Distributed Database Systems in the Management of the Environment and Water: Albania

Abstract

Albania is the richest country in water resources per capita in the Central and Eastern Europe. However, only one percent per year of those resources are withdrawn for utilization in the major water sectors — drinking, irrigation and drainage, industry, and mining. The management of waters is closely connected to the collection, processing, and distribution of data related to available water resources, their uses, and level of pollution. This study describes the various institutions responsible for information and data on water resources, and their poor quality. Also examined are recent changes in water legislation which have affected the collection, distribution, and access to information on water. The author argues that Albania’s involvement in several international projects (e.g. Coastal Monitoring Area Program within the frame of the MED POL Project) requires the application of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures and also offers some recommendations for the establishment of a better data storage and disseminating system and the institutional strengthening of procedures.