On the same occasion, the launch of a new project was announced: ProBio BiH – “Promoting Local Biodiversity through Nature-Based Innovation in the Agri-Food Sector in BiH“. Both projects are funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) through CIHEAM Bari, in cooperation with institutions across all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This is the second consecutive year for AICS Tirana at the Rimini fair dedicated to the fruit and vegetable sector, proving the job carried out on the field and the commitment of the local office of the Italian cooperation to support small Albanian agricultural producers.

Known as “Bylis and Klos”, according with the two involved archaeological parks, the project aims at preserving and restoring the remarkable archaeological heritage of the area, including a conservation plan and a significant improvement of touristic services through the set-up of a multifunctional center also for scientific purposes.

In a ceremony held today at the Archaeological Museum of Tirana, AICS Tirana and the Albanian Institute of Archaeology (IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the Conservation Plan and the Multifunctional Center of the Byllis Archaeological Park, which includes the ancient cities of Byllis and Klos.

The workshop “Environmental Crimes and Environmental Protection” took place within the framework of the “EU for Nature” project, funded by the European Union and Sida, and implemented by AICS and UNDP.

Funded with 2.1 million euros over a total duration of 36 months, the project aims to strengthen gender-sensitive governance, combat gender-based violence, and promote the economic and social empowerment of women in rural communities.

The main goal is to strengthen gender responsive governance i.e. Coordinated Referral Mechanisms at local municipal level, to strengthen equality and non-discrimination, to promote women’s empowerment and human rights observance, and to reduce violence against women and girls in 9 municipalities: Dibër, Klos, Pogradec, Kolonjë, Korcë, Konispol, Vlorë, Selenicë, Tiranë.

The visit, designed by the Project and the Italian authorities, provided HPC members and legal advisors with an opportunity to witness the entire process of periodic evaluation of Italian prosecutors. This experience offered valuable insights to the HPC, particularly in light of recent amendments to the HPC Evaluation Regulation and the need to adapt evaluation documentation to align with the Italian concept.

An awareness event about women’s condition in Northern Albania took place last Wednesday, December 11 at Migjeni Theatre in Skoder. Stories related to socio-economic disadvantages and success, along with testifies delivered by women in need of social protection and gender empowerment have been shared with a wide audience, in the framework of development projects funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

The second Steering Committee of “Serbia – EU Support for Internal Market” project, funded by the European Union with a budget of 8 MLN EUR, 1.7 MLN managed by AICS Tirana, was held yesterday morning in Belgrade.