The closing conference of the project "Pathway to the efficient use of local natural resources” was held on December 13 in Suhareka with the participation of local stakeholders in the border area of ??Albania and Kosovo, beneficiaries of the Cross-Border Program Albania - Kosovo of the IPA II Pre-Accession Instrument of the European Union.

The results achieved during the two years of project implementation were presented with a focus on improving energy efficiency and addressing climate challenges.

The participants had the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with representatives of the Municipality of Kurbin and the Municipality of Suhareka, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation. In-depth discussions were also held on the benefits that the project has brought to the citizens of Suhareka and its impact on the public and private sectors.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two partner municipalities, signed by the Mayor of Suhareka, Mr. Bali Muharremaj and the Deputy Mayor of Kurbin Municipality, Mr. Eduard Kurti. Both local entities pledged in this agreement to continue the cooperation initiated in the implementation of the Local Energy Efficiency Plans and to exchange best practices in joint efforts to improve the use of energy and natural resources in the cross-border area.

After the meeting, the participants visited the village of Gelancë at the investment in efficient lighting in this village as part of the project. For the first time the village benefited public light service for around 5 kilometers of main streets. The works for this energy efficiency project resulted in the installation of about 210 intelligent luminaires, which enable 5 different levels of lighting, not only saving energy, but also adjusting the light level to facilitate driving and walking of pedestrians.