Locations
Resilience Strengthening in Albania – RESEAL Phase II
UNDP 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: Local Risk Assessment, Local DRR Strategy, and Local Civil Emergency Plans. 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.
Aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, RESEAL also supports Albania’s progress toward EU compliance under Chapter 27. The achievements in Phase I have laid a robust foundation for Phase II to further enhance resilience across the country.
Phase I of the RESEAL project concentrated on providing technical assistance and strengthening policy, legal, and institutional frameworks to establish a robust foundation for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Albania. This effort culminated in Albania's membership in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Phase II builds on these achievements by further enhancing institutional capacities through advanced policy support, updated risk assessments, and optimized operational frameworks. The goal is to strengthen local DRM coordination and resilience while contributing valuable insights and lessons learned to benefit the entire DRM system.
Summary
RESEAL Phase II (January 2025 – December 2028) - A project by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and Albanian government
Building on the achievements and lessons learned from Phase I, RESEAL Phase II aims to consolidate reforms and scale up disaster risk management efforts, ensuring sustainability, regional coherence, and alignment with EU and international standards.
The RESEAL Project Phase 2 contributes significantly to the reduction of disaster risks and associated vulnerabilities in high-risk areas, with a particular focus on the Shkodra prefecture. This region, historically prone to floods and other natural hazards, benefits directly from enhanced risk assessment and strengthened community preparedness capacities. By integrating non-structural risk reduction measures such as improved DRM structures resilience, capacity building of local authorities, and awareness-raising among the population the project addresses both immediate and medium-term vulnerabilities. Moreover, the project supports local governance in implementing disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies aligned with national policies and international frameworks. These efforts lead to more informed decision-making, better resource allocation, and improved coordination among stakeholders at all levels. As a result, the project not only reduces the likelihood and impact of future disasters but also fosters a safer and more resilient environment for both living and business activities. This contributes to broader socio-economic stability and enhances the adaptive capacity of communities across Albania, reinforcing the country’s overall resilience to climate and disaster-related shocks.
Key Objectives:
- Deepen institutional reforms and legal alignment.
- Expand local and regional DRR frameworks.
- Foster regional/international cooperation and enhance preparedness at all levels.
Outcome I: Strengthened disaster risk management framework and institutions
- Update Capacity Assessment of DRR institutions
- Improving legal framework on Disaster Risk Management legislation supported
- Functionality and usefulness of National Platform for DRR tested
- Developing priority Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) for the DRM System at central and local level for Shkodra region/prefecture pilot area
- Supporting NCPA in developing a monitoring tool for the ongoing National DRR Strategy, adapting it for local implementation in the Shkodra pilot area
Outcome II: Strengthened municipal disaster risk management capacities
- Developing Local Risk Assessments
- Developing Local DRR Strategies and Emergency Preparedness & Planning in line with national legal framework Component III: Sustaining Regional and International Cooperation.
- Strengthening international cooperation and networking with Swiss Authorities on disaster risk management
The Swiss Government joined the efforts to strengthen DRM capacities alongside a second contribution from the Albanian Government, through the Ministry of Defense signed in December 2024.
