NATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR MONITORING FOOD WASTE IN ALBANIA IN LINE WITH THE EU GREEN AGENDA
Mamica RUCI, Renata KONGOLI, Xhezair IDRIZI, Durim ALIJA, Kristi KARAJ
Abstract
This study addresses a critical gap in Albanian environmental management, targeting food waste and the application of biotechnology under the EU’s Green Agenda and SDGs. Through the analysis of national strategies and investigation of new biotechnological methods, the research offers beneficial data related to sustainable food waste reduction. The results seek to raise Albania’s level of food waste reduction, combat climate change and meet EU standards, together with fundamental policy proposals. Albania has limited sustainable waste management, according to estimates of INSTAT, private homes waste 7-13 kg of food per person each year, totaling 18,000-37,000 tons on a nationwide scale. Only 86.9% of people in urban areas covered by urban management services by 2020, a 22.2% improvement over the previous year. A National Plan for Solid Waste Management issued on 1 January 2020 is designed to enhance waste management, recycling and protection of the environment. But there are still negative practices down the food chain and, the FAO estimates, a third of all edible food that is produced worldwide is lost or wasted. The research underlines the insufficiency of proper strategies in managing food waste in Albania that should be aligned with the EU Green Agenda and SDGs. It seeks to overcome this deficiency by evaluating the situation, researching biotechnological alternatives and coming up with practical strategies and policy suggestions. The general aims are to evaluate food waste, use biotechnological processes for waste degradation and suggest national strategies aligned with the EU Green Agenda. The results underscore the need for stronger policy measures to align with EU standards, reduce climate impact, and promote circular economy principles in Albania.
Pages: 125 - 133