EU donates scientific equipment for soil quality analysis

TIRANA, March 5 – As part of an EU-funded project to strengthen the environmental monitoring system in Albania, the Ministry of Environment and the Agriculture University of Kamza now have modern equipment for soil quality analysis. The equipment enables specialists at the University and the Ministry to generate reliable data on soil quality in Albania, which is a basis for good agricultural policy and productivity. Through this project the EU supports a holistic system of environmental monitoring in Albania, to include air and water quality, and biodiversity. The system will not only allow Albania to have accurate data on the state of its environment, but also formulate appropriate and informed policies to address environmental concerns and make economic growth sustainable for generations to come. Driving growth in ways that protect the environment is a policy staple in the EU as sacrificing the environment for short-term economic gain endangers the very sustainability of the conditions of healthy living for the next generations. The EU is a leader in environmental protection and its experience has shown that protecting the environment does not mean sacrifices on the economy. Quite the contrary, the environment sector is a very important pool of jobs and integrating the environment into our thinking has changed business models in ways that enhance the economy.