NEWS: TETHYS4ADRION Networking: Roundtable Discussion in Tirana, Albania

On March 17, 2026, project partners from the University of Tirana organized a roundtable titled “Strengthening Collaboration to Reduce Plastic Pollution.”

Participants discussed aquatic plastic pollution in the Adriatic–Ionian region and the wider Mediterranean area, with a particular focus on projects and policies being implemented in Albania by universities, research institutes, and the Government of the Republic of Albania.

The roundtable took place as part of the 4th TETHYS4ADRION partnership meeting, bringing together scientists and researchers representing the project partners from seven participating countries.

On this occasion, Dr. Andrej Kržan (National Institute of Chemistry) presented the TETHYS4ADRION project to the attendees, emphasizing international cooperation in addressing issues that do not stop at national borders.
Dr. Milica Mandić (Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro) spoke about surface microplastic pollution in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, while Dr. Thomais Vlachogianni (MIO-ECSDE) presented participatory and inclusive source-to-sea strategies for tackling aquatic plastic pollution.

Ms. Elvana Ramaj from the Integrated Waste Management Directorate, Ministry of Environment, provided an overview of the legal framework and current government initiatives in Albania, which proved particularly informative for participants from abroad.

The roundtable also showcased current on-the-ground initiatives in Albania, with active participation from local community groups, as well as researchers and scientists from various institutes and universities.

Dr. Fundime Miri from the University of Tirana and Meivis Struga from the Environmental and Territorial Management Institute spoke about monitoring plastic waste in Albanian rivers.
Daniela Mane and Emirjeta Adhani from the Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania presented initiatives by smaller Albanian communities aimed at promoting the reduction of plastic use.
The presentation segment of the roundtable was concluded by Dr. Anila Neziri from the University of Shkodra, who spoke about the analysis of marine litter along the northwestern coast of Albania.

In addition to the insights provided, a significant contribution of this event lies in cross-border networking, which forms the basis for achieving the results of the TETHYS4ADRION project.

This has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The content of the website is the sole responsibility of TETHYS4ADRION project and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and/or IPA ADRION programme authorities.