Strengthening the capacities of Albanian municipalities in the twinning of cities
October 21, 2013
On July 1, 2012, the Albania Sustainable Development Organization (ASDO) organized an awareness marathon from Vuno village to Himara city. The environment protect marathon kicked off at 6 a.m., with participants coming from both Tirana and nearby areas, all joining voluntarily. This initiative was launched in response to the tragic accident that occurred at Qafa e Vishes, where 11 students from Elbasan University tragically lost their lives and others sustained severe injuries.
Protect the Environment
ASDO organized this marathon to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving. Participants joined the event by running or walking along the route. Through this, they not only supported the cause physically but also learned about the risks that led to the tragic accident. The event also carried an important environmental message: “Protect the environment” Along the way, participants noticed a significant amount of waste, which they manually collected. This highlighted the severe pollution in the area and the lack of prior cleanup efforts.
At the accident site, participants paused to honor the young lives lost. Each person placed a fresh flower and observed a minute of silence. This solemn moment encouraged reflection on the tragedy and the need for safer driving practices. It also emphasized the importance of environmental protection. After this tribute, participants continued their run or walk, deeply moved by the powerful messages of the day.
The marathon ended with a refreshing swim in the Ionian Sea. Completing the 8-kilometer route left participants feeling inspired and relieved. They knew their efforts had raised awareness and encouraged greater responsibility for their community and environment.
