Friday, May 02, 2014

In the framework of the IPA CBC project “Initiative to enhance public dialogue on sustainable use of energy”, a kick-off meeting was held on 30 April2014 in the City Hall premises in Municipality of Pogradec. The aim of this activity was to bring together all the relevant local stakeholders in the four regions (Korca, Pogradec, Bitola and Kicevo) and at the same time the presentation of findings of the survey on the energy consumption in the four regions. Over 30 local authorities and municipality staff, local business representatives, civil society and media participated in this event.
The opening speeches were addressed by:
•    Mr. Erjon Tase, Director , Academy of Political Studies,
•    Mrs. Marija Risteska, Director, Center for Research and Policy Making 
•    Mr. Dritan Hamzallari, deputy mayor of  Pogradec
•    Mr. Valentino Janakievski, Head of Energy efficiency directorate, Municipality of Bitola
•    Mr. Tino Aleksov, Head of Energy efficiency directorate, Municipality of Kicevo
which stressed the importance of this CBC project and the maximum involvement of the local authorities as partners in the organisational and managements of the action.   The survey showed the lack of awareness and information on the sustainable use of energy through citizens, business and local administration and also the limited knowledge who or which can assist. FYR of Macedoniais already one step forward Albania on the building inspection regulation, an experience who can be shared also in two Albanian regions. Some of the recommendation from this survey were:
•    awareness of local government units to fulfill their obligations determined by the new EE law (control of thermal isolation and their certification)
•    promotion of measures for the diversification of utilization of energy in heating and lighting of public sites such as schools, kinder- gardens, etc),
•    creation of incentives to support business that respect EE measures (reduction of local taxes, preferential services in construction permits and other licenses etc)
  The activity increased the awareness of all local stakeholders on project objectives. A long-term dialogue on the practical implementation of project objectives were established during this event. The discussion among different stakeholders around the current state in the area of energy efficiency and obstacles in its implementation was also ensured. Media showed a great interest on the events and several chronicles were organised in national and local television in both part of the border.