Capacity building support, - under the Resilience Strengthening in Albania Project – Phase II, is combined with delivery of modernized infrastructure, equipment, and professional uniforms to front line Civil Protection staff

SHKODRA, Albania — 15 May 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme, in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in Albania, the National Civil Protection Agency, and the Prefecture of Shkodra, today inaugurated newly upgraded Civil Protection offices and Operational Centres across all five municipalities of the Shkodra region. Civil Protection staff were also equipped with professional uniforms, reinforcing operational readiness and serving as a visible symbol of institutional commitment to frontline responders.

Shkodra is among Albania’s regions most vulnerable to floods and other climate related hazards, with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The upgraded Operational Centres will serve as key coordination hubs before, during, and after emergencies, enabling faster decision making, improved information sharing, and stronger local response capacities.

“Municipalities are the first line of response in emergencies,” said Francisco Roquette, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Albania. “Today’s inauguration represents both a tangible milestone and a strong example of what can be achieved through joint ownership and aligned investments. By strengthening institutional capacity at the local level helps municipalities to better protect their communities in the face of growing climate risks.”

Prior to the inaugural meeting, Mayor of Shkodra Mr Benet Beci met with Mr. Philipp Arnold, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tirana, Francisco Roquette, Deputy Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme, and representatives of the National Civil Protection Agency at his office, where he emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.

“On behalf of the Municipality of Shkodra and its citizens, I extend my sincere thanks to the Government of Switzerland, the United Nations Development Programme, and the National Civil Protection Agency for this vital intervention. These upgraded Operational Centres and the support provided to our civil protection structures are essential for strengthening our resilience to climate change and natural disasters. This investment enhances our emergency response capacity, brings us closer to European standards in disaster risk management, and ultimately helps save lives and protect livelihoods in our region.”

Mr. Philipp Arnold, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tirana, added:
“In close and strong partnership with the National Protection Civil Agency, UNDP and Shkodra Regional & Municipal authorities, Switzerland is proud to support this important work in Shkodra region. Sustainable and effective civil protection systems at municipal level are essential to safeguard people’s lives, prevent social economic damages and protect environment.”

The modern equipment, inaugurated today, were made possible through the joint support of the Resilience Strengthening in Albania Project – Phase II and the Drini Flood Risk Management Project, combining institutional strengthening with flood related preparedness and operational readiness. This integrated approach ensures that renewed offices are not only modernized, but fully functional as Operational Centres during emergencies.
Following the inauguration, participants convened for a high level progress meeting to review the status of local disaster risk assessment documents across the Shkodra region and discuss next steps in strengthening local preparedness and resilience.

About the RESEAL Project

The Resilience Strengthening in Albania Project – Phase II is aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and contributes to Albania’s European Union accession process, particularly in strengthening disaster risk management systems.

The project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, with co financing from the Government of Albania, and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the National Civil Protection Agency.

In the Shkodra region, the project supports the Prefecture of Shkodra and the municipalities of Shkodra, Malësia e Madhe, Puka, Fushë Arrëz, and Vau i Dejës through:

• Development of Local Civil Emergency Plans and Regional Risk Assessments
• Capacity building for municipal staff, including trainings, simulation exercises, and the standardisation of operational procedures
• Strategic investments in emergency equipment, infrastructure, and Operational Centres
• Integration of disaster risk management into school curricula and public awareness initiatives

Together, these efforts contribute to stronger local governance, climate resilience, and safer communities in one of Albania’s most hazard exposed regions.