Location: Albania
Status: In Progress
Purpose: The project aims to support the Albanian government and the Albanian Committee on Large Dams (AlbaCOLD) in implementing its commitments under the Water Framework Directive. The WFD requires Member States to use River Basin Management Plans and Programs of Measures to protect and restore water bodies for good status and prevent deterioration. The project also aims to create the first-round table and discussion on the removal of small dams, restoring river flow and biodiversity. The project also aims to create the first list of dams to be removed in Albania, identifying six dams that should be decommissioned and eight with the potential for decommissioning.
Objectives:
- To restore ecological balance and biodiversity in Albanian rivers by removing small irrigation dams that have caused significant environmental impacts.
- To engage various stakeholders, including municipalities, environmental NGOs, and government institutions, to raise awareness and commitment towards dam removal and open river preservation.
- To establish an Alliance of Environmental NGOs at the national and local levels, fostering collaboration and advocacy for the protection of free river flow.
- To emphasize learning and knowledge transfer among different institutions, promoting expertise in dam removal and river restoration.
- To influence policy changes and encourage formal commitments from municipalities and the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the removal of outdated dams.
Project Description: Albania has a rich hydrographic network and abundant water reserves, with 652 large and small dams built since the 1950s. The country ranks 19th in the world for the total number of large dams and first in Europe for the number of large dams per km2 and for the number of large dams per 1 million inhabitants. bout 24 large dams are used for hydropower production, 320 for irrigation, 5 for urban attractions, and 2 for drinking water supply. However, these projects have had significant negative consequences on the environment and the lives of the region’s residents. Many dams have lost functionality or completed their lifespan, presenting technical problems and requiring urgent attention.
Additionally, small irrigation dams have been constructed in small streams and tributaries of main rivers, causing significant environmental and biodiversity impacts.
In addition, according to DCM No. 1108, issued on 30.12.2015 “On the transfer of irrigation and drainage infrastructure, personnel and assets from the Regional Drainage Boards, amended on 03.05.2017 with No. 402 “On the transfer, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Administration of municipal water, irrigation and drainage infrastructure, irrigation, and drainage infrastructure, personnel and movable and immovable assets of regional drainage boards” all dams (large and small) are transferred under the ownership and management of newly created Municipalities.
The presence of outdated and unsafe dams poses several challenges and risks to the communities and environment in the affected regions.
DARE will facilitate the development and exchange of knowledge on dam removal between partners at different levels (local authorities, government, NGOs, etc.). The removal of these old and obsolete dams is a more eco-efficient and cost-effective measure. DARE does this in an inspiring way so that together we can recreate and protect our rivers.
It’s time for Albania to become serious about dam removal not only on political commitments but also in concrete actions. First step to achieve this objective is to commence a through discussions at the local level, specifically focusing on municipalities and Environmental NGOs.