Locations
UNDP Albania
Resilience Strengthening in Albania – RESEAL
Summary
RESEAL project supports the efforts of the Government of Albania to improve the disaster risk management (DRM) system in the country. The overall objective of the project is to strengthen, Albania’s DRM system and support country’s efforts in becoming a fully-fledged member of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The project also promotes the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). It is developed considering the Post Disaster Needs Assessment conducted after the November 2019 earthquake that hit Albania. Considering the severe and acute public health emergency due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, measures related to risk preparedness and risk mitigation of biological hazards will be provided.
Ahead of the RESEAL project take off, with the aim of laying the grounds and facilitating the project initiation, UNDP launched in February 2020 two pilot interventions: a central -level pilot on DRM System Capacity Development in Albania, and a local - level pilot starting with Municipal DRR Framework in Lezha Municipality and later extending to Fieri Prefecture including six municipalities.
RESEAL project officially started its implementation following the bilateral signing of the project document by the Ministry of Defense and UNDP on 16 July 2020. The RESEAL project has two major interlinked pillars:
- strengthening the DRM strategic and operational framework and capacities at central level;
- support the development of local (municipal) DRR framework and local response capacities in harmonization with the national DRR system and legal framework in place.
RESEAL project has been developed as a comprehensive response to the emerging need to strengthen the DRM systems at all levels in Albania. As such, in its entirety, the project contains a multi-level set of priorities around three components:
- strengthening the DRR framework and capacities at the central level;
- building DRR local level knowledge, planning and organizational capacities for prevention and response to disasters;
- supporting critical needs for DRR infrastructure.
The project partners with the civil protection system and particularly the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) at all levels in the country.
Inter-institutional political working group meeting on preparation of national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategic and planning documents in Albania
Background
In the aftermath of the devastating November 2019 earthquake, and in alignment with the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) recommendations, UNDP Albania launched foundational efforts to strengthen the country’s disaster risk management (DRM) system. Recognizing the urgent need for institutional reform and capacity building, two pilot interventions were initiated in early 2020:
- Central-level pilot: Focused on strengthening national DRM system capacities, including the development of a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Capacity Assessment. This assessment laid the groundwork for the National DRR Strategy, the National Disaster Risk Assessment, and the Civil Emergency Plan.
- Local-level pilot in Lezha Municipality: Pioneered the first local DRR framework in Albania, encompassing a Disaster Risk Assessment, DRR Strategy, and Civil Emergency Plan. This framework later served as a model for replication in municipalities across the country.
These pilot initiatives were instrumental in identifying systemic gaps and formulating evidence-based solutions, ultimately paving the way for the broader RESEAL initiative.
RESEAL Phase I (July 2020 – December 2024)
Funded by Sweden, Portugal and Albanian governments
Launched on 16 July 2020 with the signing of the project agreement between the Ministry of Defense and UNDP, the Resilience Strengthening in Albania (RESEAL) project was designed to help build a more robust and inclusive disaster risk management (DRM) system in Albania. It aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Albania’s aspirations for full membership in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM).
Overall Objective
To strengthen Albania’s DRM system at both national and local levels, and to support the country’s integration into the EUCPM.
Components
Strengthening strategic and operational DRM capacities at the central level.
Developing local DRR frameworks and enhancing municipal preparedness and response capabilities.
Enhancing national legal and institutional frameworks for disaster risk reduction.
Building local-level DRR planning and operational capacities.
Addressing critical infrastructure and preparedness needs for effective disaster response.
Major achievements
• Legal and Strategic Frameworks Strengthened:
A comprehensive national disaster risk management (DRM) framework has been established through the National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy 2023–2030, the Disaster Risk Assessment, and the National Civil Emergency Plan—all adopted by the Council of Ministers and currently under implementation.
• Institutional Capacity Enhanced:
The National Civil Protection Agency (NCPA) was strengthened through institutional assessments, targeted trainings (including EUCPM legislation and emergency communication), and tailored support. In November 2022, Albania officially joined the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, achieving full membership as of January 2023.
• DRM Integrated into Pre-University Education:
Disaster risk reduction concepts were incorporated into school curricula, supported by awareness campaigns and simulation drills in 12 pre-university institutions. National guidelines for DRM drills were also developed and introduced.
• Seismic Monitoring Capacity Upgraded:
Seismic monitoring capabilities were significantly enhanced through the upgrade of equipment, the doubling of strong motion stations, and improvements across 20 seismographic stations.
• Continuity of Operations Ensured:
Continuity of Government (COG) and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) were developed and implemented for 14 ministries, alongside a Business Continuity Plan for the Saranda Seaport. These efforts were complemented by tabletop exercises and training.
• Local DRR Frameworks Expanded:
DRR-related local plans were completed and adopted in Lezha and six municipalities in Fier Region, including a comprehensive regional risk assessment and emergency plan for Fier.
• Exit Strategy Finalized:
The project finalized its Exit Strategy and Follow-up Action Plan, ensuring sustainability and continued impact.
• National-Scale Exercises Delivered:
Two national functional exercises—“Pishë-Poro 2024” and “Winter Preparedness 2024”—were conducted to test inter-agency coordination, emergency response mechanisms, and the use of digital tools in wildfire and winter storm scenarios.
• Mobile Command and Control Center Delivered:
A fully equipped Mobile Command and Control Center was delivered, along with comprehensive training for personnel.
• National Co-Financing Secured:
At the end of 2023, the Government of Albania—through the NCPA and on behalf of the Ministry of Defense—signed a financial agreement with UNDP to contribute national funding to the RESEAL project. This marks a significant step in enhancing the National Civil Protection System and increasing domestic financial resources dedicated to disaster risk management and preparedness.
At the end of 2023, the Government of Albania—through the National Civil Protection Agency, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense—signed a financial agreement with UNDP, contributing national funds to the RESEAL project. This commitment aims to enhance the National Civil Protection System and increase financial resources dedicated to strengthening disaster risk management and preparedness at the national level.
Project Outcome
Component 1: Strengthening DRM institutional, policy and legal framework in Albania
Component 2: Strengthening disaster preparedness capacities at all levels
Component 3: Sustain Albanian’s Regional & International Cooperation
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