“Build Back Better – implementation of natural building in Albania” is a 6-month project, funded by the Visegrad Fund, which starts on February 1st, 2021. The project is being implemented by 6 partners respectively Municipality of Durres, HumanDoc Foundation, The Polish Natural Building Association, Baobaby, Organica Slovensko and Today for the Future the leading partner.

The project addresses the issues of building standards and building technologies for preservation of nature and better response to natural disasters as earthquake especially in areas as Ex-swamp of Durres. In November 2019, Albania was hit by the strongest quake in decades. The shock (6.3 magnitudes), the epicenter of which was 22 km from Durrës, the most affected city. The sector that reflects the greatest needs is housing – almost 76% of all needs.

The project aims to support the reconstruction of Ish Këneta, the poorest part of Durrës and contribute to the quality of the structures through the use of new technology, i.e. natural construction. Natural construction is based on the use of low-processed, natural, recyclable materials (e.g. clay, straw, wood). Building with the use of natural materials reduces costs and construction time compared to conventional methods, and at the same time meets all the requirements of modern construction.

• The project aims to provide knowledge and skills on natural construction and its adaptation to local conditions.
• The project aims to aware and involve decision-makers and professionals in the process of using natural building technologies with emphasis on restoration using energy-saving, recycled and environmentally friendly materials and technologies.
• The project aims to foster and promote the exchange of experiences and further development of natural construction in the countries of the Visegrad Group and Western Balkans, especially in the view of challenges posed by rapidly advancing climate change.

Through the project, the participants will learn about natural construction, conduct a discussion on the locally available materials and the choice of technology corresponding to local conditions and needs. They will develop a specific project (construction work with natural materials) that will be implemented in the tailored-made workshop in Durres. Moreover, a Handbook on the possibilities and potential of natural construction in Albania will be published. It will provide practical information on a variety of technologies and materials, including local conditions and implementations in the context of earthquake damage recovery.

Support statement: The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.