On April 22, 2025, CROSS-REIS in collaboration with Polis University, organized an Info Day focused on Environmental Sustainability and Urban Biodiversity, in celebration of Earth Day.
The event brought together researchers, academics, urban planners, students, environmental professionals, and journalists to reflect on how interdisciplinary knowledge, innovation, and civic responsibility can help shape more informed and effective responses to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Structured in two sessions, the day opened with a series of keynote presentations that explored critical environmental challenges and innovative responses. Prof. Emeritus Sherif Lushaj (Polis University) opened the session with an overview of Climate Change and Extreme Environmental Impacts, highlighting how shifting weather patterns and natural disasters demand urgent, adaptive urban planning and climate governance. Dr. Elsa Toska (Polis University) emphasized the need for Public Access to Environmental Issues, underlining transparency and citizen engagement as key pillars of democratic environmental management. Prof. Assoc. Sonila Sinjari (University of Tirana) contributed with a presentation on Protected Area Standards, discussing Albania’s progress and challenges in aligning with international norms for biodiversity protection.
Dritan Prifti (Director of Remote Sensing and Data Processing Directorate at State Agency for Geospatial Information) introduced the potential of Remote Sensing Technologies in environmental monitoring and planning, particularly in mapping urban heat islands and deforestation trends. Ola Mitre, journalist and author of the EKOSKANER TV show, explored The Role of Media in Discussing Environmental Issues, showing how investigative journalism can promote environmental awareness and policy change. Imeldi Sokoli (Urban Planner, Co-PLAN) discussed Air Quality and Noise Pollution in Tirana, presenting data-driven insights and community-level actions to tackle urban environmental degradation.
The second part of the day transitioned into a Polis Environmental Café, a participatory and interactive session that fostered open dialogue, idea-sharing, and collective brainstorming around environmental and biodiversity issues in urban settings. Participants explored practical ways to integrate nature-based solutions into city planning, while emphasizing the importance of community-led environmental initiatives.
This Earth Day initiative forms part of CROSS-REIS’s ongoing commitment to promoting environmental education, fostering innovation, and enhancing cross-sector collaboration for a more sustainable and inclusive future.