CIMA Research Foundation and the Albanian Civil Protection: Memorandum of Understanding signed to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction

International scientific cooperation does not emerge in a single day, nor does it end with a signature. It is a process built over time, through shared tools, mutual trust, and a common vision. On 19 February 2026, at its headquarters in Savona, CIMA Research Foundation and the National Civil Protection Agency of the Republic of Albania took a further step along this path by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that renews and strengthens a collaboration initiated in 2010, the year CIMA began its activities in the country, followed in 2011 by the opening of CIMA's branch in Tirana.

The agreement consolidates a shared trajectory centred on two strategic areas: disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (with particular attention to Early Warning Systems and preparedness strengthening) and environmental and biodiversity protection, with a focus on wildfire risk management and forest resource management.

This framework reflects a cooperation model oriented toward capacity building and the integration of scientific expertise with institutional responsibilities.

The visit: institutional dialogue and operational exchange

The institutional visit at the University Campus of Savona represented a structured moment of exchange between the two institutions. Following the opening remarks by Luca Ferraris, President of CIMA Research Foundation, and Haki Çako, General Director of the NCPA, the programme continued with presentations of the respective missions and core activities, followed by a technical session dedicated to risk management tools and methodologies.

From technological platforms to modelling systems and monitoring networks, as well as criteria for integration between planning processes, the discussion focused on the evolution of operational tools that CIMA has contributed to developing over the years in Italy and internationally. The afternoon strategic meeting then outlined a shared roadmap for 2026, with the objective of defining the first joint activities following the signature.

The Memorandum: continuity and perspective

The signing of the Memorandum formalises a general cooperation agreement aimed at promoting capacity development, research, innovation, and technology transfer in the field of civil protection and disaster risk reduction. Over the years, this collaboration has contributed to the modernisation of Albania's national civil protection system.

"This renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding represents much more than a formal act: it is the recognition of a partnership built over the years through commitment and mutual trust. Our presence in Albania demonstrates that international scientific cooperation can generate concrete and lasting changes in the lives of communities exposed to risk," stated Luca Ferraris, President of CIMA Research Foundation.

"This agreement consolidates a relationship founded on trust and results. Cooperation with CIMA has tangibly strengthened Albania's capacities in risk management and in protecting its communities. We are ready to build together the next chapter of this partnership," added Haki Çako, Director General of the NCPA.

The new MoU, valid for six years from the date of signature, opens the way to the definition of specific agreements, the establishment of consortia, and joint participation in international initiatives. Rather than marking an endpoint, the signature defines a shared horizon: integrating science, operational tools, and capacity development within a cooperation pathway that views territorial resilience as a shared responsibility.