Two Memoranda of Understanding were signed and approved by the municipal councils of Elbasan and Librazhd.
The Elbasan Municipal Plastic Waste Management Plan was drafted and reviewed with IUCN and BeMed, while preparatory work began on internal regulations for plastic-free public procurement in both municipalities.
Promoting tap water & raising awareness
Discussions were initiated with the Institute of Public Health to support water quality assessments and the promotion of tap water as an alternative to plastic bottles.
At the same time, awareness-raising campaigns, river clean-up activities, and teacher training sessions engaged students, educators, municipalities, and civil society in promoting environmental education and reducing single-use plastic waste.
Regular coordination meetings were held with partners, while information sessions engaged around 30 bars and restaurants in Elbasan and Librazhd, supported by the creation of a contact database.
Materials were translated and adapted into Albanian, commitment forms and a practical guide were developed, and preparations for the upcoming training sessions were launched.
“Zero single-use plastic” hotels
Meetings were conducted with 9 hotels, resulting in cooperation agreements with 6 establishments.
Training modules on the Zero Single-Use Plastic Hotel methodology were translated and adapted, baseline audits were completed in 2 hotels, and the initiative was promoted at the national EXPO HoReCa Albania through the “HoReCa – Plastic Free” panel.
OSPAR River Litter Monitoring
Preparatory meetings were held with kayaking clubs and NGOs, followed by OSPAR river litter monitoring campaigns in Elbasan and Librazhd during the winter and spring seasons. The monitoring results were shared with Surfrider and local stakeholders, while awareness sessions engaged schools and youth groups on plastic pollution.
Low Plastic Football Club Model
A presentation meeting was held with the Librazhd football club, leading to the drafting and signature of a cooperation agreement to launch the Low Plastic Football Club model.
The BeMed+ project is generously supported by the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM), the Aether Fund of the Foundation for Future Generations, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Fondation Didier et Martine Primat, and the France-IUCN Partnership.
*HoReCa = Hotels, restaurants and cafés
