Green innovation in Albania, new creators supported by the EU are shaping a sustainable future

“Botanica is an innovative project aimed at revolutionizing plant protection by offering a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly biopesticide. This product seeks to replace traditional chemical pesticides, which have negative impacts such as soil and water pollution, damage to biodiversity, and risks to human health. Based on natural ingredients with antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties, Botanica will be a safe choice for farmers and consumers looking for organic and sustainable products,” says Adela Lamçe, one of the winners of the hackathon organized by the EU delegation in Albania as part of the “EU for Education” campaign.

While the campaign highlighted all the initiatives supported by the European Union, the hackathon gathered dozens of young innovators from Albania, demonstrating how the new generation can work towards a future where society is aware of environmental issues and supports green living.

Another winner, whose idea addresses environmental challenges, is Olisa Sinani, a designer and fashion student at the University of Arts in Tirana. She won the “Sustainable Fashion” challenge with “The Renaissance Fabric,” an initiative built on the core principles of sustainable fashion: reducing waste by recycling clothes that would otherwise end up in landfills, promoting reuse and transformation as every old material takes on a new and valuable form, supporting the local economy through collaboration with Albanian artisans, raising community awareness by involving people in tangible environmental actions, and creating long-lasting products with a story to tell.

The third winner comes from the “Sustainable Tourism” category, an initiative created to help tourists and adventurers enjoy the mountains, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for those traveling through unexplored terrains.

“HikeMate” will be an application dedicated to mountain activities and outdoor tourism, offering a range of services, including navigation tools, weather and hazard alerts, organizing meetups, sharing experiences with the community, and personalized tips on outdoor etiquette. Users will be able to track and mark their routes using GPS to ensure accurate and lossless navigation. The application will also function without internet, providing real-time information about weather conditions and potential natural hazards, alerting users to any risks in the area and recommending safer alternative routes,” says Katerina Bllaca. (May 8)