Meeting with Tropoja Municipality, Margegaj Administrative Unit and representatives of Civil Society, Business and Accommodation Units in Valbona

ALCDF is working on the "Zero Waste" project, a European initiative and instrument. The European Initiative "0 Waste" has begun implementation in the cross-border region between Albania and Montenegro, specifically in the Alps area within the Margegaj Administrative Unit of Tropoja and the Municipality of Gucia. This initiative is being implemented through the project "Montenegro and Albania towards Zero Waste," which is financially supported by the European IPA II program, the cross-border cooperation instrument "Montenegro - Albania 2014-2020," and is being implemented in Albania by ALCDF (Albanian Foundation for Development of Local Capacities) and the environmental movement "Green Line in Albania," in partnership with the Regional Development Agency for Bjelashica, Komovi and Prokletja, which also serves as the main project leader in cooperation with the environmental movement "Zero Waste Montenegro" for the Montenegro portion.

On June 9, the project staff in Albania conducted a series of meetings with key stakeholders in the territory of Tropoja Municipality, including the leadership of Tropoja Municipality, the leadership of Margegaj Administrative Unit, representatives of Civil Society, business representatives, and accommodation units in Valbona. During these meetings, they shared information about the project, its activities and results, and reached agreements on their involvement in the project's steps and activities. There is nothing more beautiful than the Alpine region of Tropoja, which God has blessed with beauty and purity, to serve as a model for a waste-free place. This initiative has been supported and endorsed by all key stakeholders, who view this approach as an instrument that will improve conditions for tourism development in the area.

Meetings and activities will continue throughout the project period, aiming to transfer an orientation and implementation platform for zero waste from the residents of Margegaj villages themselves, who will be supported in reducing, recycling, and reusing waste, thereby creating a sustainable and applicable zero waste practice in their area.