EcoNord goal is to strengthen the technical administrative financial capacity of CSOs in northern Albania regions.

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 01
Name of the applicant:Users' Association of Forests and Pastures Golaj, Has
Partner in the project: Directorate of Forest Services Has
Project Area: Has Municipality
Project title: Protection and regeneration of ecosystem and habitats in forest of Helshan village
Project time: 12 months

To contribute towards the sustainable protection of rare endemic agricultural and wild fruit/nut plants in the geographical area of Fushë-Arrëz municipality.

Specific objective:


• Building local administrative and technical capacities of public and private organization for the protection and contemporaneous management of private and communal forests.
• To increase the farmers’ interests through allocation for use of communal forests, to the farmers groups or specific farmers, aiming the protection and regeneration of biodiversity.
• Implementation of best practices for the sustainable management and usage of primary and secondary forest products to generate incomes for the community.
• Establishing models for sustainable management and income generation from the private and communal forests, with a possibility to be further replicated even by other communities in the neighbour areas.

Expected Results:


• At least 10 rare endemic agricultural plants, wild fruit/nut trees will be explored and collected.
• Increased awareness of farmers community and increased interest of theirs to protect ecosystem, to preserve and regenerate habitats and biodiversity
• A surface of 4 hectare forest allocated to a farmers group having blood connections with each other, to conduct regenerating activities and silvi- cultural services serving thus as a reference model to other communities of Krume municipality
• Increased administrative and technical capacities of the Association of the Users of Forests and Grazes, Golaj and of the targeted farmers to undertake incentives for other projects to protect and manage the ecosystem and biodiversity in communal and private forests

• Region:

  • Has

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

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Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 23
Name of the applicant: Association "For you Mother and Children"
Partner in the project: NA
Project Area: Kukes Municipality
Project title: Live Green
Project Budget: 14,395.50 Euro
Project time: 8 months

Increasing community awareness of the environmental protection in Kukes area;

Expected Results:


• At least 540 community members, 1080 students/pupils will increase their information and awareness of environmental and biodiversity issues.
• Increased awareness and responsibility of public institutions of protection of environment and bio-diversity.
• Cleaner city and more green (and recreation) areas in the city. An area of 150 m² will be transformed into a green area (My Garden). At least 20 trees will be planted.

The implementation of the project is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 6,837.75 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Kukes

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

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Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 21
Name of the applicant:Ecologists for Kukes Region
Partner in the project: Women in Development Association
Project Area: Kukes, Has and Tropoja Municipalities
Project title: Kukes Region Eco-school network
Project Budget: 11,601.60 Euro
Project time: 9 months

To increase awareness and understanding of the young generation on environmental development issues and influence their friendly behavior towards the protection, promotion and management of natural resources.

“To raise public awareness and community action for fauna protection and create collaborative partnership between actors, civil society, the State institution in local level and local government as a mechanism to support protection fauna efforts in Diber area and beyond”.

Specific Objective:


• To promote environmental friendly and participatory management practices of 9 primary schools in Kukes region (3 in each district) - aimed at protection, promotion and management of natural resources through developing and promoting educational awareness tools such as "Environmentally friendly behaviour at school";
• To support the active participation of students in 9 primary schools (3 in each district) in initiating and implementing environmentally friendly initiatives and addressing practical environmental problems aimed at increasing efficient management of natural resources such as electricity, water and waste in their school areas;
• To enable the facilitation of good practices and experiences through the establishment of a Regional Eco-School Network

Expected Results:


• Increased awareness on environmental issues related to energy, waste and water in 9 schools in Kukes region (4 in Kukes district, 2 in Hasi district, 3 in Tropoja district) through the promotion of "Environmentally Friendly Behaviour at School";
• Increased schools capacities to implement the "Environmental Friendly Behaviour at School" program and competences enhanced;
• Behavior changed and more environmental friendly attitude in 9 schools and their related communities;
• Better environmental performance in schools’ premises through the small competitions and campaigning actions;
• Increased cooperation among schools, parents, communities in each of the involved districts;
• Increased regional dialogue and networking between local authorities, schools, media and the general public on environmental issues and sustainable development, through the Regional Eco-Schools Network.

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 5,500.00 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Kukes,
  • Has
  • Tropoje

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 11
Name of the applicant: Association "Ecological Club" Diber
Partner in the project: Water Management Association (WMA) of the Dibra Region
Project Area: Bulqize Municipality
Project title: Biodiversity in Okshtun River
Project Budget: 14,061.99 Euro
Project time: 6 months

Contribute to rehabilitation and protection of biodiversity in the Zall-Okshtun and Sopot, through sensitization of public opinion for the protection of nature in general and organizing awareness activities for the protection of species at risk in particular.

Expected Results:


• Through awareness activities that Eco-Dibra and WMA organisations will development in the area, expect growth of the number of participants in the programs of awareness, especially by young and women by the project area, but not only;
• Achieving a sustainable cooperation between local community stakeholders, civil society, the association of woods and pastures in the area, the regional environmental agency, the Directorate Forest Service, as well as other environmental associations that operate in this area
• Putting under protection from illegal damage of more than 10,000 hectares of forests and pastures in the area, increased care and protection from fires and unnecessary pollution

All civil society organizations, as LAG for each village, the Environmental Forum for the area, especially the youth and women, to be able to strongly raise their voice in terms of biodiversity protection area; .

Through sustainable use of water and natural resources, is expected to increase the number of terrestrial and aquatic fauna of the area, expect a sustainable natural rehabilitation and a population of river waters with fish and underwater fauna .

Increasing and strengthening of the organizational capacity of local management ENGs, for biodiversity protection in the area and sustainable growth of the inhabitants of the area; .

Stabilization and strengthening of the capacity building of the Environmental Forum, with other local organizations to follow and the continuation of the project .

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 6,679.45 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Diber

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Round 2

Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation (ALCDF), in the framework of the project “Leveraging the Capacities of CSO-s in the North of Albania for the betterment of biodiversity and environment protection” - EcoNord project – that is financed from the European Union Delegation in Albania as part of its programme “Civil Society Facility – Civic Initiative and Capacity Building Component”, launches its second round of Call for Proposals under the grants of Local Initiative Fund of the project.

Local Initiative Fund intends to “To financially support small projects addressing conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, sustainable management of natural resources and promotion of civil society initiatives on these issues” in the North of Albania, and specifically in Diber, Kukes, Shkoder and Lezhe qarks”.

Active Civil Society Organizations working in the North of Albania and enable solutions for issues relating to environment protection and biodiversity. Furthermore, formalized producer and/or community groups such as Association of Forest Users’, irrigation, medicinal plants, agriculture, bee keepers active in the North of Albania are also invited to apply.

Interested applicants should submit:

1. Project Proposal format compiled in English language ( download ), ( download Albanian version ). Note: If an applicant presents a proposal in the amount up to 10,000 Euro (>5000 and <10,000) the proposal can be presented in Albanian language with a project summary in English language.( download )
2. Budget of the project proposal ( download )
3. Logical Framework ( download ), ( download Albanian version )
4. The following documentation:

• Court decision, Founding act and statute of the organization (copy);
• Registration certificate at the Tax Office - NIPT (copy);
• CV of the foreseen project staff;
• LEF (Legal Entity Format), signed and stamped from the applicant ( download );
• FIF (Financial Identification Format), signed and stamped from the applicant and the bank where the financial transactions are made ( shkarko ).
• Other supporting documents. ( Guidlines for applicants ), ( Partnership letter )

The project proposals that will receive financial support from the Local Initiative Fund should within the agreed financial range (minimum 5.000 Euro and maximum 25.000 Euro), and provide the co-financing budget from the applicant for not less than 5% of the total project budget. The time line for the implementation of project proposals should be above 6 months and not more than 12 months.

Project proposals should be mailed or hand delivered at ALCDF office before 23 March 2016, 17.00 hours, in the below address:

For more information you are invited in the regional informative meetings that will be organized.

Organizations interested to apply with project proposals under the grant component Local Initiative Fund will be supported with technical assistance from the capacity building component of the project. In the framework of this component, EcoNord organizes training sessions in order to support the civil society organizations interested to apply for the grants to better fulfill the criteria and requirement of the Call for Proposals. The training will be delivered from Albanian National Training and Technical Assistance Resource Centre (ANTTARC). The CSO-s will be notified for the exact dates of the training during the informative meetings to be organized in regards to this call for proposals.

For more detailed information visit the ALCDF website www.alcdf.org, where it can be found the links with the Guidelines of Applicants for the Call for Proposals, the criteria, timelines, application formats and contacts.
For more information you can also contact via e-mail Mrs. Lindita Manga, Project Manager EcoNord lmanga@alcdf.org; And Mr. Besnik Alku, Coordinator for the Local Initiative Fund balku@alcdf.org

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 24
Name of the applicant:LAG "Touristic Dibra"
Partner in the project: NA
Project Area: Diber Municipalities
Project title: Protection and Promotion of the Natural Monuments of Dibra
Project Budget: 18,844.35 Euro
Project time: 10 months

Preservation and promotion of the natural monuments of Dibra in order to turn them as touristic attraction.

Specific Objective:


• Increasing efforts in addressing preservation and promotion of natural monuments issues in Diber, through awareness, promotions, concrete interventions and cooperation building amongst local community and stakeholders in Diber municipality

Expected Results:


• “Friend’s Natural club” is established with proper skills and capacities.
• Local community and stakeholders acts more responsible and awareness increased.
• Natural monuments infrastructure improved.
• Natural monuments are well promoted.

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 8,951.07 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Diber

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 05
Name of the applicant: Training Center for Communal Forestry & Rural Development
Partner in the project: NA
Project Area: Diber Municipality
Project title: Protecting Fauna in Diber area
Project Budget: 20,582.00 Euro
Project time: 12 months

Increasing community’s participation on protecting wildlife/fauna and biodiversity issues in Diber area.

“To raise public awareness and community action for fauna protection and create collaborative partnership between actors, civil society, the State institution in local level and local government as a mechanism to support protection fauna efforts in Diber area and beyond”.

Expected Results:


• Increased public participation and community action against illegal hunting and protecting fauna activities (watchdog group in village level);
• Improved mechanisms for addressing illegal hunting and protecting fauna activities through collaborative partnership between community key actors, civil society, State and local government in Diber area (Monitoring Unit in Local Government level).
• Increased awareness and actions to fight illegal hunting in wider level such as neighboring areas of Bulqiza, Mati, Kukesi and Mirdita (Press, regional conference)."

The implementation of the project is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 9,776.45 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Diber

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 27
Name of the applicant:Association "Young Environmental Experts" (SHERM)
Partner in the project: National Federation of Communal Forests and Pastures
Project Area: Bulqize Municipality
Project title: Protection of endangered flora endemic species in Bulqiza district
Project Budget: 16,287.90 Euro
Project time: 12 months

The overall goal of the action is to develop a comprehensive understanding on nature protection through community participatory securing sustainable use of natural resources and social prosperity.

specific Results:


• To provide environmental education for develop the sense of responsibility on biodiversity and endemic species protection for young generations
• To enhance knowledge on best practices of wild MAPs harvesting and post harvesting manipulation and introducing cultivation technology of endangered species, increasing the value of plant products, impacting the livelihood level of rural people in Bulqiza district

Expected Results:


• Raised awareness and increased sense of responsibility among youths and community for the protection of biodiversity and endemic species.
• Enhanced knowledge on wild MAPs harvesting and post harvesting practices, encouraged cultivation of endangered species and increased value of plant production

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 7,736.75 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Bulqize

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 28
Name of the applicant:Fisheries Management Organization-Shkoder
Partner in the project: Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Agricultural University of Tirana
Project Area: Shkoder and Malesi e Madhe Municipalities
Project title: Protection of fauna endangered species and their habitats in Shkodra lake
Project Budget: 9,716.28 Euro
Project time: 12 months

Institutional capacity building for the protection and sustainable management of fauna in Shkodra Lake and increase the Carp fish population in Lake Shkodra assuring a sustainable fishing.

Specific Objectives:


• To contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of fishing areas on Lake Shkodra.

Expected Results:


• Institutional capacity building for the protection and sustainable management of fauna in Lake Shkodra
• Identification and rehabilitation of the damaged habitats Indicator
• Increasing carp population in Lake Shkodra by providing a generation
• Increased awareness and engagement with stakeholders dealing with fauna and flora conservation

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 4,615.14 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Shkoder
  • Malesi e Madhe

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 31
Name of the applicant:Institute for Welfare and Environment (IMA)
Partner in the project: NA
Project Area: Lezhe, Lac and Mirdite Municipalities
Project title: Minimizing Ecological Damage from Floods in Lezha
Project Budget: 15,776.62 Euro
Project time: 12 months

Improving the negative environmental impact of the flooding phenomena in Lezha region.

Specific Objective:


• Reducing the negative environmental impact of the floods in Lezha region (before, during and after flooding phenomena), in the water basin of Drini and Mati rivers in an area of about 80 sq km, through the raising awareness and capacities of local stakeholders on taking adequate measures for preventative, responsive, and improve the negative effect of flooding in biodiversity and wildlife of this area.

Expected Results:


• Reducing the negative environmental impact of the floods in Lezha region (before, during and after flooding phenomena), in the water basin of Drini and Mati rivers in an area of about 80 sq km, through the raising awareness and capacities of local stakeholders on taking adequate measures for preventative, responsive, and improve the negative effect of flooding in biodiversity and wildlife of this area.
• Disseminated of the experiences gained during the project in regional level.
• Strengthened capacities of local stakeholders (local government bodies, regional institutions and NGOs) to be responsible for their tasks and duties on environmental protection like forest, waste deposited, rivers basin, protecting areas and species, and having a environment action plan for flooding.

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 7,493.81 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Lezhe
  • Lac
  • Mirdite

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 32
Name of the applicant:National Centre for Community Services
Partner in the project: Centre for Genetic Resources - National Bank of Seeds
Project Area: Fushë-Arrëz Municipality
Project title: Capacity Building of Fushe Arrez community for protection of rare, endemic and wild fruits / nut plants
Project Budget: 16,314.27 Euro
Project time: 12 months

To contribute towards the sustainable protection of rare endemic agricultural and wild fruit/nut plants in the geographical area of Fushë-Arrëz municipality.

Specific Results:


• To prevent the extinction of varieties of endemic agricultural and wild fruit/nut plants in the Fushë-Arrëz area
• To inform and raise awareness of farmers on rare endemic agricultural plants and wild fruit/nut plants, on their usefulness for agriculture and characteristics of cultivation through strengthening cooperation among community and LGU
• Promoting more widespread cultivation/use of rare endemic plants for food production.
• Economic development of the local agriculture of Fushë-Arrëz area through diversification of products (which would also stimulate agro-tourism).

Expected Results:


• At least 10 rare endemic agricultural plants, wild fruit/nut trees will be explored and collected.
• At least 65 farmers trained during the training/workshops related to seed values, importance and when it can be found and will be informed on-site during the farm visits on these endemic plants and their cultivation
• At least 5 NGO-s and state institutions will participate and be informed in the activities of the project
• At least 4 Local Media representatives (printed and electronics) with special focus on environment issues will be informed on the issue and the activities of the project
• 100 copies of brochures will be distributed to the agricultural department specialists, agronomists, farmers of Fushë-Arrëz, informing them on the issues
• At least 40 participants (beneficiaries, experts, decision-makers) will be informed on the project results and will advocate for further intervention on the Final Conference
• At least 10,000 persons from the public will be informed on the biodiversity of endemic agricultural plants through a documentary produced during the project.

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 7,749.28 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Fushë-Arrëz

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 38
Name of the applicant: Regional Association for Communal Forests and Pastures, Lezhe
Partner in the project: Association for Sustainable Development and Natural Resources (SENARDI)
Project Area: Mirdite, Lac and Lezhe Municipalities
Project title: Assessment of the Biodiversity Values in Mirdita
Project Budget: 15,272.50 Euro
Project time: 10 months

The major goal of this project is the evaluation/appraisal of biodiversity values in Mirdita region and its sustainable use through best management practices.

Specific Objective:


• Sustainable use of biodiversity in the territory of Mirdita through best management practices in this respect
• Involvement of new generations (school students) in the process of evaluation/appraisal and promotion of biodiversity values;
• 1. Increase of farmers’ income through practices of sustainable use of biodiversity values

Expected Results:


• An inventory of the biodiversity of Mirdita region, focusing mainly on the flora bringing the variety and natural values of the region to the attention of the stakeholders. The final product will be an inventory list of flora and fauna in the region of Mirdita.
• An evaluation/assessment of the biodiversity values in the region. This is the major activity of this project. The final product will be an analysis (report) containing major biodiversity elements and values they offer to people and ecosystems.
• To analyze stakeholders who deal with biodiversity in the region (who does what), relevant issues and problems as well as to give relevant recommendations to improve the situation. The final product will be a report on main findings regarding the major stakeholders, their role and duties, relevant problems and issues, etc
• Increased awareness of the new generation (high school students) in the process of acquaintance with and evaluation/appreciation of region’s biodiversity values, considering this as a “future investment”, in respect of biodiversity conservation.
• Improvement of knowledge of major stakeholders (Communal Forest User Associations, farmers, collectors of medicinal plants, local authorities etc) through training.

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 7,254.27 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Mirdite
  • Lac
  • Lexhe

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 39
Name of the applicant: Albanian Forum of Shkoder Lake
Partner in the project: Shkoder Municipality
Project Area: Shkoder Municipality
Project title: Biodiversity Conservation Actions for Local Sustainable Development on the occasion of Shkodra lake RAMSAR SITE 10TH Anniversary
Project Budget: 23,727.21 Euro
Project time: 12 months

Create greater interest and awareness among community, municipality and civil society for biodiversity conservation and greater understanding of the link between local biodiversity and ecosystem services;

Expected Results:


• Commit local authorities in decision making for wise use of Shkodra Lake natural heritage;
• Develop Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Shkodra Municipality through increased stakeholders involvement in the process and consensus-building on its content, objectives and expected outcomes;
• Celebrate Shkodra Lake RAMSAR SITE 10th Anniversary"

• Region:

  • Shkoder

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 46
Name of the applicant:Democratic Integration and Development Center – Kukes
Partner in the project: N/A
Project Area: Tropoja, Has and Kukes Municipalities
Project title: Environmental clubs to poster environmental protection in the Kukes region
Project Budget: 16,362.15 Euro
Project time: 8 months

Increase youth participation in the promotion and protection of the environment through the establishment and support of participatory-based community structures (Environmental Clubs)”.

Specific Objectives:


• Empower young people through the establishment of new and support of existing Environmental Clubs in the Kukes Region to actively participate in promoting and protecting the environment
• Promote local-level multi-stakeholder cooperation to increase awareness and participation of local communities to protect the environment

Expected Results:


• 6 new Environmental Clubs are established and supported, together with 4 existing ones
• Capacities of young people running the ECs are built and modalities to ensure continuous funding are established
• A Network of ECs in the Kukes Region is established and supported
• A web-platform (app-based) for the protection of the environment is operational facilitating the organization of ECs and the protection of the environment
• High urban decorative trees are planted by the ECs in the three LGUs
• MoUs signed between ECs and respective LGUs and annual work plans developed
• MoUs and annual work plans developed between respective schools and ECs
• Local journalists are trained and better positioned to report on environmental challenges and raise awareness among communities on the environmental challenges.

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 7,772.02 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Fushë-Arrëz

• Financed by:

  ALCDF

Project Description

Sub grant reference number: EcoNord R1 - 48
Name of the applicant: Agritra-Vizion
Partner in the project: Agritra-Vizion
Project Area: Diber Municipality
Project title: Support Local Partnership & Actions for Sustainable Environment Protection in Diber Region
Project Budget: 18,381.59 Euro
Project time: 10 months

Project Objectives:


• To contribute for sustainable development in the region through improving the environment.
• To increase the role of the community and local stakeholders in conservation and environmental.

Specific Objectives:


• To increase the role of the local government in protection of the environment.
• To raise the public awareness of the local population regarding the importance of the environmental protection.
• To improve the sustainable local Development by Protection of the environment
• To create concrete models of environmental protection in communities.

Expected Results:


• 4 villages in Kastriot community are informed and awarded to protect the environment.
• 2000 community members of Dibra region collect waste and send them in specific places.
• 500 families from Kastriot community use bagging bags in their daily activities.
• Establishing of a model how to reduce the waste.

The implementation of the project has started and it is going based on the plan proposed. The first instalment of 8,731.26 Euro is disbursed after the signing of grant contract.

• Region:

  • Diber

• Financed by:

  ALCDF