Albania

Despite its ecological significance, the Prespa lake basin had for decades been the site of waste dumping.© Sofia Chris
10 February 2012

Waste management and sustainable development: The Prespa Lakes experience

Using the example of the Prespa Lake basin, the article looks at the challenges facing municipal waste management in the transition and developing economies of Europe and Central Asia.

Topics: Albania , Romania , The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia , Water, Local development, Sustainability and equity

After a decade of mine clearance, Albania is officially free from the threat of mines. © UNDP Albania
02 May 2011

From demining to area-based development in Albania

Albania has been declared mine free, but is demining in itself enough to improve lives of the affected communities?

Topics: Conflict, Albania , Kosovo, Human security, Borders

Bulgaria’s irrigation infrastructure was built under socialism for large-scale agriculture, but now many small producers have formed water user groups in reaction to this problem. © Ilia Goranov

Civic Initiatives and Rural Development

Civic engagement plays a critical role in rural development. It can make important contributions given there are suitable investments in civil society.

Topics: Rural development, Food security, Albania , Bulgaria , Rural Development and Food Security, Poverty Reduction , Civil society, Agriculture, Rural poverty, Citizen engagement, Czech Republic, NGOs

Rural areas that offer semi-subsistence farming opportunities have provided a buffer to absorb the economic shocks of the 1990s. © Gennadiy Ratushenko/The World Bank

Is the Village Dying?

Central and Eastern Europe is widely characterized by the image of the shrinking, dying village. But the rumours of the death of the countryside are exaggerated.

Topics: Migration, Rural development, Food security, Albania , Romania , Rural Development and Food Security, Policy development, Central and Eastern Europe, Agriculture, Rural poverty