First National Communication of Albania to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The First National Communication of Albania to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change lays down adaptation measures for water resources and marine waters, biodiversity conservation, agriculture, forestry, energy, public health, and population.
Even though Albania as a non-Annex I Party has no obligation to take emission reduction targets under the UNFCCC, legal and policy frameworks are updated with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing adaptation to the expected impacts of climate change. Furthermore, climate change adaptation and mitigation will be integrated into the plans of key economic sectors to cope with the impacts of climate change whilst achieving sustainable development. Climate change policies at the national level include strategies for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; increased resilience; adaptation to climate-related events; poverty reduction; protection of the environment; strengthened institutional framework and capacity; public awareness-raising on climate change; establishment of the legal framework to address climate change; and contribution to sustainable development goals. The resilience of water resources and marine waters to climate change will be increased through development of existing physical infrastructure; pollution control; establishment of effective monitoring system for flood and drought; implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan; and water use efficiency and conservation measures. Biodiversity conservation will be strengthened to protect species, habitats and ecosystems by establishing protected areas, protecting wildlife, and monitoring species. Agricultural production will be planned in accordance with climate-smart strategies, including promoting the use of drought-tolerant crops during summer, alternative irrigation methods, and adaptation to the expected soil and atmospheric conditions. Land resources, especially arable land, will be protected against soil erosion and degradation through afforestation and barriers. Forest management and conservation will be strengthened to cope with climate change. To this end, the impacts of climate change on forests will be assessed and research programs will be implemented for forest management. A Strategy on Sustainable Development of Forests will be developed. The number of protected forests will be increased and forest areas will be expanded through reforestation. Monitoring of forest health will be strengthened and forest productivity will be increased. Moreover, measures will be taken to reduce illegal cuttings of forest trees, prevent forest fires, and reduce wood consumption for energy. Energy efficiency measures will be implemented gradually in the household, industry, services and transport sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Public health will be protected against the expected impacts of climate change on human health through permanent monitoring of drinking water quality, water supply and sewerage systems, and air quality; effective solid waste management; and long-term urban planning. The vulnerability of the population will be reduced by improving services sector in densely populated areas, especially in the capital and the coastal area.