Faculty of Urban Planning and Environment Management - 2017-2019 Thesis collection Book by POLIS University

POLIS UN [PROJECTING ALBANIA] Ideas generated from research and thesis works 2016-2019 autor: POLIS UNIVERSITY copyright: POLIS UNIVERSITY printed by: layout & design: Dr. Artan Kacani english edition: Eriona Canga, Erinda Misho,Besjana Qaja POLIS UNIVERSITY contact: Rr. Bylis 12, Autostrada Tiranë-Durrës, Km 5, Kashar Kodi Postar 1051, Kutia Postare 2995 Tiranë, Albania Tel:+355.(0)4.2407420 / +355.(0)4.2407421 Fax:+355. (0)4.2407422 Mob:+355 (0) 69 40 88 111 Email:contact@universitetipolis.edu.al Website:www.universitetipolis.edu.al

NIVERSITY ACKNOWLEGMENT POLIS University is a private university founded in 2006 as a spinoff entity of Co-PLAN / Institute for Habitat Development, a non for profit organization established since 1995. POLIS represents an experimental, avant-garde, and progressive university with main focus on raising human capacities in fields of architecture, urban planning, art design, environmental studies, energy efficiency and civil engineering. It was in 2011 that the first generation of POLIS students graduated, and most of the graduates were soon after employed at public and private administration or self-employed in their own private studios. The publication presented is a modest summary of the ideas coming from Research Thesis Works of the graduates of Bachelor Programs (3-year programs, full-time, 180 ECTS); Professional Masters Programs (2 year-programs, part-time, 90 ECTS), Master of Science Programs (2 year-programs, full time, 120 ECTS) and Integrated Master of Science Programs (5 year-programs, full-time, 300 ECTS). On the occasion of this publication POLIS University would like to acknowledge the great role of the academic staff and tutors, the hard and excellent work of students, and all passion and commitment of their families and support staff. We have joined efforts and are doing our best to build a better country and fairer society and to do this we have chosen the way of investing in human capital because we strongly believe that it is through this investment that the progress and development of this country will come.

Dr. Prof. Besnik Aliaj POLIS University Rector Doc. Sotir Dhamo POLIS University Administrator

Dear friends of POLIS, In these few lines, we would like to share with you some

demic processes and scientific works, including thesis works

values, ideas, and efforts that led us to the establishment of

from the graduation process. Although this is just the begin-

POLIS and its further consolidation as an institution of edu-

ning, through these tools POLIS has created discussions and

cation and alternative intellectual ideas. Together with other

debates on topics almost untouched by Albanian society in

co-founder colleagues of POLIS, members of the “generation

relevant professional fields of design and city sciences, mak-

of changes” in the ’90s, we were all witnesses and participants

ing younger generation realize that there are many ways of

of the events that occurred in Albania before and after the

solving concrete problems. Opening the mind and a positive

change. Considering this, POLIS aims to test the social impact

approach to problems are an important part of the transmis-

of a new generation of alternatively educated students in the

sion of “secret knowledge” and its translation into action. In

fields of architecture, urban and environmental planning, ap-

essence, we strongly believe in the real possibility of positive

plied design, and engineering. Thus, Polis tries to influence the

change and growth of the Albanian society!

entire society by viewing the educational process as a form of

optimism which enables continuity and growth through the

bringing alternative ideas to development policies; we think

transmission of knowledge and confidence to students. We

that policy is not only done by the politicians but needs pro-

would not consider our job complete if we transmit to our stu-

fessional expertise. In the Albanian context, in which scientific

dents expertise and passion only in these areas; above all, we

research with practical value has so far been discontinued and

must equip students with the ability to transform such fields

does not correspond to the international standards, for POLIS

in Albania.

and the generation of researchers and talented young people,

Trust in the concept of partnership, processes and de-

research and innovation are a way to help development. This

bate, practical experience at a higher academic level, are the

is why POLIS aims to go beyond its academic role as an insti-

basis of the DNA inherited from Co-PLAN, a community-based

tution. To do this, beside two faculties, it has now established

organization founded in the early ‘90s which later became an

also the Research and Development Institute(RDI), as well as a

institution of training and a promoter of good governance,

experimental center for innovation (IF).

author of many projects thanks to the assistance of interna-

The complexity of issues of Albanian reality is among the

tional and local funding. In this sense, as an institution, POLIS

most challenging, and their confrontation with the expertise

is a reflection of how we have tried to involve, work, and learn.

and the international consultancy of academic institutions

Within its extended family, Polis has already generated several

becomes even more complex. Such exchange and confronta-

initiatives, social movements and trends of different natures

tion with international partners with whom POLIS has estab-

which aim to bring new perspectives to society.

lished institutional partnerships, will enable us to overcome

the “monopoly of mind” which still “holds hostage” the knowl-

An important role here is also played by the aca-

POLIS aims to set an example as an expert group

edge and information in Albania and isolates it from younger generations. Beyond that, we strongly believe in the ability to bring innovation to our areas of interest and to impact society. Therefore thesis research works has been one important instrument. All these factors made POLIS a reference point within the country, with the respect of academic circles and associations of higher education in Europe. This is also reflected in the recently granted “Research University’ status and the certification of the programmatic and institutional accreditation.

POLIS is a private institution but it has a clear social

mission determined by its origin. The university includes many volunteering and social responsibility activities, expressed in the assistance provided for marginalized local authorities and people in need, in the assistance provided to local governments and the governments in general, through volunteer work and assistance which is manifested in free consultancy projects, awareness campaigns on social problems, etc. Similarly important to us is the educational and research motto ‘…Being good professional means first of all to know how to give love to people…’. In this regard POLIS is a long term project, in which we want to share our modest efforts with others because we believe that in this way we can better achieve our social mission!

We continue to hold the conviction that in order to

change the world, one must dream. Thus, do not hesitate to join us sharing our space for thought!

FPMMU Faculty of Environment and Urban Management

Urban Planning 1. 5-years, Integrated Master of Science, full time, 300 ECTS

Environmental Studies 1. Bachelor Studies (Full-time, 180 ECTS, 3 years) 2. Master of Science (Full or Part-time, 120 ECTS, 2 years)

Dr.Prof Sherif Lushaj Dean of the Faculty of Planning, Enviroment and urban Management

The Faculty of Environmental Planning and Management

process, starting with the student’s consciousness and vision

is one of the three main faculties of Polis University. Where

for the purpose. The implementation of new methodologies

programs such as Environmental Studies (Bachelor, Urban

and research approach varies until the final presentation, this

Planning and Management, Master’s in Urban Environmen-

aims at carrying out original study work, in consultation with

tal Management, Professional Master’s Degree’s aim to equip

academic staff, stakeholder groups and responsible institu-

future generations to think long and hard about their impact

tions. Diverse terms in the field of urban planning such as local

in the world. Numerous environmental issues both globally

and regional planning, infrastructure, transport, sustainable

and nationally

turning to special attention through these

development, or environmental challenges from degradation,

study programs. The tradition of environmental education

pollution, nature conservation and regeneration. Focusing on

and planning in Albania is relatively new. Environmental ex-

important topics such as damaged areas, global warming and

perts completing the Master’s program in Urban Environmen-

climate change pollution of aquatic environments by plastics

tal Management and planning fill a gap in the labor market at

and activities, conservation of natural resources ect. Topics like

different levels of local and central government, in both the

these have targeted scientific findings and spared innovative

private and public sectors.

approach proposals for application.

The curricula and topics included in the teaching process and

Themes, objectives and subject matter are part of the knowl-

diploma preparation of the Master’s program go hand in hand

edge dissemination of academic staff and students, studio

with national and global priorities of territorial planning and

work and the use of extensive literature. The themes relate to

environmental protection. In line with the mission and vision

sustainable urban development, sensitivity to the social, eco-

of the University, aiming at an in-depth specialization of stu-

nomic and political needs of our society, global problems and

dents, who have completed the first cycle studies in the same

paradigms for urban planning and the environment, this ex-

or similar fields in both environment and in the Urban Plan-

perience shared with schools with which the University collab-

ning programs.

orates. In this edition, the reader will find the diploma topics for which students have dedicated their passion, will and pre-

The Diploma Book, reflected in this publication, is a summary

cious time. These papers reflect not only the scientific achieve-

document of all diploma topics, prepared by students in the

ments that students have acquired during their studies, but

Master/ bachelor programs in Urban Environmental Manage-

also their perspective, desire and vision for the environment,

ment and in Urban Planning and Management, graduated in

urban planning and territorial protection, and the increasing

academic years 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019 at POLIS

contribution to society. Some have focused on the creation of

University. The preparation of the thesis as a comprehensive

new waste management models; others have addressed the

problems of protected area management, and others on abandonment of rural areas, affordable housing, locally developed plans, decentralization, transport, regional links, community development, landscape resource protection and many more In the diploma thesis of Master of Urban Environmental Management in Urban Planning program students have addressed the problems of their field professionally and technically by proposing alternatives of urban development with professionalism in attempt to transform Albanian society into concepts and mentality of advanced urban planning and environmental protection, population health, increased well-being and sustainable development. By graduating with a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree Program in Urban Planning and Management, students combine theoretical knowledge with experience to address complex issues. Polis University, under the slogan â&#x20AC;&#x153; space for thinkingâ&#x20AC;? and the Faculty concerned, will continuously support the professional courage and social concern of future professionals. The faculty remains committed to increasing the level of diplomas, so that they become valid with the conclusions and recommendations addressed to decision-making, policy-making and interest groups. Students become skilled professionals in their field, able to withstand the challenges of the time, goals for urban planning and environmental protection .

URBAN PLANNING Faculty of Environment and Urban Management

2016-2017

Urban Planning 2016-2017 Argita Përpunja.................................................................14 RAIL TRANSPORT AS A CATALYST FOR ALBANIA’S ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT. Anxhela Shehu.................................................................16 CROSS-BORDER RELATIONS AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR ENABLING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION. CASE STUDY: THE LAKE OHRID REGION (POGRADEC - KORÇA - PRESPA - OHRID - STRUGA - DEBAR - LIBRAZHD) Elona Golemi.....................................................................18 MOUNTAIN TOURISM, A SUCCESSFUL ALTERNATIVE TO GUARANTEE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM. CASE STUDY: LLOGARA NATIONAL PARK. Ergest IBRAHIMI................................................................20 URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT: COST VS. TARIFF CASE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF VLORA Erjona VURMO .................................................................22 THE IMPACT OF TERRITORIAL REFORM IN LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICES, CASE STUDY, LUSHNJE MUNICIPALITY Florjan GAZIDEDE............................................................24 RESTRUCTURING OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TIRANA Geraldina LESHI ...............................................................26 REVITALIZING OF LOCAL ASSETS THROUGH PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP. THE CASE OF THE FORMER COMBINE IN BERAT. Gledis Hoxha ....................................................................28 POTENTIAL OF RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN POGRADEC MUNICIPALITY. CASE OF PROPTISHT ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT IN THE COUNTRY OF MOKRA. Greta KUKELI.....................................................................30 PLANNING FOR SHRINKING CITIES. A POLICY GUIDELINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SHRINKING PROCESS OF THE ALBANIAN CITIES AND THE PREPARATION OF THE MUNICIPALITIES TO PLAN FOR SHRINKING SITUATIONS

Joni Margjeka....................................................................32 NATURAL AND HUMAN RISKS TO MATERIAL CULTURAL HERITAGE IN TIRANA MUNICIPALITY Kladjola Dervishi.................................................................34 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HYDROELECTRICAL POWER PLANTS (HPP) PROJECTS IN ELBASAN DISTRICT Rovena Plaku.........................................................................36 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HYDROELECTRICAL POWER PLANTS (HPP) PROJECTS IN ELBASAN DISTRICT. Sadmira MALAJ....................................................................38 APPLYING ‘STREETSCAPE’ PRACTICE IN THE ALBANIAN CONTEXT. CREATING A METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF IDENTITY AND THE WAY OF INTERVENTION IN ROAD DESIGN Sokol Baki...............................................................................40 DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL FOR AGRICULTURE AND AGRO-TOURISM IN THE DURRES-TIRANANDROQ CORRIDOR. Xhesika POÇI.........................................................................42 TOURISM AS A SOURCE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES IN BERAT MUNICIPALITY.

RAIL TRANSPORT AS A CATALYST FOR ALBANIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT. Student: Supervisor:

Argita PĂŤrpunja Phd Candidate ErandaJanku, Phd Candidate Aida Ciro

The primary purpose of this scientific research is to emphasize the importance of the development of rail transport in the Albanian context. By analyzing the importance of this mode of transport in general terms, advantages, disadvantages, why it is more efficacious than other modes of transport; this research focuses on the territory of Albania. The first phase of this research requires initially to focus on the importance of transport as a concept and its importance to the economic development of a country. Once this is achieved, it is important to mention all the possible ways of how transport exists. In the information provided, this document emphasizes the importance of railway transport. At a later stage, alternative modes of transport are placed in front of rail transport and all the benefits of an efficient railway transport are listed, opposed to the disadvantages. As a continuation of the analysis of the first phases, this research paper continues to mention four well-known cases in the world that use rail transport. This is done in order to point out some important conclusions that are taken into account in the next stages: a) Railway transport is the most efficient way of linking easier different states (by road). b) Railway transport can carry a big number of passenger to transport by being low cost compared to other modes of transport. c) Railway transport helps in generating new public places (even a railway station can be used as a public place). d) Railway transport helps in promoting tourism. Later on this scientific research then focuses only on the Albanian context. After giving an overview of the development of the Albanian Railways over the years, it is important to analyse the current territorial development of the four regions of Albania, in order to conclude in the proposal where it is considered

reasonable to intervene in the railway track. Then, this research paper concludes the above mentioned phase with important proposals for further development. Taking into account the current development of Albania, new tracks are proposed linking the existing axis existing on the west of the country, with lines going horizontally and linking the most important areas with potential for further development. Regarding the fact that such interventions cost a lot, the hypothesis of the extent of intervention is rejected in three time periods.The first period of intervention consists with the revitalization of the existing road that extends to the western area of Albania. Intervention on this axis will cost less as we are dealing with existing routes only for revitalization and, as it passes into centers with great potential for development of the country, it provides a way of generating revenue for subsequent interventions on the next periods proposed. The second period coincides with the most thought-provoking axis to link the areas that are of great importance to the various economic, social or territorial aspects. The same hypothesis is for the third period. In conclusion, this scientific research concludes in a detailed analysis of the axis, which is thought to be the first most urgent intervention for revitalization. The axis is studied in the mini-regions created by the construction of the main stations, to then enable possible scenarios for future development in these regions.This research paper ends with the creation of these development scenarios in the future, re-emphasizing the importance that rail transport can have on further economic, social and territorial development. The design of these scenarios protects the hypothesis raised during the research that rail transport can serve as a catalyst for further development on the passing territory.

CROSS-BORDER RELATIONS AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR ENABLING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION. CASE STUDY: THE LAKE OHRID REGION (POGRADEC - KORÇA - PRESPA - OHRID - STRUGA - DEBAR - LIBRAZHD) Student: Supervisor:

Anxhela Shehu Phd Candidate ErandaJanku, Msc.Imeld Sokoli

This study of the region around Lake Ohrid gives a more efficient use of the Cross-Border Cooperation Instrument so that the projects under this instrument have a greater regional impact. Recognizing the difficulty of institutional cooperation between the two sides of the border, the lack of initiative, the operation of the region in an “informal” way and a dim impact on the projects developed by this instrument, then this study seeks to look at how by drafting regional visions the situation can be improved. Drawing up a vision for the region around Lake Ohrid will give strategic direction to regional development, intensify institutional relationships, coordinate policies,

and bring a greater impact to the region from more efficient use of Co-operation funds cross-border. This efficiency will be achieved first by analyzing the projects that have been implemented, looking at the problems and then implementing a new approach so that these projects have the right impact in the region. The vision that will be drawn up sets some strategic directions on which this region will be developed, based on these directions cross-border cooperation projects can be developed. So they can indirectly contribute to the fulfillment of the objectives that will be set by this vision. In this way the projects will have a greater impact on the territory.

MOUNTAIN TOURISM, A SUCCESSFUL ALTERNATIVE TO GUARANTEE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM. CASE STUDY: LLOGARA NATIONAL PARK. Student: Supervisor:

Elona Golemi Dr. Godiva Rëmbeci

During the period of democracy, Albania has undergone major changes and one of them is the change in the economy’s direction, which is now oriented towards the free market. The economy has developed continuously through various components, and tourism being one of the most important. Tourism is a component that also promotes the sustainable development of the country’s economy. “Sustainable development has been recognized as a basis for programming and managing of the lifestyle for the present and the future. It is a new method of development which is determined by public interest, taking into account the general environmental aspects of a globalized world. This development meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations meeting their needs. Sustainable development is to create sustainable patterns for all three fundamentalcategories that are human, economic, social and ecological activities. Sustainable development achieves coherent equilibrium and sustainable long-term relationships among these the three categories mentioned above (World Tourism Organization) A large amount of the country’s economy is generated from tourism. Year after year the tourism sector in Albania has had a great development but mostly at the individual level. There is still no proficient organization of sustainable tourism development. These shortages often lead to degradation or misuse of areas where tourism can develop. “The growthof sustainable tourismfills the needs of current tourists and host countries while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. This means that all resources are managed in such a way that social and esthetic economic needs are met while preserving cultural integrity, basic ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support systems. ‘’ In Albania there are many potential opportunities

to develop tourism of various forms such as seaside, lake, landscape, mountain, cultural, historical and agricultural. Mountain tourism as one of the components that is less developed in Albania, but with great potential for development, and is already becoming a trend. This kind of tourism which in the northern part of Albania, is more organized and has received continuous support from stateinstitutions and different foreign organizations. Meanwhile in the south of the country still remains a need for support from the institutions in order to be more organized. Mountain tourism in our country can be developed into all year round tourism, even though the peak of its exploitation activity is in the winter season. This type of tourism is necessary as it brings development in the area to infrastructure, economy, quality of life, protection of nature, historical and cultural heritage preservation. Some of the areas in which mountain tourism can easily be developed are: Valbona National Park, Thethi National Park, and Llogara National Park. The Llogara National Park, which is under protection, is part of the Vlora region and is located in the southwestern part of Albania. It is part of the village Dukat Mal, and under the management of the Orikum administrative unit. This park occupies an area of 1010 ha or 10100 km2. This park is rich in fauna and flora and the only activity that is offered so far is for people to take some pictures on the premises and have a coffee at one of the local caffes. Meanwhile the area has a potential for eco-tourism, expeditions, hikes, and even skiing during the winter season. Concrete examples will be taken to develop a thesis on mountain tourism in the National Park of Accounts in which this type of tourism is highly developed and can help us in formulating the strategy or scenarios. The examples are Brezovica in Kosovo and Metsovo in Greece.

URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT: COST VS. TARIFF CASE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF VLORA Student: Supervisor:

Ergest IBRAHIMI Dr. MeritaToska, MSc. Fiona IMAMI

standards versus services provided to community. One of the most expensive services and with high visibility is integrated waste management. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the current state of waste management service provided in Municipality of Vlora and to propose a better financial sceheme regarding waste management process in this municipality. In this context, will be analyzed the costs for service delivery in the Vlora Municipality area versus the level of revenues generated by collection of the cleaning fee. Does incomes from the cleaning fee cover the costs of this service deliverance? For this purpose, a standard methodology will be used for assessing this public service overall costs called “Activity Based-Costing”, based on quantitative and qualitative information provided by the Municipality of Vlora authorities. Following the obtained results, will be provided a proposed financial scenario on improvement of waste management service in Municipality of Vlora.

The local government decentralization process brought new challenges for all 61 new municipalities in Albania, especially over the last three years. Some processes have been almost simultaneously led by a common vision: strengthening local governance and democracy and advancing the decentralization process according to the most advanced European standards (SKNDQV, 2014). Working on the current state, the law no. 115/2014 “On the Administrative and Territorial Division of Local Government Units in the Republic of Albania” has been approved, which consolidated 373 units of local government into 61 new municipalities. Fragmentation of local government, demographic changes, inequality in revenue generation and lack of efficiency in providing local services were some of the arguments that led this reform. Based on the principle of subsidiarity, law no. 139/2015 “For Local Self-Government” transferred into an exclusive or delegated title a number of functions closer to the community, with important and direct effects on their quality of life. Faced with a much larger territory in administration, a higher number of public services to be provided, municipalities today face the challenge of

THE IMPACT OF TERRITORIAL REFORM IN LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICES, CASE STUDY, LUSHNJE MUNICIPALITY Student: Supervisor:

Erjona VURMO Dr.Godiva REMBECI

Planning culture in Albania, like most Balkan countries, derives from a long tradition of centralization of state and planning. Currently this transition from the centralised system to the open economy is still slow.The public sector is beginning to admit in the new sociopolitical structure that its role should change from control to direction. The chaotic development problems continue as well. A legal and political framework in transition, coupled with fragmented development strategies and frameworks, has led to an uncontrollable flow of population to cities, informal urban development, and unsustainable development. Most governments are seeking to address some of these issues through new planning laws and regulations along the lines set by the EU planning frameworks and guidelines. Sustainable economic growth and human development in each country depends on an integrated approach to national planning that begins locally.

a result of the implementation of territorial reform and change of functions and competencies after territorial reorganization. It is also intended to measure the impact of the reform on the population and the local economy, through demographic and economic indicators, the empirical measurement of the impact of reform on the quality of public services provided in one of the new municipalities according to the perception of the population and finally the preparation of a package of recommendations to improve the quality of public services and their assessment. It is worth mentioning that from the study of the cases of reforms undertaken, the main conclusion to be taken into account is that there is no permanent solution and the problems posed by the application of such reforms are complex and require a long time to be resolved , Therefore preliminary planning is needed to anticipate possible challenges and also planning measures to monitor and carry out the necessary measurements to make the change more efficiently. The main focus of this study, however, is not measuring the effects of reform at all levels as it is an early stage. Therefore, it is not the purpose of this study to evaluate the reform as a whole. Rather, this research will be considered as a preliminary stage in taking timely action to the effects and will focus on creating and building a method of how to measure the expected changes from the reform and perceptions of the local population at the level of Obtaining services.

This has led to the application of major reforms to local government in the region and beyond. One of the catalysts for Albanian reform is the commitment to become part of the EU and the many recommendations from international bodies. Like most of the reforms undertaken in Europe, Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s territorial administrative reform is rooted in the economies of scale paradigm, suggesting that a larger area of local government units can support unit spending cuts and support the quality of Service delivery performance The case of RT in Albania is one of the most recent cases of the reform enterprise. Although at a very early stage, methods and models are needed to study and monitor the progress and the concrete impact on local units and the population affected as users Of local public services.

Leading this quest from a preliminary stage and attempt to capture initial perceptions to real and concrete observations in the field where reform is being implemented will give to studies some more pervasive reflections on possible impacts of reform and the change of local government in the localpopulation.

Through this study, it is attempted to measure the performance of public services in local government as

RESTRUCTURING OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TIRANA Student: Supervisor:

Florjan GAZIDEDE Dr.Llazar KUMARAKU

In many countries around the world, motoring is growing more and more, thus increasing the use of private cars. This phenomenon has brought not only environmental, social and economic consequences, but above all has had a very negative impact on the use of public transport. Over the years and increasing welfare, Albania is also facing this situation. The increase of vehicles and traffic, especially in the city of Tirana has brought considerable consequences in all aspects of life. With the growth of the population in Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital, there was also the need to improve one of the major public services, such as public transport. This study aims to highlight all issues related to national and urban traffic. Because these two have a close symbiosis with each other, it is rather appropriate to study interrelated by analyzing their causes and consequences in order for the solution to be applied to the gene. With regard to this aspect, it is proposed to construct some nationally important roads and also to

create a big funnel for the city of Tirana. Through this thesis, the efficient solution of public transport is to be implemented based on the spatial and infrastructural aspects that the city of Tirana offers. Since Tirana is a developing capital, there are opportunities for intervention to improve the public transport sector either by reorganization or by infrastructure. Working to resolve these issues, the idea behind the application of a well-known system that is essentially the bus and lanes dedicated to public transport (BRT) is presented inside the work. In many countries around the world, Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) is replacing all types of public transport with rails, thus increasing public interest in using buses. All the proposals presented in this thesis aim at improving the performance of the public transport service by increasing its use and impacting on reducing the level of traffic and all the consequences it brings.

REVITALIZING OF LOCAL ASSETS THROUGH PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP. THE CASE OF THE FORMER COMBINE IN BERAT. Student: Supervisor:

Geraldina LESHI Dr.Merita TOSKA

The objective of this study is the proposal to reimplement assets available to local government in function of local economic development. The latest developments towards decentralization were materialized in the territorial and administrative reorganization which significantly conditioned the provision of services to citizens. The limited financial resources versus the ever-growing needs stimulate the finding or proposal of alternative financing schemes for investment projects. The case discussed in this study

is that of the former Beratcombi as an asset that can become a major factor for the economic and social development of Berat municipality. Specifically, it is proposed to transform and set up an agri-food market through a public and private partnership mechanism, following, for example, a similar market set up in Tirana. Quantitative estimates in cost and potential income terms show that such an investment is advantageous and is economically advantageous if it is to be undertaken through a PPP scheme.

POTENTIAL OF RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN POGRADEC MUNICIPALITY. CASE OF PROPTISHT ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT IN THE COUNTRY OF MOKRA. Student: Supervisor:

Gledis Hoxha Dr. Dorina Papa

Research studies to address, as well as to support the development of rural areas are very rare. This research work is a study that seeks to provide solutions for the development of rural areas through the return of investment in the remote areas and the decline of the phenomenon of rural exodus. This study seeks to achieve this aim through the potential offered by the area for the development of rural tourism. This research is based on analyzing the current situation of the Municipality of Pogradec, highlighting the natural and cultural potentials. It focuses on the administrative unit Proptisht, how it can be further developed as a model, based on the rural tourism. The study contains 6 chapters where each of them deals extensively a certain aspect. It provides some recommendations on how rural tourism can be developed and how it will affect the area. The study identifies the touristic potentials that the territory in the Pogradec municipality provides as part of the cultural heritage and traditions of the area; nature monuments, geomonuments, cultural monuments,

protected areas, various activities taking place, culinary events, where all together will attract visitors who will find attractive and recreational areas. As a condition for achieving of the objectives of this study, it also recognizes the crucial role of the human resources qualification, in order to match the characteristic hospitality of the area, with the expectations of both domestic and foreign visitors, for a quality and professional service. It also analyzes that the marketing and the promotion of the area can be done in the right context and connected with the promotion of other similar areas, being that national or beyond. The study concludes that in order that a rural touristic area can be developed and maintain its potentials in a sustainable way, it is crucial not only engagement of all local actors, but also the cooperation among each other and beyond, in order to become throughout the generations key agents of change and intermediaries of this vision of touristic development.

PLANNING FOR SHRINKING CITIES. A POLICY GUIDELINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SHRINKING PROCESS OF THE ALBANIAN CITIES AND THE PREPARATION OF THE MUNICIPALITIES TO PLAN FOR SHRINKING SITUATIONS Student: Supervisor:

Greta KUKELI Dr. Godiva REMBECI, Msc. Ledio ALLKJA

Human settlements play an important role in the development of society and as such constitute one of the main aspects addressed by planning. Its ability to respond to the crises and challenges that development creates has made it a necessity for human and urban development. Based in needs of society and innovation, even the challenges are changing. Today, cities are the centers of development, making them the most successful model of human settlements and the engine of economic and social development. Aspects of globalization, technological and sustainable development are modeling the lives of people in cities as well as the challenges they need to address. While many cities raise others fall, creating disparities in the territory, an expression of this situation is the phenomenon of “urban contraction”. As a broad concept, shrinking has difficulties in definition but is one of the strongest phenomena that is being developed in today’s cities making it necessary to study. As a path of urban development, there are

different ways of appearing and longtime effects in the territory. In the Albanian context this phenomenon is very little known, but widely spread and with obvious consequences. The change of the political system and being included in national structural crises made albanian industrial cities vulnerable to shrinkage. Due to the lack of knowledge about the phenomenon and how to manage the, the consequences on the territory were and continue to be severe. Attempts to address urban shrinkage in the country are few and in order of them to be made, a change in mentality of planning for shrinking situations is needed. But for this phase to be achieved, it is first required formal recognition of the phenomenon, study of the extent and consequences it has brought in different areas in order to be able to create an appropriate and efficient mechanism for addressing the problems that this cities have in Albania.

NATURAL AND HUMAN RISKS TO MATERIAL CULTURAL HERITAGE IN TIRANA MUNICIPALITY Student: Supervisor:

Joni Margjeka Dr. Artan Kacani

Tirana is the capital city of Albania and the country’s most developed economic, political and socio-cultural center. Although the city of Tirana has been established too late, the historical studies on this subject are lost in time. As a result of the constant population of this area over the centuries, traces of different historical periods are offered nowadays. These phases of history carry extraordinary value to the city’s identity, but also to the country. Today the most important objects of the history, are protected by law and have the status of cultural monuments of category I or II. However, there are also objects that are considered as important as the monuments, but they do not yet have the protective status. The purpose of this study is to identify all the values of cultural heritage in the municipality of Tirana and to analyze the factors that threaten physical stability and the existence of the monuments. Threatening factors are diverse, but they are divided into two large groups, in natural and human hazards. In the case of Tirana, the majority of the protected monuments are in urban contexts and a small part in rural contexts. This fact makes monuments vulnerable from human hazards mostly, despite the fact that many

natural factors are constantly present. After a general historical overview and an analyze of the most important periods the city has been going through, the study focuses on the areas, gender and typologies of monuments, to understand how they are represented in the territory. The main objective of the study is to analyze the potential risks of the heritage values identified in the first phase of the research. After analyzing the potential risks, the study comes to some preliminary conclusions and recommendations that aim to increase the social and institutional awareness of cultural heritage. It is impossible to analyze in details each monument, therefore the study focuses on a historical area of Tirana, which carries objects of great urban and architectural values. Many of these objects in the study area are of the second category, some are potential monuments but have not yet gained the status of protection. Of all the historic buildings, only three are selected, which are first category cultural monuments and represent traditional houses of Tirana (qerpiç and çardak houses).

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HYDROELECTRICAL POWER PLANTS (HPP) PROJECTS IN ELBASAN DISTRICT Student: Supervisor:

Kladjola Dervishi Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, Dr. ArtanKacani

Urban regeneration has accompanied urban development since the earliest man and was emphasized after World War II which has been a sustainable theme. Urban regeneration policies designed to improve the quality of life and enhance urban image have changed from country to country and city to city. All of these together have a common; they involve the use of urban public space in urban planning. Public space is a stage on which the life-play drama, streets, squares, parquets and green spaces are revealed and all together are forms of public space. In the Albanian context before 1990, territorial planning was not recognized as such. Urbanism was a discipline through which dictatorial power placed centralized decision-making facilities on the economy on the economy and on the construction of cities. The change of the political and economic system faced the institutions not only with the sector need but also with the changing mentality in the use of the territory and its resources. Today, urban regeneration is useful for urban centers that have special features related to the history of city construction and the revitalization of the industry towards new economic uses in the field of fabrication of other industry industries. Urban regeneration improves existing assets, encourages citizen involvement to become part of this process. For urban regeneration to function in Albanian cities and mainly in Bulqiza, it should include a simple population where social aspects affect the functioning of the economy in order to have a sustainable and cooperative development and thus all sector economies can be easily developed. Regarding the area of Bulqiza, previous years no major studies or regulatory plans or partial studies have been carried out in addition to the 1985 Adjustment Plan. Its own position since there was and has the presence of important mineral resources. Local governments did not begin to consider the importance

of urban environment, urban image and quality of life in urban development. In the Bulqiza area, the city has been transformed from an industrial city into an industrial city that does not develop economics, rich cultural social life, and has experienced an unmade urban environment and image. In the circumstances of the urban movement began in the 1990s in Albania, which was partly symbolized by large, fancy, but not exploited constructions and attempts at the squares began to be captured. The closure of the centric phase is leading every day and more for a polycentric system which is the principle of organizing a region around some centers such as political, social, financial etc. Concentration integrates all means that carries an area and influences very well to create a polycentric and identity city. Polycentrism is a model of poles at various degrees, such as social and economic policies, to increase social cohesion. All plans include programs to promote lost or forgotten industrial culture through renovation and reuse of buildings and industrial elements. The goal is to retrieve the land and workers of the memory industry to regain the traces hidden from the breakdown and to lay the foundations for the future of the city. This study will investigate Bulqizaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success in regenerating the city, expanding entrances and outflows that have not been cared for and developed, especially from the perspective of creating public squares, thus having implications for other cities in Albania.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HYDROELECTRICAL POWER PLANTS (HPP) PROJECTS IN ELBASAN DISTRICT Student: Supervisor:

Rovena Plaku Prof. Dr. Sherif Lushaj, Dr. ArtanKacani

The natural protected area I have chosen, proposed under the Durana Plan as a regional natural park, located in the metropolitan area of Tirane - Durres, is one of the natural spaces which has suffered from uncontrolled construction, from deforestation to a big scale, intensive agriculture and other influences of modern life. All of these consequences came as a result of a legislative vacuum and lack of management

plans, and therefore there is a need for this area to be protected and monitored continuously in order to have a small number of environmental conflicts and to have a Sustainable development of environmentallyfriendly alternatives based on three conceptions of theories of “American Experience”, “Third Landscape” and “Urban Acupuncture”.

APPLYING ‘STREETSCAPE’ PRACTICE IN THE ALBANIAN CONTEXT CREATING A METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF IDENTITY AND THE WAY OF INTERVENTION IN ROAD DESIGN Student: Supervisor:

Sadmira MALAJ Phd Candidate Ledio ALLKJA, Phd Candidate Eranda JANKU

Therefore, this study aims above all to give an alternative to the plan, a response to the decomposition of the vision as part of the city’s image, and even more in detail, at the streetscape level. It takes its aim based on the Shkodra Municipal General Plan, which has built up a vision for Shkodra as a city that runs centrally to the edge (from the center to the edge).Therefore, this study aims above all to give an alternative to the plan, a response to the decomposition of the vision as part of the city’s image, and even more in detail, at the streetscape level.

this study underlines the establishment of a new methodology for analyzing and identifying the street characters. This methodology coincides with the creation of a matrix, which is formed by the relationship that creates the path with different elements such as: urbanization, the individual, urban culture and the economy. Based on the streetscape concept as a syntax linkage, all the analyzes are synthesized in one and placed on the axis of the study, reaching the level of the design path. Specifically, this is achieved through intervention models focusing on preserving the city’s image and interconnecting with the human dimension.

To make this possible, this scientific research is based on a synthesis of the many reading literature on the concept of streetscape and the various applications that have been encountered in the world, concluding the very important definitions for the continuation of the study. From the conclusion of the most important definitions,

This research aims to answer the question ‘Why this practice is necessary to apply in the Albanian context’, and ‘how can it handle the various planning documents of the territory’.

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL FOR AGRICULTURE AND AGRO-TOURISM IN THE DURRES-TIRANA-NDROQ CORRIDOR. Student: Supervisor:

Sokol Baki Prof. Dr. Sherif Lushaj, Dr. Artan Kacani

The “Potentials of Agriculture and Agrotourism” study centered on the intermediate area betëeen Tirana and Durrës, from the old connecting road segment passing through the Ndroq area constitutes a quest in the field of agriculture and tourism as an opportunity of economic and social development. This area conceived in the form of a continuous corridor that is created by a rural character, affects 6 units in the territorial frameëork. Corridor TiraneNdroq Durres, is one of the tëo links betëeen the tëo main urban poles of the country ëith high potentials in agricultural, natural, agro-tourism, etc. But after the construction of the Tirana Durrëshighëayëith a significant economic industrial and service character, this corridor has been limited to the level of development and has lost the role of the link betëeen the tëo poles and the efficient use of natural resources or priority development of the activities that provide the resources natural, human, that characterize this area. Axis is a unique opportunity to promote the natural and human potentials of

the local population in a natural bandage from the feëteritoriesëhere urban development and human activity have not greatly influenced its interior. The geographical position betëeen the tëo largest poles in the country, the proximity to the port of Durres and the Rinas Airport, make up the biggest advantages of the area in terms of development of agriculture and agrotourism as the segment is moved to land ëith significant agricultural character and development opportunities are high. Hoëever, there are a number of problems that limit the sustainable development of the area and the efficiency of natural potentials ëhich have started to reflect far beyond the 1990s. The study aims to present an analytical overvieë of the current situation of the agricultural sector and provide an alternative linking this sector to one of the forms of tourism such as Agroturism for the sustainable development of the corridor in the future, strengthening the economy and improving the quality of life for the inhabitants of the area.

TOURISM AS A SOURCE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES IN BERAT MUNICIPALITY Student: Supervisor:

Xhesika POÇI Dr. Merita Toska

Berati is an important touristic center which is famous for its architrcture,cultural,religious and historical attrobutes. The 2400 old history of this place makes it one of the most ancient places of our country.It was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2008 and it was proclaimed a ‘Museum City’ in 1961.These are the two main features that represent this city. The landmarks of this museum city that are nationally known as well,areGotica(little mountain in old church), Mangalen and Kalajaquarters.AndKalajaquarters,te National Museum of Onufri and Tomorri park.The aim

of this study is to list the historical and cultural heritage of Berat and to elaborate the touristic iteneraries ,as a matter of fact thera are many. Although we don’t have exact figures but we do have to admit that the contribution of the tourism on the overall economy of Berat is indisputable, that’s why the emphasis on the new itineraries is considered crucialon the economical development of this city. A constant effort for the municipality is the exploitation based on certain criteria against the urban development pressure.

URBAN PLANNING Faculty of Environment and Urban Management

2017-2018

Urban Planning 2017-2018 ALDO SULAJ......................................................................48 SHKODRA-LEZHA DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR. THE ROLE OF VALUE CHAIN IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE SHKODRA-LEZHA CORRIDOR. Artan Ndregjoni................................................................50 LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND THE BENEFIT OF SMALL COMMUNITIES. THE CASE OF ARBER STREET. Dea Rogova........................................................................52 MOUNTAIN TOURISM, A SUCCESSFUL ALTERNATIVE TO GUARANTEE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM. CASE STUDY: LLOGARA NATIONAL PARK. Erisa Poleshi ......................................................................54 NEW SPATIAL TYPOLOGY IN THE PERI-URBAN AREA. CASE STUDY TIRANA CITY. Florjan Hoxha ...................................................................56 ECONOMIC INTEGRATION OF RURAL AREAS INTO URBAN AREAS BY DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE, MARKETS AND SOCIAL ASPECTS. CASE STUDY TIRANA MUNICIPALITY, ZALL-BASTSTAR ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT Frenkli Kau.........................................................................58 URBANIZATION AND INTEGRATION OF INFORMAL HOUSING / DIRECT INVESTMENT IN BATHORE AREA. Glen Lumani.......................................................................60 ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS IN THE CITY OF TIRANA. CASE STUDY: TIRANA MUNICIPALITY Johan Mema.......................................................................62 REVITALIZING THE INDUSTRY - CASE STUDY OF THE TIRANA TEXTILE COMBINE. Mario GJIMARAJ...............................................................64 TIRANA LAND DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS “CONDITIONAL INTENSITY CASE”. Roki Pepa .............................................................................68 SCHOOL PLANNING STANDARDS IN TIRANA CITY

SHKODRA-LEZHA DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR. THE ROLE OF VALUE CHAIN IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE SHKODRA-LEZHA CORRIDOR. Student: Supervisor:

ALDO SULAJ Prof. Dr. GODIVA REMBECI, PhD. Candidate LEDIO ALLKJA

Agriculture plays a key role in the development of a country in reducing poverty and increasing socioeconomic well-being.This topic addresses the role that instruments such as Value Chain play in the development of the agricultural economic sector in the Shkodra-Lezha corridor. This treatment comes as a result of the lack of scientific research in this sector in Albania. The reason why I conduct this research is to understand the impact that Value Chain has and can have mainly on small rural communities by increasing income, competitiveness and reducing poverty. The research has been developed by combining case studies from different countries and regions with theoretical analysis on Value Added Chain to better understand how it works and the positive and negative effects that this instrument has on its application. The

demographic, socio-economic situation in the ShkodraLezha corridor was also analyzed, along with interviews with local farmers to better understand the problems that impede them in agricultural development. At the end of the analysis, the study concludes that the agricultural sector has problems that adversely affect the full potential development of the sector, which is addressed by a Value Added Chain scheme by offering solutions to minimize them. At the end of this study some suggestions and recommendations based on the Value Chain Scheme are provided which can help to increase the level of cooperation of farmers with each other and with relevant institutions for problem solving and further development. of agriculture in the Shkodra-Lezha corridor.

LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND THE BENEFIT OF SMALL COMMUNITIES. THE CASE OF ARBER STREET. Student: Supervisor:

Artan Ndregjoni Prof. Dr. GODIVA REMBECI, PhD. Candidate LEDIO ALLKJA

Large infrastructure projects play an important role wherever they are built. An infrastructure project linking states, cities, regions and villages is the main means from which the development starts. The story of my topic is based on the importance that the road will bring to development in many factors such as economic, social and cultural development. I have noticed that the roads mainly lead to development for a region or for a country as a whole, but often the areas and villages that are around them do not get the importance they need. Precisely for this reason I decided to study the topic “Large Infrastructure Projects and Benefits of Small Communities” taking the case of Arber Street as it is a very important project for the Dibra region, which has just started and is interesting on the importance it will have for small and isolated communities. Based on these reasons I decided to raise the research problem on how these small and isolated areas can benefit from the road that passes near them and how the local and central governent should draft policies, plans and approaches different from what have had so far. From the list of small and isolated communities I have selected two administrative units that are very isolated and have fulfilled the criteria for their choice. In the development of this subject I am based on theoretical concepts and Albanian and foreign publications which have essentially the development that comes from infrastructure projects and the effects they have. To add the data I have selected two case studies that are in the case of “Rruga e Kombit” Highway and the case of Arber Street. The study of these case studies and theoretical concepts is very important since analyzing foreign and theoretical theoretical concepts, as well as looking closely at

the case studies for the effects of major projects, helped me to better understand the effects that they realistically in the community and if expectations are met. With regard to methodology, I have chosen to conduct site visits in case studies and to conduct questionnaires with residents of these areas and an interview with local administrators. From field visits, various data were collected that are needed to be elaborated later and to draw conclusions on the effects of infrastructure projects and the design of recommendations and policies on how to benefit. Analyzes are another very important part of this subject. Starting from the focus and the objectives of the topic, the analyzes are divided into several groups according to the theme structure. The analyzes were divided into National Plan analyzes, Local Plan analyzes, and Questionnaire and Interview analyzes. At the end of each chapter, conclusions are drawn for each stage of this subject, which summarizes all the most important and most important components. The analyzes are accompanied by maps that better and more accurately reflect the collected data and those derived from the analysis. The final part of the diploma is drafting a set of recommendations and policies on how communities benefit from the road and develop. Initially from the data and conclusions drawn from all the analyzes of the above sectors, I have drafted some proposals that go to the local and central government on things that I have thought, analyzed and concluded that they can be better done. After discussing these proposals, it is listing recommendations and policies on how to benefit from large infrastructure projects. This is the final part of the thesis topic.

ALTERNATIVES TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN PUBLIC SPACES, THE CASE OF THE CITY OF GJAKOVA Student: Supervisor:

Dea Rogova Prof. Dr. GODIVA REMBECI, PhD. Candidate LEDIO ALLKJA

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for cities today, and will continue to be in the future. Cities are focusing efforts to improve their resilience, using different policies and measures. Green infrastructure is seen as a powerful tool for cities that adapt to climate change. This instrument will be used as a network of green spaces, which together enhance ecosystem health and impact habitat improvement, as well as create a sense of nature within urban areas. Public green spaces provide a great opportunity for the implementation of green infrastructure. The role of public green spaces is very important for our lives, both socially and environmentally. From the social point of view, the importance of public space is that it affects, first and foremost, physical and mental health, community living, creating a special atmosphere in urban urban life or affecting the growth of the identity of the same city, while, in terms of the environment, the benefits of public spaces are numerous. For the sustainability of these elements in public green spaces, the green infrastructure instrument helps to

manage and maintain them. It is worth noting that the concept of green infrastructure has evolved over the years, from a narrow definition of natural infrastructure to a broader definition, which also includes the applicability of new technologies. However, cities that adapt to climate change find it difficult, too often they are constrained by financial capacity, so it is more applicable to richer and more developed cities. The study focuses on the city of Gjakova, where it will analyze the current conditions of public green spaces, with the aim of finding opportunities to improve them, using the principles and measures of green infrastructure. This study describes the current state of public spaces inside Gjakova and analyzes five spaces in detail. This study will analyze the location, their current state, vegetation and the elements of green infrastructure in these areas. After considering these spaces, some remedial alternatives have been put forward as to what these spaces should be like, intertwining the green infrastructure instrument in them.

NEW SPATIAL TYPOLOGY IN THE PERI-URBAN AREA. CASE STUDY TIRANA CITY. Student: Supervisor:

Erisa Poleshi Prof. Dr. GODIVA REMBECI, PhD. Candidate LEDIO ALLKJA

Urban dissipation is one of the biggest challenges of cities, from its beginnings to the present day, but it will be a constant phenomenon in the future as well. Cities in developed countries have been in the process of spreading so long ago, as they developed faster. Meanwhile developing countries are facing this phenomenon in recent years and continues to be a challenge that is affecting city development and management and tire growth. The spread has made cities grow far beyond their borders, making housing and housing difficult to meet and tire requirements. The movement of the population from another country and the overcrowding of the main cities radically changed the configuration of a normal and potential city to accommodate its population without facing the problems and consequences that urban distribution has brought. Cities are becoming more and more part of this urban growth cycle across borders, thus putting local authorities in difficulties in managing and planning it. Urban dispersion brings different effects to the expansion of the city, at a low density spreading all the more to the periphery and also to the loss of open spaces, natural sites, and the change of land use. But all of this has led to the imbalance of natural and constructive relationships as well as the creation of new areas, referred to by its urban center, to the most urban areas of the city. Planners are facing the hardships of their work to implement policies and instruments during its process, as well as the development and design of land use in an urban environment, including the constituent components of a city. The latter is filled with public space, various constructions and typography of space by the areas where it is built, infrastructure connections and cargo

services. Urban dispersal has created new areas by dividing the city into several areas with different types and uses. We have the central urban area, which grows to peripheral areas, peripheral, peri-urban to the less urbanized or not urbanized, rural and natural areas. In this study are presented the policies that different countries have followed to further prevent the distribution of cities. Policies and instruments such as the green belt, compact city, and smart growth to reach a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good management and planning to cope with and tackle the expansion of a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normal borders. In this case, the city of Tirana has been studied with its spread across borders, a process which is still happening. Given that the city has grown rapidly at different times and has greatly changed the use of its peripheral land, it has led to the creation of different urban areas and the construction of space typologies and according to the area where they were created. Its peri-urban area is an undefined area and its spatial tip types and how it can be filled and created in the following. As an instrument that helps determine or locate the various urban areas, it is the transcript instrument as an acceleration and division of space from the most urban to the more rural areas. The categorizing transcript and the determinants of each urban divide help define the periurban area in the city of Tirana and the distinctiveness of this area. Given the definition of the periurban area, this area has been studied in detail by codes or smart, intelligent rules to create and complement its spatial typologies. Using smart codes helps in planning and managing the best of this area and building its spatial typologies.

ECONOMIC INTEGRATION OF RURAL AREAS INTO URBAN AREAS BY DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE, MARKETS AND SOCIAL ASPECTS. CASE STUDY TIRANA MUNICIPALITY, ZALL-BASTSTAR ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT Student: Supervisor:

Florjan Hoxha Prof. Dr. GODIVA REMBECI, PhD. Candidate LEDIO ALLKJA

Economic Integration as a concept has been studied many years ago. This concept consists inoffering services and public goods equally to all residents of a country. Many countries in theworld today as the main problem have the fact that there is a imbalance in the development ofdifferent areas a given country or a region. This problem is also manifested in the case of the Municipality of Tirana. In the last twodecades, Tirana had a rash urbanization. This urbanization had a negative impact on rural areasby bringing them abandonment and isolation. Urban areas and rural areas have a unilateralrelationship, as urban areas are growing and rural areas are abandoned. It raises the need to applyan integration process that will bring

a balanced development. Integration forms of an area are numerous and in many forms. The way in which this study is conducted is focusing on the economic integration of the areas. The selected case study is Zall-Bastar administrative unit.Main focus on this study is economic integration by streamlining infrastructure, markets and thesocial aspect. Through this research, the target is to integrate Zall - Bastar rural area in the urban area ofTirana. The forms of this integration are presented as a set of recommendations.Recommendations which essentially have the development of the local economy and the socialdevelopment of the area.

URBANIZATION AND INTEGRATION OF INFORMAL HOUSING / DIRECT INVESTMENT IN BATHORE AREA. Student: Supervisor:

Frenkli Kau Prof. Dr. Godiva RĂŤmbeci

World experience has shown that informality is one of the oldest issues to which various countries have given and continue to resolve economic and socio-cultural problems. In the last decade informality has become an urban concern that has brought a list of problems generated by it. Addressing informality goes through four main stages such as development, legalization, planning and integration. Clearly informal development is the first phase, but the following stages do not have a specific order, they depend on the country and the problems that these areas are experiencing. Regardless of which of the stages following the creation of informal development will occur first or not, it is accompanied by financial and social costs. Legalization of informal areas prior to their integration and planning is immediately converted into financial cost to the municipality when it will integrate these areas into the rest of the city. Granting ownership

means that any intervention that takes place within the boundaries of the property will be financially compensated. Among other things, planning and integrating informal areas without giving them ownership creates social costs that often translate into revolts or ways that encourage further informal development. The Bathore area is part of the largest suburb of Tirana. It is divided into 2 main areas: Urban Bathroom and Rural Bathroom. The number of households is mainly thought to be 1500, but it is claimed that there are still a certain number of unregistered families. Bathore-ZNIP (Occupation, Construction, Infrastructure, Planning) model or otherwise non-planning model. In terms of economic development, it is alleged that $ 11 million has been laid for home construction and $ 250 million for infrastructure. The area faces severe socioeconomic problems

ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS IN THE CITY OF TIRANA. CASE STUDY: TIRANA MUNICIPALITY Student: Supervisor:

Glen Lumani Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

This study of ecological corridors is the step for further and depth studies in the future. Is a manual with key concepts about ecological corridors. We have studied the role of the corridor ,how they function and how they affect in nature and the city. How correlate ecological corridors with the improvement of the quality of life of humans and species. Also, it is important that they contribute in the the protection of biodiversity of habitats and species pathways. The analysis of the existing condition of green open spaces in the city of Tirana gives us a wider view that

the current corridor can turn into a ecological corridor and in a recreational and leisure space for people. It is also shown how the most important axis can turn into a ecological corridor and connect all the spaces within it by turning into one of the most important corridors of the city and giving it breathing. As a conclusion, ecological corridors are very much needed in urban areas as well as studied in the case study. They should be created and must always be expanded to serve nature species and people.

REVITALIZING THE INDUSTRY - CASE STUDY OF THE TIRANA TEXTILE COMBINE. Student: Supervisor:

Johan Mema Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

The concept of this scholarly research is a new approach for Albania in the sense of linking tourism, trade and spatial development in a program with certain policies that aims to set principles and guidelines in old countries and â&#x20AC;&#x153;left oversâ&#x20AC;? as the Textile Combine in Tirana. Part of this research will be a description of industrial characteristics and their impact on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy and its effects on local identity. It is therefore important to consider what are and will be the main characteristics of the industrial sector in Tirana. This research assumes that it is important to understand that the longevity of old industrial complexes depends on the actual utility of its buildings. Listing a variety of success factors in development programs, this research may be useful to policy makers facing industrial heritage redevelopment issues. For this research it is important that the industrial sector is viewed from a critical perspective. Emphasizing the importance of changing cities, the essential claims of the industrial characteristics of the city should be

avoided. However, this does not mean that we cannot find common features of the city, even digitizing these features can lead to beneficial results for the economic agenda of the city. By presenting a list of characteristic industrial businesses, this research can turn into an opportunity for government bodies to acquire a specific city identity, and may also be useful to tourism and marketing organizations who can use these to attract tourists, investors or other cities who may be interested in establishing cross-industry links. Although the main focus of this study is the Kombinat Industrial Complex in Tirana, it is worth noting that other similar sites in economic features and design exist in other industrial cities of Albania such as Elbasan, Fier, Ballsh and Kucova. But as Tirana is the main metropolis of our country and the differences in cultural, economic and social aspects are more mixed than in any other city, research will therefore take place in the Kombinat area.

TIRANA LAND DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS “CONDITIONAL INTENSITY CASE” Student: Supervisor:

Mario GJIMARAJ Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

The purpose of this thesis is to showcase in a concrete way how land development instruments can be used, specifically the intensity of construction on condition. To archive this, a particular area is taken as a case study, such as the 5 structural units through which the second segment of the “Unaza e Mesme” extends from “Rruga e Kavajës” to “RrugaMyslymShyri”. To carry out this study, we have relied on the existing data of the area, which helped us to draw the most valuable conclusions on this subject. A market study was developed based on prices, identified parcels and real-estate cartography. The main potential actors have been asked to participate, drawing on the benefits of each of them from the implementation of the program. Measurements and costs have been made for several development models, using three evolution methods, taking into account building standards and parameters. The intensity of construction on condition

is one of the instruments that can be used in certain areas of Tirana any time there are redevelopments. Throughout the research there were numerous problems encountered with the legal framework which is relatively new in this regard, leaving open room for misinterpretation. This also causes a deadlock in the implementation of these projects. Therefore, it is very important to have prior consultations with the community of the area involved in redevelopment as well as the full transparency of all the steps that the program will follow if we use the conditional instruments. This makes it possible for each of the actors to become familiar with the real benefits expected from redevelopment. This study provides an approach on how the most efficient way of implementing a local unit, developer and community can be resolved.

SCHOOL PLANNING STANDARDS IN TIRANA CITY Student: Supervisor:

Roki Pepa Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

This topic of study refers to the analysis of the school planning standards in two of the administrative units in the Municipality of Tirana and specifically in the administrative unit no. 2 and nr.5 as well as the issuing of some recommendations taking into account good planning times abroad. The topic is drafted in the context of the lack of implementation of planning standards in the Tirana City Schools. In Tirana, changes and influxes in the population are quite noticeable. Before the 90s in Tirana there were 60 9-year schools and 14 high schools and the division of the population or areas where everyone who was in the classroom was very strict. The division of what school should conduct the lesson was in the order of the school center pitch. But after the 90s, when the

huge influx of the population according to the free movement of the population occurred, the regularity that the education system had â&#x20AC;&#x153;ruinedâ&#x20AC;?. Lack of standards is noticed only in school planning but also in the supporting capacities they can provide. In Tirana we have over 50% (DART 2016) of the schools that despite the fact that the lesson is done with a turn they are overcrowded but another significant part of the schools are taught with two tours. The topic will also analyze case studies that are recognized as good standards of fulfillment. Also part of the study are the realization of questionnaires and interviews with students, teachers and parents.

URBAN PLANNING Faculty of Environment and Urban Management

2018-2019

Urban Planning 2018-2019 Blendi Dyrmishi.................................................................72 DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM IN GRAMSH MUNICIPALITY Belisa Banaj........................................................................74 SUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY PLAN, A GUIDE TO IMPROVING MOBILITY IN TIRANA. Dea SHKODRANI...............................................................76 DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN KORÇA REGION Erald Dervishi ....................................................................78 INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT, PLANNING A STRATEGIC PLAN IN THE GJIROKASTRA REGION. Esmerina HIDRI..................................................................80 INITIAL MODEL ON ADAPTIVE PLANNING IN ALBANIA Joana PAVLI........................................................................82 USE OF FINANCIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR SUPPORT OF NEW ENERGY MODELS AND ENERGY TRANSITION IN URBAN AREAS. Klevis Delli..........................................................................84 PLANNING STANDARDS, IMPLEMENTATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING LIVING ZONE, TIRANA STUDY CASE. Marin Hoxha.......................................................................86 EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AS AN INTEGRATED PART IN THE PLANNING PROCESS ACCORDING TO THE URBAN SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY INDEX METHODOLOGY ‘PARK 1 MAY’, TIRANA Reada LEMNUSHA.............................................................88 PARTICIPATORY PLANNING: INVOLVEMENT OF THE ROMA COMMUNITY IN TERRITORIAL PLANNING PROCESSES. Roni Gjeçaj..........................................................................90 SHIROKA-SHKODRA CONNECTION AND SHIROKA URBAN REGENERATION.

DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM IN GRAMSH MUNICIPALITY Student: Supervisor:

Blendi Dyrmishi Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

Over the last three decades, Albania has undergone transformations in its system, opening to free market economy. Among the fundamental changes in the sectors of the economy, recently the tourism industry has gained a special attention in the national development policies of the state. Despite the updates in legislation, the creation of national strategies, plans of different levels, still it has been difficult for this sector to be applied at the municipality level. Ecotourism, that represents a kind of nature-based tourism, is a global trend that enables the sustainable development of this sector by: preserving/conserving the environment; generating income for the local community; as well as promoting natural and cultural values. The main purpose of the study is to explore the possibility of developing eco-tourism in the Republic

of Albania and to propose appropriate interventions within its application in a realistic situation for the Albanian context. The case of Gramsh Municipality possesses many natural potentials to turn ecotourism as the main economic sector for the entire municipality. Data obtained from the analysis of successful case studies, questionnaires with tourists and interviews with main entrepreneurs in the study area concluded in concrete interventions regarding ways of developing eco-tourism in Gramsh Municipality. The proposed interventions consist on the involvement of responsible public authorities of every level of governance, private sector, local community, complementing the support services, and full participation of any other involved party in this process.

SUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY PLAN, A GUIDE TO IMPROVING MOBILITY IN TIRANA. Student: Supervisor:

Belisa Banaj Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

Through this thesis I aim to analyze the importance of planning in the aspect of mobility in an urban territory, otherwise coined by the Americans as SUMP: Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. SUMPs require time and a sustainable vision in an urban area, taking into account the calculation of costs and benefits. At the same time, the development and implementation of a sustainable mobility plan should not be seen as a layer of transport planning but should be done in conjuctionĂŤith current plans and those to be developed at a later time. Such a concept is well-designed and should become regular practice in cities and communes of all European

Countries. Planning for the future of our cities should keep its focus on citizens; Citizens as travelers, citizens as business, and citizens as consumers because should be the primary thought and the beneficiaries. To prepare a Sustainable Mobility Plan means to plan for man. A sustainable Urban Mobility Plan is strategically designed to meet the moving needs of people and businesses in cities and their surroundings fot a better quality of life. It is based on existing planning practices and take into account the principles of integration, participation and evaluation.

DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN KORร A REGION Student: Supervisor:

Dea SHKODRANI Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

This study will help to support and develop individual and organic family farms and expand their territorial reach. The existence of farms is seen as a very good potential for carefully producing organic agricultural products (according to the criteria set out in Law No. 106/2016 on Biological Production, Labeling of Biological Products and Their Control). Farm networks are groups that organize topics of local interest in an organized manner. The purpose of this paper will be to propose an alternative collaboration such as the establishment of a farm network in the form of local cooperatives between farmers as an instrument to integrate it into the conceptualization of organicfarming. This study will look at how the work of farmers and their involvement can be organized in a most efficient form of cooperation. The main research question is: How can organic farming be expanded in Korรงa region? The question will be

the main purpose of the research. Then to answer this question will be accompanied by four research questions each having a specific objective in itself. Through the study of a sample of farmers in Korรงa area, we will be introduced to the production methods and crops used so far and having as our main objective the pre-disposition to join this organization as a way to push them towards expansion and growth of organic agricultural production and in a way to manage their crops. In the first phase, appropriate literature will be reviewed for theoretical reference purposes which will explain the terms to be used: agricultural holdings, organic farming and organic produce. Later on, the history of agricultural development in Albania as well as the examples of successful case studies, but with a similar character to fit the context. These will serve to consider the positive aspects and their reference to the specific study.

INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT, PLANNING A STRATEGIC PLAN IN THE GJIROKASTRA REGION. Student: Supervisor:

Erald Dervishi Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

Urban waste is the product of the daily consumption of human activity that is part of the territory in which we live. EU waste management policies aim to reduce the impact of waste on health and the environment and improve the efficiency of resource use. The long-term goal is to reduce the amount of waste produced and in cases where waste generation is unavoidable, treat them as sources aiming at a higher level of recycling and subsequently safe treatment. Adaptation of these policies to our country is a major challenge given the management and regulation of the spatial space that has been misused so far with waste disposal sites that have occupied the territory uncontrollably. The starting point of this study is about the alarming situation that our country has been facing for several years in the field of waste management. This sector

is also one of the main links and conditions that the Albanian state must fulfill in order to pave the way for the development of the EU integration process. The study provides an overview of the performance of the municipal waste management sector and reflects a proposal aimed at regulating the management of different waste streams in the south-eastern region of Gjirokastra from segregation to final disposal based on an integrated that will be structured and adapted to the real possibilities of the country to adapt to the best European standards in a timely manner, in order to avoid and minimize adverse impacts on human health, environmental protection and adaptation to climate change. The proposal is structured to meet the basic EU principles which are harmonized in the legislation covering the field of waste management.

INITIAL MODEL ON ADAPTIVE PLANNING IN ALBANIA Student: Supervisor:

Esmerina HIDRI Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

Planning policies in Albania have not yet managed to focus on multi-level governance, which enables integration of different dimensions. As we speak, little attention has been paid to specific dimensions of influence in the territory, also caused by the human hand in policymaking and decision-making. While climate change is expected to create new opportunities in some parts of the world, it is also expected to cause considerable concern in another part. The degree of impact depends on the magnitude of climate change affecting a particular system (exposure), system characteristics (sensitivity) and the ability of humans and ecosystems to deal with the resulting effects (system adaptive capacities). These three factors

determine the sensitivity of the system. This research presents an initial model of adaptive planning in Albania in the context of Climate Change. To this end, a methodology has been developed which examines how this phenomenon is handled at the local level with the instrument used by the Local General Plans followed by a series of analyzes at national and local level. The initial model suggests that, in small steps, the transition from the linear system I planned to a more circular system where the whole process is anticipated and minimized by phenomena such as climate change.

USE OF FINANCIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR SUPPORT OF NEW ENERGY MODELS AND ENERGY TRANSITION IN URBAN AREAS. Student: Supervisor:

Joana PAVLI Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, PhD. Candidate Ledjo Allkja

As the development of cities is getting bigger and bigger every day, a bigger challenge we as a society are facing now. The challenge is how to make cities sustainable by not consuming only few energy resources but, finding alternative ways of dealing with it. This century, the state who is capable of dealing with energy transition and be part of it will be the most powerful one. The paper describes the Albanian energy transition proposed approach as an example of understanding the benefits of it and collaboration approach between community, developers and municipality. This model is forward-looking and adaptive by the use of land developing instruments such as conditioned intensity which will be given to the developers by the municipality if only, they will be part of Energy Transition. The aim of

this research, is to create a proposed scenario based in Tirana, by using instruments of land development to capture the value of the land by using energy efficiency and systems of geothermal sources. This mean that at the same time a zone is developed but also is being sustained. Still the energy transition for our society is a selfcontained process, largely separated from existing policies for energy savings and the development of sustainable energy sources. It is now time to be one of the pillars of the overall government approach for sustainable development. It is a promising model combining economic gains and environmental gains at the same level. In this paper i give a detailed description of the approach and an evaluation of it.

PLANNING STANDARDS, IMPLEMENTATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING LIVING ZONE, TIRANA STUDY CASE. Student: Supervisor:

Klevis Delli PhD. Candidate Kejt Dhrami

In Albania, standards are set in a pragmatic way, given other contexts. Consequently, they are not realistic for our context. This means that, despite the efforts for integrated, multi-level, and comprehensive planning at the urban level and, especially at the area level, the principles of this approach do not manifest themselves. Thus, there is a need to explore both these standards and some others explored in the literature to understand how they affect urban development. This study addresses the role of livelihood indicators that have an impact on planning and development of the territory taking into account the indicators that influence the improvement of the quality of life in the city. Another aspect of this research is the development of an interconnection matrix between the planning standards / norms implemented at the area

level (structural unit) and the livelihood indicators or indicators that can be measured or perceived in the respective areas. The treatment of this study comes as a previous lack of assessment of the quality of life in our country. Concluding the analyzes carried out by this study we can say that in our country the concept of assessing cities based on living standards has not yet been introduced. Like many other countries, it is important for Albania to develop livelihood standards by setting the appropriate target for each indicator. At the end of this study are some conclusions and recommendations that address municipalities and state institutions, to consider the indicators that determine the quality of life in the city.

EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AS AN INTEGRATED PART IN THE PLANNING PROCESS ACCORDING TO THE URBAN SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY INDEX METHODOLOGY ‘PARK 1 MAY’, TIRANA Student: Supervisor:

Marin Hoxha Prof. Dr. Godiva Rembeci, Msc. Rodion Gjoka, PhD Candidate LedioAllkja PhD Candidate Eranda Janku, PhD Candidate Amanda Terpo

To analyze and evaluate ecosystem services, applying the sustainability methodology created by ecosystems within the urban area, we need to make a study. In our case for the city of Tirana there is no methodology to measure and evaluate ecosystem services and sustainability of green spaces in urban areas. Cities tend to appreciate green spaces and vegetation mainly in the function of aesthetics and recreation, while these spaces play a key role in rainwater (surface and underground) management, noise minimization, oxygen release (O2) and absorption of pollutants in the air, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Developing a methodology or a system for analyzing and evaluating ecosystem services by applying the urban sustainability index will serve as an added value of the territorial planning process and be an additional part of the plans and projects that the

National Agency Territorial Planning (NATP) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), including specific projects related to urban greening in Tirana. The material is based on the analysis of the three main components: the natural environment, ecosystem services and the urban sustainability index, in the study area “1 May Park”. The data we generate from this study are the beginning of building the methodology/ system The study identifies the utilization of the ecosystem in the urban environment, measuring the territorial elements according to the urban sustainability index methodology. What is generated by this study is the creation of a database based on the index methodology and the benefits we receive from ecosystem services. This methodology serves the Municipality of Tirana to manage and properly plan the territory.

PARTICIPATORY PLANNING: INVOLVEMENT OF THE ROMA COMMUNITY IN TERRITORIAL PLANNING PROCESSES. Student: Supervisor:

Reada LEMNUSHA Dr. Godiva Rëmbeci, MSc. LedioAllkjaMSc. ErandaJanku, MSc. Amanda

This study is based on the fact that decision-making regarding planning processes in Albania is still characterized by a top-bottom approach. The citizens’ involvement is decision-making is neglected in planning processes and during their early phases, different projects take rarely in consideration the involvement of communities with special needs. This study focuses on the method of citizens’ involvement, specifically those of Roma communities, in planning processes. There exists few evidence on their involvement during the drafting of important urban plans, such as the General Plan of Tirana. This study aims to give an answer to the research question: “Which methodology can increase the involvement of Roma communities in decision-making processes?”. This research question will be based on several sub-questions explaining concepts such as “participative planning” “collaborative planning”, exploring of nowadays practices of participative

planning in Albania and the main approach of planning authorities towards problems faced by Roma communities. The main aim of this study is to propose an efficient methodology which will improve the process of citizens’ involvement in decision-making, both in quality and quantity. This aim will be reached firstly by reviewing the literature regarding the topic, secondly by analysing case studies in different places and times and finally by analysing the existing situation in Albania. One of the main conclusions of this study will be to propose several technics and methods which will improve the decision-making processes. This will be achieved through a simple combination matrix formed by the analysis. Outcome proposals intend to influence three main actors: the participative planning politics in Albania, Roma community and its representatives as well as the way of inclusive governance.

SHIROKA-SHKODRA REGENERATION. Student: Supervisor:

CONNECTION

AND

SHIROKA

URBAN

Roni Gjeçaj Dr Godiva Rembeci, MSc LedioAllkja, MSc ErandaJanku, MSc Amanda Terpo

During the last two decades, Shiroka, a neighborhood of the urban area of Shkodra, has been experiencing a contraction in economic activity and population emigration. Further, urban degeneration in the area due to the increasing informality of construction as well as the illegality of fishing activity represents a classic problem that the urban planning field often faces. The problem of urban degeneration of this area was taken into consideration given the historical and cultural importance of this area, as well as its historical values. This diploma topic is motivated by the author’s connection to the city of Shkodra, and the need to raise awareness among the population, but especially local government, to make all the natural potential of the area fortunate to administer it effective. At the beginning of this thesis, the Shiroke-Zogaj Zone is presented in detail from a historical point of view in order to identify points that represent the early identity of the area to which this thesis intends to return

the area through recommendations. Subsequently, this study undertakes to propose the theory of urban regeneration as a practice of urban planning appropriate to the region and related instruments that promote the renewal of Shiroke as a tourist area belonging to the Municipality of Shkodra. This thesis proposes as a solution to the problem presented by Shiroka, the application of urban regeneration theory. The theory of urban regeneration has been enriched with concrete case studies in which urban regeneration has proved successful. This combination of theory and case studies is suitable for protecting the area’s historical and natural values, as well as expanding the area’s urban and economic potential. In addition, this thesis analyzes current projects in the area, and presents valuable recommendations for improving these projects in line with the principles of urban regeneration.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Faculty of Environment and Urban Management

2016-2017

Environmental Studies

2016-2017 Ajet Dauti..............................................................................98 IMPACT OF HEAVY METALS IN THE INDUSTRIALAREA OF ELBASAN Alem Toro.............................................................................100 ASSESSMENT OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION POTENTIAL THROUGH BIOGAS OBTAINED FROM DECOMPOSITION OF URBAN SOLID WASTE IN SHARRA LANDFILL Armand Muharremi ..........................................................102 INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT, PLANNING A STRATEGIC PLAN IN THE GJIROKASTRA REGION. Arsen Gerveshi....................................................................104 REHABILITATION OF URBAN GREENING IN THE CITY OF GIROKASTRA. Englantina Salillari ............................................................106 SALINITY IN SOILS, ENVIRONMENTAL - ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES OF SOIL USAGE. A CASE STUDY: AKËRNI, VLORË. Era ZISO................................................................................108 FOOD SAFETY IN CONTAMINATED LANDS IN THE PETROLEUM AREA, OF BALLSH IN PATOS -MARINZE. Erald Laçi...............................................................................110 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CHROME MINING IN THE BULQIZA AREA Eraldo Ballshi.......................................................................112 OPTIMIZATION OF RESTORATIVE MEASURES IN THE SHKUMBIN RIVER SEGMENT: FROM RROGOZHINA BRIDGE TO ESTUARY. Eriona Vuçaj.........................................................................114 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF SHKODRA LAKE AND ITS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Ermal Gjinishi......................................................................116 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HYDROELECTRICAL POWER PLANTS (HPP) PROJECTS IN ELBASAN DISTRICT. Ermalda SHEHU..................................................................118 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AN ALTERNATIVE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND FOOD

SAFETY. Ermelinda BECI.................................................................120 THE WAYS FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL PARK OF LURA THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. Estela Resulaj...................................................................122 ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS OF LIQUID DISCHARGES FROM THE INDUSTRY OF SKIN PROCESSING IN ALBANIA. Fjordi Kavaja ...................................................................124 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS IN THE MUNICIPALITY “URA VAGURORE” (BERAT): ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CAUSED BY QUARRIES Geldon Strugaj..................................................................126 MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS CAUSED BY THE LEATHER PROCESSING INDUSTRY. Gentian Profiri..................................................................128 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANTS (HPP) IN CONSTRUCTION IN THE VALBONA VALLEY. Gerald Kola.......................................................................130 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF SHKODRA LAKE AND ITS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Jonida MAMAJ-HAFIZI..................................................132 MERCURY POLLUTION IN EX PVC PLANT, PYLLI SODËS, VLORA. IMPACT ON THE FOOD CHAIN AS A RESULT OF MERCURY POLLUTION. Jurgen Colaku...................................................................134 THE ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN NARTA SECTION. Kristi BASHMILI ...............................................................136 ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN DIVJAKA-KARAVASTA NATIONAL PARK. Luan NEÇAJ.......................................................................138 DEVOLOPMENT OF AGRO-TURISM IN THE AREA OF NIKAJ-MËRTUR.

Environmental Studies

2016-2017 Markeljan Marku.............................................................140 TREATMENT OF THE URBAN WASTEWATERS: LEZHA MUNICIPALITY CASE STUDY. Marko Lelçaj........................................................................142 AGROPEDOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PEATLANDS IN TOROVICA. Olta DAMO..........................................................................144 ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS OF TIRANA PARKS, TERRITORIAL PLANNING CHALLENGE. Rigers Greku.......................................................................146 SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT IN TIRANA’S GRAND PARK. Sed HASA.............................................................................148 TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS CONTROL IN WASTE TREATMENT IMPIANT OF DURRËS. Sejdi ÇELAJ..........................................................................150 RENEWABLE ENERGY – AN ENERGY POTENTIAL THAT ELIMINATES ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. CASE STUDY: KOMBINAT AREA, TIRANA.

IMPACT OF HEAVY METALS IN THE INDUSTRIALAREA OF ELBASAN Student: Supervisor:

Ajet Dauti Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

The pollution of the city of Elbasan is one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;environment hotspotsâ&#x20AC;? that poses a very high risk for the ecosystem and human health. This study includes a general look on the soil contamination impact from heavy metals as a result of industrial activities in the surrounding area of the metallurgic plant. The high concentration of heavy metals mainly Cr (chromium), Ni (Nickel), Co (cobalt), Cu (copper), Pb (lead) in the environment have adversely affected many directions. Although some of the factories in Metalurgic area are closed, the concentration of heavy metals on cultivated soil, particularly with chrome and nickel metals, is high. The methods used are quantitative and qualitative data. Soil samples are taken on cultivated land around the plant, which consists of several villages that cultivate crops and supply a good part of the city. The total number of soils samples is 10, which are taken to a depth of 30 cm in the ground. The analyzes have shown that the found values of Ni and Cr have resulted about 4 times higher compared to

international standards. The main routes of exposure are through air, breathing, food consumption, skin contact, (soil, water). Public awareness of the causes of heavy metal pollution has been assessed by completing a questionnaire that has been distributed to 40 people with different educational backgrounds in the surrounding area of the metallurgical plant. Their opinion is of particular importance as they live in a high-emission area, which can affect their health. By comparing the concentration of heavy metals over the years they have shown a relatively low decline of their concentration on cultivated soils but with EU standards have resulted several times higher. Keywords: heavy metals, pollution, soil samples, Elbasan metallurgic, public awareness,

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ASSESSMENT OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION POTENTIAL THROUGH BIOGAS OBTAINED FROM DECOMPOSITION OF URBAN SOLID WASTE IN SHARRA LANDFILL Student: Supervisor:

Alem Toro Dr. Prof.Asoc.Dr. Elisabeta SUSAJ

The problem of waste management is one of the major challenges of Albanian society. The deposition of waste into inappropriate and unsafe places, as well as their burning, has become a real danger to the health and lives of people. Over the years, the rapid growth of the population led to the need for more comfortable conditions that reduced the amount of waste and pollution in general. Landfill sites were created, where the event was seen as a solution to the problems related to waste reduction but also the starting point for some environmental problems such as the release of toxic substances from biodegradation of waste and polluted wastewaters that pose a threat to the groundwater. Over the years, in addition to the possibility of waste disposal it was discussed the possibility of recovering energy from waste. This alternative, is a kind of renewable energy, where a series of processes lead to the biogas productions and thermal heat, in addition to other gases formed such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), where the

later plays the main role. Biogas is taken through plants, passes initially to the pre-treatment process and then is passed on to the gas turbines that are transmitted by the energy to a generator that converts to electricity or cogeneration systems which has a dual effect on heat and electricity. Today, our site currently operates theBushat and Sharra landfill. Sharralandfield contains the biogas production segment which is discussed also in this work, but which is not yet operational. Looking further and relying on the projects implemented by the developed countries, I think that in the near future we will enable the recovery of energy from waste. But today it remains a target for our country and why we are in the first steps of waste management and disposal.

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SUSTAINABLE URBAN FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL-URBAN PERIFERY OF TIRANA. (KASHARI-VORA HILLS) Student: Supervisor:

Armand Muharremi Prof. Dr. Vezir MUHARREMAJ

This research records and evaluates the current state of the environmental assets in the natural green space of the Kashari-Vora hills, in the light of arguments and informations collected aiming a sustainable conservation and maintenance of the urban forestry of the area. During the study the main goals were: These hills to be proclaimed Regional Nature Park, Improvement of the composition of the wood species in accordance with the climatic and agricultural conditions of the area, enrichment of the greenery of the inhabited areas of the territory in the study. The proposed solution for the above areas, which represent all of the unpaved remains of the Kasharâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Valley, is the return of the area to the Regional Natural Park. This solution ensures the conservation of nature, biodiversity and landscape in the area will especially significantly affect the improvement of the quality of life in the area. In the study case, the area should be thought of interlinked with other parts of the city and urban forestry as one of the urban forest poles for the area

increasingly affected by urbanization. Thus, the project proposes to propose the establishment of a plan for general urban forestry for the area, which includes all measures to prevent the deterioration of the situation, measures for its improvement and plans for long-term development of the city in relation to urban forestry. In all areas that are losing their green and forested area should immediately intervene to protect them in our study the area should be declared a little natural Regional and benefit from all its benefits through legislation. Thus the area reaches: protection from landfill or agricultural land, protection against logging, uncontrolled grazing and fires, their rehabilitation through forest improvements, new plantings combined with mountain huts and fences for protection against erosion, rehabilitation and augmentation of green areas within the dwelling place, the complete greening of roads, the promotion of greening in state institutions and schools, the promotion of greenery with fruit trees and decorative trees of private houses, the care for their development of public awareness etc.

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REHABILITATION OF URBAN GREENING IN THE CITY OF GIROKASTRA Student: Supervisor:

Arsen Gerveshi Prof.Dr. Vezir MUHARREMAJ

It is always more and more important to drive the attention towards renewable natural resources, by paying special attention to protect andextend green areas, forests, natural parks / areas. Drinking water availability and waste management plans which reduce health risks if properly managed, are also essential to urban and rural areas. Incorporating the principle of environmental sustainability into the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policies andprograms, as well as the conservation of natural resources. The objective of this study were to identify the different green urban categories in Gjirokastra city, identify the distribution of forests, study of their function and proposing measures for stabilization of the situation. IndicatorsSurface of Forested Land: An important part of the environmental sustainability of the region isrelated to the forest area - not only for the livelihood of the animal world but also for theeconomic prosperity that would reduce illegal activity. It is well-known that the Gjirokastra regionhas faced a significant

degradation of forests. At present, only 25.77% of the land is covered withforests, which is a relatively low figure compared to the past. Unfortunately, past forest statisticsare missing, so we can only set the indicator arbitrarily in a modest 2-3% increase for the first six years of the strategy.Fauna Endangerment: According to data, the Gjirokastra Region has a lower percentage ofendangered species than the EU average. This should not be misunderstood as an indicator thatdoes not pose environmental problems. In fact, there remains an urgent need in the region toprotect and maintain all types of animals and insects, as well as their settlements. Keywords: Tourism, Gjirokastra, Rehabilitation

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SALINITY IN SOILS, ENVIRONMENTAL - ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES OF SOIL USAGE. A CASE STUDY: AKËRNI, VLORË Student: Supervisor:

Englantina Salillari Prof. Dr. Sherif LUSHAJ

Land is the greatest national asset of any country. Its functions are numerous and irreplaceable. Based on this principle, I thought I would develop my diploma thesis in the light of soil protection. The study area (Akërni, Vlora) was once protected and usable and is now stripped of any functions it had. Nature has given it landscape and cultural values but these values must be promoted and served to the satisfaction of residents and visitors. Formerly a marshy land, today this space has been replaced by agricultural land. The area has a considerable proportion of forest cover and traditional farmland known for its salinity in the province. The purpose of this disertation is to identify the current problematic of the area and to make recommendations for its development to equate it with other areas having the same problem. Analyzing the impact of salinity levels on current land use, environmental impacts on soil physical and chemical degradation, fertility levels and productive

potential, we will propose soil protection measures by reducing salt content and limiting expansion. of saline area, rehabilitation of saline soils and we propose land management practices and economic incentives. These measures also require substantial value investments. State subsidies are a small part of investment income. By providing other development alternatives such as e.g. changing the destination of operation in some parcels which are highly saline and impaired in their physico-chemical properties. Also promoting in this area any form of nature-friendly tourism will bring about a recovery of values that will be enjoyed by present and future generations. Protecting the land and the environment is not a matter of one day, but a continuous one. All generations have a historical responsibility to protect it.

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FOOD SAFETY IN CONTAMINATED LANDS IN THE PETROLEUM AREA, OF BALLSH IN PATOS - MARINZE Student: Supervisor:

Era ZISO Prof.Dr.Sherif LUSHAJ

Patos city is a small town, but it enhances great economical resources, due to the fact of beingthe center of petrol industry, as well as bithum and chemical industry situated in theAlbanian region. Petrol fields in Patos- Marinza involving 2000 oil and petrol pumpsproduce an amount of 400 tons of crude oil per day, they still remain the biggest areas inAlbania with estimated reserves of 500 tones. This field can be considered an economicalpotential for the region as well as a potential polluting source. It affects air, land,contaminates water and as a definite consequence it affects the Marinza population which isexposed to serious health issues. That is due to poor maintenance of the oil pumps thatcause oil leakage in the environment. Indeed the above mentioned industry is checked by thestate at a certain extent and reconstructed aiming the attraction of the external investments aswell as privatization of the sector. The oil refineries in Ballsh produce 300,000 tons of crudeoil during a year. This refinery sacks great amounts of oil in

the environment, almost 22,500tons/year, affecting in a very potential way the contamination of Gjanicariver. The samerefinery bring about a lot of pollution in the tap water pumps along the river. For the studyare used local observation, meeting the inhabitants, meeting oil engineers and BankersPetroleum representative engineer. We were provided with three soil samples toobserve at what extent the soil has been polluted by fossil fuels, heavy metals and a sampleof water was taken 500 meters away from the oil pumps.From the analyses it resulted that the nickel level content trends the allowed limits,potassium indicator K+ , that is above the allowed level, as well as the indicator of theammonia nitrogen to be high enough not to meet the allowed limits by the European Union.As a conclusion there will not be any production of vegetationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the region due to the pollutioncaused by the oil industry. Key words: Oil, petrol, environment, health, pollution

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THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CHROME MINING IN THE BULQIZA AREA Student: Supervisor:

Erald Laçi Prof. Dr. Elizabeta Susaj

The Bulqiza district lies in the northeastern part of Albania, with an altitude ranging from 330-1800 m above sea level, with a surface area of 728 km², between geographical coordinates 41o30’43.1”in the north and 20o14’56.21” in the east. The urban area of Bulqiza town is 2.6 km² with an administrative area of 45.6 km², which accounts for 6.26% of the total area of Bulqiza district. The population living in the town of Bulqiza is 13,000 inhabitants, while the whole district has about 43,000 inhabitants. Like every other city in Albania and here, there are numerous environmental problems in the area, one of the biggest being chrome remains, as a result of the opening of numerous private galleries, chrome careers digging the earth in the surface layers. This have led to land destruction and green areas that do not respect environmental permit or a good part of tires are not licensed. The environment in this area is problematic as chromium or inert waste is spilled onto the surface without any regularity, covering the surface of the plant, leading

to degradation of the environment. At present, in the area of Bulqiza, the activity of chromium extraction is performed by a considerable number of entities licensed by the Ministry of Energy and some unlicensed subjects. Chromium extraction activity is associated with the appearance of irreversible negative impacts on the environment, which should change. During the exploitation and processing of minerals, a significant amount of waste is deposited, which is deposited near mine object or building dump which reaches up to eight million tons per year, distributed throughout the country’s land area. Only from the chrome mines, the waste generated is about 12.3 million tons / year, mainly in Bulqiza, Martha’s, Cham Tropoja, etc. The focus of the study was: Identification and assessment of impacts on the environment of chrome mining in the Bulqiza area and recommendation of alternatives in order to minimize the negative environmental impacts in the area. Key words: chrome, pollution, Impact Assessment (EIA)

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OPTIMIZATION OF RESTORATIVE MEASURES IN THE SHKUMBIN RIVER SEGMENT: FROM RROGOZHINA BRIDGE TO ESTUARY Student: Supervisor:

Eraldo Ballshi Prof. Vezir Muharremaj

The research subject of this study are the problems of the Shkumbin River segment, the Rrogozhina Bridge estuary. In the coastal low land near Rrogozhina, the river turns in a completely winding river with numerous winds. The length of the river from the estuaries bridge of Rrogozhine rises in 1970 at 38 km, in 1980 to 40.5 km, while in 2000 it is shorter. The rivers magnitude varies from 100 m to 250 m. The depth of the river is 2.5 to 3 while in the estuary more. The recent years the river is increasing its depth due to massive intervention on the river bed. The area along the river bank, on both sides is mainly of agricultural character cultivated with vegetables,cereals and forage. The purpose of this study is to identify the conditions of the river banks,vegetation,and hydro-technical works. The study of hydrologic status of Shkumbin River, the negative impact of inertia ineffectively and the recognition of the problems that brings the environmental impacts to the inhabited center are investigated. Finally, measures for the rehabilitation of the study area of the Shkumbin River Segment estuary bridge of Rrogozhine are suggested. At the

conclusion of the study, problems were identified such as: Inserts are exploited and used throughout the Shkumbin River where they exist and where they are required. By balancing in total amounts, inability to stop for any venue, the amount of solid tunnels deposited in the river bed with those used in recent years is likely to have affected the previous bedding and has arbitrarily intervened in the ecological systems of them. The use of inerts in Shkumbin is done with permission and some of them without permission. The most part of inert are done without project and if there is any project nobody control it. The intensive exploitation of the Shkumbin River has strongly influenced the hydrologic regime, creating hydraulic problems of water flow in interaction with the bed and the subterranean water. Carring of the inerts from the river bed to the near of its shores has in many cases damaged the shipping system of the shores and of course the agricultural lands and other properties which at the same time constitutes a potential danger in the future.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF SHKODRA LAKE AND ITS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Student: Supervisor:

Eriona Vuçaj Prof.Dr. Sherif Lushaj

Water constitutes 70% of the whole Planet’s surface, 3 % of which included sweet water. The lake of Shkodra, with a unique biodiversity and ecosystem, is considered as an area with international importance. According to UN WWDR (2003) and WB report (2010a), today in the world, we can notice an increasing absence of water and in the 25-30 following years it is predicted that 2/3 of the planet’s population will live in areas with major water problems. Moreover water is the main issue of all convents and global important initiatives. The lake of Shkodra is one of the most important transboundary natural and hydrologic ecosystems in the region of Balkan. This thesis aims at studying the quality of water in lakes, we help the protection of biodiversity, as well as propose remediation strategies for the pollution. The lake pollution, through years has been a problem with no solution. Although, projects have been conducted in the area, pollution is still present. Polluted water, especially in Shkodra area, is accompanied with waster thrown in the lake, causing more and more damage to the ecosystem. The end of the Shiroka road project, has brought an increase of tourists in the area, even for a few hours. The lake is a sink of wastes that belong not only the city of Shkodra, but also the villages of the area of Malësia e Madhe, giving an ugly view to this lake. Shkodra Lake is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula and is known as one of the oldest lakes in the world. This lake has an area of 368 km², of which 149 km² belong to Albania, where it has the status of protected

area, while 2/3 Montenegro, where since 1983 is considered “National Park”. Although it is alleged that the problem of the black seepage of the Albanian side in this lake is no longer existing, after finding solutions, its pollution continues. The main polluter of this lake is the Aluminum Combine in Podgorica, Montenegro. This, as this combination systematically sheds its remains on the Moraca River, flowing directly into the Lake of Shkodra. The lake of Shkodra is shallow and trendy towards melting, it is understood for a relatively long time. The biggest damage, especially of fish, comes from the chemical pollution of the aluminum combine in Montenegro. But there are many other factors that affect the pollution of this lake, such as sewage, urban wastes that run into the lake. At present, aluminium combines with low capacity. Another major concern is that sewage is poured into an area that is smashed every day with people and in an area that tourists undoubtedly clearly recognize the miserable appearance of the lake in this area. The sewage of the sewage becomes concrete in another problem that the lake has, mostly passing the Bypass of the city, increasing the situation, where the waste is also disposed of by the inhabitants of this area. This situation creates a poor and tragic picture for all of the lake vacationer’s attendants, as it is a Source of illness. Key words: Lake of Shkodra, pollution, ecosystem, biodiversity, aluminium combine, environmental condition, tourist

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HYDROELECTRICAL POWER PLANTS (HPP) PROJECTS IN ELBASAN DISTRICT Student: Supervisor:

Ermal Gjinishi Dr.Petrit Harasani

Afforestation and mountain settlements practiced somewhat in the past, no longer exist, but in such state there is also a system of control and exploitation of natural resources, especially forests. As a consequence, numerous cutting of forest and shrubs for heating construction etc. Grazing of animals, especially goats, accompanied by the addition of urban waste near the inhabited areas have greatly damaged the plant cover in the valley, encouraging further soil and erosion. This has put the flora and fauna in danger and has reduced the appealing power of its landscape. It is worth pointing out that the valley passes one of the country’s most important national roads connecting the Western Albania (Durres, Tirana, etc.) to the eastern part (Pogradec, Korca, Macedonia and Greece), with a significant potential of the tourist movement, and goods. The geo-morphology of the area where the Gostivar HPP plants will be built is extremely complex, with high altitudes and powerful streams, where is especially famous the guest torrent, from which our HPP will be supplied with water. The relief of this area is characterized by the following

main elements: The valley of the Gostivar is narrow, with sloping slopes and stream bed with considerable tendency, on average 27 m for 1 km. In the torrent bed, for the most part of this interval, does not meet the alluvial material, but straight into the stream bed depleted radical periodic formations. We are dealing with the typical erosional V-shaped valley. The two valley slopes have a large slope, generally with a 35 ° - 45 ° uniform drop. It is quite interesting that all the intense erosion of the valley along it, in one side and at the other, are preserved alluvial Pleistocene Tiles that meet at 5060 meters above sea level on today’s creek bed. In these parts, the valley has small deviations from the typical V-shaped shape taking slightly asymmetrical shapes. To the west of the siphon, in the center of the village of Fushë Buall, there is a geomorphologic difference, characterized by the immediate turning of the stream of Gostima and the valley as a whole, its extension and the sloping slope of the western slope of the valley.

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ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AN ALTERNATIVE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND FOOD SAFETY Student: Supervisor:

Ermalda SHEHU Prof. Dr. Sherif LUSHAJ

Organic Farming is a production method that ensures the sustainability of the soil structure and its productivity. It supports high standards of animal welfare and avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, growth promoters such as hormones and antibiotics, as well as genetically modified products. In this production method, farmers use techniques that preserve the ecosystem and considerably reduce pollution. Agricultural systems have a fundamental objective to meet the food needs of the population. In conventional farming systems, agricultural activity is presented as an open system in which manufacturing processes compete for the behavior of fossil fuels, chemical fertilizers and anti-parasitic substances. Although conventional agriculture has produced very rapid growth in the last 10-years, it has also led to natural ecosystems through the food chain and by reducing the biological complexity of the natural system, or the consequences associated with biological values. Sanitary qualities of foods. The ecological consequences of this farming system have given rise to and the need for development of agricultural systems with an environmental approach, which stems, on the one hand, from the “return to nature” movement and, on the other, by the continuing emergence of problems that Relate to the use of chemical fertilizers, synthesis anti-parasiticand other agronomic practices such as monoculture systems and a somewhat coherent soil management, for the conservation of environmental resources and their fertility.

In the last 20 years, in all industrialized countries, an ecological spirit is growing, with the aim of “ecologizing” the agricultural sector. This profound change has led to progressive growth of the “biological” sector, through the introduction of biological agriculture systems, both in terms of cultivated area and in terms of the number of farms and farmers. But this is not a linear process, and the development of biological production methods is just in its infancy. Biological farming systems, through biological cultivation methods. Realize the variability in the primary sector, which, according to the multifunctional logic, represents a compulsory choice for the farmer in order to provide products and services that increasingly satisfy the requirements of the consumer. In this sense, the application of biological farming methods presents today a demand for the increase of agricultural holdings, both in terms of increasing economic viability and sustainable development. This concept for biological agriculture systems means agriculture aimed at meeting human food needs, economic efficiency, improving the quality of life of farmers as well as society as a whole. Key words: Biological agriculture, conventional agriculture, environment, organic farming, organic farms.

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THE WAYS FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL PARK OF LURA THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Student: Supervisor:

Ermelinda BECI Prof. Dr. Luljeta BOZO

This thesis studies the ways for a sustainable development in the national park of Lura through the environment protection. The Forest Park lies in the mountainous of Lura (Diber district) and occupies an area of 1,300 ha. National Park of Lura is a protected park and declared such in 1966. The diversity and wealth that has this area both in terms of climate, land, flora, etc., has created more favorable conditions for the development of a more diverse animal world. This is proved by the existence of specific biodiversity. Besides the great diversity of forest,in Lura dominates a vast wealth of water resources. Lura lakes have an area of 1,280 hectares and are located in the eastern part of the mountain massive called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kunora e Luresâ&#x20AC;?. The 14 glacial lakes create a picturesque and attractive environment. In this mountainous landscape in northern Albania are seven lakes throughout the year and five others that have water only in the autumn until spring We are undertaking the study of the national park of Lura as this is one of the most protected areas that was damaged over the years, especially after 1997. Almost the entire surface of the National Park

of Lura is damaged nature by the human activity. By destroying plant cover, are damaged not only animals but also plants different bird extinction. Disposal of this coverage has awakened different phenomena: erosion, slipping and damage to the landscape. On the other hand, the use of water resources (lakes) for irrigation and hydropower has led to their degradation and the loss of a valuable asset such as glacial lakes. The main purpose of this study is that this region must be a priority area for the conservation of nature, where human development and integrated world living together in a sustainable way and increase revenue Lura community through effective management of natural resources. Analysis and study of the current state of the National Park of Lura, extraction of the concern problem and provide some solutions for rehabilitation in order to develop tourism. Results of this study will be effective and achievable for tourism development, economic development and increased prosperity.

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ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS OF LIQUID DISCHARGES FROM THE INDUSTRY OF SKIN PROCESSING IN ALBANIA Student: Supervisor:

Estela Resulaj Prof.Dr. Gjergji IKONOMI

One of the most widely used products in the textile and shoe industry is animal skin as the most resistant material used as a fabric. Increased demand for leather material has led to the development of processing industry, coupled with increased use of chemicals used in leather processing until final production, shoes or other uses. Challenges to keep in constant condition the increasing demands of human society for this product and to maintain environmental balances in skin production are enormous. Skin processing is an industry that generates harmful and dangerous waste for the flora and fauna around it and in areas where untreated discharge waters pass. The study aims at assessing the environmental impacts of liquid discharges from the Albanian leather processing industry, identification of leather processing subjects and the current state of development of their activity, and the provision of recommendations for the rehabilitation of environmental impacts. Surveys on the field, questionnaires, analysis and measurements

of the level of water pollution at discharge points, meetings and interviews with environmental specialists, heads of institutions and processing entities, inhabitants of the affected areas, etc. were used for the study realization. Field surveys and situational analysis show that the leather processing industry is one of the most problematic pollutants for aquatic ecosystems, especially with substances such as Cr(VI), suspended matter, fats, nutrients, etc., the set emission limits from Legislation in force, etc. Regional Environmental Agencies should continuously monitor IPL’s idle discharge and seek the implementation of appropriate and environmentally friendly technologies through the rigorous implementation of the “polluter pays” principle as well as legal sanctions.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS IN THE MUNICIPALITY “URA VAGURORE” (BERAT): ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CAUSED BY QUARRIES Student: Supervisor:

Fjordi Kavaja Dr.PetritHarasani

For more than two decades, the city of UraVajgurore which is located no more than 10 km from the UNESCO protected city, Berat, suffers a great ecological catastrophe. Thirty quarries which are the places where rocks and stones are generated, are situated in UraVajgurore. They work continuously and are placing at risk the ecosystem, by severely damaging nature and the surrounding area. These firms, through blasts with explosive devices such as dynamite, allow the cleavage of rocks by shredding into smaller units, whereby they are then used for the construction sector as; Construction of houses, roads, walls, canals, factories etc. During the explosion of the rocks with dynamite, they caused great damage to the infrastructure, damaged the flats, destroyed hawthorn trees, shrubs, wild flora and fauna no longer exist, where this area was rich with foxes and wild rabbits. Also the biggest damage to these residents is the white smoke with silica content that rises during the explosion with dynamite. At the time of the outbreaks, residents feel terrified and locked in the house for the fact that the stone pieces at the time of the explosions are not known from the go. There were also fewaccidents occurring during

the explosions. Water and air pollution is another worrying problem. Residents of the area are affected by various respiratory diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, etc. Also the pollution did not leave the river Osumwithout contamination, which passes very close to quarries. Residents use river water for agriculture, which also makes the latter through the food chain a problem for people’s health. On the banks of the river, there are some springs of water from the bottom of the ground, gallows. These areas can be a source of diseases such as mildew of stone stones, skin diseases etc. But during the outbreaks, these sources have a risk of disappearing, where one of the six sources has almost been exhausted. This study includes a comprehensive overview of the situation and impacts of water and air pollution on the environment. Various air analyzes have been carried out at various points where the dust particle concentration, PM10, silicon content, are highly concentrated in the environment. River water analysis, as well as comparisons with other years, comes to a further deterioration.

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MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS CAUSED BY THE LEATHER PROCESSING INDUSTRY Student: Supervisor:

Geldon Strugaj Prof.Asoc.Dr. PetritHarasani

Albanian relief is mainly hilly-mountainous and only western part with a flat relief that forms the western Albanian lowland. In these conditions that are specific to our country, there has been a suitable development of livestock breeding, bovine (thick livestock) in field areas and small livestock (sheep and goats) in hilly and mountainous areas. The leather processing industry has grown its activity and spatial distribution in Albania. This is done either in existing old factories (Korรงa and Gjirokastra factory as well as former Tirana fur factory), or in many new factories that have been distributed across the country. The leather processing industry and some industries in the heavy industry have highlighted pollution-related problems at certain levels. Pollution is: urban, industrial, agricultural, transport, from the circulation of building materials within the cities. This includes the pollution caused by the degree of activity of the leather processing industry.In this case, it should be emphasized that these sources of pollution of these branches of the economy and of the living components are the cause for the pollution of the soil, waters (rivers, streams, lakes, sea coasts)

and atmospheric air. Here as a particular aspect of pollution it is to be left without mentioning that in the urban areas the level of noise has increased, and these are associated with specific consequences. Pollution should first be recognized. On the road to taking measures to possibly prevent and remedy pollution, the first thing to do is to asses it, to recognize its nature and to properly assess the consequences. To assess the economic costs (short and long term), the taxes for pollution today, as well as the large costs that should be paid in the future for having results that would still be modest and of limited value when not timely. Based on this general presentation of the situation in our country, at this moment of development, the extraction of detailed information that characterizes the polluting potential of the leather processing industry is the fulfillment of these needs and will serve to see more realistically how to deal with the problem. Keywords:lather processing industry, environmental impacts, Albania

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANTS (HPP) IN CONSTRUCTION IN THE VALBONA VALLEY Student: Supervisor:

Gentian Profiri Prof.Asoc.Dr. Elizabeta SUSAJ

Valbona Valley has the status of the National Park since 1996 and has almost become the most important tourist asset in the country, as part of a giant park, Peace Park, which will unite the crown of Albania’s Alps with Kosovo and Montenegro. The entire Valley of Valbona, with an area of 8 thousand hectares, has the status of the National Park since 1996. Valbona’s beauties are already well-known for in the country and all over the world. Towards Valbona Valley, every year, travel tens of thousands of Albanian and foreign tourists. There are 38 inns and 2 hotels. The area is also distinguished for unique values of culture, history, clothing, characteristic dwellings, traditions and customs that are still preserved and transmitted. In the framework of the national strategy for meeting the needs and the supply of electricity, projects have been drafted for the construction of small hydropower plants in most of our country’s rivers, without taking into consideration of their irreversible negative impacts on the environment. This is happening also in the Valbona River, and in the streams that run into this river, where are planned to be built 11 small hydropower plants. Small HPP on the Valbona River are being built in the North of the “BajramCurri” city. The purpose of their construction is the production of electricity, exploiting the waters of the Valbona River, between the quotes 214 m and 1510 m above the sea level, by means of channel or tunnel wires with different lengths, ranging from the source of the Valbona River, followed by the Kukaj Stream, followed by the Valbona River, the Markoci Stream, the Sqapica Stream, the Çeremi Stream, followed by the Valbona River, the Motina Stream, the Miloshi Stream, the Valbona River, the Stream of DragobiaOterg, continues again with the Valbona River, the Stream of OterguttëKaut, the Stream of Shudeshnicë, and ends the Stream of the

Cave of Kaurrit, which pass once on the right bank and once on the left of the Valbona River. The water will be taken starting from the narrow valley of the Valbona River, followed by the villages of Valbona, Dragobi, Këlsyrë, Shoshan, etc. In the focus of the study was: the identification and assessment of the environmental impacts as a result of the construction of small HPP in the Valbona River and recommendation of alternatives in order to minimize the negative environmental impactson the National Park “Valbona Valley”, and to protect the ecosystems on the Valbona River, especially. Obtained results showed that the construction of small HPP in the NP “Valbona Valley” has been done in violation of the international and Albanian legislation on protected areas. The negative environmental impacts at the NP Valbona Valley are important and irreversible, in terms of damage and destruction of virgin natural aqcuatic and terrestrial ecosystems, irreversible damage to endemic, subendemic and endangered flora and fauna, etc, where employment and benefits will be unconsiderable (only 0.9% of the population), while in tourism is currently directly employed by more than 150 people (4.97% of the population), with a growth prospects above 10%. The Albanian Government should stop small HPP construction not only in Valbona and consider other ways of producing electricity more environmentally friendly, such as solar or wind power, taking into account the sustainable development of the environment for today and next generations. Key words:Small hydropower plants, Valbona Valley, environmental condition, environment, pollution, landscape, tourism, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

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URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ELBASAN MUNICIPALITY Student: Supervisor:

Gerald Kola Prof.Ass.Dr. ElizabetaSusaj

Urban waste management nowadays has become a vital problem that involves environmental, economic and social problems. According to the Environmental Report of the National Environment Agency, about 1.4 million tons of urban waste of all kinds are generated in our country each year, whereas only in the Elbasan Region are generated about 70890 tons per year or 0.4 kg/inhabitant per day. This requires a well-thought and careful management of the minimization of environmental pollution (in air, water and land). The Municipality of Elbasan is one of the largest municipalities in the country with a population of about 120,000 thousand inhabitants. The Municipality of Elbasan is the most polluted municipality in Albania, where, among other things, a still unresolved problem is the residues produced by the former Metallurgical Factory, returning to a serious health and environmental hazard for the city and the surrounding areas. The former Metallurgical Factory generates about 120-140 tons of solid urban waste per year, while in Elbasan, environmental pollution is 4 times above the allowed EU norms. The presence of PM 10 and PM 2.5, furans and dioxins, which are high in value, are the cause of diseases and thousands of deaths each year, due to the ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and blood, causing heart attacks and premature death. In 2014, work was started on the construction of an urban and hospital waste

disposal facility (landfill / incinerator) in the vicinity of the former Metallurgical Factory where the urban wastes of Elbasan will be deposited and handled, for which EIA Prevention Report. It remains to be seen how work will continue to function and implement remedial measures from this incinerator. The National Waste Management Plan, adopted in 2011, and the National Strategy aims to minimize the impact of waste on the environment, both locally and globally, to improve the efficiency of resource use in Albania, and to correct environmental injustices, which suffer those who live with the consequences of an abusive society. In building a Sustainable Albania, the Government has set a general objective to ensure progress towards sustainable waste management in Albania and at achieving the European Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives in landfill conversion to a verifiable methodology by 2025. The focus of the study was to identify and evaluate the current situation of urban waste management, the impact of mismanagement of urban waste on the environment and population health, and the recommendation of alternatives in order to minimize the negative environmental effects of the Municipality of Elbasan. Key words: Municipality of Elbasan, solid waste, management, National Strategy, National Waste Management Plan.

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MERCURY POLLUTION IN EX PVC PLANT, PYLLI SODËS, VLORA. IMPACT ON THE FOOD CHAIN AS A RESULT OF MERCURY POLLUTION. Student: Supervisor:

Jonida MAMAJ-HAFIZI Prof. Dr. Sherif LUSHAJ

This study focuses on the former abandoned chloralkali PVC plant in Vlora, Albania. The chlor-alkali industry releases chlorine and alkaline gas (sodium hydroxide) as a result of the electrolysis process in saline water. Some chlor-alkaline plants use a Mercury cell process, which is used as a cathode for electrolysis. This kind of process has happened in the Vlora factory. Chlorine-alkaline cells with Mercury cells consume large amounts of mercury and these plants are highly polluting. A single mercury cell plant can contain hundreds of toners of mercury used in the production process. Even larger amounts of mercury can be in stockpiles, the amount used to replace the lost Mercury during the production process. This plant deposited chemical waste in the Gulf of Vlore until 1992, the year in which the factory was abandoned and turned off leaving the area with a high level of contamination. Other studies have found that mercury pollution is related to the abandoned chlor-alkali plant in Vlora. We analyzed Mercury levels on fish taken in the vicinity of the Vlora Bay to confirm whether the area’s contamination has affected the source of fish food as

well as the mercury levels in the hair to local residents in order to understand whether it has affected the food chain. In addition, this is also a problem in the world as the diffusion of Mercury happens very soon. Exposure to mercury causes damage to the nervous system, the kidney and the cardiovascular system as well as the most sensitive effects are during the development of the fetus and early childhood. According to the World Health Organization, mercury causes neurological injuries and affects cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, motor and visual space capabilities; affecting children who are exposed to methyl mercury in the uterus. Human exposure to mercury occurs mainly through the consumption of contaminated fish. Key words: Mercury pollution, Pylli I Sodës – Vlorë, Ex PVC Plant, food chain.

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THE ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN NARTA SECTION Student: Supervisor:

Jurgen Colaku Dr. Taulant Bino

Biodiversity is an important factor for the economic, social and environmental development, particularly in tourism development and further more in nature based tourism. Tourism sector is developed in accordance to the economic level, traditions, resources in disposal and based on the management capacity and implemented policies in each country. In Albania there are all the possibilities for the development of maritime tourism, based on the coastal line of the Adriatic and Ionian sea; mountain tourism, since 2/3 of the territory is mountainous; cultural tourism due to enriched cultural heritage throughout the country; and rural tourism where beside the natural aspect, the organic food products combined in traditional dishes makes the difference. Tourism sector is currently one of the most important economic activities in the western part of Vlora Bay. It is based on the geographic position values, impressive landscapes and cultural aspects but certainly is influenced by nature biodiversity. In terms of tourism development capacities these area has a lot more to offer to tourist. The study area is currently an important touristic

destination in Albania. This part of Vlora bay offers much more opportunities for the intensification of tourism development in order to: - Increase the number of tourists, turning this sector as base for national economy and the income of the population, but also to meet the demands for entertainment and recreational activities of the inhabitants. - Tourism also helps as an instrument to promote natural and cultural values and traditions of the area. It also have the possibilities to promote family tourism, sea, mountains, culture, etc. - To ensure the sustainable use natural and cultural values since these area is rich with important natural and cultural protected areas. Thus the protection of biodiversity in the study area of Narta, is the focus of the thesis and will be taken in consideration as one of the best options of sustainable development. Keywords: biodiversity development, tourism.

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ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN DIVJAKA-KARAVASTA NATIONAL PARK. Student: Supervisor:

Kristi BASHMILI Dr. Taulant BINO

Historically, natural capital, ecosystem services and the nature of multiple benefits have not been properly considered in policy and decision making. This is partly because they are constantly underestimated or neglected in traditional economic analysis. The concept of ecosystem services has placed relevant institutions in the face of the challenge of thinking how to properly evaluate the essential goods and services that the natural environment provides. Understanding how well protected area habitats can contribute to managing and improving ecosystem services is vital to ensuring sustainable development. The purpose of this study is, or has as its primary purpose, the assessment of the environmental assets of the Divjaka-KaravastaNational Park ecosystem in view of the development and quantification of environmental services that this ecosystem offers us.

The study will also raise a discussion on the idea of development / return to the residential and tourist complex, projects that are circulating in the political sphere in the country, confronting them with economic values and sustainable development. The study uses the willingness of citizens to pay to protect the natural area, and to continue to use the services provided by the area. The study surveyed about 50 citizens, the main focus being on their willingness to pay for the protection of the CRPD. ecosystems. Citizens are also willing to pay around 10,000 Euros / inhabitant if there were no economic burdens for them. Keywords: Willingness to Pay, Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development, Development Alternatives, National Park.

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DEVOLOPMENT OF AGRO-TURISM IN THE AREA OF NIKAJ-MËRTUR Student: Supervisor:

Luan NEÇAJ Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

The natural landscape is unbelievable with numerous and rare natural monuments. Chestnut forests create wonderful wreaths around the villages, especially in the village ofLekbibaj and in Markaj, Tetaj etc. Fruits of these villages compete in every market. Walnuts andhazelnuts are another fortune that nature has given to NikajMërturi, especially the hazelnut,which places an entire forest, such as in the village of Qeresh, where all the crown from thisvillage to “Qafë e Qereshit” and its surroundings are formed by hazelnut woods. The high potential that agro-tourism has in these villages is an important element thatsupports developments in other sectors such as services and the processing industry, diversifyingthe structure of economic activity of the area. The main revenues in the Nikaj-Mërtur area are realized by the private agricultural sector. Approximately 36% of the land is sowed with cereals (wheat, corn) and other field crops,whereas vegetables have a small percentage of the total amount of agricultural land and are onlyplanted as asource for family consumption in very small parcels. Around 10% of the surface ofthe agricultural land is composed by fruit trees and vegetables, and 10% of the area is occupiedby the first foragers where 60%

of the surface is sown with alfalfa. According to the different analysis made last years, the area of Nikaj-Mërturi has a largenumber of immigrants, comparing with the total number of the population in the area. Immigrants account for 16% of the total number of populations and they are the largesteconomic inflow for the development of the area’s inhabitants. The recommendations from this study are to develop the priority sector of fruit trees and chestnuts in the area ofNikaj-Murituribyrealizating a real situation of cultivation, production and marketing of treesfruit and mainly chestnut, in the territory of the whole area. Based on the goals ofpriority of farmer families for their economic development, income growth and the likedue to the welfare of the population, the prioritization of the chestnut culture sector andfruit trees in the territory of Nikaj-Myrturi area constitute an advantage that complements the mostbest their goals and objectives. Keywords: Sustainable tourism, management, local government, agriculture, tourism businesses, residents.

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TREATMENT OF THE URBAN WASTEWATERS: LEZHA MUNICIPALITY CASE STUDY Student: Supervisor:

Markeljan Marku Prof.Asoc.Dr. Elizabeta Susaj

Wastewater and sewage, which can be exposed untreated directly to the environment, poses a direct high risk to the environment and human health, and serve as a source of many infectious diseases. Wastewaters, in the form of spontaneous surface leaks, are a source of water pollution of the rivers, lakes and sea with unburnt organic substances, with pathogenic elements coming from diseased and infected people, with nitrates and nitrites, with phosphates and heavy metals, which cause damages to the aquatic flora and fauna, promote eutrophication and the addition of green blue algae from the excessive presence of phosphorus (discharged into the used waters mainly by detergents and washing and cleaning solvents). In-depth infiltration of used waters, when they find easily permeable structures, causes groundwater contamination, the main source of drinking water. During the hot period of the year, the wastewaters, exposed to solar radiation, partially evaporate and cause air pollution with various substances, such as nitrogen oxides, methane, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, etc. When wastewaters are used for irrigation or they pass through cultivated land, they pollute the soil with pathogenic microorganisms and cause a risk to human health. The vision of sewage treatment used in developed countries for the next two or three decades is the sustainable treatment of sewage and waste water. The Municipality of Lezha is one of the 61 municipalities of the Republic of Albania, located in the northwest of the country. The municipality consists of 10

administrative units (Lezha, Shëngjin, Shënkoll, Zejmen, Dajç, Blinisht, Kallmet, Balldre, Kolsh, Ungrej). It has a population of 134 027 inhabitants, with about 50000 living in Lezha, and an area of 1588.4 km2. The city’s area is currently 500 ha and it is planned to grow by 50 ha, next few years dictated by the population growth. The wastewater treatment plant of the Municipality of Lezha was partially built (first phase) in 2012, near the hydro power station in Kune, about 1 km from the sea shore, 5 km from the city of Lezha, and about 3 km from the center of Shengjin. About 85% of the polluted waters of Lezha and Shengjin are treated in this plant. The plant construction project has to be completed in 2021. A vital problem for the city of Lezha is the treatment of wastewater from the production activity of fish processing factories. The focus of the study was: the assessment of the activity of the used wastewater treatment plant in the Municipality of Lezha and the immediate needs for treatment, in order to minimize the negative effects of polluted and used water in the environment. Activity of ITUN Lezha is accompanied by several significant negative irreversible effects on environmental components such as soil, air, surface water and groundwater, fauna and flora (including important and endangered species in the global range, etc.), biodiversity, landscape, etc., but the positive impact on tourism exceeds these effects with rigorous enforcement of environmental legislation in force.

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AGROPEDOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PEATLANDS IN TOROVICA Student: Supervisor:

Marko Lelรงaj Prof.PetritHarasani

During the study period an agro-pedological study of an agricultural land area in the Torovica peatland area was conducted. The pedological study, the last cycle, in the territories of the Torovicafield regional space was carried out in 1980-1985 with the methodology according to the national system. Through pedological studies (two cycles) a wealth of information was provided on soil types and subtypes, pedological maps of 1: 10000 scale for each economy and 1: 50000 for the district were compiled, identifying key soil characteristics and qualities as physical properties, chemical, physico-mechanical, aquatic properties and characteristics such as the thickness and depth of the sole, the active horizon A + AB, groundwater level, etc. In 1998, according to the report, data were converted to FAO classification and a 1:50000 pedological map was compiled. In this way the Torovica field as a whole and the peatland area in particular has information

which types the soils according to FAO classification and assesses their physical and chemical properties. The purpose to conduct this study is to provide detailed information on the plots located in Torovica, related to the pedological composition and physico-chemical properties. During the field study, field recognition, vegetation cover, drainage and irrigation system, parcel configuration, positioning of the main profile opening and auxiliary profiles, gathering information on peat level decline and recurrence were considered, peat burning phenomenon, etc. The soil studied was of the histosole type.Working horizon was detected, the mirror of the creek waters at the time of the study was at a depth of 120 cm. Since the peat permeability is generally good, it is assumed that the depth of the peat layer is greater (excavation below water level). Analyzes of soil samples for both depths showed that in general the chemical and physical indicators are in high classification parameters.

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ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS OF TIRANA PARKS, TERRITORIAL PLANNING CHALLENGE Student: Supervisor:

Olta DAMO Dr.Taulant BINO

Corridors have been defined as the path to expanding and rapidly spreading non-selective living among the regions. The Court of Appeals“Circuit Ninth US” defines corridors as “the roads through which animals can travel, plants can spread, genetic exchange can occur, populations can move in response to environmental changes and natural disasters that threaten species to Move to other areas “. Others have described corridors as linear landscape elements that link two or more natural habitat parcels and function to facilitate mobility. Connectivity is mentioned to describe the extent to which flora and fauna can move between areas. Many European countries developed their legal definitions of corridors, highlighting the various objectives and approaches to biodiversity issues and these are part of the European Union’s efforts to design and implement regional ecological networks. Sometimes corridors are referred to as habitat corridors, wildlife corridors or ecological structures. They can be part of ecological networks or habitats themselves, which include main areas, corridors and joints, or ‘greenways’, ‘greenbelts’ or open spaces. We use correlation to refer to the extent to which a species

or population can move along landscape elements by fragmentation of habitat types. This requires links between individuals, species, communities, and ecosystems in the respective spatial and temporal scales. Corridors are a means of achieving this link. Corridors can include natural vegetation and provide links that allow the biota to spread or move around the fragments of habitats across different areas. Landscape elements that function as corridors can serve other purposes, providing aesthetic equipment, value of ecosystem services, protection of cultural heritage and recreational opportunities. Although conservation planners generally deal with middle-sized corridors, meaningful corridors can functionally overcome a wide range of spatial and temporal scale. Habitat loss and consistent fragmentation have been considered by many scientists as the greatest threats to the conservation of the world’s biodiversity and one of the main causes of extinction nowadays. Key words: Environment, greenery, flowers, decorative plants, ecological conditions, landscape.

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SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT IN TIRANA’S GRAND PARK Student: Supervisor:

Rigers Greku Prof. Dr.VezirMuharremaj

This study is carried out for the Tirana Lake Park, which is the most important green area in the city of Tirana. This park is extremely frequented by all age groups. Mostly recreational and health activities take place. The lake park has been constantly under constant pressure, so it is worth considering and evaluating the importance of this urban park. In this context, this study focuses on evaluating the park’s condition from the forest’s point of view and providing a plan of measures for its sustainable development. This will be done starting from the assessment of the situation in the Great Park of Tirana, with the main

focus on the diversity of woody and shrub species, the problems and possibilities of sustainable development, in order to provide a healthier environment for the capital. Identification of types that have good accessibility and types that have problems with adaptation in the park and the designation of roads for a sustainable management. Identifying environmental problems and finding solutions or reducing their impact in this park. Key words: Great Park of Tirana, artificial lake, sustainable management, recreation, urban park.

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TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS CONTROL IN WASTE TREATMENT IMPIANT OF DURRËS Student: Supervisor:

SED HASA Prof.Dr. Gjergj IKONOMI

Increasing water scarcity in the world along the rapid population growth in urban areas gives us reason to worry and demans appropriate management practices. In the past, few investments have been made on sewage treatment facilities. Treatment and water supply have always been a priority against collecting and treating contaminated water. However, thanks to urban development trends, the treatment of polluted water is now receiving greater attention and care. Currently, there is a greater awareness of the impact of contamination of untreated waters in rivers and lakes; Therefore wastewater treatment is now receiving greater attention from the World Bank and regulatory governing bodies. It is important that sanitation systems have high standards of hygiene to avoid spreading of the diseases. Other treatment goals include the restoration of nutrients and water resources for re-use in agricultural production and reduction of total demand for water resources. In order to achieve a treatment of polluted ecological water, it is recommended to use a “closed loop” system. Linear treatment systems should be transformed into

cyclic treatments to help preserve water and nutritional resources. Using organic contaminated water cycles, from the generating point to the production line, shuts down the resource gap and provides good opportunities for appropriate and valuable management of these resources. Waterborne waste issues arise as a result of the increase in urban migration and the practice of untreated wastewater discharge. The uncontrolled population growth in urban areas has made the expansion and planning of supply and sewerage systems quite difficult and costly. Moreover, many of those who are moving to cities have low incomes, which makes it more difficult to pay for any kind of technology expansion. It has become a common practice to discharge untreated water directly into water bodies or to agricultural land, thus causing great risk to health and the economy. The effects of inadequate treatment may impact on the reduction of the economy, culture and health of the community. Key words: water, sewerage, pollution, treatment, technological process, facility.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY – AN ENERGY POTENTIAL THAT ELIMINATES ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. CASE STUDY: KOMBINAT AREA, TIRANA Student: Supervisor:

Sejdi ÇELAJ Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

Solar water heaters have been operating for many years, because it is the easiest way to use the sun to save energy and money. One of the earliest documented cases of the use of solar energy includes the pioneers who moved to the west after the Civil War. They placed a cookie filled with fresh water in the sun throughout the day to have hot water in the evening. This phenomena began to be generated and modernized to the present where instead of pots solar panels are used. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, green industries and the development of the green economy are generally attracting attention all over the world. Many cities, towns and villages around the globe have started with these initiatives, providing energy independence and sustainable jobs.

This study highlighted the use of solar panels in the “Kombinat” area in Tirana by receiving data from filling in a form. The residents of this area who were equipped with a solar panel were interviewed for the way they used and the benefits they had from the solar panel. Another objective of this study was to inform and raise awareness of the residents of this area on economical and environmentalbenefits from using solar panels. From the analysis of the answers it turned out that the inhabitants of this area saved about 30% of the energy bill they paid before they placed the equipment. Key words:solar panels, Kombinat area, economic benefits, water heating, sustainable development

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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Faculty of Environment and Urban Management

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2017-2018

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Environmental Studies

2017-2018 Ardian ALLA.........................................................................156 THE PROTECTION OF OHRID LAKE STUDY FROM URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION. Anira Gjoni...........................................................................158 EVALUATION OF EXTREME TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE PEOPLE HEALTH , AS A RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE. Daniel KULJA.......................................................................160 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE BURREL FERROCROM PLANT ACTIVITY IN THE VILLAGE MUZHAKE – KOMSI, MUNICIPALITY OF MAT. Egzona Rexhaj ....................................................................162 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE ALBANIAN ALPS, VALBONA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. Ermal Rapi ...........................................................................164 ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER POLLUTION - TIRANA RIVER IN SEGMENT BRARI BRANCH TO RINAS BRIDGE. Franc Suli ...........................................................................166 URBANIZATION IN THE SHENGJIN COASTAL AREA. DEVELOPMENTS, RISKS AND PRESPECTIVES. Gerard ZAGANI ..................................................................168 IMPROVING AIR QUALITY THROUGH THE URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN PROCESS (STUDY CASE: AREA NEAR ELBASAN-TIRANA ROAD). Ilçe Kostofski.......................................................................170 THE IMPACT OF TERRITORY USE IN NATIONAL PARK OF PRESPA ON THE AVIFAUNA OF THE AREA. Isida RRAPI...........................................................................172 PERCEPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CIVIL INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE AREA TOURISM ”. CASE STUDY: MUNICIPALITY OF DURRES. Ledia GJERGJI......................................................................174 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE TOURIST RESORT PROJECT IN DIVJAKA-KARAVASTA NATIONAL PARK.

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Lulzime DHAMAJ..............................................................176 COMPOSITION OF ORGANIC WASTE IN RURAL AREAS - AN IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVE. Ofeli RICA...........................................................................178 RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN WATER AND FISH IN PATOKA LAGUNA. Pavjola MALÇI...................................................................180 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION IN HYDROPOWER PLANT OF SHKOPET SEGMENT - “URA ZOGU” - MILOT IN THE RIVER MAT AND REHABILITATION OPPORTUNITIES. Renisa POGONI................................................................182 WATER QUALITY MONITORING FOR IRRIGATION USE IN THE DEVOLL RIVER, IN THE PROGER – MIRAS SEGMENT. Rezjona BAJA....................................................................184 EVALUATION, BEHAVIOR AND PRACTICES MANAGEMENT TO WASTE IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Spenki HUSI........................................................................186 URBANIZATION, URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE IN TIRANA’S SUBURBAN AREA ; STUDY CASE- BATHORE AREA, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES. Stela XHEXHOVI...............................................................188 MONITORING AIR QUALITY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS-CASE STUDY TIRANA CITY. Uendi MURTHI...................................................................190 COMMUNNITY NOISE POLLUTION IMPACT - CASE STUDY “MOTHER TERESA” INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND RESIDENTIAL AREA. Xhesian Balili....................................................................192 PROTECTING THE PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND THE AGRICULTURE LAND OF DROPULLI MUNICIPALITY.

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THE PROTECTION OF OHRID LAKE STUDY FROM URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION Student: Supervisor:

Ardian ALLA Prof.Dr.Gjergji IKONOMI

Fresh and salty water pollution has grown enormously in recent years. The disaster related to human activity because their mismanagement has massively destroyed the forests, dumping the land, also with a number of other factors such as even sewerage malfunction and the improper use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture sector. Conservation of water resources and water quality is a key priority for the Pogradec area, in particular for the livelihoods of the inhabitants and the local economy. It forms lands, transports materials and transforms the environment. Because of this, water also has a great ability to transfer pollution from a source to a much wider area. Preservation of water resources and water quality is a key priority for the Pogradec area, in particular for the livelihoods of the inhabitants and the local economy. Water source protection, which includes land use, ecosystem protection and the entire hydrological cycle, is essential for reducing or preventing entry of pollutants into lakes, rivers and underground water reservoirs. Recently clean water reduced to watersheds or even lakes because uncontrolled industrial and urban waste is being poured into these ponds. In several hot spots, we have managed to reduce the level of these spills. The

most sensitizing residents are around the lake area, although the water is still polluted. Lack of sewerage water in some houses or neighborhood led to water spills directed in the lake. Another issue addressed to this study is the functioning of the sewage treatment plant in the city of Pogradec. This plant has to handle all the water collected in the city but also in the villages of the municipality, and not just a fraction to say that they are in operation. In addition to the town of Pogradec there are many areas that have many problems with the shore-side shore where the intervention should be immediate. Based on this study I have identified hotspots in Lake Ohrid in order to save the environment and aquatic life water from a catastrophic state. From monitoring process, I have been carried out all analyzes to asses the state and pollution of lake waters from physicalchemical elements. We have also come up with concrete conclusions about the rehabilitation of the area and returned back the quality of water what it lacks for years. Key words: Lake Ohrid, environment, pollution, landscape, health, municipality, water treatment plants

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EVALUATION OF EXTREME TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE PEOPLE HEALTH , AS A RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE Student: Supervisor:

Anira Gjoni Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

Climate change is an integrated global process and it influenced its impact on local and regional communities. The air temperatures and precipitation are the key climatic elements for determining a country’s climate. The purpose of this study is to calculate and distribute the temperature extension ≥ 30°C and ≤ 15°C, in Albania for 2017 According to (WHO, 2003), the impacts of climate change on health can be grouped into three categories. These effects directly affect, usually caused by extreme weather events (eg death due to heat waves). Indirect impacts as a result of environmental changes and ecological interventions needed to change the climate (eg higher risk of contagious or contagious diseases) and other impacts on the population facing environmental degradation and economic problems as a result of climate change (eg nutritional or even psychological problems). In this way, average extensions and number of days of extreme temperatures and extreme precipitation monitored with self-explanatory series. The health

impacts monitoring of climate change is an important task because the public health community provides the most necessary scientific and political evidence of global warming. Colds and heat can harm people, body and physiological processes in countless ways, interacting with pre-existing conditions and chronic illnesses. It recognized that the process of climate change is gradual and distinct only over the decades. Based on, there are already various databases (eg EM-DAT) for extreme weather events that can be a key source of monitoring trends related to the impact on human health. Key words: climate change, temperature, precipitation, human health, Albania

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE BURREL FERROCROM PLANT ACTIVITY IN THE VILLAGE MUZHAKE – KOMSI, MUNICIPALITY OF MAT Student: Supervisor:

Daniel KULJA Prof.Asoc.Dr. Elizabeta SUSAJ

The Burrel Ferrochrome Plant was built in 1979 in the village of Komsi, Mat, (41 ° 35’5 “N, 19 ° 58’0” E), and is one of the first investments in the mining industry in Albania. With a strategic position, near the mines of Bulqiza, Batras, Krasta and other chrome reserves, the plant lies in a space of 14 hectares. Production capacity in 1979 was about 23,000 tons per year, while in 1987-1990 production increased to 39,000 tons / year or about 1.7 times, meeting the ferrochrome country’s needs for steel and cast iron production and a part of ferrochrome was exported. In 1996, with the DCM no. 353, dated 13.05.1996, “On the partial privatization of commercial companies operating in the mining sector”, the plant has been privatized, and since that time has changed its ownership several times. Today it is part of AlbChrome’s investments, together with Chromium Mining Bulqiza, Bread Mining, Trnovo Mining, Chrome Plants Plant Klos and Ferrochrome Plant Elbasan. The plant has 3 electric ovens with an installed power of 9 MVA, currently, two are functional, from which produces about 25000 tonnes of ferrochrome per year. Within the next two years, AlbChrome (Balkan Finance Investment Group) will also set up another bakery as part of its investment plans. The final and only product of the Ferrochrome Plant in Burrel is high-carbon (C = 6-8%) ferrochrome, while chromium in ferrochrome is Cr = 60-65% (averaged 63%). The Ferrochrome Plant in Burrel has been and is the main industry of this city and almost the only source

of employment for its residents. Despite the economic and social interest shown by this plant, it is never intended for the environmental impact associated with this activity, such as: transport, storage and storage of crude ore, smelting and processing of minerals, deposition of slag and other waste inert materials, emitting and discharging gases into the atmosphere, pouring and discharging of wastewater used to cool ore processed in surface water, etc. The aim of this diploma thesis was to: Identify and evaluate environmental impacts as a result of the Ferrochrome Plant activity in the surrounding area and propose remedial and rehabilitation measures to maintain the environment and biodiversity and minimize adverse effects on the environment and the health of metallurgists and residents of the area and beyond. Field observations, direct CO2 concentration measurements, surfacewater analysis results showed that UFK activity is associated with a significant adverse impact on air, soil, surfacewater and groundwater, biodiversity and metallurgical health. It is recommended to install fine air filters, prior water treatment prior to discharging into the environment, and apply technical and occupational safety rules to employees. Key words: ferrochrome, environment, impact, pollution, landscape, health, Burrel Ferrochrome Plant (UFK), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE ALBANIAN ALPS, VALBONA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Student: Supervisor:

Egzona Rexhaj Prof.Dr. Sherif Lushaj

In our country today, the development of sustainable tourism is one of the most important issue of economic, social and environmental aspect. Sustainable tourism implies the development of tourism taking into account the current needs of the population and their fulfillment but always without compromising the opportunities for exploitation by future generations. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between the environment and sustainable tourism development and its affects. We will focus on the Albanian Alps area, giving a detailed description of all its elements. Starting with the state of the environment, the biodiversity of the area, including a description of flora and fauna, the level of development of agriculture

and livestock, the waste management, and data on monitoring air quality. The timeframe for the thesis will include a four-month working period, from collection of literature, which will be conducted, field visits to get acquainted with all the other issues in the area, as well as drawing conclusions and making recommendations. The expected results of this study consist in ensuring sustainable tourism development tools, environmental protection and the interaction between environmental elements and planning. Establishing of links between key points of the Alps area as well as establish regional links for further development of the area. Key words: development, sustainable tourism, environment, Alps area

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ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER POLLUTION - TIRANA RIVER IN SEGMENT BRARI BRANCH TO RINAS BRIDGE Student: Supervisor:

Ermal Rapi Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

Surface waters are a natural resource for the existence of all living organisms. Therefore, managing the quality of this precious resource is of particular importance. The main sources of water pollution in Albania in recent decades are untreated urban discharges, industrial discharges etc. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical-chemical parameters of the Tirana river water quality, which passes to the northern part of the capital. The four sampling sites along the watercourse are ST1Bridge of Brari, ST2-Bridge of Babro, ST3-Bridge of K-Kamza, ST4-Bridge Rinas, and its monitoring will reflect on activities affecting the quality of river water. Water samples were taken in February 2018 and at the end of May 2018, and physical-chemical parameters such as conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca2 +), magnesium (Mg2 +), sodium (Na +), carbonates (CO32- (NH3-N, NH3, NH4 +), iron HR (Fe), phosphate (PO43), bicarbonate (HCO3-), chloruret (C1-), sulfate (SO42-), nitrite LR -), potassium HR (K +, K2O), acidity (pH) and dry residue. From water monitoring results we conclude, the most polluted monitoring station is at the bridge near Rinas. Upstream of the Tirana River, water quality conditions resulted mostly within

certain rates, downstream of the river the conditions of water quality were highly polluted mainly due to the effects of urban wastewater discharge. The water quality parameters, taken in February at monitoring sites compared to the FAO standards for irrigation purposes, resulted acceptable for agricultural purposes. For samples taken in May, the interpretation of the analysis was done following the two European Union Directives respectively Directive 75/440 / EEC. The quality of the Tirana River water varies as they flow into the urban area, so this interpretation is made because if there were no pollution downstream of the river theoretically and the water quality should have been the same as that of Bovilla Lake water which, after necessary treatment, is used for drinking water. We can say that from the results of the analysis mainly those of the months May Tirana River is very polluted, especially for the indicators of the level of wastewater discharges such as Amonjaku (NH4 +) which results several times over EU names. Pollution is also of other origin mainly from inert and urban waste where the pollution from plastics predominate to this segment. Key words: Tirana River, physical- chemical parameters, water quality, pollution.

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URBANIZATION IN THE SHENGJIN COASTAL AREA. DEVELOPMENTS, RISKS AND PRESPECTIVES Student: Supervisor:

Franc Suli Prof. Dr. Vezir Muharremaj

Human beings are increasingly their impact on the environment, starting 8,000 years ago with the agricultural sector, where we began to change the soil, recently with the industrial revolution we began to pollute and the atmosphere too.The recent growth of the world’s population has increased our agricultural and economic activities. As the world’s population is doubling, the urban population in the world is tripling, within the next few years, more than half of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Urbanization is the process of population movement from rural to urban areas, a tendency that comes as a result of the benefits that are generated in different aspects of the quality of life in; better education, health care, residence, transportation, better business opportunities, etc. Urbanization in Albania has gone through three different phases since the fall of communism. The first phase was been dominated by the informal sector. The second phase was been characterized by the consolidation of the informal sector and the emergence of the formal sector. The third and existing stage consists in strengthening the formal sector and regulating informal developments. My study consists of the urbanization of the coastal area of Shengjin. A look at the map of this area over the years where we make comparisons in the use of agricultural land, as

well as recent constructions. Shengjin is located about 7 km north-west of the town of lezha, with a population of about 8 thousand inhabitants. In Shengjin is located seaside resort town with a harbor that serves mainly for anchoring fishing vessels. Like a large part of Albania’s coastline, which in the first years. of democracy has been the prey of unstructured constructions, Shëngjini has also passed the consequences of this informality in construction..The main objective of the government during the third phase has been the integration of real estate as well as legalization of constructions that belong to the first and second phase. Some of the major problems encountered during urban development in the Shengjin area as well as in all other coastal areas and not only relate to land use, so in the return of land from agricultural land to land for construction, as a consequence we have biodynamic loss and pollution of the coastal line. For these reasons, it is necessary to study and plan for taking measures that will affect the improvement of the situation and prevent its deterioration. The focus of this study will be Urbanization process in the coastal area of Shengjin developments, risks and perspectives. Key words: urbanization, urban development, land use, coastal area

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IMPROVING AIR QUALITY THROUGH THE URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN PROCESS (STUDY CASE: AREA NEAR ELBASAN-TIRANA ROAD) Student: Supervisor:

Gerard ZAGANI Dr.Petrit Harasani

There are increasing concerns regarding the quality of urban public spaces. Wind is one important environmental factor that influences pedestriansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comfort and air pollution dispersion. In the city of Tirana there are increasing numbers of high constructions and complex forms which can involve problems of significant wind discomfort around these buildings. In addition, informal buildings constructed without any criteria and are very close to each other can be source of pollutant accumulation on the air. Exterior wind conditions are important in urban residential areas. Wind flow around buildings can dilute pollutants and remove excess heat, which related to peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and quality of life. Air movement is a measurable physical phenomenon that produces indirectly measurable effects on people and on the environment. It is an essential prerequisite for the comfort and the hygiene

of the built environment and it is highly relevant to the passive cooling strategies. The relationships between air movement and built environment analyzed under a multi-scale vision. This thesis analysed the need for a complete and objective representation of different kinds of air movement, to improve the urban and architectural design and to integrate the knowledge and the assessment of the built environment. The aim of this diploma is to contribute towards a codified and multi-scale representation of the air movements considered as a tool for environmental quality, both in the maintenance or the conservation activities and in the transformation processes. Key words: Urban design, environment, environment, air movement, comfort

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THE IMPACT OF TERRITORY USE IN NATIONAL PARK OF PRESPA ON THE AVIFAUNA OF THE AREA Student: Supervisor:

IlçeKostofski Dr. Taulant BINO

Prespa National Park represents a favorite ecosystem for a large number of plant and animal species. All over the territory of the Park live different populations of rare, endemic, endangered and threatened species. The National Park’s water areas are one of the most favorable areas for wintering birds that use this territory in batches of thousands of individuals. The above wealth is definitely dedicated to different habitats and the way they are used by man. The territory of the Prespa National Park includes a natural ecosystem that is used for economic activities of 5 088 inhabitants and with different land uses divided into 4 main systems dominating: (i) the natural system with 68.97% of the territory; (ii) the water system with 18.87%, (iii) urban and infrastructure system with 6.47% and (iv) agricultural system with 5.67%. Each system represents different types of birds such as water and wintering, predators, singers, swarming birds and migrants threatened with status as defined by Albania’s red fauna book.

Despite the protection from legislation on Protected Areas, human activities have a negative impact on the territory of the park and biodiversity. From the analysis of the evolution of wintering birds, there has been a drastic decline in the total number of winter birds in the last decade. Of the 35 248 individuals in 2008, the number of water birds has fallen to 12 117 individuals in 2018. This sharp decline analyzed in this study in relation to the different forms of territorial use in order to identify the problems and the proposal of measures for the protection of endangered species, the protection of the territory and the environment in general. Key words:Avifauna, Endangered Species, Prespa, Territory use, Threats

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PERCEPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CIVIL INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE AREA TOURISM â&#x20AC;?. CASE STUDY: MUNICIPALITY OF DURRES Student: Supervisor:

Isida RRAPI Dr.Petrit HARASANI

The tourism-environment relationship has taken an important place in tourism studies in recent years. Tourism is an important component of a countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic growth, particularly in coastal areas that fosters sustainable development. Coastal tourism is dependent on the environment that is appealing to the visitor. Over the last decade, this sector has raised many questions about the rational use of natural resources and the physical destruction of these resources that initially attract tourists. Although tourism has contributed to investment growth, it can become a serious threat if it is not properly managed (Calvia Declaration on Tourism, 1997). The purpose of the study is to identify the civic role and responsibility as a participant in the development of sustainable tourism in the tourist city of Durres. The study aims to assess the support and involvement of residents in the development of sustainable tourism at the local level, in their viewpoints, as key actors in sustainable planning processes. The study found that citizens perceive the importance of environmental protection, but in reality, they do not feel responsible in taking action to protect and preserve the environment, as the economic interest is more of an environmental one, and this reflected in the impacts of the environment. From questionnaire, 44% think, the development of tourism there is no awareness

raising for environmental protection. The role of community in local planning considered important. However, some of the citizens around, 22% of citizens have no knowledge of environmental planning and decision-making processes. The fact that a significant percentage of residents are undecided about their role in this planning process related to the following reasons: (i) being skeptical about considering their role; (ii) Being unaware of the tourism development process and the issues to which they can contribute; (iii) lack of direct interest in the sector; (iv) lack of confidence in their ability to contribute. This study material provides theoretical material and practical value, as a source of information for field researchers, interested students and the wider community to raise awareness of it and the active role in coastal planning participations and tourism planning and environmental protection. It will also help all stakeholders to build a development policy approach to civic participation in planning processes and environmental decision-making. Key words: sustainable development, coastal tourism, environmental perception, local residents, environmental decision making

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE TOURIST RESORT PROJECT IN DIVJAKA-KARAVASTA NATIONAL PARK. Student: Supervisor:

Ledia GJERGJI Dr. Taulant BINO

Our country is currently facing the challenges of integration into the European Union and one of the sectors with great potential for development is tourism. This also leads to increased investments and constructions in tourism direction. Often, these tourism growth policies wouldn`t harmonized with the requirements of environmental standards. The concept of sustainable development considered as a necessary social concept and action and in the approach of this concept and policies, principles and standards, should be sensitive to any field or activity. Obviously, postmodernity and the very process of globalization have determined rational and team approach of all stakeholders so that the new logic of economic development based on the principles of sustainability, balance and planned consumption of natural resources. The development of technology and competition for development and penetration in global markets and globalization hidden up to some capitalist terms of market functioning is invariably and thanks to the principles of free trade, has increased the curiosity and interest in exploration of resources, seriously endangering biodiversity and the global environment. The concept of “sustainable development” requires the implementation of the legislative base, transposition of international conventions, with purpose to beunderstood by society.

Based on this context, this study will give an overview on the project proposed by the Mabetex group for the construction of a resort in the national park Divjaka Karavasta. The purpose of the study is to present the full details of the proposed project. In addition, identifying positive potentials and negative environmental impacts associated with the proposed project, reaching conclusions and giving recommendations on how to benefit from positive impacts on one hand and how to mitigate negative environmental impacts on the other. But also based on the principles of sustainable development, where one of its key points clearly states that: “When the environmental impact of a proposed project is particularly high, the public hearing of the case must be compulsory and, wherever it is possible, the decision must be subject to prior public approval, perhaps by referendum “(1) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) identified specific areas of concern In the implementation of the proposed project in all three phases; construction, operation, function and proposed measures to mitigate these impacts. Key words: economy, tourism, sustainable, environment, environmental impact assessment, protected area, legislation.

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COMPOSITION OF ORGANIC WASTE IN RURAL AREAS - AN IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVE Student: Supervisor:

Lulzime DHAMAJ Prof.Dr. Sherif Lushaj

The treatment of solid urban waste is a global problem. If in the US or European Union waste management has made steps forward, Albania has big serious problems, despite the adoption of relevant laws and strategies. In Albania, no local or private facility or plant for composting waste has yet been build, except a part of the farmers who compost the organic waste in an extensive way and use it as organic fertilizers. Composting, as part of recycling, is one of the basic elements of minimizing urban waste destined for landfill disposal. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of application of urban solid waste composting in rural areas as an important alternative to reduce the amount of waste. The study also shows application of composting has an impact on improvement of the environment quality and the economic benefit, as a result from reducing the import of fertilizers. The study has done during the period of October

2017 - June 2018 and the experiment of case study was in the village of Ballutaj, KavajĂŤ. For composting, such residues used: manure, organic waste from urban waste, straw, sawdust, etc., which are placed in some overlapping layers. By composting process, the amount of waste deposited at the landfill reduced. The air and soil pollution was minimized and, consequently, the cost of collecting and treating too. In addition, it is recycled, and the product obtained by composting (compost) supposed to be used as an organic fertilizer on land. The study data show that this organic fertilizer is very effective in revitalizing the cost needed to buy the amount of chemical fertilizers which are extensively used in our agriculture. Key words: compost, composting, economic benefit, environmental pollution, fertilizers urban organic waste.

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RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN WATER AND FISH IN PATOKA LAGUNA Student: Supervisor:

Ofeli RICA Dr. Enkelejda LUSHAJ

Patok Lagoon is one of Albania’s Biodiversity Hotspots and it recognized for its regional Mediterranean and European importance. It is one of Albania’s special conservation areas, identified under UNEP and RAC / SPA since 1996; is included in the Important Bird Areas (IBA) and one of the EMERALD areas of Albania. It considered by the most important wetlands in Albania for storks (Order Charadriformes), and one of the two areas where Kojliku (Numenius tennuirostris) identified in Albania. Patok Lagoon based on environmental analysis and biodiversity assessment documented in policies such as UNEP-METAP (1995), RAC / SPA (1996), CAMP, ICZM, and Patok-Fushë-Kuqe Area Management Plan, The Natural Reserve (2008)

considered a Hotspot Biodiversity Area under Risk. The greatest hazards of the Patoku Lagoon Biodiversity related to the past and recent development in the two river basins (Mati and Ishmi) that have contributed together over the centuries to create the estuary and ecosystem of Patoku lagoon. This scientific article aims to analyze the causes of potential contamination by potential factors within the lagoon. I will mainly focus on the analysis of heavy metals in fish. Knowing that fish is a migratory species in the lagoon area will help us to conclude the final monitoring result of my thesis Key words: water analysis, biodiversity, quality of life, Patok lagoon, heavy metals,

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION IN HYDROPOWER PLANT OF SHKOPET SEGMENT - “URA ZOGU” - MILOT IN THE RIVER MAT AND REHABILITATION OPPORTUNITIES Student: Supervisor:

Pavjola MALÇI Prof.Asoc.Dr. Elizabeta SUSAJ

Mat river is one of the most important rivers in Albania Republic. Its length is about 115 km and its average annual flow is about 103 m3/sec. It is in North Albania and it’s one of the most important rivers of Albania hdrographic network.Its total surface area is about 2441 km2 while the average height is 746 m above sea level.Two very important hydropower plants, Ulza Hydropower Plant (1957), with an annual output of 120.1 GWh, and Shkopet Hydropower Plant (1963) with an annual output of 90.2 GWh have been built at Mat River. The Mat River is of great economic and ecological importance to the country’s economy, as it crosses a rather large region of a great population and intensive agriculture, especially in the Mat Valley. The surface that crosses the Mati River in all its length creates conditions for the development of a rich and varied biodiversity with high recreational and aesthetic values. The Mat river gravel and sand (river agregate) have the best quality in the country, which has led to river degradation. In the recent years, Mati River is being exploited indiscriminately, damaging the environment, reducing water quality and creating the possibility of ongoing flooding across the river delta, in “Zogu I Bridge” in Milot.Based on the data of the environmental inspectorate and the visits made on the ground, it is estimated that the river’s environmental conditions are getting worse. Mat River is probably the most used river for agregate production since the ‘90s. One of the problems because of using agregate production is the erosion phenomenon, causing soil erosion on both sides of the river, damaging agricultural land, river bed diversion, damage to Zogu I Bridge, flooding of the area during the winter where rainfall hits in large quantities etc. Companies that carry out the agregate production act in violation of the relevant legislation

are damaging every day and more the environment. Also, the business of extracting and using agregates materials is highly convenient and profitable for companies, but on the other hand has no profit for biodiversity, flora and fauna of the area. Companies also use the fact that the areas where agregate production extraction is digged is not habitable. The use of agregate production is defined as an environmental masquerade for the area. Regardless of the emergency situation, no punitive measures have been taken for companies operating in the extraction of river aggregates. In the focus of the study was: Identification and assessment of environmental impacts, identification of the causes and consequences of human activity in the environment, and proposing alternatives or remedial and rehabilitation measures in order to minimize the negative environmental impacts in the HPP Segments up to Zog Bridge. The resolving the emergency situation when Mat River is degrading day by day, urgent measures are required to stop the aggregate impact to the river. As an urgent measure, the application of fines and the increase of the tax on the use of inert materials will be determined on the basis of the daily amount extracted from the riverbed. This would result in the reduction of the amount of aggregate extracted until the full stop of exploitation. It is necessary to strengthen the legislation in order to protect Mat river and the environment near the river. To minimize the aggregates exploitation in Mat River, it is required to find alternatives to replace the sand. Key words: Mat River, environmental issues, river agregate, , erosion, agricultural land.

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WATER QUALITY MONITORING FOR IRRIGATION USE IN THE DEVOLL RIVER, IN THE PROGER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MIRAS SEGMENT Student: Supervisor:

Renisa POGONI Prof. Dr. Gjergji IKONOMI

Recent worldwide studies have shown that water is the essential element of creating the living organisms of every nature, and the basis for diverse human activities that ensure the existence of society. The study on water quality monitoring for irrigation use in the Devoll River, in the Proger - Miras segment carried out in the period November 2017 - June 2018. The methodology used consists in collecting data from local and central institutions and samples for analyzes of indicators like sodium, phosphorus, Ph, chlorides. This also includes laboratory analyzes for the assessment of pollution from various indicators like sewage, urban wastes and pesticides. From the analyzes carried out by the usage of Devoll water for irrigation, we should note the phosphates because they have passed values from 0 to 2 mg / liter to 2.5 mg / liter, Potassium 0-2 mg / liter to 17.5 mg / liter and Calcium 0 - 20 mg / liter to 65 mg / liter. For other components like iron, chlorine, sulphates are in the right and acceptable parameters for irrigation

water. Chlorine 0 - 30 mg / liter 0.05, sulphates 0 to 20 at 12.5. Levels of nutrients that may come with irrigation water from the Devoll River are averaging 0.115 mg / liter; 0.425 mg / l, NO 2 -, NH 3 -. For the monitoring of water quality for irrigation use, in the Devoll River, in the Proger - Miras segment, 100 questionnaires were compiled and completed. The results showed that out of 100 respondents, 70 citizens or 70% responded that they use a lot of Devoll River water for irrigation of agricultural products. 20 citizens or 20% responded they use the river water partly for agricultural products and 10 citizens or 10% do not use it at all. Out of 100 questionnaires responded that river water is polluted. About 80 citizens or 80% responded that water quality used for irrigation affects human health. Key Words: monitoring, pollution, irrigaition, quality, river Devoll, use

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EVALUATION, BEHAVIOR AND PRACTICES MANAGEMENT TO WASTE IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Student: Supervisor:

Rezjona BAJA Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

Faced with the fact that young people make up the majority of the country’s population in Albania, there is a greater need to push and raise these young people to an intensive solid waste management practice in schools. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, provide you with basic information and ideas for reducing, reuse, and recycling related to waste management in high school “Vajdin Lamaj”, Tirana. All these waste are thrown along the main road or in agricultural lands. This situation has brought concern to all residents as there is still no environmental practice on waste management. Using a structured and self-administered questionnaire, randomly selected fifty (50) students and fifty (50) teachers of school to complete it. The questionnaire was created by 23 questions regarding the management and knowledge gained about the waste generated at school. The collected data were converted into percentages; standard deviation, correlation and statistical analysis of students. The findings found

that the level of knowledge and practice of waste management was relatively necessary in these schools. Significant relationships between factors such as status of education, age, gender, level of awareness, knowledge and practices affecting in solid waste management.Our study showed the necessity of providing massive knowledge about the impact of waste disposal practices in waste bins for the separation of waste from the source at the site. The environmental education undertaken will promote a proper and appropriate environmental culture for the students for these students. Key words: Solid waste management, awareness, attitudes, practices, questioner

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URBANIZATION, URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE IN TIRANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUBURBAN AREA ; STUDY CASE- BATHORE AREA, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Student: Supervisor:

Spenki HUSI Prof. Dr. Vezir MUHARREMAJ

Unplanned urbanization and urban expansion is a process that estimated to have significant environmental, social and economic impacts, related to energy consumption, water use, land use, environmental pollution, social exclusion problems as well as economic problems. This scientific article focuses on assessing the environmental impacts of the Bathore Administrative Unit created during the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;94s and onwards, resulted the migration movements involving the entire territory of Albania immediately after the collapse of the communist regime and the radical changes that occurred in the policy and economy of that time. These movements targeted the main cities and opportunities created by approaching them and precisely the migrants were located in the suburbs of large cities in agricultural lands or state farms in an unplanned manner, thus paving the way for various environmental and socio-economic problems. To the better explain this phenomenon and main causes, this article is based

on the theories of urbanization and internal migration. In addition to the quality method, the quantitative method and rapid survey of the area used in this article, in order to get closely to the environmental problems faced in the Bathore area, also social problems such as inadequate housing and low quality of life and economic problems such as high-level of unemployment. This article aims to set out the recommendations and measures needed to improve the current situation by achieving a planned urban retraining, maintaining the existing plant cover, as well as enhancing green areas in order to ensure sustainable development, preserving and protecting the environment as well as enhancing the quality of life. Key Words: environmental degradation, informality, land usage, quality of life, sustainable development, unplanned urbanization

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MONITORING AIR QUALITY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS-CASE STUDY TIRANA CITY Student: Supervisor:

Stela XHEXHOVI Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

This study aims to raise reaction of responsible authorities to air pollution monitoring. The case of gases from cars and seriously polluted the air quality of the Tirana city should be resolved as soon as possible. As a result, this study will show the main polluters in important areas of Tirana. The parameters that will be identified and analyzed in laboratory conditions as: Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide and Trioxide, and the successful cases that can be implemented, will be demonstrated to the thesis. The single most influential sector in causing environmental pollution in pre 1990 Albania was in 28 years has been through a radical change because of factors that directly or indirectly influenced on its pollution degree. Our country currently holds the 2nd

position in the EU ranking of environmental pollution and Greenhouse effect gas emissions caused by road transport. Tirana, Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital and biggest city, has a surface area of 42 km2 , more than 883.996 inhabitants and holds the biggest number of automobiles, nearly 40% of the total number, 71% of wich run on gasoline and oil. Key words: air pollution, heavy traffic, PM 10, PM 2.5, Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide and Trioxide

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COMMUNNITY NOISE POLLUTION IMPACT - CASE STUDY “MOTHER TERESA” INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND RESIDENTIAL AREA Student: Supervisor:

Uendi MURTHI Dr. Petrit HARASANI

Life quality related directly with environmental quality. On this priority, the study aims to analyze the acoustic pollution of air by civil air transport in the population of the residential area around Mother Teresa International Airport, namely the village of Qerek. Mother Teresa Airport is the capital’s airport and Albania’s only international airport for civil flights. Data from this institution show that flight traffic from 2005 to 2017 has increased by 59.6% with a flight from 15,400 to 24,582. The study aims to answer research questions as: What are the levels of acoustic pollution in the residential area around the airport (LAeq / Day, LAeq / Night and LAeq / Evening) and what are the disturbing elements in the life and health of the community affected by the noise emitted by icivil air transport. To achieve its objectives and answer the research questions addressed on qualitative and quantitative analysis. The analysis of this study will include a three-dimensional methodology that contains a “Desk Analysis” of secondary qualitative and quantitative data, and a “primary” qualitative and quantitative data analysis with a focus on the source of the problem and its endpoint of impact. Two sets of primary data provide the actual relevant evidences. One set derived from data collected through a household survey on the airport neighborhoods, their perceptions and concerns of exposure to noise caused by air transportation at Mother Teresa Airport. Other data yields measured noise levels, as collected for the purpose of the study on three points based on their distance from the fly path. Study analyzes show that 75% of the population

consider the noise of air transport to be “high level”, while 80% of them claim that night is the time they are most annoyed from noise. Noise from air transport, obviously as based on study data, affects the quality of daily living activities of the residential area, mainly with sleep disturbances (87%), hearing problems (93%), communication interference (88%), irritability (60%), headache (46%) and signs of hypertension (23%). Stress that occasionally accompanies, but if for a long time, it can affects other health issues such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and other diseases. The majority of housing (71.7%) built before the 1990s. Meanwhile, they result in limited measures against the household infrastructure in regards of insulating elements against noise pollution Noise level indicators reflect levels that stands within reference parameters, but there are also indicators that reflect levels beyond the reference parameters. The study recommends reducing the noise impact in the residential area of the neighborhoods of Mother Teresa Airport. This should be a priority of responsible authorities and structures in line with the implementation of recommended standards for noise level in residential areas and ongoing monitoring. The targeted residential area monitoring focused on the source of noise pollution and on the endpoint of its impact, to the community. Key word: Aircraft, Acoustic pollution, Airport, Runway path, Residential area, Disturbance, Annoyance, Noise level, Insulation.

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PROTECTING THE PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND THE AGRICULTURE LAND OF DROPULLI MUNICIPALITY Student: Supervisor:

Xhesian Balili Prof. Dr. Sherif Lushaj

The importance of this study consists on protection of land production capacity and agricultural environment conservation. The purpose of the study consists in the development of sustainable agriculture and the environment in relation to the conservation of productive capacities of agricultural land by physical, chemical and biological degradation. Position and physical and geographic conditions are appropriate throughout the part of Dropulli municipality’s territory in the agricultural crops developments. Agriculture it’s a priority in the development of the area, being the first and most important sector to the municipality. The largest part of municipality’s population deals with agriculture for the fact of being close to land and it was necessary to analyze some ground samples, the result of the analysis showed that the lands are in average and useful values for agricultural activity. The case study obtained was from the German state that had analyzed all the potentials of agricultural land as positive aspects but also negative impacts. In addition, the German state had experimented in several African states for the development of a

sustainable agriculture, which proved successful cases. Based on the problems there is an increase in erosion flooding and lack of access to irrigation, as some of the worrisome factors. The creation of markets for the sale of agricultural crops continues to be a problem that villagers in the area encounter they do not have access to merchandise trade. This territory has a number of values and potential investment, but adequate policies needs to be developed and the inhabitants wouldn`t leave to other places. Solving problems such as flooding during the rainy season is solved by raising the embankment for obstructing water to agricultural lands and not allowing the advancement of the erosion of agricultural land. Creating filtration and watering canals would bring a new spirit that would solve the very important problems for farmers. All analyzes and issues will be part of this study for their identification and proposal of measures for the protection of the agricultural environment. Key word: Embankment, Analysis, agricultur, Erosion, Market, Bonities.

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Sustainable

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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Faculty of Environment and Urban Management

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2018-2019

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Environmental Studies

2018-2019 Amarda KASA....................................................................198 EVALUATION OF THE RIVER EROSION. SEMANI CASE STUDY. Altin DASHI..........................................................................200 MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF THE WATER QUALITY OF THE MATI RIVER USED FOR IRRIGATION IN THE KLOS-ZENISHT SEGMENT. Anxhela Rapaj....................................................................202 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF INFORMATION CONSTRUCTION IN KAMEZ MUNICIPALITY. Besmir URUÇI......................................................................204 ENERGY-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE SOLAR SOURCE ENERGY USED FOR HOTELS SANITARY WATER HEATING IN ALBANIA. Bruno ARA...........................................................................206 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WOOD PROCESSING SUBJECTS CASE STUDY SUBJECT “DAFINOR” SHKODER. Denisa Shehu......................................................................208 WATER QUALITY OF THE DEVOLLI – OSUM – SEMAN RIVERS AND AGRICULTURAL WATER OF THE THANA RESERVOIR. Dorjan Sulke .......................................................................210 WATER CLEANING SYSTEMS IN LINI AREA. Enxhi GJURA.......................................................................212 ANALYSIS OF SOME MARINE FUNDS: SPECIAL CASE STORAGE FROM DURRES PORT. Jetmir AXHAMI..................................................................214 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION OF THE BOVILLA RESERVOIR AND THE IMPACT OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY. Joan MEMA..........................................................................216 IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN PARK OF FARKA, FARKA ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT, MUNICIPALITY OF TIRANA. Junior D. Mullai..................................................................218 STUDY OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACT STUDY OF NEGATIVE IMPACTS FROM IRRIGATION AND DRINK-

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ING SYSTEMS IN GOSË VILLAGE,RROGOZHINËS. Kirsti SHUTINA.................................................................220

ALTERNATIVES OF THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHËNGJERGJI AREA. Nild Malindi......................................................................222 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF AN URBAN PROJECT. A CASE STUDY: AKERNI AIRPORT PROJECT, ALBANIA. Sara Kalaja........................................................................224 MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONING OF BUSHATI LANDFILL. Shajnela ALLKA................................................................226 WATER AND EROSION QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON THE WATER OF ERZEN RIVER. Zana ELEZI.........................................................................228 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FUEL ACTIVITY IN ALBANIA: CASE STUDY: “MARE OIL”, PREZË.

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VLERESIMI I EROZIONIT BREGDETAR DHE AKUMULIMIT NGA GRYKĂ&#x2039;DERDHJA E SEMANIT NE GRYKĂ&#x2039;DERDHJEN E SHKUMBINIT, IMPAKTET MJEDISORE DHE ALTERNATIVAT E MBROJTJES Student: Supervisor:

Amarda KASA Prof. Dr. Sherif LUSHAJ

Sea erosion is a widespread phenomenon in all coastal areas of the country, especially after 1990 due to the lack of rational exploitation of the river, problems in the hydraulic-drainage system functioning, and collectors of water in the coastal area as well as disruption of natural balances. Coastal erosion marks a dynamic and changed periodic process, which has consistently caused the change of coastlines and the position of the Shkumbini and Seman river areas, the change to the Seman and Divjake beaches, and so on. Understanding the mechanism and processes that affect the formation and modification of the delta and how these processes and factors interact is important in determining the offshore position. The main factor affecting the formation of the delta is the deposition of sediments brought from rivers. The activity carried out includes a visit to the Shkumbin River and Seman River, Divjaka beach, Seman beach, gathering existing information on the ground, and providing

some photos where the phenomenon of erosion and coastal accumulation is clear. According to the study conducted by the Geological Survey of Albania in the Shkumbin River segment in the Seman River during the last 15 years at length 21.9 km, of which 12.6 km or 57.5% are under the influence of erosion phenomena and 9.3 km or 42.5% are under (Geological Survey of Albania, 2017), while for the shortest period there is an accumulated 1834.5 ha. The accumulating surface by periods has been constantly decreasing, which indicates that erosion processes come to power and deposition levels are reduced. Thus, 59.7% of it was profited in the period 39-80, 36.5% in the period 1980 - 2008 and only 3.8% in the period 2008 2014.. Key words: marine erosion, accumulation, excavation, Seman River, Shkumbin River, coastal line

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MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF THE WATER QUALITY OF THE MATI RIVER USED FOR IRRIGATION IN THE KLOS-ZENISHT SEGMENT Student: Supervisor:

Altin DASHI Prof. Assoc. Dr. Elizabeta SUSAJ

Water is the most important natural resource in the world, the most important element for the lives of humans, animals and plants, as well as the basis for all human activities that ensure the existence of society. The ability of an aquatic body to support water life and its suitability for other uses (daily use in the family - such as drinking water and sanitary water, irrigation, water for industrial use, mining activities, etc.) depends on water pollution caused by nutrition elements. Agriculture is the largest freshwater consumer in the world, with of 70% of the water resources. Monitoring and assessment of surface water quality and comparing the values of chemical parameters with the norms constitutes one of the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, with particular importance for the recognition of the state and taking measures for the protection or rehabilitation of water environments. In the Albanian context, the use of irrigation water is one of the most widely used methods, however, in general, farmers do not have information on the quality of the waters they use and the impact of wastewater on soil quality and on the quality of their agricultural and livestock products. The aim of the study was to monitor and assess the Mat River waters used for irrigation in the Klos-Zenisht segment and to recommend improvement measures for the quality of the waters of this river. The study was conducted during the period October 2018-May 2019. During this study, it was possible to assess the quality of the Mat River waters in two periods of time - April 2 and May 5, 2019, in four monitoring stations: point 1 - at the water outlet of the Klosi Canal, point 2 - City of Klos, point 3 - at the site of the irrigation water supply with the suction pumps in Suç, and point

4 - at the irrigation water site with the suction pumps in Zenisht. Water samples were taken according to the analytical methods described in the relevant literature for the analysis of surface waters. Water samples were subjected to analysis for the main physicalchemical parameters of running surface water, such as water temperature (°C), measured directly at the sampling site, acidity (pH), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), free chlorine content (Cl-) (mg/L), magnesium content (Mg2+), electron conductivity (salinity) (mg/L), calcium content (Ca2+), total hardness (mg/L CaCO3), and solid substances in the suspension (TSS) (mg/L). At the all monitoring points, especially at the upstream of the Mat River, and at point 3 - at the site of the irrigation water supply site with suction pumps in Suç, the water quality was found to be acceptable and within the permissible water rates used for irrigation of agricultural crops, according to FAO standards and the EU Framework for surface waters. At the exit points of the city of Klos (point 2) and at the site of irrigation water by the suction pumps in Zenisht (point 4), the water quality parameters were relatively worse, mainly due to the effects of discharging urban wastewater from the city of Klos and the city of Burrel, however, within the permissible norms for agricultural use. The average values of water quality parameters were: average temperature 11°C - 16.2°C, pH 8.295-8.54, turbidity 1.77 NTU - 3.2 NTU, alkalinity 129.1 mg/L CaCO3 - 151.2 mg/L

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF INFORMATION CONSTRUCTION IN KAMEZ MUNICIPALITY. Student: Supervisor:

Anxhela Rapaj Dr. Petrit HARASANI

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of informal settlementon the environment. The informal case studyof Kamza Municipality was investigated. The results obtained in this study have helped me draw general conclusions about the impact that informality brings to the environment and beyond. This study took into account the identification of a research problem that consists of legalizing informal areas prior to their integration and planning, immediately converting them into financial costs for the municipality when these areas will be integrated into the rest of the city. The integration and urbanization of informal areas is undoubtedly one of the most tangible issues seen from a social, economic, urban and environmental point of view with undoubted effects on the entire sustainable development of the country. The lack of spatial plans and the non-implementation of legal measures being considered as the major obstacle to sustainable urban development. Quantitative and qualitative methods, an extensive literature, field visits and conclusions drawn from the processing of this information were used for the development of the

study. The focus has been on identifying and assessing environmental impacts as a result of the construction of illegal buildings and without urban planning in order to provide solutions to minimize adverse environmental effects in the area. In order to identify the environmental impacts of the informality phenomenon, the air quality and water resources of the Kamza area have been monitored and it results that the air pollution values in the Kamza Municipality not only exceed the norms set by the European Community but also exceed the local normswhich have so far been high, and as far as water quality is concerned, samples were taken from several wells where key indicators such as pH, electrical conductivity, chlorides, phosphates, sulfates, nitrite, iron, were monitored, the results of which have were in normal range. Keywords: informal construction, sustainable development, integration, urbanization, informality, environmental pollution.

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ENERGY-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE SOLAR SOURCE ENERGY USED FOR HOTELS SANITARY WATER HEATING IN ALBANIA Student: Supervisor:

Besmir URUĂ&#x2021;I Prof. Assoc. Dr. Elizabeta SUSAJ

The last five years were an extraordinary for renewable energies, with the largest global capacity additions seen to date, in spite of difficulties from the plunge in oil fuel prices. Renewables are now established around the world as mainstream sources of energy. Rapid growth, particularly in the power sector, is driven by several factors, including the improving costcompetiveness of renewable technologies, dedicated policy initiatives, better access to financing, energy security and environmental concerns, growing demand for energy in developing and emerging economies, and the need for access to modern energy. Consequently, new markets for both centralized and distributed renewable energy are emerging in all regions It is a trend from several years, that renewables outpaced fossil fuels for net investment in power capacity additions. In parallel with growth in markets and investments, this period has seen continued advances in renewable energy technologies, ongoing energy efficiency improvements, increased use of smart grid technologies and significant progress in hardware and software to support the integration of renewable energy, as well as progress in energy storage development and commercialization (Renewables 2018 Global Status Report, 2018). Solar energy is one of the main future sources of renewable energies in Albania. Our country is considered a country with a good regime of solar energy and with a high potential of solar radiation with a mean value of 1600 kWh/m2 per year. Solar water heating technology is one of most economical renewable energy sources extensively used worldwide excepting hydro energy. The installed capacity of solar collectors at the end of 2018 was 145 MWth and total area of 207258 m2. Solar collectorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; technology used in Albania is dominated by glazed flat - plate solar collectors with 143.1 MWth of total installed

capacity, compared with only 1.1 MWth of evacuated tube solar collectors. Mean value of surface added during 2016 was 22498 m2 or with an annual rate of around 15.75% (Solar Heat Worldwide, 2018). Seeing this increasing usage and rapid development of solar energy for hot water production in Albania, we decided to perform this study. In this study, we are focused on estimation of solar energy potential in main regions of Albania. Also we have estimated the level of fulfillment of annual needs for producing hot water for hotels sanitary needs by solar energy and consequently the needs for compensation of energy from central grid of electricity or gas plants and estimation of economic parameters. We have used one source of data from ground insolation measured by local existing meteorological net (AKBN, AgjensiaKombĂŤtare e BurimeveNatyrore) and solar energy for estimating annual average value of solar energy for every region taken in consideration. For a certain capacity of solar collectors, because of an uneven daily, monthly or yearly distribution of solar energy during the year, solar energy can result in certain periods insufficient to cover daily consumption, making it necessary to use an alternative source of energy to compensate the insufficient solar energy. In case of Albania, the alternative sources of energy is the electrical energy from central grid or gas plants. This part of study we have estimated amount and added cost of electrical energy or gas needed to assure e normal daily supply of hot water through the year and the national annual income if all hotels in Albania install those systems. Keywords: Flat plate solar collector, solar insolation, electrical energy compensation, cost of energy compensated, cost of hot water, regional cost distribution.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WOOD PROCESSING SUBJECTS CASE STUDY SUBJECT “DAFINOR” SHKODER Student: Supervisor:

Bruno ARA Prof. Assoc. Dr. Elizabeta Susaj

The wood processing industry in the city of Shkodra develops slowly, mainly in the production of wood and furniture panels. The raw material for the production of panels is imported mainly from Montenegro, since Albania has forbidden the use of forests in the country. Wood processing industry in Shkodra, beyond social economic benefits, where there are employed about 300 people, also has negative impacts on environmental components. The study was conducted during the period October 2018 - June 2019, where the environmental impact of wood processing subjects was evaluated, taking into consideration as a case study the subject Dafinor, Shkodër. The main negative environmental impacts of the wood processing industry, resulting from this study, were the air pollution and the reduction of the air quality, the noise emission in the environment, the waste generation, and the surface water pollution (the last one at low levels). Solid waste generation from these subjects was about 5 tons per month, which are destined for final disposal at the landfill. The release of polluting elements in the air remains very problematic, because these subjects are in the interior of urban areas, being closed to

the citizens. The noise emission in the environment is considerably disturbing at environments where noise reaches the average value of 60.5 dB. Control and monitoring by relevant institutions is not carried out periodically and there is a lack of continuous monitoring protocol of these entities. The conditions in environmental permits and their implementation are incomplete and in the environmental permits are not clearly defined the conditions that the subject should meet, which comes because of the lack of knowledge of the wood processing technologies. In this context, it is recommended to implement some specific measures, mainly in the setting of functional filters for the capture of dust and polluting gases, garments of units that emit high noise levels with noisy devices, integrated waste treatment and management. Keywords: Dafinor, environmental impact, environmental permit, Shkodra, wood processing.

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WATER QUALITY OF THE DEVOLLI – OSUM – SEMAN RIVERS AND AGRICULTURAL WATER OF THE THANA RESERVOIR Student: Supervisor:

Denisa Shehu Prof.Dr.SherifLushaj

Rivers Seman, Devoll and Osum constitute a water complex with common environmentalimpacts, but expressed in uneven intensities due to geographic extent, geomorphological,hydrological and hydrostructural composition of their bedding. The geological, morphologicaland earth-shaping changes where they are passing through are associated with changes in waterquality and pollution levels from various substances. The study was conducted during the period from November 2018 to May 2019 with the aim of analysing water quality indicators, assessingpollution from chemical substances and providing recommendations for improving the situationand preserving the environment along the beds of these rivers and the Thana’s Reservoir thatis the largest reservoir in the country. The most important water quality indicators, such as pH, electrical conductivity, dry residue, turbidity, suspended metals, carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, phosphates, sulphates and water hardness, have been monitored in samples taken downstream of Devoll (in Kozarë, Tomorricë), in the lower course of Osumi (Poshnje, Berat) and in the Seman River (at the merging point and at Mbrostar Bridge). The results show that between the river water samples Devoll, Osum and Seman there are changes for all analysed indicators.

The Devoll River at its point of attachment presents a lower pH than other rivers (7.8) and a higher strength of 128mg / L, and because of the higher values of Ca2 + calcium ions which have a value of 41.6 mg / L and magnesium ions worth 5.8 mg / L. No significant changes are noted for the May-May months in Thanes Reservoir. Parameters such as pH and turbidity have almost the same values ranging from 8.03 to 8.15, while turbidity ranges from 1.05 NTU to 0.980 NTU. A slight change is observed in the chlorides and conductivity where they differ from 114.2 mg / L to 108.3mg / L for chlorides and conductivity from 0.784Ms / cm to 0.812 Ms / cm. The values of Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42- and total hardness represent negligible variations. Thana Reservoir waters show a significant fluctuation of these values, with the largest difference being observed in chlorides with a fluctuation of 114.2 mg / L to 58.7mg / L. Significant changes also present turbidity values ranging from 1.05 NTU to 0.42 NTU. There was recommended that the local and central authorities must take measures to prevent untreated wastewater discharges, especially for the water that is being used for irrigation of the farm crops that serve as food for humans and farm animals. Key words:chemical analysis, environmental impacts, river, water quality.

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DOMOSDOSHMËRIA PËR KRIJIMIN E NJË STACIONI PASTRIMI TË UJRAVE TË NDOTURA NË ZONËN E LINIT DHE MASAT ALTERNATIVE Student: Supervisor:

Dorjan Sulke Prof.Dr. Gjergji Ikonomi

Wastewater and untreated wastewater that is let free in the environment, increases the environmental pollution and is a source of disease. Their direct discharge into rivers, lakes or seas causes surface water contamination with non-soluble organic substances, heavy metals, phosphates, nitrates and ammonia. All these pollutants damage flora and fauna and promote eutrophication of the host aquatic environment. Also the spillage or use of these waters for irrigation on agricultural lands damages the cultivated vessel and causes the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. If these waters penetrate deeply, they also contaminate the groundwater. As these waters are found on the surface of the earth, as temperatures rise they evaporate and cause air pollution with unpleasant odors. Lini is a village lying northeast of Pogradec. It is located on the edge of Ohrid Lake and has a population of 1000 people. The geographical position enables the inhabitants of this area to get more fishing as there are different fish species. The ruins at the bottom of the town testify to the existence of the Lin Fortress which is covered with water due to the movement of the land. According to geological studies, Lini is part of the area rich in Iron

and Nickel minerals. In the Lin area we are dealing with point-source pollution. These are localized contaminants, accumulated in a treatment plant to be treated. The treatment process is possibleonly for this kind of pollution. This study provides general information about wastewater treatment and biological treatment and aims to present a complete project for the realization of a new treatment plant in the municipality of Lin. This diploma thesis aims at the detailed study of the function of biochemical wastewater treatment techniques as a result of human activity with a negative impact on all environmental components. The objective of this study is not simply the theoretical study of biological treatment, but is also a practical concretization of this type of treatment, taking into consideration the contaminated water treatment plant. Other biological methods that are used to treat urban wastewater have also been analyzed. This study also provides some alternative measures to purify the wastewater discharged into the lake. Keywords: Lin, treatment plant, pollution, biological treatment, contaminated water.

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ANALYSIS OF SOME MARINE FUNDS: SPECIAL CASE STORAGE FROM DURRES PORT Student: Supervisor:

Enxhi GJURA Prof. Dr Gjergj IKONOMI

The purpose of the study is to estimate levels for marine pollutants in water samples taken near the Durres Sea Port. Water samples were taken for analysis during March to April 2019. The samples were transported and stored in a teflon bottle at -40°C. The water bays were selected at several stations around the Durres Sea Port to be as representative. This paper presents the data of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aliphatic hydrocarbons (HK) and volatile hydrocarbons of the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) groups in the Adriatic Sea water. Sampling ranges are selected on a geographical stretch from Porto-Romano, Durres City Port, beach area to Kavaja Rock (area between Durres and Kavaja districts). The hydrocarbon data of the Adriatic Sea are derived from flammable gas chromatographic (GC / FID) gas chromatography, suitable for their analysis. This technique is widely used for the analysis of hydrocarbons in environmental samples (air, groundwater) and in samples of other natures. The average PAH level for the Porto-Romano station was 1.173 ng/g. The highest level was for the new Port station with 1.44 ng/g while the lowest level for station 2 with 0.95 ng/g The average level of PAHs for the water samples in the Port of Durres was 1.834 ng/g. This was the highest level of PAHs in the

water samples taken in this study. The average level of PAHs for water samples taken at the beach area in the city of Durres was 1,114 ng/g. Samples with higher levels were Volga 1 and Cab. Pollution profile is almost the same. The average level of C10-C32 aliphatic hydrocarbons for the Porto-Romano station was 0.664 ng/g. The highest level was for the New Port station with 1.331 ng/g while the lowest level for station 2 with 0.26 ng/g. Total for aliphatic hydrocarbons C10-C32 for water samples taken in the area of the Beach for the City of Durres was 0.041 ng/g. The minimum was for “ShkembiiKavajes” 3 with 0.015 while the maximum for PistaIliria sample with 0.075 ng/g. The average BTEX level for the Port station was 0.254 ng / g. The minimum level was 0.136 ng/g while the maximum level was 0.617 ng / g dry water. It is still benzene found at highest levels compared to MTBE, Toluen and Xilen. This is due to the impact of shipping on this area. Volatile benzene, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) concentrations for the Port of Durres are smaller than those reported in other similar works. Key words:BTEX,Durres Port,gas chromatography techniques, marine pollutants, PAH

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ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION OF THE BOVILLA RESERVOIR AND THE IMPACT OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY Student: Supervisor:

Jetmir AXHAMI Prof. Dr. Gjergj IKONOMI

The Bovilla Lake extend in the north-eastern part of the city of Tirana in the Central Mountain Province, located between the two main mountain ranges. To the west is conifned by the mountains of Gurt and Brari, while in the southeast of Dajti mountain. On the east side is bordered by the mountains of Xibr and Kotit, and in the south-east with Mount of Gropa. The lake surface is 4.6 km and with a depth of about 18-50m. Knowing the location, the relay is hilly-mountainous, with rugged terrain that forms the valley with strange diversion sites, where there are present different types of land, such as the brown, the brown and the woods. These characteristics form areas with rich vegetation and habitats for the fauna of the area. The vegetation around the basin consists of four phyto-climatic zones: the Mediterranean forests and shrubs, the “Dushk” area, the “Ahut” area and the Mountain pasture zone. Bovilla is included in two sub-climatic zones such as: Mediterranean Hillside from 500-600m altitude and Mediterranean Pre-Mountains at altitudes above 600m. The herbaceous vegetation is spread in all bare spaces and extends to the pasture area at altitudes above 1000m above sea level. The basin is called areservoir, because it is the 70% water source of the city of Tirana, this through the construction of the Water Supply in this pond. The

reservoir is formed by the Tërkuza River of a 81m height at the mouth of Zall Herr. Over the years, in the pond and in the Water Supply, water quality problems have been encountered, due to the pollution of various parts of the basin caused mainly by the inhabitants of the basin areas and erosion. For this reason, this study was carried investigating water samples, at two different points in the Boville Water Treatment Facility, one at the entrance of untreated water directly from the reservoir, and the other water sample in the outlet after treatment processes. The comparison of the results took place between the initial water status and the final water (dwelling water). It was investigated also how the treatment process affected the plant. Finally, conclusions and recommendations will be provided to avoid contamination in the reservoir so that water quality is high and there is no concentration of microbes. Keywords: Lake, environment, impact, reservoir, pollution, health, Boville reservoir.

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IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN PARK OF FARKA, FARKA ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT, MUNICIPALITY OF TIRANA Student: Supervisor:

Joan MEMA Prof. Assoc. Dr. Elizabeta SUSAJ

The recreational park of Farka lies in the south and southwest of the city of Tirana and occupies an area of 225 hectares. The most important part of this park is the Farka artificial lake, with a stretch of 75 ha of water surface, built in the 1980s. This lake represents one of the largest artificial lakes in Albania that is used for irrigation of agricultural lands around it until the end of the 1990s. The promenade lies on the eastern side of the lake with a length of 760 meters, only 9.6 km from the center of Tirana and only 1.8 km from the Grand Ring. The study was conducted during the period November 2018 - June 2019. In addition to the importance of recreational parks, a number of negative impacts on the environment are noted in the park area and in the area around it. Uncontrolled human intervention and natural factors have directly affected the damage to the ecological environment of the lake and the surrounding area, leading to landslide damage, biodiversity damage, water resources shortage and lake pollution, thus causing environmental degradation irreversible. The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the environmental impacts of the Farka Recreation Park, focusing particularly around FarkaLake, and recommending remedial rehabilitation measures to minimize these negative environmental impacts. The study was conducted during the period October 2018May 2019. During this study it was possible to identify the environmental problems of FarkaLake, which are problems with erosion, wastewater discharge into the lake, mismanagement of urban waste, change of land

use form, and problem with eutrophication of water. During this study, Farka Lake water quality assessment was possible in two periods - February 13 and May 15, 2019, at two monitoring points. Water samples were taken according to the analytical methods described in the relevant literature for groundwater analysis. (Mg/l), free chlorine content (Cl-) content of magnesium content (Mg2+) content of calcium (Ca2+), total hardness, DO, BOD, alkaline and solid matter (TSS). Water samples were subjected to analysis of 12 main physical-chemical parameters of running surface water such as pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, NH4, free chlorine content (Cl-) magnesium content (Mg2+) calcium content (Ca2+) , Total hardness, DO, BOD, Alkalinity and Solids (TSS). From the whole study of these environmental problems, we concluded that this situation will continue, we will have an inadequate environment for the inhabitants and the purpose for which the lake was built. Therefore, there is an urgent need to alleviate the negative phenomena of environmental degradation of the lake, as well as to take interventions of long-term measures for the protection and rehabilitation of the park and the lake. This recreational park needs greater care by the central and local authorities for its sustainable development. Key words: biodiversity, environment, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), lake, landscape, pollution, sustainable development.

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STUDY OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACT STUDY OF NEGATIVE IMPACTS FROM IRRIGATION AND DRINKING SYSTEMS IN GOSĂ&#x2039; VILLAGE,RROGOZHINĂ&#x2039;S. Student: Supervisor:

Junior D. Mullai Prof.Dr. Gjergj Ikonomi

Rrogozhina Municipality lies in the middle of Albania with regard to the main infrastructure axes in the region. Climate and geological characteristics stimulate the economy ofRrogozhina municipality where the main economic sector is agriculture. Most of the area is irrigated by superficial methods, a big part of it is supplied by the main irrigation channel, while a small part by some modest reservoirs located in the area. Areas that are close to the coast, take water from theShkumbiniRiver. But what is the impact on the environment this network causes? This study aimed to give answers to all the problems above and will be focused on the negative impact of irrigation and drainage system in the district of Rrogozhina, Gosa village; it also aimed to identify the level of its impact on the actual situation of the area, in order to structure further measures for the enhancement of it in contemporary level. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, the following objectives must be met:

- Study of the current state of drainage and irrigation systems and the negative impact on the area, throughout visiting places, photos, local institutions contacts and residents of the region meetings. - Study of the area by means of maps provided by ASIG - Data study provided by INSTAT - Submitting of the proposals for ameliorating the impact this system already has - Submitting of the measurements recommended for further improvement of irrigation and Drainage system After the implementation of the information collection phase, it was noted that the irrigation system was outdated and brought a lot of water resources loss, while the drainage system was not functional and the main cause of the negative impacts in the area, so the irrigation system and drainage system it is necessary to get improved for the rehabilitation of the area

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ALTERNATIVES OF THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHËNGJERGJI AREA Student: Supervisor:

Kirsti SHUTINA Dr. Petrit HARASANI

Shengjergji represents the most mountainous area of Tirana Municipality. The center of Shëngjergj village is about 700 m above sea level (equal to the average altitude of the Albanian territory), where the lowest point, 400 m, is located on the Erzen river bed, and the highest point, 1846.5 m in Senoi i Madh. Shëngjergji is characterized by a numerous mountain tourism resources. Sustainable tourism is at its beginnings, but it represents the most important perspective of the sustainable economic development. The study was carried out during the period October 2018-June 2019. The purpose of the study was “Identifying and analyzing the resources of the Shëngjergji area as an alternative to the development of mountain tourism, as well as residents’ opinion regarding the benefits that this type of tourism will bring to the improvement of the welfare of the area”. The methodology used for carrying out the study was based on quantitative and qualitative methods. The study analyzed the geographic position of the area, the urban development, the economical resources, the natural resources and their management, as well as the natural and cultural assets. Shengjergji is an area with a very high biodiversity, with several characteristic and rare flora and fauna, which serve as a base for mountain tourism. Shengjergji is part of the project of 100 tourist villages, but with

difficult infrastructure conditions. As the area has a mountainous terrain and is far from the city of Tirana, local residents are engaged in farming and livestock farming. In the area there are several small cotteges that have been analyzed during this study. The road infrastructure, urban waste management, drinking water supply network and wastewater sewerage pipeline are in poor condition, which hinder the development of tourism in Shengjergj. In order to have information on the local residents’ knowledge about tourism development in their area, a questionnaire with 21 questions was compiled and completed, while, to obtain information on the reasons for the visits of domestic and foreign tourists, it was drafted and completed a questionnaire with 22 questions. A total of 200 people were interviewed, of which 100 local residents and 100 local and foreign tourists. From the elaboration of the results of the questionnaires, it was concluded that the area of Shengjergj has great potential for rural and mountain tourism development, yet unused. In order to help better the local and foreign tourists, the idea of natural trails and other forms of mountain tourism has been laid. Key words:Shëngjergj, sustainabledevelopment, trails, tourism, questionnaire

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF AN URBAN PROJECT. A CASE STUDY: AKERNI AIRPORT PROJECT, ALBANIA Student: Supervisor:

Nild Malindi Dr.Taulant BINO

The main objective of this study was to assess the level of environmental and social risk of Akernia Airport project. The thesis studied the project of Akernia Airport, Vlora; particularly the Narta WaterGround Landscape and the environmental and social components of the ecosystems where the airport is planned to be located. More specifically, the paper addressed: (1) the practical application of an accepted theoretical instrument for the environmental and social risk assessment of a project, (2) the environmental and social risk assessment of the construction of an airport in the Akernia area, Vlora, and specifically in the Narta Lagoon, (3) draft recommendations for addressing environmental and social risks as a result of the construction of an airport in the Akernia area. The relevance of this study is multidimensional: (1) it tests the practical utility of the theoretical “best approach” models of project risk (environmental and social) assessment to a physical and real environment, (treats a case study which is very current in Albania and its conclusions (2) provides input for the Albanian government’s decision on a coherent project study phase, (3) performs a cost-benefit analysis with qualitative data by comparing the economic benefits of building an airport against the potential risk of

damaging the salient ecosystems such as the Narta Lagoon (23.7 km from Akernia). Qualitative and quantitative data generated by the integration of two data collection and analysis instruments were used in this paper: (1) Questionnaire according to the SESP Model (Social and Environmental Scanning Procedure) generated by UNDP for quantitative and qualitative data and (2) thematic analysis method for qualitative data processing. This study included 30 individuals proportionally categorized as: field professionals (environmental experts), community members, members of the administrative unit. The paper concludes that the most present risk in the Akernia Airport project is the risk that breaks environmental sustainability but does not present risks in terms of gender equality. In addition, the project as a whole is categorized as a medium risk project with a tendency for high risk. Further, the paper concludes on the most important risks (probability and impact) in terms of environmental sustainability as well as on the environmental and social risks specifically associated with the Akernia Airport Project. The recommendations refer to the SESP model manual. Keywords:Aeroport, Akerni, Environmental, Social Risk, SESP model.

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MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONING OF BUSHATI LANDFILL Student: Supervisor:

Sara Kalaja Prof.Asoc.Dr. Elizabeta SUSAJ

Waste management in Albania has been and continues to be one of the hotspots with a relatively large impact on the environment. Since 1994, the waste collection, transportation and other processes related to waste management have been delegated to local authorities, making them fully responsible for their management. Waste management methods vary from one area to another. Sanitary landfills are part of environmental protection. Landfill waste disposal involves landfilling and the care after landfill closure for 30 years, a practice that is still being used in many countries around the world, especially in developing countries. In the Bushati Landfill are deposited the solid urban waste of all the administrative units of the Municipality of Shkodra, the Municipality of Lezha, and of VauiDejĂŤs, as well as the Municipalities of LaĂ§ and Puka. In addition to the importance of waste management and disposal, the functioning of the Bushati Landfill is associated with significant environmental impacts, such as air pollution, soil contamination, groundwater contamination and biodiversity exploitation. The purpose of this study was to monitor and assess the environmental impact of the Bushat Landfill through the analysis of the current situation and to make recommendations for improving the environmental situation. Landfill and sanitary water quality indicators, indoor air quality indicators, in-landfill, and 150 m, and 250 m distance air quality indicators, were monitored and assessed. Water samples were analyzed for the main physicalchemical parameters such as temperature, acidity (pH), dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity (salinity), ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH4), chlorine content,

magnesium content, calcium content, total hardness as well as solid matter in suspension (TSS). For bacterial and microbiological indicators, water samples were analyzed parameters such as E. coli and Enterococcus fecal, while for microbiological indicators of air quality, the analysis was done for Staphylococcus aureus and total coliforms. The air quality parameters are temperature (oC), CO2 content (ppm), atmospheric pressure (hPa), and air humidity (%). In the analyzed samples it was noticed that the pH varies from 7.21 to 7.05, which is neutral and within the allowed EU limit values. What is noticeable is that the alkalinity for both samples was the same (556.5 mg/l), but there were shown significant differences for the calcium and magnesium cation values. The high concentrations of Ca2+ions (219 mg/l) and Mg2+ (50.8 mg/L) make it possible that the total hardness is higher (760 mg/l). There was a noticed a great difference of values of the total water hardness, which varied from 192 mg/l for sample 1 (07 March 2019) to 625 mg/l (for sample 2 (May 31, 2019), which comes due to high concentrations of magnesium and calcium cation values, which make possible for the landfill waters to pass from moderately strong waters to very strong waters. It is recommended to continuously monitor the water quality and landfill air quality indicators, take pre-treatment measures for landfill waters and provide rapid urban waste coverage. Key words: air pollution, Bushat, Environmental Impact Assessment, indicator, landfill, waste management, monitoring, water pollution.

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WATER AND EROSION QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON THE WATER OF ERZEN RIVER Student: Supervisor:

Shajnela ALLKA Dr. Enkelejda KUCAJ

Flood and erosion of rivers plays a major role in socioeconomic changes. The area selected for testing field innovation is in “Ndroq”, Tirana Administrative Unit. This area (near Villa Toskana) has faced frequent flooding (most recently in 2016, the “Natural” farm where there have been significant economic and environmental damage). The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of the Erzen river waters and the current state of flooding and erosion of the Erzen River The Erzeni River represents one of the important rivers that traverse the central part of the country. Anti-erosion measures are more apparent in residential areas where residents have set up special land protection barriers built with fences or stones; agronomic practices (soil cultivation and plant cultivation) suitable for mitigating rainfall erosion etc. The dominant vegetation in the area is varied, among which we can mention the willow (Salix alba L), poplar (Poplar), reed (Phragmitesaustralis), etc. From field measurements, the surface S (m2) of the river at this point calculated as the product of the river length and the average depth resulted 42.78 m2. The data obtained showed that the amount of discharge of the Erzen River is calculated from the product of the

crossed zone and the velocity of the water movement resulted 39,357 m3 / sec. It has also been possible to evaluate the physical and chemical parameters of Erzen river waters, TDS and TSS, soil granulometry assessment, site placement and survey of the study area. Flooding of river water temperature usually depends on season, geographic position, sampling time, and discharge water temperature in the river. Values range from 17°C to 16.5 °C in Station 2nd of May 2019. Sulphates represent a concern for aquatic bodies in those that provoke anaerobic phenomena during their transformation into sulfate by consuming water oxygen. The average value of TSS (5.2 mg/L) in the Erzen River results below the maximum standard limit of 25 mg/L. Based on these results, the moisture content of 10.69% of the sample is moderate in humid conditions and has shown no plasticity, which assumes that the earthen particles of the whole sample would be in low percentage. From the Fourner Index and Bagnouls-Gaussen Index (BGI) estimates, the current risk of soil erosion is high in the Ndroq area. Key words: erosion, ErzenRiver, environmental impacts, Fourner Index, physical-chemical parameters, TDS

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FUEL ACTIVITY IN ALBANIA: CASE STUDY: “MARE OIL”, PREZË. Student: Supervisor:

Zana ELEZI Dr. Petrit HARASANI

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of fuels on the environment. Concrete study case has been fueled by “Mare Oil” Prezë. The results obtained in this study have helped me to come up with general conclusions about the impact that fuels have on the surrounding environment and beyond. The focus of the study was: Identification and assessment of environmental impacts as a result of the construction of the “Mare Oil” fuel and the recommendation of alternatives in order to minimize the negative environmental effects in the area. The manufacturing, processing and trading industry of oil and its by-products is a serious concern of the population in Albania, due to their mismanagement and miss-distribution in the entire territory of the country. A serious problem is the high content of sulphur and lead. At present, the oil and hydrocarbons traded in Albania have a high percentage of sulphur and water. In the European capitals, but not only, the fuel trade points develop their activity on the outskirts of the city, away from residential areas, while in Tirana for years these businesses are located at the foot of the palaces, between the neighbourhoods and in some cases near the schools . For years, local government has allowed the construction of fuels unworthy, ignoring environmental and health hazards for the city of citizens (Health, 2013). The first risk in the fuel trade points is the risk of fire, as at the time of filling the car’s tank, the emissions of hydrocarbon vapours are mainly containing benzene, xylene, toluene, ethyl benzene, etc. which, with temperature rise the spark of the environment causes the spark to ignite. It is therefore not permissible for fuel stations to work or to supply fuel to a heated vehicle, as the engine can spark into the electric part of the car, should not be allowed to smoke even in some developed countries

at fuel stations no mobile phone is allowed.The risk of damage from an accidental fire coming from the gas stations near residential areas is much greater than in areas outside the city. The harmful impacts on humans and animals close to the fuels areas are the health ones. The impact on the health of fuel workers, as well as the population in the surrounding area, is related to air emissions of hydrocarbon vapours, which evaporate more in the summer than in winter. The impact of HC vapour is particularly great in the health of people who may have nearby homes. Here the main compounds are related to the composition of fuels and mainly benzene, is quite dangerous to health, it is carcinogenic. In all cases, when a gas station is to be built, the environmental impact assessment report and technical safety assessment report for fuel (Health, 2013) should be taken into account. The development of the firm’s activity is accompanied by releases to the surrounding environment.During the activity of the firm, emissions are generated that affect the three main environmental elements: air emissions, water discharges and solid waste.Air emissions are mainly represented by the smell of gas and car gases during the work process and the generator emissions. Discharges in the water are caused by the discharge of the washing water. Waters contain polluting elements such as detergents, suspensions, and impurities.The premises of the anonymous company “Mare Oil” are a new investment. The location of the premises, the available area, and the investments made, give the impression that the Benefit ratio is positive. Key words:environment, fuel, hydrocarbons, oil, plant, pollution.

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