TIRANA, DECEMBER 12, 2012 -  USAID and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration signed today a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in planning and implementing a low emission development strategy to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases in Albania.

Climate change presents a critical development challenge that requires action toward a more sustainable economic growth path.  Both the United States and Albania have endorsed the Copenhagen Accord statement on low emissions development strategies (LEDS).  Through the U.S. government's global program called Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS), Albania will receive specialized assistance and expertise to support sustainable, climate-resilient economic growth while slowing the growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  With signing of this MOU, Albania joins other signatory countries in the region, Macedonia, Moldova and Serbia, creating another opportunity for strengthening the regional cooperation and exchanges in the field of Climate Change and LEDS.

Key areas of cooperation under the MOU include:
•  Improve National Inventory System(s) for Greenhouse Gas Emissions;
•  Incorporate LEDS into Existing Government Planning Systems;
•  Support the Adoption of Clean Energy Technologies and Energy Services;
•  Strengthening Legal, Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for LEDS; and
•  Developing Clean Energy Projects.