Environment and Security Initiative SUMMARY REPORT joint event National workshop addressing climate security risks in Albania and Expert meeting and discussion of the publication study on ecological networks of the mountainous region of Dinaric Arc and adaptation measures survey November 20, 2014. Venue: Tirana International Hotel. Skanderbeg Square 8 Tirana, Albania. The access and use of natural resources can trigger conflict between people within states and across sub-regions. However, natural resources can also provide a bridge for conflict prevention and peace building. At times, these are the only entry points for cooperation. The ENVSEC initiative (www.envsec.org) was created more than a decade ago (2003), aiming to address the increasing risk of conflicts such as environmental degradation, inequitable access to natural resources and transboundary movement of hazardous material, contributing to the reduction of cross border risks, fostering empowerment of civil society and supporting adaptation to climate change. In the SEE region previous ENVSEC projects on climate change have identified further needs of trainings on climate change adaptation, because of the lack of awareness on potential future impacts of climate change in the region, lack of planning for more severe extreme events, and a significant demand on decision-making and planning tools for adaptation. Within the current ENVSEC project portfolio (2012-2015), the REC is responsible for two of the activities; to build human and institutional capacities for vulnerability assessments and impact on climate change and adaptation, as well as reducing ecosystem services loss from climate change effects in the Dinaric Arc Region, through cooperation and dialogue. The Austrian Development Agency, the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) supports both activities within ENVSEC project portfolio (2012-2015). Because of these knowledge gaps and following current ENVSEC activities on climate change, the REC organized a national workshop and expert meeting taking place in Tirana, Albania on November 20, 2014, aiming at building capacity of local and sectoral authorities dealing with impacts of climate change on climate security risks as well as fostering dialogue on ecosystem services and adaptive capacities in the Dinaric Arc Region. The participants of this joint event were more than 25 participants; Director of the Ministry of Environment of Albania and representatives from its Department of Air Climate Change and Chemical Sector, the Austrian Development Cooperation, GIZ, representative from the World Bank- Albania, UNDP, international climate experts from the Environment and Climate Regional Accession Network (ECRAN), local authorities, National Center for Community Services (NCCS), ENVSEC National Focal Point in Albania, representatives from different sectors (energy, agriculture, water, public health, and forestry) NGOs working on climate change mitigation and adaptation, academia and research institutions. The recent flood event in Albania on November 18 2014, mainly affecting territories of Berat, Lezhe, Elbasan, Tirana and Fier Prefectures, causing damages nationally, limited the participation of local authorities who initially planned to come to the event, however, the audience of the event was very diverse. 1
The joint event started with the welcome words from Mr. Jozsef Feiler, Climate Change and Clean Energy Topic Area Leader at the REC, climate change expert at ECRAN, and chair of the event. Mr. Feiler briefly talked about the challenges and security implications of climate change adaptation which should be locally addressed, he also mentioned the US- China climate change agreement announced in November, 2014 and the positive future effects of this type of political commitment to combat climate change. The welcome speech of Ms. Adiana Sokoli, Director of the Ministry of Environment and UNFCCC National Focal Point of Albania focused on the already visible impacts of climate change in sectors such as agriculture, she also referred to some activities Albania has been involved at connected to mitigation (energy efficiency and use of renewable energy) also, Ms. Sokoli mentioned that Albania is planning actions in the framework of the 2015 National Contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction. Ms. Astrid Wein, Head of the ADC in Albania, among other aspects discussed, Mr. Wein referred to ENVSEC actions under the programme Transforming Environmental and Security Risk into Cooperation in the South Eastern European Region, other projects that have been implemented by the REC and financially supported by the ADC, such as the Support for Low-Emission Development in South Eastern Europe (SLED) and the THEMIS Network as well as activities for adaptation planning and building the capacities of public authorities and the support of climate proofing, and mainstreaming adaptation. Session I: National workshop on climate security risks and adaptation After the opening speech, the first session of the joint event started with the presentation of Mr. Robert Bakx, ECRAN international expert, who talked about the EU Adaptation Policy Framework; the Adaptation Strategy and the ECRAN activities in Albania and conclusions of the ECRAN adaptation Seminar. Mr. Bakx also presented data and graphic impacts of climate change, not only in Albania but in other countries in the region (FYR of Macedonia, Republic of Serbia, Turkey, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina). Ms. Laureta Dibra, Head of Air, Climate Change and Chemical Sector at the Ministry of Environment of Albania presented the conditions of climate change policies in the country and the current challenges, highlighting the importance of RENA and ECRAN activities in the region as part of the step towards environmental and climate resilience. Mr. Jakob Doetsch presented the GIZ projects on climate change adaptation in Albania and Western Balkans on the topic of flood risk management, and reflected upon the recent flood events in the country and its effects, and the need for environmental public awareness and the coordination and cooperation among institutions as climate change is a cross-cutting issue as well as how essential is data for the success of project implementation related to flood risk management. An overview of climate change and its relation with security, different approaches to climate security definition by the IPCC AR5, OCSE and practitioners was delivered by Ms. Mariia Khovanskaia, Adaptation Expert at the REC. Ms. Khovanskaia also talked about climate risks in the economic sectors, primary and secondary risks as well as vulnerability of ecosystems and ecosystems services as a security topic. By the end of her presentation, the speaker introduced a working group session and dynamic exercise of identifying hot spots in Albania linked to climate and environmental management. Subsequently, Mr. Xhemal Mato, Executive Director of Grouping Ekolevizja presented a 16 minutes documentary about climate change and its consequences in Albania. This video was produced in 2013 by the Grouping Ekolevizja organization with the support of the World Health Organization. Among the topics underlined in this documentary, health diseases caused by augment of temperatures are 2
well presented, also the effects of inappropriate of urban planning in Tirana, protests concerning environmental issues, which shows that a sector of society is well aware of the environmental problems in the country. The first session of the event was closed with the presentation of Mr. Artan Leskoviku, Head of Energy Efficiency at the National Agency of Natural Resources in Albania, he addressed the challenges of climate change in Albania in the energy sector and hydropower due to droughts. Besides this, Mr. Leskoviku concluded with the options for building climate resilience in the energy sector, for instance, improving hydro-meteorological institutions monitor, forecast, and disseminate information on meteorological and hydro- meteorological conditions, improving energy efficiency by reducing system losses and encouraging and helping end users to manage their demand for power, upgrading emergency contingency plans, exploring adaptation opportunities among other aspects. Session II: discussion on publication Study on ecological networks of the mountainous region of the Dinaric Arc The Second session started with the presentation of Mr. Ferdinando Bego from UNDP Climate Programme, who talked about the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystem and biodiversity, vulnerability and Adaptation. Mr. Bego also discussed the expected outputs of the Third National Communication of Albania to the UNFCCC which will be public in 2015. Among this, information about the GHG Inventory for energy/ transport, agriculture, forestry sectors, land use, urban and industrial waste, for 2005 as baseline and the period 2000-2005-2009. Within this document, also the topic of Adaptation of global models for climate change scenarios and their use in assessment of vulnerability and adaptation to climate changes along the Albania s coastal zone was presented by Mr. Bego (focussed on main sectors, such as agriculture and forestry, water resources, tourism, biodiversity, health, etc.). The adaptation Action Plan will also be an output of this document, which will be in the framework of the integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan. Advance models for the preparation of a Low- Carbon National Development Strategy are also expected, along with capacity building of national authorities and institutions to design and make analysis on GHG inventories as well as increased capacities of NGOs and other stakeholders involved in climate change actions. Regarding the impacts of climate change in the coast, Mr. Bego highlighted intensified coastal erosion, Coastal ecosystem degradation (in particular, sand dunes, lagoons, wetlands and river deltas), Saltwater intrusion in freshwater systems, changes in hydrodynamic regimes, impacts on water trophic conditions, changes in biological communities and further invasion of alien plant and animal species along the coast. Also he showed images of the agriculture land north of Karavasta lagoon invaded by Mediterranean salt meadows due to saltwater intrusion, and talked about the effects of the sea level rise in the Adriatic coastline, which will result in the further loss and degradation of the coastal habitats. Mr. Bego also highlighted the coastal habitats of European conservation importance which will be affected by climate change as well as pointing out actions under the Plan for Adaptation measures. Ms. Csilla Urban, a student from Lund University (MSc. in Human Ecology), presented the results of the study on ecological networks of the mountainous region of the Dinaric Arc, focusing on Albania, she started with an overview of the concept of ecological networks, moving to the legal and institutional framework of the country on conservation, Albanian and international projects on ecological networks. The last presentation on financing adaptation through knowledge and investment was delivered by Ms. Drita Dade, a representative from the World Bank and Senior national resource management specialist, who elaborated on the ways to build resilience and strengthen the capacities of governments to assess vulnerability to climate change impacts as well as prepare adaptation plans. Ms. Dade talked about the World Bank publications on rising temperatures, climate vulnerability assessments and reducing the vulnerability of Albania s agricultural systems, these publications were 3
launched in 2012 and 2013; its key findings were also discussion during the presentation. Ms. Dade also discussed about the need of enhancing adaptation in the South Eastern European Region referring to the recent flood events in Serbia and Albania and why climate knowledge and action are important to avoid costly lock-in and she pointed out the examples where the World Bank is supporting climate and environment. Mr. Feiler and Ms. Khovanskaia closed the meeting with these final remarks also announcing the ENVSEC regional event which will be organised next year. This event was organized in close cooperation with the REC- Country Office (CO) Albania staff, collaborating with their national contacts on the topic of climate change, adaptation and conservation. Moreover, the REC CO-Albania provided logistic and administrative support for the realization of the event, also the REC staff actively participated in the event during discussions on the topic of the event. Plenary discussion and adaptation measures, adaptive capacity survey Plenary discussion/exercise on climate security risks and ecological networks: During the exercise of identification of hot spots in Albania linked to climate and environmental management various participants from UNDP, World Bank, REC-Country Office Albania, Municipality of Tirana, NCCS and OSCE were able to give feedback on the identification of risks in the country. Among the issues highlighted: flood damages in the residential sector caused by inadequate water management, geological risks linked to landside, erosion in almost all the watershed; Albania is one of the countries in Europe with the highest risks of landside, emigration from villages, forest fires, respiratory and health diseases, and the energy security threats due to the lack of water creating tension among civil society. Among other environmental issues, deforestation, industrial and air pollution were topics also highlighted in the exercise. The second session of the event was closed by a brief discussion of participants about the event, reflecting upon the need for adaptation measures and mainstreaming as well as the crucial element to take the message to other type of audiences where not only environmental experts are contributing but also relevant stakeholders and decision makers to build knowledge in a crosssectoral manner. Adaptation measures, adaptive capacity- survey results The questionnaire was filled by 12 participants of the event, 2 public authorities dealing with climate change, 5 participants from NGOs/ IGO, 2 representatives of local authorities, 1 member from the Academia, and 2 other participants from other institutions. Regarding the most significant sectors vulnerable to different impacts of climate change in Albania the most common mentioned (in order of relevance) was water management (9 participants selected it among three sectors), energy (7), and agriculture (5). Other participants also expressed that sectors such as management of urban areas (4) were relevant, following by biodiversity (3), human health (3) and coastal zone management (3). In a minor rate, participants expressed that forestry (2) is vulnerable as well as management of mountainous regions (1), none of the participants stated that tourism is a vulnerable sector. In relation to the main drivers to adapt to the effects of climate change in Albania, the most common which was expressed was EU approximation, planning climate change strategies, carry GHG emission 4
inventories and increase the investment; the majority considered that one important driver is a security threat. Among other drivers mentioned, sea level rise and extreme weather events. In reference to the barriers to integrate adaptation into the decision making process in Albania, the most common cited was lack of financial resources allocated to this topic (adaptation), followed by low awareness about threats of climate change, low level of policy integration, low level of cross sectoral coordination and lack of support to UNFCCC processes. Among others, lack of drafting local regulation to combat climate change. The climate security threats identified as more relevant were: economic damage and risk to coastal infrastructure, energy supply and conflict over diminished resources. The options given in the survey for climate security threats relevant for Albania were the following: a. conflict over diminished resources (7 respondents marked it as relevant) b. economic damage and risk to coastal cities and critical infrastructure (9 respondents marked it as relevant), c. loss of territory (1 respondent marked it) d. environmentally-induced migration (in and outside national territory- 6 respondents marked it as relevant), e. energy supply (7 respondents marked it) and f. pressure on international governance (4 respondents marked it as relevant). Considering the question about whether a Strategy on Adaptation to climate change is establish and being implemented, 6 respondents negatively replied, while 5 respondents affirmed that adaptation is part of the Environmental Strategy. The totally of respondents (12) coincided with the statements soft and hard measures are necessary in Albania to cope with the effects of climate change. The key factors for adaptive capacities missing in Albania identified by respondents were: infrastructure (8) and information, skills and management (7). In relation to the steps towards building adaptive capacity and climate resilience in Albania, the respondents identified mapping and modelling impacts of climate change as well as conducting vulnerability assessments the most important steps, as well as raising awareness and capacities of climate change adaptation in local communities, followed by a cost benefit analysis of adaptation measures implementation. In terms of local and national activities in Albania connected to climate change adaptation awareness raising, the respondents were asked give a value in a scale from 1-5 (5 being the highest value); the average value was 2.5. In reference to the adaptation measures which require further research participants mentioned: - Land use planning, erosion and reforestation - Flood and coastal protection - Climate modeling and vulnerability assessment - Geographical data collection applied to climate - Mapping, modelling and conducting risk assessment Regarding future actions to combat climate change risks in Albania, it was mentioned the following: - Correct planning services in managing public infrastructure works - To increase the number of awareness raising activities, environmental education and capacity building events - Promote the use of climate indicators in Albania - Implement activities related to adaptation in the Environmental Strategy - Combat more effectively deforestation, better enforcement of water regulation and land use - Modernization of meteorological stations The following table illustrates how the respondents classified the adaptation measures in Albania mentioned in the survey. The number in brackets stands for the number of participants classifying the measure in the correspondent level. Adaptation measure 1. Technical flood protection ( raise dikes, enlarge reservoirs, upgrading drainage systems Classification Implemented (7), planned (3), not yet planned but necessary (2) 5
2. Natural retention of flood water(floodplain restoration, Implemented (1), planned (6), not yet change of land us) planned but necessary (5) 3. Restriction of settlements (in risk areas) Implemented (1), planned (1), not yet planned but necessary (9), not relevant (1) 4. Improving insurance schemes against flood damage Implemented (1), planned (7), not yet planned but necessary (3), not relevant (1) 5. Reinforce or heighten existing coastal protection Implemented (4), planned (4), not yet infrastructure planned but necessary (4) 6. Disaster response enhancement (improved reaction in extreme weather situations- warning systems for flood and droughts 7. Improved civil preparedness for protecting health in case of Extreme weather events 8. Monitoring meteorological, maritime and shoreline indicators, geological surveys, assessing beach profiles 9. Appropriate land use planning bearing in mind impacts of Climate change 10. Promoting sustainable agriculture practices ( conserving moisture, improved irrigation, soil erosion prevention measures, integrated pest management, selection of appropriate varieties for cultivation) 11. Increase protected forest area and improved forest fire Warning system 12. Implementing plans or projects for conservation of biodiversity Implemented (3), planned (4), not yet planned but necessary (5) Implemented (2), planned (6), not yet planned but necessary (4) Implemented (3), planned (3), not yet planned but necessary (6) planned (5), not yet planned but necessary (7) Implemented (3), planned (2), not yet planned but necessary (3) Implemented (4), planned (4), not yet planned but necessary (2) Implemented (4), planned (3), not yet planned but necessary (3) Evaluation of the event In order to collect feedback from participants of the event, the REC staff distributed an event evaluation form among the participants, at the beginning of the event and the feedback of 12 participants was collected, based on a qualitative scale and open questions regarding organization and content of the event. The form consisted in eight criteria (see table below) to be classified in five qualitative entries, and for the interpretation of results to each qualitative entry a quantitative value was assigned (Excellent=5, good=4, average=3, bad=2 and 1=unsatisfactory). According to the values shown in the table, overall the event was classified as very good (reaching values above the value good (4) and the majority of the participants expressed that the time management of the event was average, however, almost reaching the value good. Criteria evaluated Results 1. Event programme 4.5 2. Materials for the event 4.2 3. Quality of presenters 4.8 4. Quality of presentations 4.7 5. Presentation methods 4.4 6. Tempo 3.8 7. Event organization 4.3 8. Expectation fulfilled 4.5 In references to the open questions (Items 9, 10, and 11 of the form), these were related to applicability of the information delivered at the event for the career of the individual, usefulness of presentations, remarks and suggestions. 6
ANNEXES 1. ENVSEC project activities D3-D4 under Priority D- Adaptation to the impacts of climate change for reducing security risks in SEE and relevant information about the event 2. Agenda 3. Pictures 4. Signed list of participants 5. Sample of questionnaire filled-in 6. Sample of event evaluation form Annex 1. This Joint event has been organised under the framework of the project: Transforming Environmental and Security Risks into cooperation in the South Eastern European Region (Phase II- Component 1, Priority D). Priority D Adaptation to the impacts of Climate change for Reducing security risks in SEE Activity: D.3.1/4 Organization of (1) national workshop and training for local authorities and discussing potential adaptation measures Activity: D.4.2 Organization of (1) expert meeting to discuss adaptive capacity and ecological networks. Title of the event National workshop addressing climate security risks in Albania and Expert meeting and discussion of the publication study on ecological networks of the mountainous region of Dinaric Arc Date, location and venue Objective Total number of participants and institutions/stakeholders Language of the event November 20, 2014. Tirana Albania. Hotel Tirana International To build capacities of local and sectoral authorities dealing with impacts of climate change on climate security risks as well as fostering dialogue on ecosystem services and adaptive capacities in the Dinaric Arc Region 32 participants. Ministry of Environment of Albania, ENVSEC National Focal Point- Albania, Austrian development Cooperation, ECRAN, World Bank, UNDP, OSCE, Municipality of Tirana, EDEN Center, Urban Research Institute, Ekolevizja, National Center for Community Services, Aarhus Information Center Shkoder, Shkoder Prefecture, GIZ, Association for the preservation of birds and wildlife in Albania, National Agency of Natural Resources, OST - Planifikimi dhe Zhvillimi, The REC- Head Office and Country Office- Albania. English/ Albanian (simultaneous translation) 7
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