The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, visited today the Municipality of Himara to introduce the Environmental Partnership Forum, which will be piloted this year in Himara.
The Forum aims to strengthen dialogue and co-operation among local institutions, civil society, businesses and community representatives to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable local development.
During an introductory meeting with Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo and municipal representatives, the Presence's National Programme Officer for Local Governance and Environment, Elton Qëndro, presented the Forum's rationale and objectives, the added value of Himara as the pilot municipality and the expected benefits for local stakeholders. The proposed governance structure and next steps for the Forum's implementation were also introduced.
Participants exchanged views on key environmental challenges and priorities facing the municipality, opportunities to strengthen stakeholder engagement and local ownership, and municipal expectations from the Forum process. Discussions also focused on opportunities for future co-operation and the identification of potential stakeholders to participate in the Forum.
The visit included a field tour of Himara's water management system, providing an opportunity to discuss ongoing initiatives and future priorities related to sustainable water resource management and environmental governance.
The Environmental Partnership Forum initiative is implemented within the Presence's project "Strengthening Local Government Capacities and Improving Environmental Governance in Albania - Phase II", in close co-ordination with the Ministry of State for Local Government and the Agency for the Support of Local Self-Government.
