Lulzim Baumann: For Clean Rivers
Grown up by the Ishëm River, Lulzim Baumann is committed to clean waters in his home country of Albania – and is the ideal cooperation partner for the everwave cleanup site.
“Don’t wait. Start small. Ask, learn, get involved. You don’t need a title – only dedication and persistence. Your voice matters.” (Lulzim Baumann)
Dedication for the Ishëm
Lulzim Baumann grew up right by the Ishëm River in Albania and, as a child, witnessed how the once-pristine river turned into a dumping ground. Driven by this dramatic change, Lulzim began early on to work for clean waters and rivers in his homeland – starting with cleanup activities on the Ishëm right on his doorstep.
“As a child, I watched the Ishëm turn from a place for swimming and fishing into a toxic waste channel.” (Lulzim Baumann)
Motivated by a strong determination to make a difference, Lulzim began studying environmental engineering and later earned a master’s degree in environmental planning and waste management in Berlin. Today, he is among Albania’s leading waste management experts – and at everwave, we are proud to work alongside him at our cleanup site in Albania.
Challenges in Albania
The waste problem in Albania is complex and stems from multiple factors: starting with a lack of infrastructure, to the almost non-existent waste separation, and the low level of public awareness – especially in rural areas. In addition, corruption, political instability, and short-term thinking slow down the development of sustainable solutions in the country. One example of this is the three planned waste incineration plants that failed to be implemented.
everwave: “What have been your biggest challenges so far?”
Lulzim: “Bureaucratic hurdles, lack of funding, absence of political will – and also mental barriers among the population. I had to build everything from scratch. That’s why I founded Albania’s first Circular Economy Park, to set a practical example.”
The Circular Economy Park is a learning and action hub near Tirana. It opened in March 2025 and is built on three pillars: a recycling station, an education center, and a second-hand showroom. Students, university attendees, and international visitors come together here to experience the circular economy in practice.
“With RecycAl and the Circular Economy Park, we demonstrate concrete solutions: waste is collected, processed, and reused. We provide education, raise awareness, and advocate for a shift in political thinking.” (Lulzim Baumann)
everwave: “Amid all the challenges, what gives you the strength to keep going?”
Lulzim: “My love for nature – and my belief in change. Every child who learns to separate waste gives me hope. Every partnership, like the one with everwave, shows that we are not alone.”
everwave: “What are your goals for the future?”
Lulzim: “Multiply the Eco-Park – throughout Albania and the Western Balkans. Create a real, functioning waste management system. And my biggest dream: a clean, living river Ishëm – free of plastic, poison and indifference.”
Lulzim shows that change can start with a single step. What began as a small cleanup has grown into projects like the Circular Economy Park and a joint cleanup site with everwave.
