Fifteen civil society projects are being implemented across the municipalities of Berat, Divjakë, Kavajë, Lezhë, Mirditë, Shkodër and Vlorë under the First Public Call of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). With a combined value of approximately ALL 29.6 million, the initiatives respond to locally identified priorities including youth participation, environmental protection, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, digital education, local economic development and disaster preparedness. Implemented in partnership with local governments, the projects strengthen cooperation between municipalities and civil society while delivering tangible benefits for local communities.

Berat

Lapardha Multifunctional Youth Centre: Empowering Young People for Community Engagement

Grant recipient organization: New BridgesBudget: ALL 2,500,000

Duration: 8 months

The project aims to strengthen youth and community engagement in the Administrative Unit of Otllak by revitalizing and operationalizing the Lapardha Multifunctional Youth Centre. Through infrastructure support, training, leadership activities and community initiatives, the project promotes social inclusion, healthier lifestyles and active participation of young people, parents, teachers and local stakeholders.

Revitalizing the Berat Green Market

Grant recipient organization: The Youth of Ura

Budget: ALL 2,000,000

Duration: 8 months

The project aims to establish an organized, standardized public market for local agricultural products in Berat Municipality. The initiative supports local farmers and agri-food businesses while promoting sustainable consumption, local economic development and greater visibility for local products through market infrastructure, regulations and promotional activities.

Divjakë

Youth Empowerment and Promotion of Cultural Heritage in Divjakë – Our Divjaka!

Grant recipient organization: Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA)

Budget: ALL 1,501,800

Duration: 8 months

The project empowers young people as ambassadors of local culture, tourism and environmental protection through educational activities, cultural initiatives, digital promotion, environmental campaigns and the creation of the digital platform 'Our Divjaka!'. The initiative promotes sustainable tourism, local identity and youth participation in local development.

From Trash to Value

Grant recipient organization: Vento di Terra

Budget: ALL 2,415,500

Duration: 9 months

The project aims to improve green waste management and environmental protection in the Municipality of Divjakë through composting systems, technical trainings, awareness campaigns and community engagement activities. The initiative contributes to reducing landfill waste, supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

Kavajë

Citizen Labs for Active Youth Engagement in Kavaja

Grant recipient organization: Education for Change Center

Budget: ALL 1,800,000

Duration: 10 months

The project strengthens youth participation, civic engagement and local democracy through Citizen Labs, leadership trainings, mentoring and youth-led community initiatives. Young people will design and implement civic actions addressing local challenges and promoting active citizenship and social inclusion.

Strengthening Waste Management through Local Planning and Regulation in Kavajë

Grant recipient organization: Foundation Milieukontakt Albania

Budget: ALL 2,200,000

Duration: 10 months

The project supports the drafting of an Integrated Waste Management Plan and local regulations for Kavajë Municipality while promoting environmental awareness, citizen participation and institutional capacity-building. The initiative aims to improve waste management services and encourage sustainable territorial management practices.

Lezhë

Lezha Beyond the Coast: Youth Exploring Local Heritage

Grant recipient organization: Ambassadors of Peace Association

Budget: ALL 2,245,000

Duration: 10 months

The project promotes cultural heritage and alternative tourism itineraries beyond coastal tourism through youth engagement, digital storytelling, local partnerships and cooperation with tourism operators and local businesses. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable tourism and create economic opportunities for rural communities.

Digital Skills – Youth Innovation

Grant recipient organization: Opportunity Balance and Overcoming (OB&O)

Budget: ALL 2,238,000

Duration: 8 months

The project strengthens digital education through the establishment of a modern digital classroom and practical ICT training for students and teachers. By improving digital competencies and inter-school cooperation, the initiative promotes equal access to quality digital education and prepares young people for the digital economy.

Adopt-a-Drain: Community Flood Prevention Program in Lezha

Grant recipient organization: Environmental and Territorial Management Institute

Budget: ALL 1,500,000

Duration: 8 months

The project strengthens flood prevention and environmental emergency preparedness through community monitoring of drainage channels, awareness campaigns, clean-up activities, and institutional cooperation. The initiative promotes civic participation and improved management of urban drainage systems in flood-prone areas.

Mirditë

Explore Mirdita!

Grant recipient organization: KREO Association

Budget: ALL 2,499,000

Duration: 10 months

The project supports sustainable tourism development in Mirdita through strategic tourism planning, mapping of tourism assets, promotion of cultural heritage and engagement of local communities and youth. The initiative aims to strengthen local tourism capacities and improve coordination among local actors.
Youth for Governance and Youth Strategy 2026–2030

Grant recipient organization: Opportunity Balance and Overcoming (OB&O)

Budget: ALL 1,630,500

Duration: 8 months

The project empowers young people through trainings, workshops, study visits and participation in the development of the Local Youth Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Local Youth Council regulations. The initiative promotes active citizenship, youth participation and dialogue between youth and local institutions.

Shkodër

Green Tourism and Conservation Education

Grant recipient organization: Association of Users of Natural Resources 'Cukali'

Budget: ALL 1,500,000

Duration: 6 months

The project promotes environmental education, green tourism and conservation practices through field-based learning, educational activities and community engagement initiatives involving schools, students and local stakeholders. The initiative supports sustainable tourism and environmental awareness in Shkodër Municipality.

From Idea to Action: Youth for the Community

Grant recipient organization: Hope for the Future

Budget: ALL 1,483,300

Duration: 7 months

The project strengthens civic participation, social innovation and youth engagement in rural communities through trainings, mentoring, community initiatives, local storytelling and awareness activities related to European values, local democracy and sustainable development.

What You Sow Today, You Will Receive Tomorrow

Grant recipient organization: The Door

Budget: ALL 1,585,000

Duration: 7 months

The project promotes youth civic participation, environmental education, green tourism and local storytelling among rural communities in Shkodër Municipality. Through outdoor activities, educational initiatives and community engagement, the project supports sustainable local development and social inclusion.

Vlorë

Local Youth Council and Youth in Action for the Local Plan Vlorë

Grant recipient organization: Shoqata Internacionale për Solidaritet in partnership with Shoqata Qendra Rinore e Vlorës

Budget: ALL 2,499,652

Duration: 10 months

The project aims to strengthen the role of young people in local governance and decision-making processes in the Municipality of Vlorë. The initiative will directly engage members of the Local Youth Council and students from the high schools 'Jani Minga' and 'Halim Xhelo' through trainings, consultations, youth-led initiatives and institutional dialogue. By combining capacity-building, civic participation and youth action mechanisms, the project aims to strengthen youth representation in local policies, support the preparation of the Local Strategic Plan for Youth 2026–2031 and promote more active and transparent youth involvement in local democracy and community development.

About ReLOaD3

ReLOaD3 is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The programme promotes transparent public funding for civil society organizations and strengthens partnerships between local governments and civil society to support inclusive and sustainable local development.