The National Civil Protection Agency (NCPA)

The National Civil Protection Agency (NCPA) is an integral part of the structure of the Ministry of Defense.

Civil Protection aims to create the conditions for a society capable of reducing disaster risks, preventing and preparing for emergencies, responding effectively, and recovering from them—through an integrated and efficient civil protection system in the Republic of Albania.

The main objective of Civil Protection is Disaster Risk Reduction and the implementation of Civil Protection measures to safeguard human life, livestock, property, cultural heritage, and the environment. This is achieved by strengthening the Civil Protection system, clearly defining the responsibilities of institutions and structures within the system, promoting international cooperation, outlining the rights and duties of citizens and private entities, and fostering education, training, and inspections.

Due to Albania’s geographical characteristics, natural disasters—especially floods, fires, earthquakes, landslides, and snow blockages—are common occurrences. Environmental disaster risks are increasing as a result of urbanization and industrialization. At the same time, modern threats such as terrorism and various epidemics cannot be excluded.

The NCPA is organized as a central-level general directorate, while at the local level, it is structured regionally through Civil Protection Centers in the counties of Shkodër, Durrës, Fier, and Korçë. These centers are responsible for monitoring the implementation of Civil Protection policies by public institutions at the regional/local level, as well as coordinating cooperation for disaster risk reduction and conducting civil emergency operations.