Project Information
| Full project title | Montenegro and Albania towards ZeroWaste |
| Donor | EU – IPA CBC MNE-ALB (Montenegro – Albania) |
| Project Value | €563,515.50 |
| Donor Contribution | €478,988.18 |
| Implementation Period | 01.02.2021 – 01.02.2023 |
Project Overview
The general objective of this project is to improve the protection of environmental resources in lake and alpine areas. The initiative focuses on reducing residual waste by implementing Zero Waste principles, which include coordinated measures for waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.
Main Objectives:
- Protection of environmental resources in cross-border mountain and lake zones.
- Reduction of residual waste through systematic local interventions.
- Transitioning local communities toward sustainable, zero-waste management models.
Project Results
1. Platform for Zero Waste Cities
The project established Zero Waste Advisory Boards in Gusinje (Montenegro) and Margegaj (Albania), involving local businesses, tourism stakeholders, and municipal officials. Comprehensive research on waste volumes at household and business levels was conducted to identify critical failure points in current systems.
2. Community Support for Waste Reduction
By implementing successful models from established “Zero Waste Cities,” the project focused on changing local habits. Using real data to demonstrate environmental impacts, the team encouraged the local population to adopt simple daily measures that significantly improve their surroundings.
3. Sustainability of Zero Waste Practices
The project ensured a long-term framework through the institutionalization of Advisory Boards and the creation of strategic local documents. This ensures that circular economy principles continue to guide waste management after the project’s official conclusion.
Partnership
The Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije served as the Lead Applicant, in cooperation with Zero Waste Montenegro, ALCDF, and Green Line Albania.
