
10 municipalities in the country are being helped to cope with disasters. , and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the General Directorate of Fire Protection and Rescue Service in the Ministry of Interior. The project supports efforts to strengthen the Albanian Fire Protection and Rescue Service in ten municipalities: Tirana, Durres, Lezha, Kurbin, Kruja, Shijak, Kamza, Kavaja, Fier and Pogradec.

The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Report, which was drafted after the 2019 earthquake that struck Albania, showed that there was an urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness, setting up trained structures and equipped with appropriate rescue tools and equipment, timely response and improving the capacity of the fire service to become operational at all levels.
These were the municipalities most affected by the earthquake and face major challenges when it comes to supporting infrastructure of firefighting structures. Other project interventions include the construction of three fire stations, the procurement of three firefighting vehicles, the procurement of three USAR containers for the service of the MDA. Project interventions also include capacity building trainings for beneficiary municipalities exposed to natural disasters and risks.

In Lezha, a partner municipality, they were handed over to professional kits with clothing and personal protective equipment for firefighters operating in the territory of the municipality. These devices provide personal protection to firefighters during intervention operations to save lives, protect the environment, livestock to support development. In the implementation of the project, Lezha as one of the municipalities most affected by the earthquake of November 2019, will be supported also with a firefighting vehicle for urban and forest fires, the construction of the Fire Station and an Urban Search and Rescue Container with the necessary tools and equipment.
"This project is an expression of friendship and solidarity with Albania, as well as proof of Poland's continued support for the European aspirations of the Western Balkans. "Through this project we want to lay another foundation to support the Albanian Government by reducing the risk of disasters and strengthening the preparedness for response." - said the Ambassador of Poland to Albania, Monika Zuchniak-Pazdan.

"I would like to salute our partnership with the Government of Poland for this support that aims to strengthen the capacity of the Albanian Fire Protection and Rescue Service, saving lives, property and improving the safety, efficiency and working conditions of firefighters," said Monica Merino. UNDP Resident Representative in Albania, present at the event.
