Background

Albania has made significant progress in climate transparency, having submitted:

• Four National Communications (NC1 in 2004, NC2 in 2009, NC3 in 2016, NC4 in 2022)
• First Biennial Update Report (BUR1)
• Stand-alone National Inventory Report (NIR) in 2021

In April–May 2025, a new GEF-funded project was approved for the development of Albania’s BTR1 and NC5/BTR2. This builds upon previous NCs/BURs and the MRV system and institutional structures established under the CBIT project. The project will support operationalization of the MRV system, data collection for mitigation and adaptation, NDC tracking, and reporting on support needed and received, with a strong gender focus.

In adaptation, the project builds on the GCF-NAP initiative “Advancing Albania's planning for medium and long-term adaptation,” and will contribute to revising the NDC and advancing climate ambition. Close cooperation between policymakers and the science sector is emphasized.

However, as BTR1 is Albania’s first report under the ETF, the Ministry of Environment requires support to ensure proper understanding of obligations under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement and relevant MPGs.

Objective

The main objective of the requested support is to strengthen institutional and technical capacities necessary for the preparation of the Republic of Albania’s First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). This includes improving understanding and application of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) requirements during the BTR preparation process, reviewing the National GHG Inventory, and enhancing alignment with the Modalities, Procedures, and Guidelines (MPGs).

Expected Outcome

The expected outcome of the support is increased capacity and improved understanding of ETF requirements in the context of preparing Albania’s BTR1. This will contribute to:

• Strengthening institutional arrangements for transparency
• Enhancing the quality and completeness of the BTR submission
• Improving alignment with UNFCCC reporting standards
• Supporting future climate ambition and NDC implementation

Audience

This activity is intended for technical officers and experts involved in Albania’s climate reporting processes, including:

• Ministry of Tourism and Environment
• Relevant stakeholders and institutions contributing to the preparation and submission of Albania’s climate reports under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement

Approach

The support will be delivered through a combination of online training, expert guidance, and technical review. Proposed activities include:

• Online training/webinar on ETF and MPG requirements, including development of a BTR roadmap
• Review of the National GHG Inventory
• Preliminary review of all BTR components according to MPGs for improvement
• Guidance and support for compiling Common Tabular Formats (CTFs), with emphasis on:
  • NDC tracking
  • Financial, technology transfer, and capacity-building support needed and received (FTC component)
• Support for implementing MPGs across other components such as GHG inventory and adaptation