On September 28, 2022, the MELI Project came to a close after months of intensive community work, advocacy, and environmental action. But instead of a final farewell, the closing event was a celebration of progress, a moment to reflect on what had been accomplished, and a call to keep pushing for long-term change.
Held in the heart of Laknas, the event brought together local residents, project partners, municipal officials, and activists to discuss the results of the project and plan the next steps for continued environmental protection.
A Community That Came Together
The closing event was more than just a wrap-up of the project—it was a testament to the power of collective action. Residents, youth ambassadors, and local government officials gathered in Laknas to look back on the journey of the past year:
- How the community came together for the first time to clean the riverbanks.
- How local youth led the charge, collecting data, monitoring waste sites, and driving awareness.
- How the municipality took responsibility for the waste crisis and began to act on the community’s demands.
The event provided a space for open dialogue between residents and government officials. Feedback sessions were held to discuss the successes of the project, as well as areas where more work was needed.
Reflections on Achievements
During the event, Oljam Dervishi, RESU’s Executive Director, presented a summary of the key achievements of the project:
✅ 30 tons of waste removed through joint cleanup actions with local communities and the municipality.
✅ 11 illegal dumping sites identified and mapped, leading to action by local authorities.
✅ Youth engagement with 54 families and 12 businesses to understand the community’s waste management needs.
✅ Increased municipal accountability with the establishment of a task force to address the waste crisis in Laknas.
Looking to the Future
While the MELI Project may have officially ended, the work is far from over. The event was a reminder that lasting change takes time, and the community’s journey toward a cleaner environment is still ongoing.
The future steps discussed during the event included:
🔹 Further collaboration with the Municipality of Kamëz to address the remaining illegal dumping sites.
🔹 Continued training of local youth to act as environmental ambassadors.
🔹 Strengthened partnerships with local businesses to improve waste management practices.
A Moment to Celebrate
As the event concluded, the community celebrated their collective achievements. A sense of pride filled the air, knowing that they had worked together to make their neighborhood cleaner, healthier, and more accountable.
The MELI Project’s closing wasn’t the end—it was just the beginning of a sustained movement for environmental justice and community engagement.
For RESU, for the people of Laknas, and for everyone involved, the project was a step toward a future where citizens and governments can work hand in hand for a cleaner, more sustainable Albania.