
that will connect Elbasan - Fierza - Kosovo
and Burrel - Skavica - Kosovo.
• Performing the gasification of the region
through IAP – Kosovo connection.
Active iron-nickel mine
Closed iron-nickel mine
Gas field
Oil field
• Activating the airport of Kukes constitutes
a potential for this region and the north of
the country in general, a region with high
scale migration to the EU countries.
• Improving the connective infrastructure
among the centres Kukes - Has - Tropoja
and in relation to the border centres in
Kosovo, Prizren - Gjakova - Peja. The
infrastructure would shorten travel distances
to these centres and would strengthen and
concretize the cross- border cooperation
among them.
• Regenerating the Fushe Arrez - Tropoja
axis.
• Creating a cross-border economic pole
among the regions of Kukes, Prizren and
Gjakova. Maximum facilitation of tariff
policies, customs and tax cooperation
practices and also among local
governments, bureaucracy free, without
any delays and obstacles from the central
government.
Tourist marina
Protected areas
189

INE
k
USHNJE
disht
VEC
Rafineri
PEQIN
Bishqethem
URA
VAJGURORE
Ballsh
E853
BERAT
BELSH
MALLAKASTER
Vidhas
CERRIK
KUCOVE
Kraste
ELBASAN
Paper
POLICAN
MEMALIAJ
5.3.2 The regional development pole Korça – Pogradec
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bogove
Gjinar
Mirake
GRAMSH
SKRAPAR
E852
LIBRAZHD
Xhyre
Qukes
PRRENJAS
E852
Zona natyrore dhe kulturore e Ohrit
E86
E86
Lin
Tushemisht
Guri i Kuq
POGRADEC
Varrezat e Selces se Poshtme
MALIQ
Voskopoje
Vithkuq
Liqeni i OHRIT
Qafe Thane
Memlisht
E86
OHRID
Tushemisht
Rezervati
Kangonji
Nikolice
PUSTEC
E86
DEVOLL
Bredhi i
Drenoves
KORCE
Morrava
Dardhe
Qyteze
Liqeni i PRESPËS
Stenje
Kapshce Kapshce
Trestenik
Gjurma e linjes TAP
E86
KASTORIA
LEGEND
Primary road
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Rail infrastructure
Proposed railway
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
Iron-nickel mine under study
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Chrome deposit
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Oil refinery
Proposed thermal plant
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
Gas compressor
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
TEPELENE
KELCYRE
PERMET
Piskal-
Shqeri
KOLONJE
UNESCO site
Olive grooves
Tertiary centre
E853
Forests
Dump site
Airport
HIMARE
GJIROKASTER
Parku
Natyror
Zheji
Germenj-
Shelegur
Lands with complex cultivation
Iron-nickel deposit
Hotspots
Proposed dump site
Main port
Energy port
Tre Urat
Active iron-nickel mine
Gas field
Tourist marina
DELVINE
Rezervati
Rrezome
LIBOHOVE
KONICA
Closed iron-nickel mine
Oil field
Protected areas
Map 5.2 The regional development pole Korça - Pogradec
The strengthening of the city of Korça as a
primary urban centre is based on the strategic
projects for this pole led by the completion of
Corridor VIII. For the strengthening of this pole
it’s critical the provision of the fast connection
with main national infrastructures, airports
and ports, and the short and easy access to
the infrastructural corridors of neighbouring
countries such as Greece and FYROM.
Therefore, GNP suggests to evaluate the
opportunities regarding the connection of
Korça region to the port of Vlora and improve
the connections with the Gjirokastra – Saranda
region. A better access of the eastern
gate to these regional development poles
makes Korça even more attractive for the
concentration of strategic investments.
Referring to the TAP project, this region
displays a potential for the utilization of gas
infrastructure and connection to the regional
energy network.
This region is characterized by high values of
natural territorial landscape, rich in national
parks, forests and agricultural lands. The
proximity to various tourist attractions such as
mountainous and lake attractions makes this
region attractive to investments.
The strategic inter-regional and regional
projects proposed by GNP are as follows:
• Utilizing TAP power line as an energy
source for the development of the light
extractive industry of the area.
• Supporting initiatives for the purpose of
using solar and wind energy.
• Revaluating Korça and Maliqi thermal
plant, and also taking into consideration this
potential not only in the domestic energy use
but also in meeting the industrial energy needs
of the economic activities in the region.
• Revaluating the existing axes, i.e.
Lin - Pogradec and Kolonja - Permet in
compliance with the concept of green
roads, by rehabilitating and adapting those
segments that pass nearby or across protected
areas. This refers mainly to the Sectorial
Strategy on Transport 2008 – 2013, where it
is implemented according to the principles
Lumi
Lumi Seman
Pishe
Poro
190

of sustainable transport. The latter means
the optimization of cost, safe movement and
environmental protection.
• Landscape itinerary Elbasan - Gramsh -
Voskopoja - Maliq.
• Further integrating and connecting our rail
network (the last station Lin -Pogradec) with
the rail network of FYROM.
• Strengthening the rail network as part of the
multimodality of Corridor VIII.
5.3.3 The regional development pole - Elbasan
Lumi Erzen
DURRES
Lumi Ishëm
Kepi i Rodonit
Gjiri i
Lalzit
Amfiteatri
Shkozet
Sukth
SHIJAK
It is to be emphasized that due to the central
location of the Municipality of Elbasan
in relation to the geographic position of
the territory and the improvement of the
connection with Tirana through the Elbasan-
Tirana road, its cooperation with the regional
development pole Tirana - Durres is principal,
therefore considering a development pole
with three primary centres i.e. Tirana, Durres,
Elbasan. On the other hand, the completion of
the central axis that will connect Elbasan to
Berat and further on to Gjirokastra, increases
the opportunity of association and evaluation
of new cooperation potentials between these
two centres, considering centres like Elbasan,
Korça and Berat as one economic pole. This
is also strengthened by the new connections
proposed for Korça with Berat.
The inter-regional and regional strategic
Ishem
Budull
VORE
E762
Kashar
Gjorm
Mamurras
KRUJE
Fushe Kruje
E762
KAMEZ
Yzberisht
Fabrika e Cimentos
Spac
Mali me Gropa
Shengjergj
KLOS
Martanesh
BULQIZE
Luzni-Bulac
Blate
DIBER
Vicisht
Stebleve
projects proposed by GNP are as follows:
• Evaluating the natural potential in terms of
alternative energy diversification.
• Evaluating the opportunity to establish
photovoltaic parks making use of 2,500 annual
sunshine hours.
• Reactivating the rail network, part of
Corridor VIII for a sustainable connection
which supports the trade development and the
sustainable transport of goods from the Black
Sea to the port of Durres.
• The strategic project to resurrect the
antique route of “Via Egnatia” (Egnatia road)
to boost tourism, supporting and highlighting
the values, traditions and the history of our
country.
• Supporting the promotion of elite tourism
in thermal areas and mountainous tourism in
tourist attractions like Gjinari, etc.
LEGEND
Primary road
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Chrome deposit
Oil refinery
Proposed thermal plant
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
Gas compressor
-
Shkumbin
Grykederdhja
Seman
Apollonia
Vjose-
Narte
Levan
Novosele
VLORE
DIVJAKE
FIER
Karavasta
E853
Narte
Plazh
Golem
KAVAJE
Kraps
E853
Lekaj
E853
SELENICE
Peze
RROGOZHINE
Libofshe
PATOS
Kasnice
Dushk
ROSKOVEC
TIRANE
LUSHNJE
Gradisht
Rafineri
PEQIN
Bishqethem
URA
VAJGURORE
Ballsh
E853
Petrele
BERAT
BELSH
MALLAKASTER
E852
Vidhas
CERRIK
KUCOVE
ELBASAN
Paper
POLICAN
Kraste
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bogove
Map 5.3 The regional development pole - Elbasan
Gjinar
Mirake
GRAMSH
SKRAPAR
E852
LIBRAZHD
Xhyre
Kuturman-
Qafa e Bushit
Shebenike-
Jabllanice
Qukes
PRRENJAS
E852
Zona natyrore dhe kulturore e Ohrit
E86
POGRADEC
E86
Voskopoje
STRUGE
Lin
Tushemisht
Guri i Kuq
Varrezat e Selces se Poshtme
MALIQ
Vithkuq
Liqeni i OHRIT
Memlisht
E86
E852
Qafe Thane
OHRID
Tushemisht
Rezervati
Kangonji
Nikolice
PUSTEC
E86
Lands with complex cultivation
DEVOLL
Iron-nickel deposit
Bredhi i
Drenoves
KORCE
Active iron-nickel mine
Trestenik
Morrava
Dardhe Closed iron-nickel mine
Qyteze
Rail infrastructure
Proposed railway
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Via Egnatia
Liqeni i PRESPËS
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Stenje
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
UNESCO site
Forests
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
Dump site
Hotspots
Proposed dump site
Gas field
Oil field
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Airport
Main port
Energy port
Tourist marina
Protected areas
191

5.3.4 The regional development pole Tirana - Durres, the central economic engine
Lumi Buna
Rubik
Central Biomase
E851
Rreshen
MIRDITE
e Oroshit
LEGEND
GOSTIVAR
Primary road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Oil refinery
Lumi Drini Vjetër
Lure
DIBER
Secondary road
Copper deposit
Proposed thermal plant
Lumi Mat
Lac
Milot
KURBIN
Skuraj
Ulez
MAT
Karma
Via Skanderbeg
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
Lumi Ishëm
Kepi i Rodonit
E762
Gjorm
Mamurras
KRUJE
Spac
Burrel
KLOS
Luzni-Bulac
Blate
DIBER
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Rail infrastructure
Chrome deposit
Active chrome deposit
Gas compressor
Small hydropower plants
Via Egnatia
Lumi Erzen
Ishem
Fabrika e Cimentos
Gjiri i
Budull
Fushe Kruje
Lalzit
VORE
E762
Sukth
Amfiteatri
KAMEZ
Mali me Gropa
Kashar
Shkozet
Shengjergj
Yzberisht
Plazh
TIRANE
Golem
KAVAJE Peze
Petrele
E852
DURRES
SHIJAK
Lekaj
RROGOZHINE
E853
DIVJAKE
Lumi Shkumbin
Dushk
Karavasta
ELBASAN
Vidhas
PEQIN
Paper
Bishqethem
CERRIK
BELSH
Kraste
Martanesh
Gjinar
Mirake
BULQIZE
E852
LIBRAZHD
Xhyre
Kuturman-
Qafa e Bushit
Shebenike-
Jabllanice
Qukes
PRRENJAS
E852
Zona natyrore dhe kulturore e Ohrit
E86
Vicisht
Stebleve
E86
STRUGE
Liqeni i OHRIT
Memlisht
Proposed railway
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
E852
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
OHRID
Sailing itinerary
Qafe Thane Tourist village
Lin UNESCO site
Forests
Tushemisht
Lands with complex cultivation
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
Dump site
Hotspots
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Airport
Main port
Via Appia
Roma- Brindisi
Lumi Seman
Pishe-
Poro
Grykederdhja
Seman
Apollonia
Levan
E853
VAJGURORE
MALIQ
ROSKOVEC
Map 5.4 The regional development pole Tirana - Durres
FIER
Libofshe
PATOS
LUSHNJE
Gradisht
URA
BERAT
KUCOVE
Regarding the regional development pole
Tirana - Durres, the integrated cross-sectorial
plan will be accompanied by more detailed
territorial policies.
(A few more details regarding this pole are
mentioned below)
The Tirana-Durres area is considered as
the engine of the country's economy. It is an
important pole of the regional development,
which is based on the principles of global
economic competition, on the creation of
Mali i
Tomorrit
GRAMSH
Tushemisht Guri i Kuq
Iron-nickel deposit
POGRADEC
Active iron-nickel mine
Varrezat e Selces se Poshtme
PUSTEC
Closed iron-nickel mine
economic and development clusters and on
the metabolic development of the territory.
The main priority for this regional development
pole will be access to knowledge and
investments focused on innovation and
technology. The integrated cross-sectorial plan
will create the basis for territorial development
in order to increase quality of urban life and
will support the creative industry, which is
believed to enable a technological boom for
this region in the future.
5.3.5 The regional development pole Shkodra - Lezha, the western gate of the northern
mountainous region
E86
Rezervati
Kangonji
Proposed dump site
Gas field
Oil field
Energy port
Tourist marina
Protected areas
This pole is comprised of five municipalities
with the municipality of Shkodra as the main
centre. The municipality of Lezha in the quality
of a specialized centre and the municipalities
of Vau i Dejes, Malesi e Madhe and Kurbin as
local centres. According to INSTAT data, in 2001
the region had 344,213 inhabitants, whereas in
2011 it had 308,797 inhabitants, thus marking a
decrease of the population by 10.3%. The
territorial area is 310,093 ha in total and is
comprised of 37 administrative units. Although
this pole does not have a considerable
territorial area, it is very rich in natural
resources and cultural values where it is worth
192

mentioning Shengjini beach, Velipoja beach,
Shkodra lake, Mat, Buna and Drin rivers, the
steep alps, the abundant agricultural fields,
agro-tourist activities, folk and traditional
music and religious tolerance, etc. Among
the most prominent projects prescribed by
the General National Plan is to improve the
conditions and increase the accommodating
capacity of Shengjini port and the landscape
axis across the shores of Shkodra Lake, etc.
Referring to the natural system, the General
National Plan proposes:
• Increasing the surface area of Protected
Areas, adding the Emerald Network (Kune
- Vain, Patok - Ishem, Berzane, Vermosh,
Lepushe, Boge, Razem, Tamare, and Nikc).
• Putting river Buna and the area around it
under protection with the status of a national
park.
• Proclaiming and promoting the national park
of the Alps as a park of regional importance and
drafting financial policies and instruments to
boost the development of mountainous tourism.
Regarding the water system, GNP proposes the
following:
• Defining the Blue Line and fully complying
with it as the border of the protected areas of
all water resources, according to the definitions
of the sectorial legislation in force and the
Planning Regulation of July 2015, in order to
protect the natural ecosystem of the area.
• Drafting the Management Plan of Ishem -
Erzen basin in accordance with the Sectorial
Strategy on Environment.
• Primary and secondary centres should be
equipped with wastewater treatment plants,
aside the existing/planned plants in Shkodra,
Lezha - Shengjin and Velipoja, in order that
by 2030 no more waste water is discharged in
rivers and seas and to increase the quality of
basins.
• Covering tourist and suburban areas with
water supply and sanitation services.
• Tourist route of river - lake paddling
by integrating paddling and sailing in a
recreational network: Vau i Dejes – Shkodra
Lake- Pulaj – Bojana Island.
PEJE
Vermosh-
Guci
PLAV
LEGEND
Primary road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Oil refinery
Valbone
Secondary road
Copper deposit
Proposed thermal plant
E762
VALBONE
Tertiary road
Copper mine
Inactive thermal plant
DGORICE
IAP Shkoder - Podgorice
TAMARE
JEZERCE
Proposed roads
Copper enrichment factory
Biomass plant
Tuz
Hani i
Hot Hot
Bajze
E762
Boge
Razem
MALESI E MADHE
THETH
NIKAJ-MERTUR
TROPOJE
Qafe Morine
Zhub
GJAKOVE
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Rail infrastructure
E851
Proposed railway
Chrome deposit
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Gas compressor
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
BAR
E851
Liqeni i SHKODRËS
KOPLIK
Rruga
Bregdetare
Peisazhistike
Zogaj
Muriqan
IAP Bushat -Ulqin
E851
ULQIN
Pulaj
VELIPOJE
Lumi Buna
Itinerari
Grile
SHKODER
VAU I DEJES
Mjede
E762
Baqel
LEZHE
Central Biomase
Rubik
Lak-Rosh
FUSHE-ARREZ
Kabash
Kalimash
PUKE
Munelle
E851
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
MIRDITE
E851
Rreshen
Vlahan
HAS
KUKES
E851
Maja e
Pashtrikut
Korab
Morine-
Vermice
IAP Kukes - Prishtine
Shishtavec
Main station
PRIZREN
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
TETOVE
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
GOSTIVAR
UNESCO site
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Lumi Drini Vjetër
Lure
DIBER
Forests
Dump site
Airport
Lumi Mat
Lumi Ishëm
Kepi i Rodonit
Skuraj
Milot
KURBIN
Lac
E762
Gjorm
Mamurras
KRUJE
Ulez
MAT
Spac
Karma
Burrel
KLOS
Luzni-Bulac
Blate
DIBER
Via Skanderbeg
Lands with complex cultivation
Iron-nickel deposit
Active iron-nickel mine
Closed iron-nickel mine
Hotspots
Proposed dump site
Gas field
Oil field
Main port
Energy port
Tourist marina
Protected areas
Ishem
Fabrika e Cimentos
BULQIZE
Vicisht
Map 5.5 The regional development pole Shkodra - Lezha
193

Regarding the agricultural system:
• Establishing a regional agricultural market
that would complete the economic-agricultural
chain in the agro-processing of agricultural
products.
Regarding the transport infrastructure:
• Developing the primary centre of Shkodra and
Lezha as two gateway cities starting from port
and railway modalities and national roads that
they offer and also developing the centres of
Bajza, Koplik and Lac as logistic hubs, for the
leading role and border position that they have
as collection points for agricultural products
and important stations for people and goods.
• Improving the conditions and strengthening
the accommodating capacity of the Shengjini
port as a very important node for the Shkodra -
Lezha economic pole.
- Integration and full operation as per the
modalities of the rail network stations: Hani
i Hotit, Bajza, Koplik, Grile, Milot as goods
stations; Shkodra, Lezha as central stations,
and regenerating the passenger stations of
Mjede, Baqel, Lac, Gjorm, Mamurras.
• The blue landscape route in this area along
the centres of Ulqin - Velipoja - Shengjin -
Lezha • Kune-Vain, preceded by strategic
projects of the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment.
• Constructing IAP gas pipeline that is
predicted to start from Fier, to cross this
region towards Montenegro in two branches,
above and under the Lake of Shkodra. Beyond
Montenegro the IAP will enable the connection
with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.
• Constructing the new substations in Koman
and Lezha in compliance with the Transmission
System Operator. The latter will also host the
400 and 220 kV lines that will connect Albania
to Kosovo and Montenegro.
• Constructing the energy park, which would
be composed of two wind farms and a biomass
power plant with annual generation capacity
respectively 1.1 Twh and 750 Gwh.
• Evaluating the natural potential in terms of
alternative energy diversification aiming for the
2,700 hours of radiation per year to be utilized
for the construction of photovoltaic parks.
194

5.3.6 The regional development pole Vlora - Fier - Berat
Lumi Shkumbin
DIVJAKE
Karavasta
Lekaj
RROGOZHINE
E853
Dushk
E852
Kraste
ELBASAN
Vidhas
PEQIN
Paper
Bishqethem
CERRIK
BELSH
Gjinar
Mirake
E852
LIBRAZHD
Xhyre
Qukes E852
PRRENJAS
Zona natyrore dhe kulturore e Ohrit
Lin
E86
LEGEND
Liqeni i OHRIT
Primary road
Qafe Thane Secondary road
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
Iron-nickel mine under study
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Oil refinery
Proposed thermal plant
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
E86
E851 Memlisht E86 E853
Trans-European Network Road
Chrome deposit
Gas compressor
Via Appia
Roma- Brindisi
LUSHNJE
E853
Gradisht
Lumi Seman
Grykederdhja
Libofshe
KUCOVE
Seman
Apollonia
URA
VAJGURORE
FIER
ROSKOVEC
PATOS
BERAT
Pishe-
Poro
Levan
Lumi Vjosë
Kraps
E853
Novosele
Kasnice
Ballsh
Vjose-
Narte
VLORE
Rafineri
SELENICE
E853
Narte
POLICAN
MALLAKASTER
GRAMSH
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bogove
SKRAPAR
Tushemisht Guri i Kuq
Rail infrastructure
POGRADEC
Proposed railway
Varrezat e Selces se Poshtme
Main station
MALIQ
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Voskopoje
Border crossing point
Vithkuq Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Sailing itinerary
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
MEMALIAJ
Tourist village
Fruit trees
Secondary centre
UNESCO site
Olive grooves
Tertiary centre
Karaburun
Llogara
TEPELENE
E853
KELCYRE
PERMET
Piskal-
Shqeri
KOLONJE
Forests
Lands with complex cultivation
Dump site
Hotspots
Airport
Main port
HIMARE
GJIROKASTER
Parku
Natyror
Zheji
Germenj-
Shelegur
Iron-nickel deposit
Active iron-nickel mine
Proposed dump site
Gas field
Energy port
Tourist marina
Tre Urat
Closed iron-nickel mine
Oil field
Protected areas
Rrezome
Map 5.6 The regional development pole Vlora-Fier-Berat
Rezervati
LIBOHOVE
Based on the prediction of the General
National Plan, this regional development
pole will have 3 main centres, namely the
municipality of Vlora, Berat and Fier. The
municipality of Lushnje and that of Kuçova
are regarded as the specialized centres of
the regional development pole, whereas the
other municipalities will be tertiary centres.
In total the regional development pole of Vlora
- Fier - Berat includes 13 municipalities and
75 administrative units. In terms of economic
development and due to the considerable
natural resources, this pole competes
worthily with the biggest economic engine
of the country, that of Tirana - Durres. In the
region, the plain of Myzeqe, the extractive and
processing refineries of oil and natural gas,
Narta lagoon, Vlora port, the clean coastline,
the crossing of the main road axes, crossing of
the TAP energy pipeline, etc., are cited among
the main natural potentials.
It is proposed to:
• Improve the conditions and strengthen the
accommodating capacity of the port of Vlora
and Petrolifera as the main port nodes of
maritime transport.
• Integrate and fully operate in compliance
with the modalities of rail network stations:
Levan, Narta and Rafineri as stations of goods;
Vlora, Fier, Lushnje and Ballsh as central
stations, and revive the passengers stations
such as Dushk, Gradishte, Libofshe and
Novosela, Kraps and Kasnica as well.
• Extend the railway line to Kakavija, providing
the connection through Ballsh and Memaliaj.
• The coastal landscape road in this area
along the centres: Divjaka - Pishe Poro -
Narta - Vlora - Dhermi 65 . The bicycle network
that crosses the area referring to the national
bicycle network, proposed by GNP.
The blue landscape road and the national
horizontal roads pass through this region.
65
According to the priority projects of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, 2014
195

• Develop strategic projects for the utilization
of TAP gas which passes through this region.
Complete the IAP energy line project, Fier
- Montenegro - Bosnia and Herzegovina -
Croatia.
• One of these strategic projects is the
connection of TAP with the TPP of Vlora, in
order to make this energy project to function
properly for the purposes of increasing the
security of supply for the southern areas of
Albania.
The Fier-Vlora gas line project, in order to
supply the thermal power plant of Vlora,
is predicted to be developed as a technical
project.
• Evaluate opportunities from the respective
sectors to re-use the existing or new thermal
power plants, which use energy coming from
gas.
• Evaluate the natural potential in terms of
diversification of renewable and alternative
energy, taking into consideration 2,700 hours of
radiation per year to construct the photovoltaic
parks.
Pishe-
Poro
Apollonia
Vjose-
Narte
Levan
Novosele
FIER
E853
Narte
Kraps
SELENICE
5.3.7 The regional development pole Gjirokastra - Saranda, the southern gate of the
Albanian Riviera
This regional development pole is composed
of 9 municipalities and 32 administrative
units. According to INSTAT population
figures, the region had 120,784 residents
in 2001, whereas in 2011 there were 99,209
residents, incurring a loss by 17.9% in
population. The geographic position and
multiple cultural, natural and historical
assets, which characterize this economic
region, highlight its high potential for being
a worthily competitive region in various
ROSKOVEC
PATOS
Kasnice
Rafineri
URA
VAJGURORE
Ballsh
E853
BERAT
MALLAKASTER
POLICAN
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bogove
SKRAPAR
MALIQ
Voskopoje
Vithkuq
E86
Rezervati
Kangonji
KORCE
Nikolice
LEGEND
E86
Morrava
DEVOLL
Bredhi i
Drenoves
Dardhe
economic areas.
The General National Plan, in the
hierarchization of the centres, foresees the
municipality of Gjirokastra and Saranda
as the primary centres of the region
and the other municipalities as tertiary
centres. Some of the strategic investments
predicted to be performed within 2030 in
this region are: the airport field, improving
the amortized conditions of ports for
passengers and fishing, etc.
Primary road
Secondary road
Tertiary
Trestenik
road
Proposed roads
Qyteze
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Chrome deposit
Oil refinery
Proposed thermal plant
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
Gas compressor
Rail infrastructure
Active chrome deposit
Small hydropower plants
MEMALIAJ
Proposed railway
Closed chrome deposit
Main hydropower plants
Karaburun
Llogara
HIMARE
TEPELENE
E853
GJIROKASTER
Rezervati
Rrezome
KELCYRE
Parku
Natyror
Zheji
PERMET
LIBOHOVE
Piskal-
Shqeri
Germenj-
Shelegur
KOLONJE
Tre Urat
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
DELVINE
KONICA
Sailing itinerary
Vineyard
Primary centre
DROPULL
Jorgucat
Tourist village
Fruit trees
Secondary centre
FINIQ
E853
Kakavije
E853
UNESCO site
Olive grooves
Tertiary centre
Forests
Dump site
Airport
SARANDE
Lands with complex cultivation
Hotspots
Main port
Butrint
IOANNINAIron-nickel deposit
Proposed dump site
Energy port
KONISPOL
Rruga
Active iron-nickel mine
Gas field
Tourist marina
40
Qafe Bote
Qafe Bote
Closed iron-nickel mine
Oil field
Protected areas
Map 5.7 The regional development pole Gjirokastra - Saranda
196

Regarding the water system, the General
National Plan proposes:
• Defining the Blue Line and fully complying
with it as the border of the protected areas
of all water resources, according to the
definitions of the sectorial legislation in force
and the one on planning, in order to protect the
water systems and their ecosystems.
• Drafting the management plan for Vjosa
basin in accordance with the Strategy on
Environment.
• The primary and tourist centres should have
minimally a wastewater treatment plant, aside
the 2 existing/planned plants of Saranda and
Ksamil 66 , so that within 2030 there will be “0”
wastewater discharges into the rivers and
seas.
• Covering the tourist and suburban areas with
water supply and sanitation service.
• The tourist, paddling, river-lake route by
integrating the paddling and sailing in a
recreational network, including the lake of
Butrinti, lake of Viroi, Blue Eye, etc.
Regarding the agricultural system, the GNP
suggests to establish a regional agricultural
market in the area that will complete the
economic-agricultural chain in the agroprocessing
of agricultural products.
Regarding the infrastructural system, the
General National Plan proposes:
• Developing the centre of Gjirokastra and
Saranda as gateway cities starting from the
port and road modalities, given that they are
cross-border nodes of road transport.
• Developing the centre of Xarra, as an
agricultural hub due to its important
agricultural role in the area.
• Improving the conditions and strengthening
the accommodating capacity of the port
of Saranda as a portual node of maritime
transport in the south of the country.
• Extending the railway line towards the border
with Greece, establishing the connection
through Tepelena - Gjirokastra - Dropull -
Kakavija.
• The blue coastal landscape road in this area
along the centres of Dhermi - Himara - Borsh
- Saranda - Ksamil - Butrint - Konispol. 67
• Connecting the centres of Kardhiq - Ftere
through a soft infrastructure, a segment which
will connect the protected tourist mountainous
area of Kardhiq with the coastal area of Borsh.
• The bicycle network, which covers the area
referring to the national bicycle network,
proposed by GNP. The coastal landscape road
is part of this pole as well.
For the energy infrastructure, GNP proposes
to evaluate the natural potential in terms of
diversifying the renewable and alternative
energy, utilizing the strong winds in the mouth
of Drino river, the favourable solar radiation
(about 2,700 hours per year) and the fields of
gas and oil, namely in Delvina and Finiq.
5.4 Specific development
areas
The specific development areas are
functional areas by themselves, which
by increasing interaction among them,
strengthen the economy and extend the
development opportunities. In contrast to
the above mentioned poles, these areas are
characterized by cities with specific features,
which relate to their geographic position,
natural underground resources or unique
values of historical and cultural heritage, etc.
These areas in themselves are comprised
of ‘talented’ cities or aiming to become
so by maximizing, making more efficient
and progressively improving the quality of
the “unique” product possessed by them.
Given that the city, as a concept in itself, is
organically related to the regions where it lies,
we must say that these regions are composed
of cities/urban centres which also hold other
features apart from their specialization
(existing or aimed). This means that if we are
talking about the region of Dibra - Mat - Klos
– Bulqiza as an area with a special potential to
further develop the extractive and processing
66
Annual reports of the Water Regulatory Entity (ERRU)
67
According to the priority projects of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, 2014
197

industry of mineral resources, this does
not mean that the economic values which
derive from the agriculture, arboriculture,
mountainous tourism, balneary and ecotourist
sectors, are excluded. Indeed, all these
talents should be boosted through central
and local policies to interact in order to form
the clusters of these assets for the purposes
of establishing the added value of the final
product. The primary talent of these areas is
managed in such a way as to maximize gains,
produce profits of higher value than in other
sectors of economy developed there, yet not
neglecting or forgetting the latter. On the
contrary, the development of other economic
sectors increases the diversity of the area,
influences on the rise of quality of life of
residents due to the variety of basic products
but also due to the labour force engaged in the
specialized sector, building in this way a more
attractive, dynamic and competitive area.
5.4.1 The specific development area Dibra - Mat - Klos -Bulqiza
Grile
SHKODER
Mjede
VAU I DEJES
FUSHE-ARREZ
Kabash
PUKE
Munelle
Kalimash
KUKES
E851
Maja e
Pashtrikut
IAP Kukes - Prishtine
Shishtavec
TETOVE
LEGEND
Primary road
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Oil refinery
Proposed thermal plant
Inactive thermal plant
E762
E851
Proposed roads
Copper enrichment factory
Biomass plant
i Vjetër
Rodonit
i i
it
zet
asta
Sukth
Plazh
SHIJAK
Golem
KAVAJE
E853
Ishem
Budull
VORE
Lekaj
Lac
Peze
E762
Kashar
Baqel
LEZHE
RROGOZHINE
Rubik
Milot
KURBIN
Gjorm
Mamurras
Dushk
KRUJE
E762
Central Biomase
Fushe Kruje
Yzberisht
KAMEZ
TIRANE
PEQIN
Skuraj
Fabrika e Cimentos
Bishqethem
Petrele
E851
Ulez
E852
MAT
MIRDITE
Karma
Mali me Gropa
Shengjergj
Kraste
KLOS
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
Lure
Martanesh
E852
Luzni-Bulac
Kuturman-
Qafa e Bushit
Shebenike-
Jabllanice
Paper
PRRENJAS
Map 5.8 The specific Gjinar development Zona natyrore dhe kulturore area e Ohrit
Lin Dibra - Mat - Klos -Bulqiza
BELSH
Rreshen
Vidhas
CERRIK
Spac
Burrel
ELBASAN
Mirake
BULQIZE
LIBRAZHD
DIBER
Xhyre
The values of the specialization of this area lie
on the extracting and processing of mineral
resources, and also on the development of
mineral processing industry and technology.
This region also holds complex values
such as those of mountainous, natural and
balneary tourism. The region is also crossed
by the main national road, i.e. Arbri Road,
that connects Albania to FYROM and other
interurban axes which connect the centres
of this region with the areas around, such as
Tirana, Kukes and Librazhd.
Qukes
Korab
Blate
E852
DIBER
Vicisht
Stebleve
Via Skanderbeg
STRUGE
Liqeni i OHRIT
E852
Qafe Thane
GOSTIVAR
OHRID
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Rail infrastructure
Proposed railway
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
UNESCO site
Forests
Lands with complex cultivation
Iron-nickel deposit
Active iron-nickel mine
Closed iron-nickel mine
Via Egnatia
Chrome deposit
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
Dump site
Hotspots
Proposed dump site
Gas field
Oil field
According to the analysis of RDA 2, it appears
that the area of Klos, being a border area to
Tirana, needs to have access to the "market"
of Tirana, to sell its agricultural and livestock
products. Currently, there is no access for this
area, thus lacking a connection to the market
of the area adjacent to Tirana.
This specific development area is distinguished
for its suitable landscape for tourism
development, such as:
i. Lake - along the lakes of Lura, Kacnica,
Ulza, Balgja and Black Lake;
Gas compressor
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Airport
Main port
Energy port
Tourist marina
Protected areas
PO
198

ii. Ecotourism - picturesque landscapes
of the national parks, Pela plain and the
traditional food of Mat consisting of meat
and “jufka” basis;
iii. Natural - the waterfalls of the area and
panoramic landscape;
iv. Cultural - the towers of Mat and Venetian
bridges, the castles of Shkopet, Xiber,
Petralba, the archaeological graves of Illyrian
civilization and the bridge of Vashes in Klos.
5.4.2 The specific development area Malesi e Madhe - Tropoja
It is one of the least accessible areas to date,
but with high values for mountainous tourism.
Boga, Thethi, Valbona valley, the peak of
Jezerca and the artificial lakes of Fierza and
Koman are among the areas with the greatest
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
agricultural sector is developed in the
following crops:
• Arable crops including: cereals (corn and
wheat), vegetables, potatoes, legumes (beans),
industrial plants (tobacco), fodder and
LEGEND
Primary road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Oil refinery
ANDRIJEVICA
Secondary road
Copper deposit
Proposed thermal plant
PEJE
Tertiary road
Copper mine
Inactive thermal plant
Vermosh-
Guci
PLAV
Proposed roads
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Copper enrichment factory
Chrome deposit
Biomass plant
Gas compressor
Valbone
Rail infrastructure
Active chrome deposit
Small hydropower plants
E762
VALBONE
Proposed railway
Closed chrome deposit
Main hydropower plants
DGORICE
BAR
E851
Rruga
Bregdetare
Peisazhistike
IAP Shkoder - Podgorice
Hani i
Hot Hot
Tuz
E762
Liqeni i SHKODRËS
KOPLIK
Grile
SHKODER
Zogaj
Muriqan
IAP Bushat -Ulqin
E851
ULQIN
E762
Pulaj
VELIPOJE
Lumi Buna
JEZERCE
TAMARE
Boge
THETH
NIKAJ-MERTUR
Razem
TROPOJE
Bajze
MALESI E MADHE
Itinerari
VAU I DEJES
Mjede
Baqel
LEZHE
Central Biomase
Lak-Rosh
FUSHE-ARREZ
Kabash
Kalimash
PUKE
Munelle
E851
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
MIRDITE
E851
Qafe Morine
Zhub
GJAKOVE
Vlahan
HAS
KUKES
E851
Maja e
Pashtrikut
Korab
Morine-
Vermice
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
IAP Kukes - Prishtine
UNESCO site
Shishtavec
Forests
Lands with complex cultivation
Iron-nickel deposit
Active iron-nickel mine
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
Dump site
Hotspots
Proposed dump site
Gas field
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Airport
Main port
Energy port
Tourist marina
Rubik
Rreshen
Closed iron-nickel mine
Oil field
Protected areas
Lumi Drini Vjetër
Lure
Skuraj
Map 5.9 The specific development area Malesi e Madhe - Tropoja
DIBER
landscape values of this specific development
area.
This area is distinguished for its suitable
landscape for tourism development, such as:
i. Lake - along lake of Shkodra;
ii. Ecotourism - local centres such as Boga,
Thethi, Razem and Vermosh;
iii. Mountainous - in the area of the Alps;
iv. Natural - canyon of Shosha, waterfall of
Grunas or even the area and the panoramic
landscapes from the valleys of Valbona.
In the area of Malesia e Madhe, the
medicinal plants;
• Arboriculture including: fruit trees, table
olives and olive oil olives, chestnuts, citruses
(oranges, lemons, tangerines), vineyards of
table and wine grapes;
• Livestock including: cattle, poultries and
Medicinal plants are cultivated in around
3,571 ha, located widely in the plain of Koplik
(the former Qender commune) and in Kastrat
commune. Sage is among the medicinal plants
traditionally cultivated in Malesia e Madhe.
Another autochthonous plant of the area is
199

Helichrysum Italicum, while the climate
conditions are favourable for growing lavender
and rosemary. The production of medicinal
plants is collected by farmers from four
collecting companies and is traded mainly in
the foreign markets. The demand is especially
high for the traditional sage. In the recent
years, the demand for Helichrysum Italicum
has also been increasing.
In this context GNP proposes that the planning
of agriculture development should aim at the
extension and cultivation of the most profitable
plants with competitive advantage in the
foreign and domestic market compared to
other areas of the country. Among them, the
most important plants are:
a. medicinal plants, traditional wild sage
having precedence;
b. fruit trees, chestnut having precedence;
c. tobacco.
PLAV
5.4.3 The Guci specific development area Puka - Mirdita - Fushe Arrez
Valbone
LEGEND
VALBONE
Primary road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Oil refinery
z
IAP Shkoder - Podgorice
Hani i
Hot
E762
Bajze
TAMARE
Boge
Razem
MALESI E MADHE
JEZERCE
THETH
NIKAJ-MERTUR
TROPOJE
Qafe Morine
Zhub
GJAKOVE
E851
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Chrome deposit
Proposed thermal plant
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
Gas compressor
ËS
ogaj
riqan
lqin
aj
mi Buna
KOPLIK
E851
VELIPOJE
Lumi Mat
Grile
Lumi Drini Vjetër
Lumi Ishëm
Kepi i Rodonit
SHKODER
E762
Itinerari
Ishem
Lac
Mjede
E762
VAU I DEJES
Baqel
LEZHE
Rubik
Milot
KURBIN
Gjorm
Mamurras
KRUJE
Central Biomase
Skuraj
Fabrika e Cimentos
PUKE
E851
Rreshen
Kabash
Ulez
MAT
Spac
FUSHE-ARREZ
Munelle
MIRDITE
Karma
Burrel
Lak-Rosh
E851
KLOS
Kalimash
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
Lure
Map 5.10 The specific development area Puka - Mirdita - Fushe Arrez
Luzni-Bulac
DIBER
Vlahan
HAS
KUKES
E851
Maja e
Pashtrikut
Korab
Vermosh-
Morine-
Vermice
Blate
DIBER
Vicisht
IAP Kukes - Prishtine
Shishtavec
Via Skanderbeg
Rail infrastructure
PRIZREN Proposed railway
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Sailing itinerary
GOSTIVAR
Tourist village
UNESCO site
Forests
Lands with complex cultivation
Iron-nickel deposit
Active iron-nickel mine
Closed iron-nickel mine
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Olive grooves
Dump site
Hotspots
Proposed dump site
Gas field
Oil field
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Airport
Main port
Energy port
Tourist marina
Protected areas
The specific values of this area lie on the
extracting and processing of minerals,
development of mineral processing industry
and technology. Besides these values, the
region has some special natural landscape
features, which should be preserved and
developed in order to increase the quality of life
as well.
This area has a potential in the production
of hazelnuts, chestnuts and walnuts. In this
regard, it is suggested to encourage the "full
value chain" for these agricultural products
200
(cultivation, collection and processing).
As far as mineral assets are concerned, the
region is distinguished for copper reserves in
the northern part of Mirdita, eastern part of
Puka and also in Fushe - Arrez, two copper
mines, respectively in Lakrosh and Munella,
and also a copper enrichment factory.
The copper mines in this region have a direct
impact on the pollution of river water, thus
it is suggested taking precaution measures
concerning the further industrial pollution.

5.4.4 The specific development area Skrapar - Permet - Kelcyre
LUSHNJE
E853
Gradisht
Libofshe
Historically, this specific development area
has been distinguished for the collection and
cultivation of medicinal and ether-oil plants,
although during 2007-2013, this region has
not been favoured by the ARDA schemes
to promote the cultivation, collection and
processing of these plants.
Currently, there is a potential to collect these
plants (into the wild), which are exported as
E86
raw goods. GNP suggests that policy planning
Memlisht
KUCOVE
GRAMSH
Tushemisht Guri i Kuq
POGRADEC
Varrezat e Selces se Poshtme
PUSTEC
Despite that the region is distinguished for its
natural features and the potential it has in the
agriculture and livestock sectors, the General
National Plan prioritizes the development
of the food processing industry through the
consolidation of connections with the region of
Korça and Gjirokastra - Saranda.
Regarding tourism, the region has a potential to
develop several types of tourism, such as:
i. Cultural - the churches of Leusa, Kosina,
Stenje
LEGEND
Primary road
Iron-nickel mine under study
Oil refinery
raps
PATOS
ROSKOVEC
URA
VAJGURORE
BERAT
Mali i
Tomorrit
MALIQ
E86
Rezervati
Kangonji
E86
DEVOLL
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Proposed thermal plant
Inactive thermal plant
Biomass plant
SELENICE
Kasnice
Ballsh
Rafineri
MALLAKASTER
E853
POLICAN
Bogove
SKRAPAR
Voskopoje
Vithkuq
Bredhi i
Drenoves
KORCE
Morrava
Dardhe
Qyteze
Nikolice
E851 E86 E853 Trans-European Network Road
Rail infrastructure
Proposed railway
Main station
Chrome deposit
Active chrome deposit
Closed chrome deposit
Chrome deposit under study
Gas compressor
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Station for goods only
Chrome enrichment factory
Transmission line
Llogara
MEMALIAJ
TEPELENE
E853
KELCYRE
PERMET
Piskal-
Shqeri
KOLONJE
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Landscape coastal road
Interconnecting landscape
itinerary
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non-metal deposit
Transmission line under
construction
Proposed lines
Gas pipeline
Proposed gas pipeline (GNP)
HIMARE
GJIROKASTER
Parku
Natyror
Zheji
Germenj-
Shelegur
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tre Urat
UNESCO site
Olive grooves
Tertiary centre
Rezervati
Rrezome
LIBOHOVE
Forests
Dump site
Airport
DELVINE
KONICA
Lands with complex cultivation
Hotspots
Main port
DROPULL
Jorgucat
Iron-nickel deposit
Proposed dump site
Energy port
FINIQ
E853
Kakavije
E853
Active iron-nickel mine
Gas field
Tourist marina
Closed iron-nickel mine
Oil field
Protected areas
SARANDE
Map 5.11 The specific development area Skrapar- Permet - Kelcyre
and rural development support schemes must
provide support to the area for a "full value
chain" of medicinal plants, as well as fruit trees
(storage and processing).
This area has low access to agricultural and
livestock markets, although it is an area
of capacity in this sector. Therefore, it is
suggested to establish a regional agricultural
market, which will complete the economic and
agricultural chain in the agro-processing of
agricultural and livestock products.
Buali, Benja, the byzantine churches in Kelcyra,
the typical arched bridges which date back to
the XVIII century, the bridge of Katiu or Benja,
and the house of the Frasheri brothers as well;
ii. Balneary - Benja SPAs in Permet;
iii. Mountainous – Mount Tomorr;
iv. Natural - Bogova, natural landscapes
alongside Vjosa river; canyons of Benja and
Lengarica; Hotova National Park with the rare
Mediterranean fir; canyons of Skrapar;
v. Religious - Bektashi Pilgrimage on
Mount Tomorr.
201

6CLIMATE
CHANGE

Contents
204 Introduction
205 6.1 Evaluation of climate change, mitigation and
adaptation

Climate Change
Introduction
The General National Plan and the
fulfilment of its goals cannot be brought
into life without an integral approach to
global and European viewpoints regarding
the impacts of climate factors. The
implementation of adaptation policies to
climate changes in territorial planning is
very important because of the sensitivity and
great impact that the territorial development
has in reducing vulnerability and effects of
climate changes 68 . For this reason, but also
to deliver a strategic document such as the
General National Plan, the commitments of
the Albanian government regarding climate
changes and adaptation to them constitute
an issue of great importance per se.
As already stated in the introductory
part, GNP follows the same line with the
important documents that directly and
thoroughly address climate change issues in
our country such as the NCCS or NAP. NTPA
and the working group committed to the
GNP report have been an active and integral
part of the inter-ministerial meetings, where
the content of these documents has been
discussed. Therefore, this chapter aims to
integrate the problematics identified in such
documents with the issues of territorial
planning and development.
At policy level, the Albanian government
committed itself at the Conference of Parties
(CoP) in Paris through the submission of the
INDC 69 , to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG)
by 12% at national level, compared to the
baseline scenario, during 2016 and 2030. The
Ministry of Environment is working towards
the finalization of the National Adaptation Plan
(NAP)70, which includes the main sectors
affected by climate changes and some of the
most effective adaptation methods. 71
68
Bulkeley 2013
69
http://newsroom.unfccc.int/unfccc-newsroom/albania-submits-its-climate-action-plan-ahead-of-2015-paris-agreement/
70
http://www.mjedisi.gov.al/files/userfiles/Projekte/Projekti_Adaptimi_ndaj_Ndryshimeve_Klimatike_ne_Ballkanin_
Perendimor.pdf
71
http://www.mjedisi.gov.al/files/userfiles/Projekte/Permbledhje_projektesh.pdf
204

Upon completing the First and Second
National Communication under the
United Nations Convention on Climate
Change (UNCCC), Albania has advanced
in the process of the Third National
Communication. Furthermore, with the
endorsement of the Paris Agreement by the
Government (New York, April 22nd, 2016),
Albania entered a new level of international
policies on addressing climate change
issues. By means of this agreement the
parties have been committed to keep the rise
in global temperature under 2°C compared
to the pre-industrial era. The mitigation
of climate changes is essential in order
to ensure an adaptation at reasonable
economic, social and environmental costs,
for a very vulnerable country such as Albania.
Supported also by the Strategic
Environmental Assessment document, GNP
"Shqipëria 2030", has already mainstreamed
throughout the document the approach
to climate change phenomenon, starting
from the very vision, objectives of the plan
and directions of interventions. Among the
main objectives of the plan is to support
the reduction in future carbon emissions,
consider flood risk, erosions and shoreline
changes, encourage reuse of the existing
resources and use of renewable resources.
6.1 Evaluation of climate
change, mitigation and
adaptation
The scope of the evaluation involves
climate modelling as well as the integrated
evaluation of climate change impacts on
various sectors in the coastal areas of
Albania. These main sectors are: agriculture,
healthcare, water sources, natural disasters,
tourism and biodiversity. A special attention
has been given to the evaluation of natural
disasters, which are related to climate
changes and their management as well. The
focus on these sectors in the coastal area
has been defined through consultations with
the stakeholders, where the pivotal role of
the coastal area in the national development
priorities in Albania, was emphasized. The
evaluation rate is at national level, hence
alongside the entire coastline. An adaptation
plan for the coastal area (comprised of
a projects portfolio for implementation)
will be developed having as a starting
point the results of the "Identification and
implementation of adaptation response
measures in the Drini and Mati river deltas”
project.
The hydro-meteorological disasters are
expected to be more dominant due to
the expected climate changes, regarding
which the scientists predict an increase
in the number of extreme climate events.
According to them, it appears that in the
future there will be a continuous increase
in the number of natural disasters. If we
consider simultaneously their impact on the
environment and the health of population,
this may bring serious consequences to all
life sectors. The cost of actions to reduce
the risk is increasingly higher. The increased
dependency on further planning actions is
necessary to reduce risks, as it provides:
prevention, preparation and mitigation of risk
from disasters.
The most important climate parameters with
a direct impact on natural disaster risks
are: precipitations resulting in floods, flash
floods, storms, hailstorms, rainstorms, etc.,
and temperatures: forest fires, droughts,
heat waves, cold waves, etc.
Thus, the rise in temperatures will be
followed by the increase of probability for
extreme events and a higher variability
of annual minimum and maximum
temperatures.
- More frequent dry seasons are expected
under these scenarios associated with high
risks for fires, especially in dry land areas;
- A rise in minimum temperatures is likely to
occur all over the country. The freezing cold
days and cold waves are likely to become
205

Years
2030 2050 2080 2100
Annual 1.0 (0.7 to 1.2) 1.7 (1.3 to 2.2) 2.8 (2.0 to 3.5) 3.2 (2.4 to 4.1)
Winter 0.8 (0.7 to 0.9) 1.2 (1.1 to 1.4) 2.0 (1.7 to 2.3) 2.4 (1.9 to 2.7)
Spring 1.0 (0.8 to 1.12) 1.5 (1.3 to 1.8) 2.6 (2.2 to 3.0) 3.1 (2.6 to 3.6)
Summer 1.6 (0.5 to 1.8) 2.5 (2.1 to 2.8) 4.3 (3.8 to 4.9) 5.3 (4.6 to 6.0)
Autumn 1.0 (1.0 to 1.1) 1.6 ( 1.5 to 1.8) 2.8 (2.7 to3.0) 3.5 (3.2 to 3.7)
Table Years 6.1 Forecasted changes 2030in temperature (°C) 2050 from different time horizons 2080related to 1990. Source: 2100Report
on environmental condition, 2014. Elaborated by: NTPA
increasingly Annual less frequent. 1.0 (0.7 to 1.2) 1.7 (1.3 to 2.2) is likely 2.8 to expand (2.0 to 3.5) from end February 3.2 (2.4 to 4.1) to the
- Heat will increase mortality, especially
end of November.
among Years Winter the age group 0.8 2030 (0.7 of 65 to 0.9) years old and 1.2050 (1.1 to 1.4) 2.0 (1.7 2080 to 2.3) 2.4 (1.9 2100 to 2.7)
older;
- The forecasted changes in the
- The rise in average and extreme
temperature regime
Annual
temperatures Spring -3.84 (-35.4 to 27.7) -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7) -14.37 (-78.6 to 81.1) -18.13 (-89.7 to 94.9)
will 1.0 increase (0.8 to 1.12) the demand 1.5 (1.3 to 1.8) The data 2.6 of (2.2 recent to 3.0) years have 3.1 shown (2.6 to 3.6) that
for drinking water and irrigation purposes, Albania has started to feel the climate
Winter -5.96 (-15.9 to 4.0)
especially in the soils with low water
-8.46
holding
(-56.0 to 47.7) change -14.37 effects. (-78.6 to Based 81.1) on -18.13 the projections
(-89.7 to 94.9)
Summer 1.6 (0.5 to 1.8) 2.5 (2.1 to 2.8) 4.3 (3.8 to 4.9) 5.3 (4.6 to 6.0)
capacity. If precipitations are reduced, the for 2050, during the summer season
territory Spring will suffer -2.45 (-11.9 from to a 7.0) high deficiency -8.46 (-56.0 of to 47.7) temperatures -14.37 (-78.6 to are 81.1) expected -18.13 to be (-89.7 2.4 to - 94.9) 3.1 0 C
water Autumn during the summer; 1.0 (1.0 to 1.1) 1.6 ( 1.5 to 1.8) degrees 2.8 higher (2.7 to3.0) than the current 3.5 (3.2 average. to 3.7)
- Summer Another implication -10.4 (-12.8 will to -7.9) be the tourism -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7) -14.37 (-78.6 to 81.1) -18.13 (-89.7 to 94.9)
climate index (TCI) for the Albanian seaside, Due to the potential changes in the
which leads to a prolongation of the tourist temperature regime, the Albanian coastal
Autumn 0.5 (-10.1 to 11.1) -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7)
season due to thermal comfort. This season area
-14.37
is likely
(-78.6
to
to
become
81.1)
warmer
-18.13 (-89.7
in the
to 94.9)
future.
Years
2030 2050 2080 2100
Annual -3.84 (-35.4 to 27.7) -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7) -14.37 (-78.6 to 81.1) -18.13 (-89.7 to 94.9)
Winter -5.96 (-15.9 to 4.0) -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7) -14.37 (-78.6 to 81.1) -18.13 (-89.7 to 94.9)
Spring -2.45 (-11.9 to 7.0) -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7) -14.37 (-78.6 to 81.1) -18.13 (-89.7 to 94.9)
Summer -10.4 (-12.8 to -7.9) -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7) -14.37 (-78.6 to 81.1) -18.13 (-89.7 to 94.9)
Autumn 0.5 (-10.1 to 11.1) -8.46 (-56.0 to 47.7) -14.37 (-78.6 to 81.1) -18.13 (-89.7 to 94.9)
Table 6.2 Forecasted changes in annual precipitations (%) from different time horizons related to 1990. Source:
Report on environmental condition, 2014. Elaborated by: NTPA
206

Annual rainfall
150.0
100.0
predicted change (%)
50.0
0.0
-50.0
-100.0
-150.0
average maximum minimal
Graphic 6.1 The forecasted change in annual precipitations (%) Source: Report on environmental condition, 2014
- The forecasted changes in the
precipitations regime
All scenarios indicate a decrease in annual
precipitations for all time horizons related
to 1990. Based on their results, we come to
the conclusion that there is a possibility for
reduction in annual precipitations by -8.5 %
(from -56.0 % to 47.7 %) in 2050 and by -18,1
% (from -89.7 % to 94.9 %) in 2100 (Table 6.2
and Graphic 6.1).
- Direct emissions of greenhouse gases
The total direct emissions of greenhouse
gases (GHG) in 2009 in Albania were 7,834
kt (kilotons) of CO 2
equivalent. This is
equivalent to the levels of 1990 72 , 8,308 kt of
CO 2
equivalent in 2005 and 8,425 kt of CO 2
equivalent.
The current emissions per capita in Albania
are at around 2.8 tons per inhabitant
(compared to the emissions in the 27 EU
countries, which are 9.9 tons per inhabitant).
The emissions per unit of GDP are at around
0.6 tons CO 2
per 1000 USD (compared to
the emissions in the 27 EU countries, which
are 0.4 kt CO 2
per Euro of the GDP). Albania
has relatively low emissions per capita but
somewhat high emissions per GDP unit due
to the low rate of GDP. Therefore, it may be
expected that the emissions could increase
in the future while the economy develops, but
at the same time there is a great potential to
increase efficiency in this process.
The main sector contributing to the
greenhouse gases is energy (57.29 % of
the total) through transport, followed by
agriculture (16.85 %), industrial processes
(14.67 %), forests and land use changes (8.88
%) and waste (2.31 %). It is important to
emphasize that until 2008 - 2009 Albania had
transformed itself (LUCF sector) from a "GHG
emitter" to a "GHG sink" (Source: TNC draft).
72
Source: FNC and KNS
207

10500
10000
9500
9000
8500
8000
7500
7000
6500
6000
5500
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
-500
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
828
-261
653
507
1128
591
1401
3280 4112 4629
5109
1623
1118
1552
520
Agriculture
Energy
Transport
Waste
Industry
Land use
Forests
Graphic 6.2 CO 2
equivalent emissions for all economic sectors (kt) Source: Environmental
condition report, 2014
208

- Floods
A special attention has been given to the
evaluation of natural disasters related to
the climate changes and their management.
According to the World Risk Report 2014 of
the United Nations University, Institute for
Environment and Human Security, Albania
is ranked 37th globally and number one in
Europe regarding its vulnerability to natural
disasters. 73
During the last decades Albania has been
averagely affected by one major natural
disaster each year. In 30 years, between
1980 and 2010, 23 disasters of this level
have been recorded. Out of them 9 were
floods, 4 earthquakes and 3 times hit by
extreme temperatures accompanied with
human life losses.
From December 25th, 2009 to January 10th,
2010, Albania experienced continuous floods
due to high temperatures and the early
melted snow in the mountainous areas,
mainly in the Drini river basin. This caused
flooding from Buna River.
In addition, since December 2009 until
January 2015, Albania has experienced some
of the greatest floods, such as recurrent
floods (Shkodra 2013, Fier, Lushnje, Tirana
2015) and also floods with return periods
1/100 year, like that of Shkodra in 2010. The
most affected local units by floods were
Shkodra and Lezha. 10,000 ha of land were
flooded, 5,000 inhabitants were evacuated
and around 2,200 houses were damaged.
The region of Shkodra reached a critical point
as the level of water in the main streets of the
region reached up to 1 meter, and 2 metres in
the village of Berdice. The floods isolated the
region from the rest of the country, obstructing
access to national roads.
Floods are caused by a combination of
factors:
• Heavy weather; prolonged precipitations,
melting of ice due to high temperatures
beyond normal.
• Changes in land use and management;
transformation of the agricultural land into
construction land, problems with erosion due
to forests mismanagement, construction in
prohibited areas along river banks, dykes,
reservoirs, overexploitation of riverbeds,
constructions in wetlands (areas below sea
level), the non-functioning of hydric system
and issues regarding their management.
• Hydrology and water management; many
rivers flow into the Buna River. One of them
is Drini, upon which three of the biggest
hydropower plants in the country have been
constructed. During the days of flood, the
precipitations led to a critical rise in water
level.
The country continues to be exposed at the
same degree even in the recent years. Large
floods hit Tirana in October 2013. In February
2015, the floods hit the south of Albania due
to water overflowing the river beds (Vjosa,
Gjanica, Shkumbin, Seman, etc), as a result
of intense precipitations. The most affected
regions were those of Fier, Berat, Vlora,
Gjirokastra, Permet, Elbasan, etc.
The most recent floods occurred in October
2015, where beside the large economic
damages, there were also losses in human
lives. These floods were noticed mainly in
the western part of the country, but not
only. The most affected areas were those
of Durres, Tirana, Fier, Vlora, Lezha, Berat,
Skrapar, Gramsh, Lushnje, Erseka, Kolonja,
Gjirokastra, etc.
73
Based on the World Risk Report, 2014
209

SHKODER lake
Buna river
Old Drini river
Mat river
Ishëm river
Erzen river
OHRID lake
Shkumbin river
PRESPA lake
Seman river
Vjosë river
Water overflow
Floods 1/100 years
Flooding at 1.5 m
Annual floods
Map 6.1 Water outflow and floods
210

A more detailed analysis of the phenomenon
is found in the report of the Strategic
Environmental Assessment. Beside floods,
various projections are presented regarding
the expected increase of temperatures,
changes in the precipitation regime and
greenhouse gases inventory data from
each sector and the possible methods of
mitigation. Furthermore, in the strategic
environmental assessment, a list of concrete
optional mitigating and adaptive measures is
provided, which involve the local level as well.
Taking into consideration the scenarios
made available by the Third National
Communication, some of the possible,
expected impacts for the future are:
• Increase of extreme events frequency;
• Increased demand for household energy;
• Decrease in annual and seasonal flow of
rivers;
• Decrease in water supply;
• Problems with the quality of water;
• Decrease of lagoon areas;
• Reduction of agricultural products
efficiency;
• Loss of agricultural lands;
• Loss of species;
• Increase of cardiovascular diseases and
epidemic risks, etc.
Given that the plan undertakes the provision
of main strategic directions, some of the
inputs for addressing impacts of climate
changes in the territory of Albania are
introduced as solutions or suggestions as
follows:
At national level
1. Applying different concepts and methods
to direct territorial planning towards adaptive
and mitigating policies. For example: planning
and establishment of green corridors and
green multifunctional centres;
2. Institutional and organizational
strengthening of governing structures in
order to provide the interconnection between
planning authorities and other cross-sectorial
bodies that play a role in the adaptation to
climate changes;
3. Building an all-inclusive legislation
framework and relevant regulations that
ensure the integration of the elements of
adaptation and mitigation in the territorial
planning. For example: an economic, smart
and environmental friendly development;
4. Increasing (human and financial) capacities
available to the planning authorities in order
to develop and implement responses towards
climate impacts;
5. Raising awareness among policy-makers
and decision-makers regarding climate
change impact and the importance of
dealing with these impacts through tangible
mitigating and adaptive measures since
the planning process. For example: for the
development of Shengjini port as one of the
four thematic ports of the country, an analysis
of infrastructure sensitivity is required in
relation to the phenomenon of sea levels
rise and proposals for creating adaptiveness
of this infrastructure to the new expected
conditions;
6. Strengthening know-how, skills
and technical capacities regarding the
adaptation of infrastructure to the climate
changes effects through instruction,
education, training and exchange of the best
experiences.
At local level
1. During the planning of every new
construction or the expansion of existing
structures, an analysis of the sensitivity
of the predicted infrastructure in extreme
weather conditions should be carried out.
Based on its results, a plan of measures to
permanently decrease the consequences of
these phenomena should be developed;
2. The implementation of measures to reduce
infrastructure sensitivity towards extreme
weather conditions should be a central task to
the management of any kind of infrastructure.
The purpose of implementing these measures
should be based especially on decreasing
the damage incurred by the users of the
infrastructures that are sensitive to weather,
in case they cannot use it;
3. The instructions regarding the
methodology, procedures and performance of
information gathering about extreme weather
conditions, and planning and implementation
of measures to lower the sensitivity of the
predicted infrastructure to extreme weather
211

2050 max 0.264cm
D E T I A D R I A T I K
Legend
Study area
2050 max 0.264cm
Legjenda
Zona e studimit
2050 max 0.264cm
N
D E T I
J O N
W
E
S
Scale 1:500,000
0
5 10 20 30 40
Kilometers
Figure 6.1 Potential floodable areas due to the rise in sea levels up to
2050. Source: UNDP
conditions should be clearly defined;
4. Rehabilitating, expanding and establishing
infrastructures of water supply including
scenarios of climate changes in this sector.
Managing water demand through re-use,
provision of new water resources, rainwater,
desalination, etc.;
5. Improving water efficiency, irrigation
infrastructure, variety of plants, drainage
and fertilization system, and conserving
soil humidity are some of the measures
that should be taken in the agricultural
sector due to the expected climate changes
(temperatures);
6. Managing coastal erosion and adapting to
rising sea levels.
Generally it is suggested:
• To expand forest and vegetation areas;
• To structure the demand for timber;
• To design and define the criteria for the
construction of underground infrastructures
with materials and structures resistant to
weather conditions and especially to high
temperatures and humidity;
• To prohibit illegal interventions in the
underground infrastructures;
• To continuously monitor the ecological
conditions of the natural environments;
• To monitor the coastline and sea level
dynamics;
• To monitor the sea level and water quality in
the wetland areas and underground waters;
212

Drini - Mat
Map yf Ayapvy Myayyyyy
Legend
29,34,43,
45,47
3
34,60
City
Village
Cityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Village
Boundary
Study area
Primary road
Secondary road
Roads, pathway, routes
River, waterline
Coastal / river area
Urban morphological zones
Agriculture land
Water flows
Salt marsh
Sandbank
Coastal lagoon
Lagoon
PAV Category
PA IV Category
Overflow area 1.5m
13
3
3
34,60
29,31,43,
45,47
8
22,23,29,
45,50.51
19
Legend
Directly endangered
Indirectly endangered
Directly and indirectly
endangered
Adaption measures
Socio-Economic Hydrology Agriculture
Green
28, 34, 36, 60
Grey
22, 23, 29, 31, 43,
45, 47, 50, 51
Sedimentary flows
maintance
Marshes
maintance
8
7 + 14
13
19
3
8
29,31,43,
45,47
8
13
28, 36, 60
13
Figure 6.2 Classification of endangered areas due to river
floods. Source: UNDP
• To monitor the coastline and the mass of
sediments emerging from rivers;
• To monitor earth movements and
alienation;
• To monitor gravel extraction from the
riverbeds;
• To define the areas that allow for the
construction of HPPs and dykes for
agriculture;
• To monitor the state of play of monuments
and cultural heritage assets;
• To monitor population movement to urban
and rural areas;
• To implement new building codes for
social and cultural buildings using thermal
insulation and weather-resistant materials;
Figure 6.3 Schematic map for the adaptation of the
Drin - Mat area. Source: UNDP Albania
• To construct plants for the treatment
of liquid urban and industrial wastes to
decrease the amount of pollutants in aquatic,
terrestrial and aerial environments;
• To define buffer zones in case of impacts
from the rise in sea levels and overflow of
rivers;
• To use water resources efficiently;
• To adapt the manner of construction
(codes) to the future climate conditions and
extreme weather events;
• To increase the riverbed levels;
• To protect the natural corridors for the
migration of various species.
213

7Implementation
of GNP

Contents
216 7.1 Phase I 2015 - 2020
217 7.2 Phase II 2020 - 2025
217 7.3 Phase III 2025 - 2030

Implementation of GNP
The General National Plan provides a clear
and real framework for its implementation
for the purposes of achieving the vision and
objectives defined for a rapid and balanced
economic development of the entire country.
GNP implementation will be carried out in
three phases:
7.1 Phase I 2015 - 2020
This is the phase of establishing and
consolidating the foundations for the
implementation of GNP, which will consist in:
1. Mobilizing central authorities, ministries,
agencies, research and statistics institutes,
regional authorities at regional level, local
authorities, and various national and regional
development boards to promote and implement
territorial policies and the territorial structure
of GNP especially through preparation and
instructions on regional planning.
2. Reflecting the GNP orientations and
principles among all planning authorities
recognized under the Law 107/2014, in other
strategic documents such as action plans,
draft-budgets, strategic medium-term and
long-term plans, sectorial and cross-sectorial,
which are directly or indirectly linked to the
economic, social and territorial development of
the country.
3. Recommendations, if deemed necessary,
for legal improvements that can help in the
implementation of GNP. For example, the Law
No.107/2014 "On the planning and development
of the territory" lacks the definition of "regional
plans". For the purposes of implementing GNP
it is required to add this instrument in the Law
No.107/2014, and also under the provisions
of the draft law of NRD, the "Regional Cross-
Sectorial Plans" can be a sub-program of the
PO and the sub-program authority in such case
is the NTPA. Concurrently, it is necessary to
make a formulation in the draft law and add the
concept in the legislation on urban planning.
4. Given that the completion of GNP drafting
and its approval coincides with the beginning
of the process for drafting the General Local
Plans for municipalities according to the new
territorial administrative division, the role of the
National Territorial Planning Agency (NTPA), as
the main coordinating authority on territorial
216

planning issues, is essential. This requires
for a very rigorous guiding and monitoring
process by NTPA in order to ensure the correct
understanding and implementation of the
principles, objectives and structure of GNP by
these authorities.
5. This phase will be accompanied by the
measurement of a series of new indicators at
municipal level throughout the territory, which
will be displayed every year in the report on
territorial development and monitoring that
each municipality and ministry is obliged to
draft and submit at the NTPA. These monitoring
reports would enable, by the end of each phase,
the actual measurement of the progress with
the GNP implementation. In this sense, a
closer cooperation is foreseen between NTPA,
national research and statistics institutes,
and also national universities, for setting
up and consolidating a scientific platform to
provide an education, planning and territorial
development based upon scientific basis, that
are statistically measured.
6. In this phase the drafting of strategic
projects regarding the completion of
infrastructure of national relevance will end,
such as:
- The project for strengthening and increasing
the capacities of main ports in Durres, Vlora,
Saranda, Lezha;
- The projects for tourist marinas and
energy ports;
- The projects for national gas infrastructure
IAP, IAP - Kosovo and IAP -Montenegro;
- The project for Corridor VIII, the central
axis and blue landscape road, meanwhile the
north-south highway [Shkodra, Hani i Hotit -
Gjirokastra, Kakavija] will be finished;
- The project for Gjirokastra airport, while the
airport of Kukes has been put into operation.
7.2 Phase II 2020 - 2025
In this phase it is expected that the GNP
approaches be well-integrated and fully
reflected in the National Sectorial Plans,
Regional Plans and General Local Plans. A
great part of these plans will have started to be
implemented by giving the first results in the
polycentric national economic development.
- The strengthening of gateway cities and
economic poles of national relevance is already
on its way. Thus, the polycentric development
has started to be visualized. The measurement
is carried out through the indicator of
polycentrism degree.
- During this phase, new policies and
measures, necessary to be drafted and
ensure the implementation of the GNP can be
identified.
- This is the phase when all sectorial projects
like: the establishment of agricultural poles
and food infrastructure, multimodal logistic
and industrial hubs have been constructed and
have started to generate an increase in the
economic indicators and quality of life, increase
of employment, increase in gross domestic
product, increase in exports, and increase of
population due to the increase in the number
of returned emigrants, the decrease of
emigrating population and also an increase in
birth rates due to the positive expectations for a
prosperous future in the country.
7.3 Phase III 2025 - 2030
The territorial territorial development,
according to the approach of GNP, will have
been consolidated. The implementation
process will continue and the benefits from
GNP implementation will become even more
visible and tangible. While the end of the third
phase is approaching, the process for revising
and evaluating the GNP “Shqipëria 2030” will
have started, for the purposes of drafting the
Second National Plan "Shqipëria 2050".
(A few more details regarding the
implementation of GNP are mentioned below)
An important step related to the
implementation of the GNP is the orientation
to define the areas of national relevance
related to planning for the upcoming years,
beyond those areas already defined by the
217

sectorial legislation or those defined in the
document of GNP. As the Law “On the Planning
and Development of the Territory” 107/2014
stipulates, as amended, these are areas that
are either unified, or related to state and
national interests.
The GNP maps illustrate areas, which are
classified as such, for the importance they have
in the planning and sustainable development
of the territory. A considerable number of
them is regulated by sectorial legislation,
such as: the protected natural areas; water
resources and their protective buffer zones;
mining areas; industrial areas; World Heritage
areas; historical and cultural heritage
monuments; parks and archaeological areas;
coastal zone, etc. The GNP supports and
reinforces the importance of these areas to the
national interest, by expanding the territories
proclaimed as protected, and also by proposing
new areas, which must be put under protection
in compliance with the procedures set out in
the sectorial legislation. GNP also reconfirms
as areas of national relevance in planning
those areas which have been proclaimed as
such by Decision of the Council of Ministers.
With regards to the above-mentioned, the
authorities responsible for decision-making in
the area of planning and development, in areas
of national relevance, are: NTC and the line
ministries, according to the legislation in force.
Yet, here we should note that within the
territories of these areas there are surface
areas called “territorial islands”, whose
characteristics are not the same important
with those of the area of national relevance
as a whole. This means that these “territorial
islands”, upon their correct identification, may
be excluded from the restrictions falling on the
area of national relevance for development.
For these "islands" or for particular issues
within the area of national relevance, NTC may
delegate the decision-making competence
accordingly. These exceptional areas
generally are comprised of residential areas
or traditional economic activities, such as:
industry, agriculture, services, etc., whose
practice does not prejudice the values or
importance of the whole characteristics of the
area. Figure 7.1 illustrates in a more simplified
manner the idea and orientations of the GNP.
In order to ensure the protection of the
values of the national importance area, these
“territorial islands" should be restrained by
a buffer zone, which is determined by the
detailed plan of the national importance area.
Despite the above guidelines of the GNP, the
sectorial legislation remains responsible for
defining the rules and detailed procedures.
Detailed definitions for the areas of national
relevance will also be given through certain
decision-making by the NTC.
Local unit n2
Local administrave
border
Local unit n1
Area of Naonal Importance
Buffer
zone
Tradional area
decision making as per the GLP
Local unit n
ANI
Local unit n
Local administrave
border
ANI border
decision making as per the DPANI
Tradional area
decision making as per the GLP
local unit n1
Area of Naonal Importance (ANI)
218
Figure 7.1 The scheme of integrated instruments for the territorial
administration in the areas of national importance

19°0'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°10'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°20'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°30'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°40'0"E
19°50'0"E
19°50'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°0'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°10'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°20'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°30'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°40'0"E
20°50'0"E
20°50'0"E
21°0'0"E
Trestenik
21°0'0"E
21°10'0"E
21°10'0"E
42°50'0"N
KOLASHIN
BERANE
POZAJE
42°50'0"N
ANDRIJEVICA
42°40'0"N
PEJE
PRISHTINE
42°40'0"N
Vermosh-
Guci
PLAV
Valbone
42°30'0"N
E762
42°30'0"N
42°20'0"N
PODGORICE
IAP Shkoder - Podgorice
Hani i
Hotit
Tuz
Bajze
E762
JEZERCE
TAMARE
VALBONE
Boge THETH
Razem
NIKAJ-MERTUR
TROPOJE
MALESI E MADHE
Qafe Morine
Zhub
GJAKOVE
E851
42°20'0"N
39°40'0"N
39°50'0"N
40°0'0"N
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°40'0"N
41°50'0"N
42°0'0"N
42°10'0"N
BAR
E851
Via Egnatia
Via Appia
Roma- Brindisi
Landscape
Coastal Road
Lumi Vjosë
Liqeni
i
SHKODRËS
IAP Bushat -Ulqin
ULQIN
Lumi Seman
Zogaj
Muriqan
Pulaj
Lumi Buna
E851
VELIPOJE
Lumi Drini i Vjetër
Kraps
E853
Novosele
E762
Itinerari
Lac
E762
Lumi Erzen
Budull
Gjiri i
Lalzit
VORE
Sukth
Amfiteatri
DURRES
Kashar
SHIJAK
Shkozet
Lumi Shkumbin
KOPLIK
Pishe-
Poro
Levan
Lumi Mat
Lumi Ishëm
Grykederdhja
Seman
Apollonia
Vjose-
Narte
VLORE
Karaburun
DIVJAKE
FIER
Grile
Kepi Rodonit i
0 5 10 20 30 40
Km
SHKODER
Plazh
Golem
Karavasta
LUSHNJE
Narte
ROSKOVEC
PATOS
SELENICE
Llogara
Ishem
Mjede
VAU I DEJES
Baqel
LEZHE
Biomase powerplant
Milot
KURBIN
Mamurras
KRUJE
E762
KAMEZ
Yzberisht
TIRANE
Peze
KAVAJE Petrele
Lekaj
RROGOZHINE
E853
PEQIN
Dushk
Rubik
Gjorm
E853
Gradisht
Libofshe
Kasnice
Rafineri
Bishqethem
BELSH
URA
VAJGURORE
E853
HIMARE
Skuraj
Fabrika e Cimentos
Fushe Kruje
BERAT
Ballsh
PUKE
E851
Rreshen
E852
MALLAKASTER
TEPELENE
Lak-Rosh
FUSHE-ARREZ
Kabash
Ulez
Vidhas
Spac
Munelle
MIRDITE
MAT
Karma
Burrel
Shengjergj
ELBASAN
Paper
CERRIK
KUCOVE
POLICAN
MEMALIAJ
E853
GJIROKASTER
Rezerva
Rrezome
DELVINE
FINIQ
SARANDE
Butrint
Mali me Gropa
Kalimash
E851
Mali i
Tomorrit
Bjeshka
e Oroshit
Bogove
KLOS
Kraste
KELCYRE
KONISPOL
Martanesh
Gjinar
GRAMSH
Parku
Natyror
Zheji
Lure
Mirake
E853
E852
SKRAPAR
LIBOHOVE
DROPULL
Jorgucat
Qafe Bote
Luzni-Bulac
BULQIZE
Xhyre
Vlahan Morine-
Vermice
HAS
E851
KUKES
DIBER
LIBRAZHD
Qukes
E852
PRRENJAS
Blate
DIBER
E853
IAP Kukes - Prishtine
Via Skanderbeg
STRUGE
Voskopoje
E86
E852
PRIZREN
GOSTIVAR
KONICA
OHRID
E86
TETOVE
Zona natyrore dhe
E86
kulturore e Ohrit
E86
Memlisht
Guri i Kuq
Tushemisht
Tushemisht
POGRADEC
Stenje
PUSTEC
Varrezat e Selces
se Poshtme
PERMET
Kuturman-
Qafa e Bushit
Shebenike-
Jabllanice
Kakavije
Maja e
Pashtrikut
Korab
Vicisht
Stebleve
Piskal-
Shqeri
Germenj-
Shelegur
MALIQ
Shishtavec
Vithkuq
Qafe Thane
Liqeni
Lin i
OHRIT
KOLONJE
Tre Urat
Nikolice
Rezerva
Kangonji
DEVOLL
Bredhi i
Drenoves
KORCE
Morrava
Dardhe
Qyteze
IOANNINA
Via Egnatia
Liqeni
i
PRESPËS
Kapshtice
Gjurma e linjes TAP
KASTORIA
E86
39°40'0"N
39°50'0"N
40°0'0"N
40°10'0"N
40°20'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°40'0"N
40°50'0"N
41°0'0"N
41°10'0"N
41°20'0"N
41°30'0"N
41°40'0"N
41°50'0"N
42°0'0"N
42°10'0"N
LEGEND
Primary road
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Proposed roads
E851 E86 E853
Trans - European Network Road
Rail infrastructure
Proposed railway (up to 2030)
Proposed railway (after 2030)
Main station
Station for goods only
Station for passengers
Border crossing point
Coastal belt area of national importance
Landscape coastal road
Sailing itinerary
Tourist village
UNESCO site
Forests
Land with complex cultivation
Iron-nickel deposit
Oil fields
Oil refinery
Proposed thermal plants
Inactive thermal plants
Biomass plant
Gas compressor
Small hydropower plants
Main hydropower plants
Substations
Transmission line
Transmission line under construction
Active iron-nickel mine
Closed iron-nickel mine
Iron-nickel mine under study
Copper deposit
Copper mine
Copper enrichment factory
Chrome deposit
Active chrome mine
Closed chrome mine
Chrome mine under study
Chrome enrichment factory
Bitumen mine
Bitumen melting furnace
Stone coal deposit
Non - metal deposit
Vineyard
Fruit trees
Olive groves
Dumpsite
Hotspots
Proposed dumpsite
Gas fields
Gas lines
Proposed gas line (GNP)
Primary centre
Secondary centre
Tertiary centre
Airport
Proposed airport
Main port
Energy port
Tourist marina
Protected areas
FILIATES
Map 7.1 The integrated map of territorial systems
219

Based on the phases described above, the strategic
projects for the implementation of the GNP are as follows:
Constructing the international airports in the south, that according to the feasibility study to be
undertaken might be one or more.
Constructing Corridor VIII: expanding the existing axes and/or constructing new segments.
Adriatic-Ionian highway: Muriqan - Kakavija.
Arbri Road: completion.
Constructing the central axis: the road Elbasan - Berat - Gjirokastra.
Connecting Korça to the Port of Vlora.
Eastern Ring: Kukes - Dibra - Librazhd - Prrenjas motorway, improvement, regeneration of
landscape values.
Korça - Permet - Gjirokastra road, improvement, regeneration of landscape values (part of the
Eastern Ring).
The coastal landscape road, improvement, new segments, regeneration of landscape values.
Constructing multimodal stations in Kukes - Shkodra - Lezha - Tirana - Durres - Vlora - Gjirokastra
- Saranda - Korça - Pogradec; and Elbasan - Fier - Berat.
Doubling the capacity of the 4 major ports in the country: Durres, Vlora, Saranda, Shengjin, to
increase their efficiency in order to develop mixed functions for: tourism, passenger transport, cargo
and fishing. The project shall seek to address how ports can be opened to the city and urban life
associated with the project for the construction of Waterfronts in the cities of Durres, Vlora, Saranda,
Shengjin - Lezha.
Constructing a new port on the Adriatic coast.
Constructing the Albanian railway, in the segments: Montenegro - Vlora, Durres – Pogradec-FYROM
and Korça - FYROM - Greece.
Developing the tourist marines in Shengjin, Durres, Himara, Vlora, Saranda, Ksamil.
The gasification of Albania, carrying out the Gas Master Plan and projects to reactivate the existing
infrastructure of TPPs operating with gas.
Making efficient and providing the necessary additional infrastructure to areas which have mineral
extraction and processing as a priority.
Revitalizing and re-qualifying the former industrial areas.
Setting up agricultural poles.
Afforestation projects and engineering works such as: pumping stations, pumps and maintenance
of irrigation and drainage channels under the framework of protection and adaptation measures to
climate change.
Completing the hard and soft infrastructure that protect the shores from erosion, with the coastline
as a priority.
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Enhancing the Natural Protected Areas.
The national bicycle network.
Historic landscape roads of tourist value: Via Egnatia, etc.
Granting the status of areas of national importance for the preservation and protection of natural
landscape values and the development of tourism potential of:
• the Park of Alps
• the Park of Buna
• the Park of Vjosa
Requalification projects for coastal cities, requalification of waterfronts of lakeside or riverside cities,
as well as urban requalification of city entrances.
Integrating and establishing physical and economic links of rural areas with the Albanian coast.
Constructing helipads according to the feasibility study, with tourist areas as a priority.
Establishing innovation centres such as IT, communication and research technology
centres.
Consolidating gateway such as Shkodra - Lezha, Kukes, Durres, Vlora, Gjirokastra - Saranda is
essential to support polycentric development of the territory, but also in supporting roles that these
cities will provide for a balanced economic development of the country. This means:
• Additional infrastructure for education and healthcare services;
• Additional road infrastructure, enhancing multimodal access and additional infrastructure for water
supply and sanitation, electricity, etc.;
• Densification of urban areas;
• Increased activity of higher education and research.
Making efficient and diversifying electric energy supply.
Making efficient the water and sewerage infrastructure.
Establishing and improving the wastewater treatment plants in urban centres.
Establishing special locations for the collection and processing of solid urban waste.
GNP identifies 19 strategic hubs and proposes the development of the structure of these logistic hubs
to support and be supported by the gateway cities and connect to the wider surrounding rural areas.
The identified hubs are: Rrogozhina, Vora, Bajza, Koplik, Laç, Has, Fushe - Kruja, Lushnje, Porto
Romano, Roskovec, Patos, Ballsh, Orikum, Petrolifiera, Maliq, Prrenjas, Xarra, Himara.
Developing management plans for the areas of cultural and historical heritage.
Building capacities of the local government on planning, development, monitoring and good
governance of the local territory.
Research Platform - Identifying strategic projects of future national interest.
221

8Monitoring
of GNP

Monitoring
The authority responsible for monitoring
the implementation of GNP “Shqipëria
2030” is the Ministry of Urban Development
through the National Territorial Planning
Agency. Pursuant to the recognized functions
under the Law 107/2014 “On the Planning
and Development of the Territory”, as
amended, NTPA conducts the monitoring of
developments on the territory through:
- Participating in the coordination of sectorial,
cross-sectorial, regional, inter-regional and
local plans;
- Annual reports drafted by all planning
authorities at national level, including
ministries, municipalities, pursuant to
paragraph 3, Article 50 of the aforementioned
law, on the study and analysis of local
territorial spaces.
Regarding the structure of this report,
but also of the regional and local plans, in
order to monitor the territorial development
in accordance with the “Shqipëria 2030”
document, it is suggested to initiate the
measurement of the indicators by all planning
authorities, who can ensure an extensive
basis of quantitative and qualitative data to
measure and compare the balanced territorial
development of the country, the GNP
implementation degree, as well as data about
the economic performance, competitiveness,
innovation, welfare, quality of life, etc.
It should be highlighted that given that
the nature of territorial planning is open
and affected by a considerable number
of decision-makings at different political
levels, it is not easy and not always can
there be a relation established between the
implementation level of the plans with the
successful or unsuccessful development in
general of a planning policy. Nevertheless,
the time has come that territorial planning
in our country can be elevated in the most
advanced levels of a genuine scientific
discipline, based on methodology and
worldwide-known, tested indicators that
enable the measurement and comparison of
the territorial development of the country at
national, regional and global level.
Some of the major themes regarding the
indicators proposed to be measured based
on KITCASP 74 project are suggested in this
224

process. They aim at developing a series of
key indicators for territorial cohesion, which
can be used to inform the political decisionmaking
and territorial strategy at national
level.
Theme 1: Economic competitiveness and
resilience
• Productivity (GDP per capita) - Despite
bearing certain problems, the GDP per capita
indicator has been widely used and recognized
as the indicator of economic prosperity.
• Employment rate of the population aged
16-64 - The number of the employed people
is decisive for every evaluation regarding the
economic welfare, therefore, it is an essential
indicator.
• Gross expenditure on R&D as percentage of
GDP - The Strategy “Europe 2020” identifies
an objective of 3% of expenditures of GDP
on R&D for the purpose of promoting
novelties and achieving a knowledge and
innovation-based economy. This indicator
gathers all the capital costs carried out by
private or state companies established in
the country, research institutes, universities,
state laboratories, etc., including the foreign
funding for development and research,
but excluding the domestic funding for
development and research intended for
abroad. It is measured as a total value in ALL
(Euro) and as a percentage of the GDP 75 .
• Balance of external/internal trade - This
indicator, evaluated as the most appropriate to
the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) indicator,
a high value of which can be interpreted as
vulnerability to globalisation and absence
of resilience, meanwhile an indicator which
measures the importance of exports or
import/export balance has been evaluated
as more appropriate. The essence is that
indicators should evaluate the importance
of attracting external sources and capacities
inside the territory.
• Economic structure - This indicator
provides important contextual information
regarding the economic specialization degree
or its diversity. Its interpretation demands
care because depending on the case it can
be regarded simultaneously as a relative
strength or vulnerability. Similarly, the issue
of employment rate across private, public and
voluntary sectors is an interesting indicator. It
may happen that the employment rates in the
public sector can be judged as vulnerability,
but alternatively such employment has
historically been a stable and often relatively
well paid and skilled part of local economic
well-being and resilience.
Theme 2: Managed territorial development
• Population density/change – Even where
the compactness of a city or polycentricism
of a territory can be measured, this can not
necessarily be interpreted as a good or a bad
thing because territorial planning is far more
complex than that. The dynamics of population
change are always important to territorial
planning and the distribution of this across the
settlement speaks to issues of polycentricism
and settlement-infrastructure alignment.
Population density is a far less dynamic
indicator though undoubtly provides useful
contextual insight into the characteristics of a
certain territory.
• House completion – The level of house
building (residences) will always be of concern
to territorial planners and so is included as a
core indicator. Ideally, one might equate this
with need for housing, given that population
growth rates are equated or evaluated beyond
differentiated demands for housing, but this
would probably require a bespoke housing
index.
• Modal split – Transportation and the
way people move around are important to
territorial planning and attempts to combat
climate change and fossil fuel dependence. A
core indicator reflecting modal split resonates
with the increased focus on the development
of a low carbon economy.
• Land use change – A measure of land use
change provides useful contextual insights
into the characteristics of areas and a
valuable means of comparison with other
parts of Europe. This indicator also identifies
74
Key Indicators for Territorial Cohesion and Territorial Planning, Targeted Analysis 2013/2/20
75
https://data.oecd.org/rd/gross-domestic-spending-on-r-d.htm
225

‘territorial capacities and assets’, which are
suggestive of key landscape features and
cultural heritage assets and inventories of
land use, etc., that serve as core data to
measure this indicator.
• Access to services – The indicators that
measure 'access to services' speak about
a series of planning issues including
polycentrism, urban density, social
sustainability and equality. The rhetoric of
territorial planning generally emphasizes
the importance of providing high quality local
services and this comes into contrast with
the reality of increasingly centralized and
specialized services where distance is likely
to increase and, therefore, many services in
remote areas become unsustainable. Thus,
travelling time to main services (healthcare
centres, fuel stations, post offices, primary
schools, high schools, etc.) brings useful
knowledge about these issues.
It should be emphasized that access to
services was put as a theme because the time
spent to travel to the services identifies the
issues of dwelling dispersal and hierarchy.
Theme 3: Social cohesion and quality of life
The key indicators for social cohesion and
quality of life are:
• Population with tertiary education.
• Population at risk of poverty.
• Green space accessibility – Easiness to
reach green spaces is increasingly related to
the quality of life, health and welfare. Such
spaces are important resources of formal
and informal sport activities, leisure time and
entertainment.
• Welfare index - Welfare indexes are usually
a combination of factors that are linked to
housing, environment and opportunities for
individual development,
• Dependency rate – It provides useful
Economic competitiveness and
resilience
- Employement
- Diversification
- Ease of doing business
- Innovation rate
- Economic collaboration
- Adaptation to external factors and changes
Social cohesion and quality of life
- Social equality
- Welfare
- Access to services
- Rate of opportunities to choose
school or job
- Green areas
- Healthy living
Integrated spatial development
- Regional balanced development
- Connecting settlements with infrastructure
- Compactness of the cities
- Polycentrism
- Coverage with services for the local
settlements needs
Management of natural resources
- landscape protection
- Climate change mitigation and adaption
- Biodiversity, water and land quality
Figure 8.1 Proposed indicators for monitoring the territorial development, according to GNP 2030
226

knowledge for young ages and the aging
population and how these two are related
to the economic performance and future
challenges to provide social services.
Theme 4: Management of natural resources
This indicators theme is focused on the
environmental features of the territory.
In general, these indicators have some
contradictions in terms of the political
point of view. For example, developing a low
carbon economy through renewable energy
technology can have important impacts on
some of the measures that ensure the quality
of natural landscape and its management.
The key indicators for production of renewable
energy, greenhouse gasses emissions,
population at risk of flooding and recycling
of local wastes, all provide opportunities to
evaluate the objectives and mitigating and
adaptation processes to climate change. The
number and status of habitats and protected
species gives data about biodiversity and
other problems regarding the management of
the environment.
Main indicators of natural resources
management
• Production of renewable energy,
• Greenhouse gases emissions,
• Population at risk of flooding,
• Number and status of habitats and
protected species,
• Degree of waste recycling at local level.
A wide range of indicators are brought
forwards by the National Strategy for
Development and Integration 2014-2020 and
the Instrument for Pre-accession Instrument
(IPA) 2015. A part of them are provided by
the activity of INSTAT and by a series of
institutions such as ministries, Bank of
Albania, etc.
Concurrently, the draft Law on Regional
Development and Cohesion also defines the
following monitoring indicators:
"Development index" is a composite indicator
that is calculated as the average weight
of certain socio-economic and territorial
indicators, to measure the degree of
development of the development regions;
"Regional competitiveness index" is
an analytical indicator, through which is
monitored and evaluated the competitiveness
of regional development indicators, based on
a number of basic indicators, and it reflects
the quality of the business environment and
business sector as well.
Data availability and management issues
The development of the wide variety of
indicators and the establishment of a
monitoring framework for territorial planning
policies is a developing process, as new
territorial policies and agendas emerge
while others fade. On the other hand, data
availability has conditioned the selection of
indicators which due to lack of sources and
possibilities to measure in certain places
have become part of a pragmatic approach by
using the available indicators. Nevertheless,
the lack of data is not necessarily a reason
not to select a special indicator but, on the
contrary, the selection of a list of indicators,
which is supported by proper reasoning, can
be a useful tool to stimulate the local and
central authorities and respective agencies
to gather data.
The tendencies of territorial development
generally emerge in a long-term period and
data gathering and interpretations may need
time and intensive sources. Nevertheless,
the data should be collected in appropriate
intervals to provide information in time series,
sensitive to changes.
Every planning authority can propose its
development indicators, depending on
specific problematics of their territory.
The main request concerning the selection
of indicators is that they must be clear and
easy to be interpreted, territorially relevant,
implementable, measurable and must make
sense from the analytical perspective.
The questions in the following table help
in choosing the appropriate indicators
depending on the occasion.
227

Development indicators according to the problematic
Does the indicator address the objectives and priorities of the policy?
Does the indicator have a clear and rational purpose?
Is the indicator based on reliable data and qualitative sources?
Is the indicator measured regularly?
Is the indicator involved in any national institutional strategy, which is already being implemented?
Is the indicator able to reflect the changes as time goes by?
Is the indicator well understood by planners and decision-makers?
Is the indicator quantitatively measurable and territorially specified?
Is the indicator a result of a continuous statistical framework?
Is the indicator identified through the participation of stakeholders?
Could the indicator tell the result accurately and easily understandable?
Are there reliable monitoring agreements about the selected indicator?
Table 8.1 Development indicators according to the problematic
228

229

Glossary
"Urban cluster" - is the continuous built
surface of an area, mainly central, of a city
or village or even urbanized suburbs. Other
terms used in the same meaning are: urban
agglomerations or urbanized units, depending
on the statistical parameters or geographical
methodology used to classify them. For
example, Census 2011 for Albania conducted
by INSTAT, gives a similar term, urban
agglomeration, defined as - the network
of cells in a continuity of 1 km², with a
population density of at least 300 inhabitants
per km2 and a minimum population of 5,000
people.
"Hub" – is considered to be a centre or nod
that is active regarding economic exchanges,
which serves to a region or primary centre
(according to the new hierarchical system).
For example, it may occur that urban centres
that belong to a lower hierarchy serve as hubs
which support the development of gateway
cities. (Please refer to the explanation below).
“Regional development pole”- is the
territorial space that includes one or more
units of local government identified by the
GNP as centres of polycentric development
with special focus on one or several sectors.
“Polycentric development”- refers to
the process that promotes cooperation of
cities and regions with each - other and
the surrounding areas in order to identify
the common strengths and complementary
potentials, which bring an added value
to economic development that cannot be
achieved by isolated cities or regions (ESPON
2016).
“Specific development areas”- is a functional
territorial unit, which includes parts of one or
more units of local self-government, within a
development region or between them, which
have features of urban agglomerations,
bearing potentials of central cities and/or
economic specialization, with impact on the
regional development.
“Critical mass”- is the minimum amount (of
something) necessary to start or maintain an
activity. In this text, critical mass is used in
the sense of the minimum amount of demand
- supply, provided by the resources and
services built upon them, necessary to make
the country attractive to investments.
In other words, Albania can be considered
less attractive to the terms determined by
the market demand - supply, due to the small
scale of the supply it offers and the even
lower demand that it generates. Given that
supply and demand are determined by the
limited number of resources (which can be
natural and human resources) and an also
limited number of population, GNP sets the
stage for regional development in Albania
by expanding the resources that determine
the extent of a market (demand -supply)
attractive to investments.
“Cluster”- geographic concentration or
grouping of economies and institutions,
interconnected in a particular field, with
common elements and externalities.
(Based on the definition of Michael E.
Porter, On competitiveness.) Or otherwise,
regional agglomeration of industries and
services located in territorial proximity.
(EC Communication, Towards world-class
clusters in the European Union: Implementing
the broad-based innovation strategy - {SEC
(2008) 2637}, 17.10.2008, p.3).
Successful cluster formation is one of the
key elements affecting the competitiveness
of the territory. It is therefore important for
the GNP to identify the potentials for creating
them. In this text, the reference to human
capital-based clusters seeks to highlight the
importance of investments in universities,
research and technology centers, etc., that
enhance human capacity, innovation potential,
transforming the territory where they occur
into an attractive one for investments that
have as a primary requirement the skilled
workforce.
230

“Strong and dynamic city”-is a term used
to characterize cities with high and stable
economic development, with developed
infrastructure in accordance with the
requirements of sustainable development,
territorial and human capital easily
adaptable to economic and social changes
by advantageously adopting and using
technological developments and innovations.
“Dormant cities”- is a term used for cities,
which are characterized by the absence or very
low level of economic activity, that are known
as non-productive and therefore not attractive
in terms of investments or the quality of urban
life.
"Talented cities" – is a term used for small
cities with workshops and enterprises
qualified and specialized in certain sectors
of the economy. The development of
telecommunication technology allows the
specialized workers to collaborate virtually
with employees and economies beyond
their territory. These cities develop a highly
competitive environment, based on skilled and
specialized human capital.
planners, to define a metropolitan area and its
surroundings. Typically, this term designates
a city, conurbation or urban area with various
administrative areas that share the same
resources, such as a major centre of economic
activity, a single labour market and one
transportation network functioning as a single
unit.
"Development region" - is a functional
territorial unit, which includes one or more
units of local self-government, in order
to design and implement the regional
development policy and cohesion.
"Regional development" - is the process
of identification, promotion, administration
and utilization of the economic potential of
the development regions, territorial cohesion
between development regions, relying on
the preservation of social balance and
environmental sustainability throughout the
entire territory or parts of it.
"Attractive city" – is used to characterize
a city attractive in terms of investment and
the high quality of urban life. Features of an
attractive city are the qualified workforce, well
managed natural resources, etc.
"Gateway city" – is a term used for cities with
important strategic position with regards to
the connection of the country with countries of
the region and beyond. They are characterized
by the presence of connective infrastructure
of national importance, such as port, airport,
highways that connect the country with
strategic European development corridors.
These cities have the potential to lead the
development of the region and the entire
national territory.
"City - region" - is a term initially used around
1950s by urbanists, economists and urban
231

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233

Appendixes
Representatives of the institutions that have participated in
consultations during the drafting of the General National Plan
Different Experts
Date 14/05/2015
1. Eduart Cani
2. Marjeta Meksi
3. Frida Pashako
4. Valbona Koçi
5. Elios Kovaçi
6. Alket Islami
7. Genc Veizaj
8. Mirela Koçollari
9. Edvin Kasimati
10. Florian Hasko
11. Ditjon Baboçi
12. Julian Papaproko
13. Ledio Allkja
14. Aldo Merkoçi
15. Julian Bejko
Regional Environmental Center
Biologists, Giz
Epoka University
Epoka University
Architect
Air Photographer
Businessman
Archaeologist
Rally Albania
Lawyer
NTPA
NTPA
MUD
Civil Society
Faculty of Social Sciences, UT
Ministry representatives
Date 30/07/2015
1. Nertil Jole
2. Silvamina Alshabani
3. Elton Orozi
4. Eriola Sojati
5. Zef Cuni
6. Arta Dollani
7. Skënder Doda
8. Jeta Skënderaga
9. Lilika Radovicka
10. Besiana Llazani
11. Ernest Shtëpani
12. Eriglent Dupi
13. Altin Fuga
14. Ermir Nasi
15. Ela Dobi
MUD
EM
MEDTTE
MEDTTE
MK
IMK
MPB
AKB
MTI
MTI
MUD
MOJ
MIE
MUD
MUD
234

Different Universities, Associations and Organizations
Date 01/10/2015
1. Eranda Janku
2. Rediana Sokoli
3. Elfrida Alliu
4. Sokol Dervishi
5. Qerim Ismeni
6. Jurtin Hajro
7. Alban Qelepiri
8. Skerdilajd Anagnosti
9. Andrian Vaso
10. Rajmonda Lajthia
11. Shkëlqim Bumçi
12. Diana Jolija
13. Gerta Ismailaja
14. Kol Dedaj
15. Reis Mulita
16. Rudina Toto
17. Jorida Muço
18. Andreas Faoro
Polis University MZHU
FIN
Epoka University
OJF
Epoka University
IC Consulenten
IC Consulenten
IC Consulenten
Vizion +
Institute of Construction Consulency
MUD
MUD
Association of Appraisers
Marin Barleti University
CoPlan/PLGP
MUD UNlab
Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism
Date 08/10/2015
1. Gjergj Islami
2. Daniel Qamo
3. Dritan Çaro
4. Endrit Tuzi
5. Armand Vokshi
6. Doriana Bozgo Bleta
7. Dorina Pllumbi
8. Denada Veizaj
9. Etleva Bushati
10. Florian Nepravishta
11. Klaud Manehasa
12. Llazar Shyti
13. Petri Ilo
14. Agron Lufi
15. Ani Tola Panariti
16. Elian Stefa
17. Arben Biçoku (Architects Association
of Albania)
18. Maksim Mitrojorgji (Architects Association
of Albania)
European University Tirana
Date 08/10/2015
1. Elvin Meka
2. Mimoza Durrësi
3. Engjëll Përe
4. Mateo Spaho
5. Selami Xhafa
6. Hysen Muçiku
7. Oltjana Zoto
8. Indrit Baholli
9. Përparim Fuga
10. Ertila Druga
11. Ermela Kripa
12. Drita Kruja
13. Otjela Lubonja
14. Lorena Licenji
235

POLIS University
Date 09/10/2015
1. Dritan Shutina
2. Ledjan Bregasi
3. Elvan Dajko
4. Sotir Dhamo
5. Eranda Janku
6. Dea Buza
7. Imeld Sokoli
8. Besmira Dyca
9. Ani Shtylla
10. Enejda Çela
11. Fabjola Meçaj
12. Silvi Jano
13. Gerti Delli
Tirana Chember of Commerce and Industry
Date 09/10/2015
1. Ylli Xhaja
2. Ilir Bejleri
3. Azem Lala
4. Viktor Delia
5. Luigj Aleksi
6. Fatos Pustina
7. Luan Bregasi
8. Robert Ruci
Albanian Tourism Company (ATA)
Date 12/10/2015
1. Florjan Domi
2. Armand Ferra
3. Matilda Naso
4. Laura Payne
5. Eduez Likaj
6. Ervin Bytyci
Harmonia HG sh.p.k
Albania-Holidays sh.p.k
Albania Tourism Assoc
Outdoor Albania sh.p.k
Leondar Hotel (Llambi Fani sh.p.k)
OAZ-ATA Hotel
Confindustria
Date 14/10/2015
1. Gjergj Buxhuku
2. Donika Meshi
3. Fjorida Demko
4. Eva Laro
Tirana Agricultural University
Date 15/10/2015
1. Andjan Maci
2. Fatbardh Sallaku
3. Bari Musabelliu
4. Shpresim Domi
5. Leonidha Përi
6. Natasha Hodaj
7. Etleva Dashi
8. Veth Tabaku
9. Ervin Toromani
10. Valta Hoxha
236

District municipalities of Tirana and Durres
Date 21/10/2015
1. Ditjon Baboçi
2. Nevin Bilali
3. Devis Agaraj
4. Mirlinda Shqarri
5. Elda Maçi
6. Muhamet Kruja
7. Gjergj Papavasili
8. Alban Demirxhiu
9. Arber Tola
10. Bledar Koskija
11. Aida Dedja
12. Anila Haxhi
13. Fatmir Ejupi
14. Adlei Likmeta
15. Ermal Lama
16. Adhurim Qenaj
17. Erald Abazi
18. Maks Kona
19. Dëshira Qato
20. Elvis Rroshi
21. Dorian Allmeta
22. Sabina Dauti
23. Mirsida Shahini
24. Jonida Goga
25. Silvana Beja
26. Klajdi Dinellari
27. Klaudio Ruci
28. Andi Pistoli
Municipality of Tiranë
Municipality of Tiranë
Municipality of Tiranë
Municipality of Tiranë
Municipality of Tiranë
Municipality of Tiranë
Municipality of Tiranë
Municipality of Vorë
Municipality of Kamëz
Municipality of Kamëz
Municipality of Krujë
Municipality of Krujë
Municipality of Durrës
Municipality of Durrës
Municipality of Durrës
Municipality of Durrës
Municipality of Rrogozhinë
Municipality of Kavajë
Municipality of Kavajë
Municipality of Kavajë
Municipality of Kavajë
Municipality of Shijak
Municipality of Shijak
Municipality of Shijak
Municipality of Shijak
MUD
MUD
MUD
Shkodra District Municipalities
Date 23/10/2015
1. Aida Shllaku
2. Nektar Duma
3. Aldi Saraçi
4. Irma Temali
5. Sandra Lekaj
6. Fatjon Lleshaj
7. Majlinda Hoxha
8. Klodiana Nokaj
9. Adelina Rica
10. Ervis Marku
11. Rudolf Toma
12. Gjovalin Kola
13. Ndue Lushi
14. Flora Dedgjonaj
Municipality of Shkodër
Municipality of Shkodër
Municipality of Shkodër
Municipality of Shkodër
Municipality of Shkodër
Municipality of Mirditë
Municipality of Kurbin
Municipality of Kurbin
Municipality of Kurbin
Municipality of Kurbin
Municipality of Kurbin
Municipality of Lezhë
Municipality of Lezhë
Municipality of Lezhë
237

15. Lindita Cane
16. Petrit Marku
17. Joana Markolaj
Municipality of Lezhë
Municipality of Lezhë
Municipality of Vau Dejës
Fier District Municipalities
Date 26/10/2015
1. Renilda Hyseni
2. Lindita Sota
3. Silvana Aleksi
4. Gazmira Pleshi
5. Niketa Mucelli
6. Emirjada Rizaj
7. Mimoza Haxhiu
8. Aurora Naka
9. Roven Greku
10. Arben Dukaj
Berat District Municipalities
Date 26/10/2015
1. Mirjan Bregu
2. Elton Nino
3. Valentina Zotkaj
4. Ervid Hoxha
5. Altin Pali
6. Valentina Jance
7. Oligert Zoga
8. Enkeleda Ferro
9. Xhenisa Kostreni
10. Eljan Hajdari
11. Ferdinand Putro
12. Bledar Methoxha
13. Adenis Hoxha
Municipality of Berat
Municipality of Berat
Municipality of Berat
Municipality of Ura Vajgurore
Municipality of Ura Vajgurore
Municipality of Ura Vajgurore
Municipality of Kuçovë
Municipality of Kuçovë
Municipality of Kuçovë
Municipality of Kuçovë
Municipality of Kuçovë
Municipality of Çorovodë
Municipality of Skrapar
Elbasan District Municipalities
Date 29/10/2015
1. Etleva Kenuti
2. Marvis Avllazagaj
3. Denis Djaloshi
4. Raiomond Hazballa
5. Mirela Biba
6. Ardiola Lala
7. Fatmira Bojka
8. Hymet Kauiqi
9. Rozina Tabaku
10. Liljana Kopani
11. Fiorentina Dollani
12. Ali Cohodari
Municipality of Elbasan
Municipality of Elbasan
Municipality of Elbasan
Municipality of Elbasan
Municipality of Librazhd
Municipality of Librazhd
Municipality of Prrenjas
Municipality of Prrenjas
Municipality of Peqin
Municipality of Peqin
Municipality of Gramsh
Municipality of Gramsh
238

13. Manjola Cekrezi
14. Eva Ismailaj
15. Dhori Nishku
16. Artion Taci
17. Olsi Gega
18. Shkelqim Lici
19. Fatmir Uruci
20. Halim Tafani
21. Silvana Zekthi
Municipality of Gramsh
Municipality of Gramsh
Municipality of Gramsh
Municipality of Cërrik
Municipality of Cërrik
Municipality of Cërrik
Municipality of Cërrik
Municipality of Belsh
Municipality of Belsh
Faculty of Geology and Mining
Date 29/10/2015
1. Shkëlqim Daja
2. Thoma Korini
3. Çerçis Durmishi
4. Përparim Alikaj
5. Gafer Muka
6. Altin Karriqi
7. Irakli Prifti
8. Spartak Kuçaj
9. Luan Arapi
10. Emiljan Gjura
11. Shaqir Nazaj
Dibra District Municipalities
Date 02/11/2015
1. Melsen Nela
2. Bledi Shehu
3. Olsi Voka
4. Veli Shehu
5. Subi Cekici
6. Fatos Mandri
7. Astrit Doçi
8. Brunilda Koka
9. Shkëlqim Muca
10. Albert Çollaku
Municipality of Dibër
Municipality of Dibër
Municipality of Mat
Vlora District Municipalities
Date 05/11/2015
1. Merita Tartari
2. Deana Ceci
3. Fatjon Devollaj
4. Erjola Begaj
5. Anisa Plepi
6. Jonela Gjinaj
7. Merita Todor
8. Orgest Feimi
9. Anjeza Sheho
10. Mandi Jaho
11. Suela Abazaj
12. Ismet Agalliu
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Qarku Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
239

13. Rubin Hekumani
14. Dorjan Hudhra
15. Ilir Troci
16. Safan Qerimi
17. Albert Bani
18. Desilda Caci
19. Jonela Halili
20. Jeton Puka
21. Elire Mancaj
22. Iriald Dervishaj
23. Elona Hodaj
24. Flori Beci
25. Elvira Ruci
26. Albana Sejko
27. Taulant Hyseni
28. Erina Misha
29. Erjola Gurna
30. Ervin Papa
31. Leonard Gjonaj
32. Klevis Bedinaj
33. Taulant Nezaj
34. Klevis Beko
35. Alborena Meci
36. Erjon Kapaj
37. Shaip Beqiri
38. Leonidha Histro
39. Dhimitraq Ndreu
40. Vasil Loli
41. Foto Thanasi
42. Ilir Mehmeti
43. Marsida Demaj
44. Paskal Londo
45. Piro Stefa
46. Natasha Pasha
47. Hans Cassens
48. Valbona Koci
49. Aurora Xheka
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Council of Qarku Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Vlorë
Municipality of Himarë
Municipality of Himarë
Municipality of Sarandë
Municipality of Sarandë
Municipality of Sarandë
Municipality of Sarandë
Municipality of Sarandë
Municipality of Selenicë
Municipality of Selenicë
Municipality of Selenicë
Municipality of Selenicë
Municipality of Selenicë
Municipality of Selenicë
Municipality of Konispol
Municipality of Finiq
Municipality of Finiq
Municipality of Finiq
Municipality of Finiq
Municipality of Delvinë
Municipality of Delvinë
Municipality of Përmet
Architect
Mechanical Engineer
GIZ
GIZ
GIZ
Korça District Municipalities
Date 06/11/2015
1. Xhevair Dervishi
2. Thoma Zisi
3. Elda Tona
4. Ermal Gjermani
5. Zhaneta Lubonja
6. Anesti Ternjeshi
7. Irma Themeli
Municipality of Korçë
Qarku Korçë
Municipality of Devoll
Municipality of Devoll
Municipality of Maliq
Municipality of Maliq
Municipality of Pustec
240

8. Arjola Cela
9. Ardit Komoni
10. Sotiraq Filo
11. Ana Varushi
12. Tatjana Spaho
13. Bledjon Nallbati
14. Enkelejda Vincani
15. Gezim Topciu
16. Elda Jovan
17. Edmond Zhemello
18. Vance Agjini
19. Dhimitraq Gjeta
20. Majlind Shkira
21. Papera Kajmaku
22. Muharrem Tatoni
Municipality of Maliq
Municipality of Maliq
Municipality of Pustec
Municipality of Pustec
Municipality of Pustec
Municipality of Pogradec
Municipality ofPogradec
Architect
Engineer
Coastal National Agency
Date 09/11/2015
1. Auron Tare
2. Gentiana Troplini
3. Bardhok Frroku
4. Besmir Cako
5. Ermal Sina
6. Anisa Avduli
7. Juliana Petani
8. Jeri Skenderaga
9. Dorine Sinani
10. Gentjan Marishta
11. Blerim Hoxha
12. Emirjan Hate
13. Fatjona Cinaj
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
1. Eva Brinja
2. Florenc Meço
3. Bujar Kotri
4. Shkëlqim Gjevori
5. Renata Teta
6. Arjan Korpa
7. Thimjo Plaku
Ministry of Energy and Industry
1. Agim Bregasi
2. Dritan Spahiu
3. Arben Dhima
Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship
1. Eno Hoti
2. Artur Pilkati
241

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Management
1. Lauresha Grezda
2. Irfan Tarelli
3. Esat Hasani
Directorate of Agricultural Production and Trade Policy
Department of Water and Land Management
Department of Irrigation and Drainage
Foreign Experts
1. Wilhelm Schulte
2. Meine Pieter va Dijk
3. Gianni Brizzi
4. Luc-Emile Bouche-Florin
5. Foteini Stefani
6. Cezar Morar
7. Olov Schultz
GIZ
IHS Erasmus University Rotterdam
World Bank
Council of Europe
Council of Europe
Council of Europe
Council of Europe
Other Experts
IABR
Iabr/UP
PLGP USAID
51N4E
GIZ
FABRIC
TUDelft
PBL Netherlands Environmental Assesment
Agency
Kingdom of Netherland Enterprise Agency
242

Additional Maps
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
Map of urban system
Map of natural system
Map of agricultural system
Map of water system
Map of infrastructure, transport
Map of infrastructure, energy - industry
Map of national importance areas
243

CIP Katalogimi në botim BK Tiranë
RoA. Ministry of Urban Development, National Territorial Planning Agency
General national plan : first national document on
territorial planning : 2015-2030 / RSH. Ministria e
Zhvillimit Urban / Ministry of Urban Development, Agjencia Kombëtare e Planifikimit
të Territorit / National Territorial Planning Agency ; head of process Eglantina
Gjermeni. – Tiranë : Pegi, 2017
256 f. ; me il. ; 26.4 x 19.8 cm. – (Shqipëria 2030 : Integrated,
competitive destination)
ISBN 978-9928-228-60-4
1. National level planning 2. Strategic planning 3. Development projects
4. Spatial planning 5. Sustainable development 6. Shqipëria 2030
711.2(496.5)