North Green Association‘s initiative project “I am, Valbona River” financed by GreenAL with the main goals to evidence/monitoring pollution in Valbona river and increase the opportunities whitewater sports activities.
This project is implemented within the Green-AL program, financed by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida) funds and implemented by Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development in cooperation with VIS Albania and COSV – Cooperazione per lo Sviluppo.
DESCRIPTION
This project focuses on the Valbona River part of “Valbona Valley National Park”, aiming to monitor and document pollution evidence while promoting the sustainable development of whitewater outdoor sports. The initiative combines environmental protection with adventure tourism development to ensure the long-term preservation and responsible use of the river’s natural resources.
Responsibility: One of the key challenges affecting environmental protection is the lack of accurate, accessible, and transparent information about pollution levels and sources in the Valbona River. Limited data collection, weak monitoring systems, and insufficient public reporting reduce community awareness and hinder timely action.
Collaboration: Lack of cooperation of the multiple actors — public institutions, private operators, tourism business, and local communities — to strengthen capacity building, improve quality standards, enhance collaboration, and promote sustainable development.
Environment impact: Promote environmentally responsible tourism practices by integrating sustainability principles into training programs. Encourage conservation, waste reduction, climate awareness, and responsible use of natural resources to minimize negative environmental impacts.
Activism and awareness:
The activism and awareness component of the project focuses on empowering communities and young people to actively protect and promote the sustainable use of the Valbona River. It aims to increase public understanding of environmental challenges, particularly pollution and ecosystem degradation, while encouraging responsible behavior and civic engagement.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Research and Aerial Surveillance
his component of the project focuses on researching and documenting pollution along the Valbona River through systematic environmental assessment and aerial surveillance. Using advanced drone technology, the initiative gathers high-resolution imagery and geospatial data to identify pollution sources, track patterns of contamination, and assess impacts on water quality and river ecosystems.
Data Documentation
Systematic recording of geo-referenced visual evidence to support environmental reports, advocacy efforts, and policy recommendations
Use of drones to capture high-resolution images and videos of the river, riverbanks, and surrounding areas to identify visible pollution sources, illegal waste disposal, and environmental degradation
Activism
The cleanup action is a community-based environmental initiative aimed at protecting and restoring the natural ecosystem of the Valbona River. This activity mobilizes young people, local residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and partner organizations to actively participate in removing waste and pollutants from the riverbanks and surrounding areas.
The action combines practical cleanup efforts with awareness-raising activities, educating participants about the environmental impacts of pollution, responsible waste management, and sustainable outdoor practices. It promotes civic engagement, environmental responsibility, and collective action to safeguard natural resources.
By organizing structured cleanup campaigns supported by monitoring data and aerial evidence, the initiative strengthens environmental activism, encourages long-term behavioral change, and reinforces the importance of preserving the Valbona River for biodiversity, local livelihoods, and sustainable adventure tourism.
Sport Activities and Open Day-Night
The Day-Night serves as an interactive platform for participants, local communities, and stakeholders to explore adventure tourism opportunities, learn about sustainable practices, and experience outdoor activities firsthand. It includes demonstrations, guided tours, workshops, and informational sessions to inspire youth engagement, highlight career pathways, and foster networking among tourism operators, educators, and aspiring adventure guides.
Ensuring clean and safe river conditions for rafting and kayaking by continuously monitoring environmental quality
Data collected shared on meetings with EU Delegation in Tirana and (Environmental Network)
All collected data is organized, analyzed, and compiled into structured reports aligned with EU environmental protection frameworks and sustainability objectives. Shared this information contributes to evidence-based policy recommendations, strengthens accountability, and supports alignment with EU environmental directives and best practices.