Assessment of the Environmental Situation through SWOT Analysis in Berat Municipality, Albania

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the current environmental situation in Berat Municipality and to identify the internal and external factors that influence its sustainable development, through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. This study is conceived as a descriptive and evaluative analysis, based on secondary data and their interpretation through the SWOT approach, identifying the positive and negative aspects of the environmental situation. The methodology is based on a review of scientific literature and official documents, such as environmental strategies, municipal reports, and development plans, as well as on a comparative analysis of data on air pollution, waste management, water quality, land use, and biodiversity. The data have been interpreted to extract the constituent elements of the four SWOT analysis components. The results show that Berat Municipality has high natural and cultural potential but faces challenges in waste management, urban pollution, and the lack of ecological infrastructure. Opportunities are linked to the development of sustainable tourism and the improvement of environmental education, while threats include climate change and urban pressure. The study concludes that implementing integrated environmental strategies, raising public awareness, and engaging the community are essential for improving environmental sustainability in Berat Municipality. The study contributes to the development of local policies and environmental management strategies at the municipal level.