Integrated Flood Risk Management in Albania: Human drivers, Basin dynamics and Policy gaps

Abstract
Albania possesses a dense hydrographic network and significant freshwater resources, with an average annual runoff of approximately 41 billion m3 and high hydrological module values. While this water wealth supports agriculture, hydropower and economic development, it simultaneously exposes the country to recurrent and often severe flooding. Over the past three decades, flood events have generated economic damages estimated at approximately 2.5 billion USD and have resulted in substantial social and environmental consequences.
This study examines the structural, environmental and anthropogenic factors that intensify flood risk in Albania, with particular focus on major river basins such as Drin-Buna. Through a qualitative-analytical review of documented flood events (2010-2026), institutional reports and basin characteristics, the research identifies the interaction between natural hydrological conditions and human-induced pressures. Although high annual precipitation (1400-1500mm) and geomorphological features contribute to natural vulnerability, findings indicate that unplanned urbanization, illegal construction in floodplains, deforestation, degradation of drainage systems, poor river maintenance, and inadequate management of hydraulic infrastructure significantly amplify flood magnitude and frequency.
The Drin-Buna basin, characterized by dense population, agricultural activity and hydropower installations, represents a critical case where structural exposure intersects with management deficiencies. Inadequate maintenance of levees, pumping stations and drainage canals further reduces system resilience, leading to repeated humanitarian and economic crises, particularly in northern lowland areas.
The paper argues that flood risk in Albania is no longer solely a hydrological issue but a governance and spatial planning challenge also. Strengthening integrated river basin management, enforcing land-use regulations, investing in maintenance infrastructure, and adopting preventive rather than reactive strategies are essential to reducing long-term vulnerability. A shift toward proactive risk governance is necessary to safeguard communities, economic assets and environmental stability.

Keywords: Hydrological vulnerability, river basin governance, civil emergency policy, drainage systems, land-use regulation