Cost of urban transformation in the Coastal Cities of Southern Albania

Urban development and climate change are intricately linked, especially in coastal cities, where climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events, can be particularly severe.

Using Vlora's urban development as a case study, our proposal highlights the importance of green finance and public-private partnerships in managing urban expansion and addressing sustainability challenges following EU standards. Our research focuses on policies to aid coastal cities in southern Albania as they undergo urban revitalisation within the context of post-communist urban development. We emphasise integrating sustainable development practices to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance resilience in these urban coastal areas. This involves examining how Southern Albania's coastal cities are adapting to the revitalization process amidst post-communist urban development and adopting sustainable development practices to mitigate climate change effects while fostering resilience in urban coastal regions.

Other relevant site-specific dynamics that need attention include migration flows from rural to urban areas and internal migration, particularly toward the capital city, Tirana, and coastal cities. Urban regeneration projects aim to rejuvenate historic neighborhoods, enhance infrastructure, and improve public spaces while preserving the city's distinctive character and sense of place.

Over the past decade, urban revitalisation has significantly impacted Southern Albania's coastal cities. This process has been driven by the potential for new economic opportunities and stability in the region, enabling residents to thrive and foster a sense of attachment to their city, making it feel like home.

We will spotlight several significant urban initiatives, including the Urban Rebirth of Albanian cities, Infrastructure development projects, urban parks and city squares, Waterfront promenade projects, and City and sea yacht ports. Our aim is to understand how it's feasible to regenerate a city in a sensitive context through new built-form projects without adversely impacting the natural protected areas, which are among the region's primary assets.

Building upon the Smart Project, we will also illustrate how a national smart specialization strategy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) principle of sustainability can be localised. Furthermore, we will delve into new regeneration projects guided by the quintuple helix innovation strategy, which considers environmental and social governance issues pivotal agents of change.