A joint project launched by the Environmentalist Association “Zharrëza” and supported by Bankers Petroleum Albania has seen the planting of over 12.000 different plants and trees in Patos-Marinza and surrounding villages.
The project’s aim is to improve the environment and establishing green belts in the oil-field area based in the villages of Jagodina, Marinza, Belina, Sheqishtë, Frashër, Zharrëz, and Fshati I Ri.
“The project was sought by our environmentalist association near Bankers Petroleum through an international organization mediating between the company and the community. We asked for it in 2018 and it found implementation by August 2019”, explained the Director of Zharrëza Association, Qani Rredhi.
“In total, we’ve planted 8.000 oleanders, a specific evergreen vegetative plant used to reduce the impact of gas emissions. We’ve also planted 4.000 endemic trees, such as Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Cottonwood added Rredhi explaining that the planting campaign will continue until the season is over.
During this season, planting as well as maintenance will carry on. The green belt is of particular significance as it minimizes dust created by the movement of oil trucks and also private vehicles.
The project is being developed in cooperation with the residents of the area as well as with the local government who are also direct beneficiaries of air and land improvement.
The plan is to continue with this project in the future so that the entire site is surrounded by a green belt, added the director of Zharrëza Association.
Representatives of the Chinese oil company say that “Bankers remains increasingly focused on improving the environment, not only through such projects but also through maintaining international standards during the exploration and development operations of the Patos-Marinza field”.
During 17 years of activity in Albania, Bankers has contributed to improving the environment in the area where it operates, through the rehabilitation of the take-over old wells, projects for the construction of oil pipelines, treatment of gases, and other elements released during the production process.
