GREEN CROSS – Towards Local Green Economies with Smart Investments
- Balkan Green Foundation (lead applicant)
- Qendra Mjedisore per Zhvillim, Edukim dhe Rrjetezim (Qendra EDEN) (co-applicant)
- Municipality of Klina (co-applicant)
- Municipality of Has (co-applicant)
January 2020 - May 2023
Overall Objective
To contribute to sustainable economic growth in the cross-border region by enabling the transition of the selected municipalities to a green economy through integrated policy, smart public investments and capacity development.
Summary of the Project
In both Albania and Kosovo there is environmental damage mostly because local administrative units are unable to fulfil their functions and mission or exercise their competencies. The transition of municipalities towards the green economy is proven to be the solution to efficient resource use and sustainable economic development. The Municipality of Has in Albania and the Municipality of Klina in Kosovo*, building on their previous experience, will integrate and apply green economy principles to local governance and aim to become the pioneers of sustainability in their geographic area.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
Activities
- Joint analysis and mapping of stakeholders in the cross-border region
- Developing Green Smart Investment Action Plans to incorporate financial benefits and “green planning” in local governance
- Adoption of Green Smart Investments Action Plans by the City Councils
- Installation of efficient LED street lighting with smart dimming systems in public spaces
- Installation of efficient LED indoor lighting in institutions of public interest
- Installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal panels in health centres and schools in rural and urban areas
- Documentation of the investments, educational activities and awareness raising among the population
- Monitoring the performance of completed investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, calculating the economic benefits per municipality
- Creation of incentive schemes for local green businesses and entrepreneurs
- Participatory budgeting and introducing a new green smart project in the city budget line funded from funds generated by savings in energy
- Organising capacity building in the green economy and green entrepreneurship
- Publishing manuals with tips and guidelines for the broader public to have an impact
- Organising a study visit for hospitality businesses to “Agave village” in Albania which relies 100% on renewable sources
- Promoting the municipalities of Has and Klina as green economy pioneers
- Establishing a cooperation with tour operators
- Establishing a cooperation platform for green development in cross-border region
- Final conference to share best practices and lessons learned
- Communication and visibility of the project results
Expected Results
- Local Green Smart Investments Action Plans are adopted, aligned with EU standards and coordinated for sharing the same trans-boundary vision
- Citizens of urban and rural areas benefit from various public services such as clean electricity provided in public spaces and in institutions of public interest due to investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency investments
- Municipal energy costs decreased by at least 30%
- Investments are designed and implemented to create a self-sustained financial scheme which influences and incentivises local businesses to be green and supports the multiplication of smart investments; thus structural, intelligent/smart transformation of municipalities is initiated
- Increased capacities of stakeholders in the cross-border region for the application of principles, practices and initiatives of green entrepreneurship
- Municipalities of Has and Kline are promoted as green economy pioneers and have a strengthened cooperation in the cross-border region through a platform for fundraising, multiplication and sustainability of green actions
Edvin PACARA
edvin.pacara@eeas.europa.eu
