Newsroom
Albanian tourism held back by poor environment, OSCE believes
TIRANA 12 March 2002
TIRANA, 12 March 2002 - Protection of the environment is a priority issue for the OSCE, the Head of its Presence in Albania, Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, told the newly appointed Minister of Environment, Lufter Xhuveli.
Paying his first call on the Minister, Ambassador Ahrens congratulated him on his appointment. The two officials discussed environmental problems, including air, water, and soil pollution, chemical contamination, illegal logging, and disregard of the environmental implications of business or construction activities. Particular focus was also given to the low level of environmental awareness among the public.
"Under such conditions, there is very little chance that international tourism in Albania can develop", Ambassador Ahrens said.
They also stressed the need for full co-operation between governmental institutions, to support the work of the Ministry of Environment. "You can count on OSCE support in working for the institutionalization of such co-operation", added Ambassador Ahrens.
They were both in agreement that the environment in Albania requires urgent attention to implement existing laws as well as to draft and implement further legislation according to European Union standards.
Paying his first call on the Minister, Ambassador Ahrens congratulated him on his appointment. The two officials discussed environmental problems, including air, water, and soil pollution, chemical contamination, illegal logging, and disregard of the environmental implications of business or construction activities. Particular focus was also given to the low level of environmental awareness among the public.
"Under such conditions, there is very little chance that international tourism in Albania can develop", Ambassador Ahrens said.
They also stressed the need for full co-operation between governmental institutions, to support the work of the Ministry of Environment. "You can count on OSCE support in working for the institutionalization of such co-operation", added Ambassador Ahrens.
They were both in agreement that the environment in Albania requires urgent attention to implement existing laws as well as to draft and implement further legislation according to European Union standards.