Albania – World Ozone Day 2024
16/09/2024
Training of technicians at the vocational training institution – “Kigali Amendment and Alternatives to HCFCs and high GWP HFCs”
10/01/2025
The National Ozone Unit, in collaboration with UNIDO and UNEP, organized the “First Annual Forum on Ozone and Climate in Albania (FOCAL)” on November 7, 2024, in Tirana, with the theme “Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Implementation of the HFC Phase-Down in Albania – Objectives, Opportunities, and Challenges”. This event was officially welcomed by Mr. Sofjan Jaupaj, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment of Albania, and brought together representatives from key national institutions and organizations, including:
- Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
- National Ozone Unit.
- General Directorate of Customs.
- National Environment Agency.
- RAC Association.
- Importers,
- Universities, vocational schools, and other relevant stakeholders.
The contributions of Ms. Elena Miceva, Montreal Protocol Unit UNIDO, Mr. Halvart Koeppen, UNEP OzonAction, and Mr. Sasa Cvijetic, International Consultant, were outstanding and immensely valuable, providing key insights and expertise.
The inputs of the NOU representatives, particularly Mr. Ilir Palushaj, National Consultant in the RAC sector, were highly valuable in explaining Albania’s situation regarding the new HFC licensing and quota allocation systems, as well as the challenges and issues ahead. Additionally, discussions with HFC importers were a focal point of the forum, providing a comprehensive understanding of their perspectives and concerns.
The First Annual Forum on Ozone and Climate in Albania provided an invaluable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity building. It highlighted Albania’s commitment to the global fight against ozone depletion and climate change while paving the way for effective implementation of the HFC phase-down. The active participation of national and international stakeholders underscored the collective effort required to achieve sustainable and climate-friendly refrigeration and air-conditioning practices.
