A a civil protection simulation exercise took place in Peshkopi bringing together local institutions and structures from the Dibër and Kukës municipalities, civil protection agencies with one aim: improve collective preparedness for emergencies.

Led by the National Agency for Civil Protection (AKMC) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme in the context of the "Strengthening Resilience in Albania" (RESEAL) project funded by the governments of Sweden, Portugal, and Albania. 

A highlight was the involvement of the Emergency Management Agency delegation from Prishtina, enabling cooperation and the exchange of best practices for regional emergencies.

The recent wildfires in Albania underscored the need for robust early warning systems and response readiness. By partnering with local governments, UNDP has empowered local units to align with national protocols, preparing them to act as first responders. The exercise, set against a scenario of severe snowfall, avalanches, and landslides impacting Dibër and Kukës, highlighted the unique challenges faced by local authorities in these regions.
The training tested the roles, coordination, and responsibilities of participating institutions and their ability to manage, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.

Haki Cako, head of the Albanian Agency of Civil Protection underlined: "The training aims to assess the roles and responsibilities of participating institutions and structures in managing, coordinating, and interacting, as well as their capacity to respond to natural disasters and to recover from them.

Deputy Representative Francisco Roquette noted, “Local institutions are crucial in disaster governance; their preparedness is essential for effective service delivery.” 

Over 23 operational structures, including municipalities, prefectures, and national ministries, took part, fostering a culture of cooperation and enhancing response capabilities.

The exercise simulated a complex emergency involving community isolation, road blockages, and disruptions to essential services. This “Functional” simulation provided a realistic environment for testing institutional response without deploying actual forces or equipment. 

By assessing response capacities and refining coordination strategies, the exercise underscored the importance of continuous improvement in preparedness, ensuring that stakeholders can respond efficiently in future crises.

Significant progress has been made aligning Albania’s policies with global standards, including the Sendai Framework and the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Recent approvals of a national risk assessment, disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy, and a civil emergency plan have advanced Albania’s disaster resilience framework.

Looking ahead, UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to implement effective disaster risk reduction strategies. The insights gained from this exercise will shape future preparedness initiatives, ensuring Albania is equipped to face natural disasters with resilience and unity. Together, these efforts will strengthen disaster management frameworks, protect communities, and build a resilient future for all.

The Resilience Strengthening in Albania – RESEAL Project was developed to enhance Albania's Disaster Risk Management System and protect Albanian citizens and communities from the impacts of disasters, at both central and local levels. This project is funded by the Governments of Sweden, Portugal, and Albania, and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the National Civil Protection Agency. The RESEAL Project also aims to build Albania’s disaster preparedness and response capacities, minimizing the effects of natural and man-made hazards on vulnerable populations.