Along the sun-kissed shores of Albania’s Adriatic coast, a critical examination of beach quality is underway, with implications that stretch far beyond the sandy toes of tourists. Edjona Bici, a researcher from the Institute of Public Health in Tirana, has been delving into the microbiological quality of six of the most popular beaches along a 200 km stretch of the Albanian Adriatic coast. Her work, published in *The Holistic Approach to Environment* (translated as *A Holistic Approach to the Environment*), is shedding light on the delicate balance between tourism, public health, and environmental management.
Bici’s study focuses on the often-overlooked aspect of beach quality: the microbiological contamination of sand. “Beach quality must be specifically addressed because overcrowding can lead to excessive waste, lower water quality, and ultimately lower socioeconomic value of the area,” Bici explains. The research highlights a significant public health hazard associated with gastrointestinal, dermatological, and other illnesses, primarily due to faecal contamination in beach sand.
The study reveals that the average levels of Escherichia coli and Intestinal Enterococcus bacteria were slightly higher in 2024 compared to 2023. However, the variability in contamination levels is striking. “The lowest results in both years are extremely low, indicating that some samples may have very little or no contamination,” Bici notes. Yet, the extremely high maximum values in both years suggest strong outliers, pointing to contamination hotspots rather than uniform pollution.
For the tourism and hospitality sectors, these findings are a wake-up call. Overcrowded beaches can lead to excessive waste and lower water quality, ultimately diminishing the socioeconomic value of these prized destinations. Effective beach management strategies are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of these tourist hotspots.
The research also has broader implications for the energy sector, particularly in regions where coastal areas are being considered for renewable energy projects. Understanding the environmental quality of these beaches is essential for planning and implementing sustainable energy solutions that do not compromise public health or ecological balance.
Bici’s work underscores the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive management practices. “The large levels of variability in both years support the existence of contamination hotspots, indicating that contamination is not constant but fluctuates widely between samples,” she explains. This variability calls for targeted interventions and localized solutions to address specific areas of concern.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, studies like Bici’s provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between human activity and natural ecosystems. Her research not only highlights the importance of maintaining high environmental standards but also offers a roadmap for sustainable development in coastal regions.
In the quest for sustainable tourism and energy solutions, Bici’s findings serve as a reminder that the health of our beaches is intrinsically linked to the well-being of our communities and the prosperity of our economies. As we move forward, it is imperative that we prioritize environmental stewardship and adopt innovative strategies to protect these vital resources for future generations.