Implementing sustainable mobility solutions in Vlorë, Albania
Objectives and Challenges
Himara intends to be a pioneer in the region to implement Circular Tourism Economy while increasing the number of tourists and visitors. As stated in Himara 2030 strategy, it aims to be the number one tourism destination in Albania and at the same time approaching environmental challenges with bold decisions. However, massive inflows of tourists to relatively small and insulated areas are relevant challenges for destinations like Himara as it has a wide range of impacts on destinations, depleting their environmental capital, which is being used more quickly than it can be renewed.
Achievements
Himara Municipality implemented the concepts of circular economy by investing in circular mobility, building mountain bike lanes to connect two scarcely populated areas between them. These two areas suffered from a high traffic volume during peak season. After a consultation period with all the stakeholders including local inhabitants, civil society, city council member and civil society a collective approval was achieved on approving this investment. Himara demonstrator managed to increase bike usage by an estimation of 15% during the peak-season. This resulted in an estimated 5- 10% decrease in traffic jams and air pollution in that area. Combining efforts with all the stakeholders including local inhabitants, a broad range of professionals of civil society, city council member, tourism and transportation businesses and elected officials, it was concluded that embracing circular economy is the main driver of the region in the future for a sustainable and steady economy. The concept of circular economy, is that wastes are minimized and each element is reconsidered for usage again and again. Being a small local community, inhabitants of Himara know the importance of resource preservation and conservation of nature. Combining the tools that InCircle project provided and the mindset of the community, the stage is set for further successes.
Added Value
For all these stakeholders to work together it was key to have a win-win selling point to convince them to come to the table. Less congestion means happier visitors, and happier visitors that come to these destinations are more open to spend on local businesses. Less congestion is also critical for local inhabitants, to feel less disturbed by tourism flows. During the monitoring phase, Himara Municipality has conducted different questionaries and other methods of obtaining information. The total number of lane users since its opening has stayed between our target values 110 - 250 weekly significantly contributing to decreasing air pollution caused by the reduction of car usage and reduction of road congestions. Furthermore, the businesses located in the area reported an increase of visitors and more cyclists requiring their products and services. Find out more here.