Coastal Pollution in Albania and Its Social Problems

Darina Kacollja

Abstract

Coastal pollution is one of the main problems, especially in developing countries. This study presents the problem of coastal pollution due to uncontrolled and poorly designed development schemes in these areas. The construction of residential buildings, hotels, etc. in these areas with no initial infrastructure, especially the sewage system, will bring an increase in pollution in these areas. This study was based on 19 interviews that were conducted with residents who invested on buildings in these areas, but also with people who were involved in the construction of these buildings, such as investors, engineers, etc. This study was conducted in an area in Albania which lies between two cities, Durres and Kavaje. These interviews present the situation of coastal pollution, which is one of the main reasons to have contributed to the vacationers’ conviction that the waters in these area are very polluted. This resulted in these having fewer and fewer tourists than before. This decrease in demand led to a decrease in prices as well as a decrease in the number of employees in the tourism sector. This study also presents the changes in this situation during the period when such infrastructure was built. The reduction of pollution levels was possible, but it was difficult to change the vacationers’ opinion that this area is less polluted . This area is still mentioned as one of the most problematic areas of Albania

Presentation