Enhancing waste management and environmental protection through public awareness, community involvement, and new regulations (XKGJA0003)

Commitment ID

XKGJA0003

Commitment Title

Enhancing waste management and environmental protection through public awareness, community involvement, and new regulations

Problem

Environmental pollution caused by improper waste management is a pressing issue for the Municipality of Gjakova, severely affecting air quality and creating significant challenges for residents' quality of life. This issue is compounded by the lack of robust municipal and central-level regulations that address environmental protection comprehensively and ensure compliance with air quality standards.
Another contributing factor is the limited engagement of the community in environmental stewardship. There is a notable lack of active citizenship, particularly in organizing voluntary cleanup actions and maintaining communal spaces. This lack of participation diminishes the community's ability to collectively address waste management challenges and sustain a clean and healthy environment.
Collaboration with the central government also remains a critical challenge, particularly regarding the management of inert waste. Key measures necessary to address this issue, such as approvals and regulatory support from the central level, have faced delays, further exacerbating the problem and hindering progress toward sustainable waste management solutions.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that combines regulatory improvements, community engagement, and strengthened collaboration between municipal and central authorities. This commitment is essential for creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all residents of Gjakova.

Status quo

Environmental pollution and sustainability remain pressing issues for the Municipality of Gjakova. While notable progress has been made, challenges such as improper waste disposal, insufficient citizen engagement, and a lack of comprehensive regulatory support hinder efforts to achieve a clean and sustainable environment. The Municipality has undertaken several initiatives to address these challenges:

• Eco Gjakova - This campaign actively promotes citizen involvement in maintaining a clean city, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
• Paperless Administration: Since November 2022, the Municipal Assembly has transitioned to paperless operations, successfully reducing paper usage by 51%, according to internal monitoring reports.
• Waste Management Coverage: Through collaboration with the waste management company Çabrati, the Municipality now ensures 100% waste collection coverage across Gjakova’s territory.
• Biomass Heating and Cogeneration: The implementation of biomass heating with cogeneration contributes to cleaner energy solutions, reducing the Municipality’s environmental footprint.

Despite these advancements, the Municipality continues to face challenges, including pollution from waste, inadequate disposal of inert materials, and limited voluntary community action. Furthermore, cooperation with central authorities on key regulatory and operational frameworks, particularly for inert waste management, remains a challenge.

Action

This commitment aims to enhance waste management and environmental protection in the Municipality of Gjakova through public awareness, community involvement, and strengthened regulations. The Waste Management Sector will lead an awareness campaign to educate citizens, particularly children, on the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship, empowering them to play an active role in maintaining clean and shared community spaces. Members of the Municipal Transparency Forum will support these efforts by organizing community cleanup actions to demonstrate collective responsibility for a healthier environment.

To reinforce these efforts, the Directorate for Urban Planning and Environmental Protection will draft two municipal regulations that focus on improving waste management practices and air quality standards. These regulations will establish a stronger framework for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable urban development.

To create a sustainable, environmentally conscious community by fostering active citizen engagement and implementing effective policies, positioning Gjakova as a model for eco-friendly governance and responsible urban development.

Expected Results:

• Increased citizen awareness and participation in recycling and environmental initiatives.
• Cleaner public spaces through organized cleanup actions.
• Enhanced waste management systems and improved air quality through new municipal regulations.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This commitment aims to address the challenges of pollution and inadequate waste management in the Municipality of Gjakova through a comprehensive approach that combines public awareness, community engagement, and the development of new regulations.

Expected Achievements and Outcomes:

• Improved Waste Management: Enhancing waste collection and recycling systems to create a more efficient and sustainable process.
• Better Air Quality: Implementing new regulations and raising awareness to reduce pollution and improve air quality across the Municipality.
• Active Citizenship: Engaging citizens, especially children, in awareness campaigns and cleanup actions to foster collective responsibility and a culture of environmental care.
• Development of New Projects: Planning and executing initiatives that support a cleaner, more sustainable environment, setting an example for green governance.

Overall, this commitment will contribute to a cleaner environment, improved quality of life, and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for environmental protection within the Gjakova community. It positions the Municipality as a leader in sustainable governance and environmental stewardship.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment aligns with the Municipality of Gjakova’s long-term goal of enhancing environmental protection and improving waste management through local policies and sustainable solutions. The Municipality aims to serve as a positive example of environmental governance, contributing to a cleaner environment and a better quality of life for its citizens.

Through this commitment, Gjakova seeks to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection, addressing current challenges and improving local living standards.

Primary Policy Area

Regulatory Governance

Primary Sector

Environment & Climate, Legislature

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?