Community Support:
Social responsibility is in our DNA, as it makes for the local part in our dichotomy of Local Knowledge-Global Standards.
You cannot build local projects without understanding the local context. And you cannot understand the local context without understanding the local people. We are dedicated to serving both our partners’ projects and also the communities in which we operate, ensuring societal value is always created. It is by giving them back that we have already gained the support of all the communities. This is crucial, as it means that we can keep things rolling, while also being able to offer an actual contribution.
Sustainable development
A pioneer in acting sustainably, Abkons is an industry leader when it comes to providing long-lasting solutions tailored to each project. We integrate sustainability in all work practices in all our fields of expertise. We have realized that solutions aren’t effective if they are not thought of as permanent.
Be it in the management of natural resources, be it in engineering design, land management, rural development, be it in archaeological preservation plans, or management consultancy, sustainability is an integral part of our expertise and we make sure to hire only experts who stay much aware of the future.
Cases
Enhancement of Capacity for Waste Management
Waste recycling is fundamental when it comes to establishing a sustainable base for a circular economy. Abkons is the leading local partner for the Survey on Waste Recycling Status and Waste Amount and Composition Survey in Prizren, as part of Enhancement of Capacity for Waste Management toward Sound Material-Cycle Society Phase2, implemented by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and supervised by EX Research Institute Ltd.
Albanian Cultural Heritage Management and Business Planning
Abkons is working to provide cultural heritage management plans and business plans for economic and tourism benefits arising from sustainable and responsible management of Albania’s most precious historical sites. The project is being implemented by UNOPS with the aim to establish a sustainable cultural heritage and business management system, to secure the future of our past.
National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy
Amidst the enormous attention that all sectors in Albania are now giving to disaster risk, ensuring a sustainable risk management system has finally become imperative. Abkons worked on the preparation of the first National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, funded by the Sweden and Portugal Governments and implemented by UNDP. It was established a first interinstitutional working group that will be the baseline for the National Platform of NDRR.
“Në Fshat” (In the Village)
Sustainable capacity building is very important when it comes to challenging economic contexts. Abkons was instrumental in the process of identifying the 100 most promising business ideas in 40 villages in Albania, and then in mentoring these new businesses into becoming successful rural economy promoters. “Në Fshat” is an initiative of Sustainable Rural Development Programme (SRD) implemented by GIZ & financed by the German Government.
Integrated Water Resources Management
Abkons conducted an extensive body of work on the project for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) implemented by the Ministry of Environment. A functional review of IWRM in Albania was carried out, which proposed several actions to support IWRM. The Strategy, and the process of its development, were instrumental to implement several of these actions. A sustainable approach was integrated throughout the whole strategy.
Development of Integrated Forests and Pastures Management Plans in four municipalities
After collecting substantial data on existing forests and pastures management plans, Abkons worked on inventory planning, including the preparation of a preliminary map. Our work on this project also focused on capacity building, by providing training for the municipality staff regarding map preparation, field data collection, data gathering, analysis, etc.
Sustainable and Eco-Tourism Programme - National and Regional Roads Project
Abkons conducted a comprehensive assessment process to determine environmental & social needs and issues to be addressed that will have a positive contribution to sustainable tourism in Shengjin and Velipoje region. The project funded by Central European Initiative through EBRD was also focused on awareness-raising activities to promote the conservation of tourist sites and eco-tourism.
Our Green Agenda
Social responsibility is in our DNA, as it makes for the local part in our dichotomy of Local Knowledge-Global Standards.
Our environmental experts have chosen to dedicate their lives to promoting the protection of biodiversity, sustainable management of water and forests, and overall, risk reduction to our health. We have recognized very early the potential that a green approach can represent for the regional economy.
Abkons has managed to become the partner of choice in major development projects and projects with a focus on the management of natural resources. We have been instrumental in the designing and implementation of greenification strategies and plans. Expanding our green engagement is the key driver for our green agenda.
Green City Action Plan for the Municipality of Bishkek
Now, our experience in sustainable green development will also contribute to greenifying an Asian capital. GCAP in Bishkek will identify the environmental challenges and design the proper measures to address them. This project also marks the beginning of our partnership with NTT Data Consulting, a top 6 global business and IT services provider. The project is part of EBRD Green Cities, a programme that aims to support cities’ transition to green, low-carbon, and resilient futures.
Green City Action Plan Tirana
The Green City Action Plan set out a concrete course of action for Tirana, tackling the most urgent problems faced by its population. Abkons provided local technical information input, information on the existing situation in the city of Tirana, gathering data on project indicators, local support in defining the Green City action plan and policies, and client support in stakeholder engagement and awareness campaigns.