The H2H Foundation team organized the first national conference in Albania for the identification and decommissioning of non-functional dams. During this event, topics and discussions about dams were addressed such as:

• The DARE Project – Starting, Challenges and Engagement of Key Stakeholders.
• Local Government Engagement in Dam Decommissioning.
• Main Findings of the “Abanian Municipality Dam Removal” Project and Suggestions for Further Steps for the Decommissioning of Non-Functional Dams in Albania.
• Safety of Agricultural Dams used for irrigation.
• Legal Requirements for Dam Decommissioning in Albania and Future Challenges.
• Analysis of the Legal and Economic Advantages of Dam Elimination in the European Union
• Intervention in river morphology and sediment issues.
• Procedures and main documents for application for Permit / Authorization for the rehabilitation of water bodies.
• Biodiversity, Dams and Reservoirs – proposals for uses of dams after dam decommissioning.
• Discussion on the benefits of dam removal and sediment management.
• Examples and studies for monitoring sediments accumulated in reservoirs.
• Using drone technology to detect river obstructions and monitor the condition of the dams.

Present at this event were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, AlbCOLD, the Dutch Embassy in Albania, the Ministry of the Interior, the Albanian Geological Service, representatives from prefectures and municipalities in Albania, representatives from national and international civil society organizations, from the Polytechnic University of Tirana and journalist from the main media in Albania.

We thank all participants for the discussions, comments and suggestions given during the event.

This activity is organized within the “Albanian Municipality DARE (Dam Removal)” project, which is implemented by the H2H Foundation and supported by the European Open Rivers Program.