Growing up along the Ishëm River, Lulzim Baumann has dedicated his life to protecting the waterways of his home country, Albania. Today, he is a key partner for everwave's cleanup activities in the region and an important driving force behind sustainable waste management solutions.
“Don’t wait. Start small. Ask questions, learn, get involved. You don’t need a title, only commitment and consistency. Your voice matters.”
– Lulzim Baumann
A Lifelong Commitment to the Ishëm River
Lulzim Baumann grew up on the banks of the Ishëm River and witnessed firsthand how a once-clean river gradually transformed into a polluted waterway. Motivated by this dramatic change, he began taking action at an early age, organizing local cleanup activities along the Ishëm and advocating for cleaner rivers and waterways in Albania.
“As a child, I watched the Ishëm transform from a place where people could swim and fish into a toxic channel filled with waste.”
– Lulzim Baumann
Driven by a determination to make a difference, Lulzim studied Environmental Engineering before earning a master's degree in Environmental Planning and Waste Management in Berlin. Today, he is considered one of 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
Albania's waste management challenges are complex and stem from multiple factors. These include inadequate infrastructure, limited waste separation systems, and a lack of public awareness, particularly in rural areas. In addition, corruption, political instability, and short-term decision-making have slowed the development of sustainable solutions. One example is the failure of several planned waste-to-energy facilities that were never successfully implemented.
everwave: “What have been the biggest challenges you've faced so far?”
Lulzim: “Bureaucratic obstacles, limited funding, and a lack of political will, but also mental barriers within society. I had to build everything from the ground up. That's why I founded Albania's first Circular Economy Park: to provide a practical example of what is possible.”
Albania's First Circular Economy Park
Located near Tirana, the Circular Economy Park serves as both a learning hub and an action center. Opened in March 2025, it is built around three core elements: a recycling station, an education center, and a second-hand showroom.
Students, researchers, and international visitors come together here to experience circular economy principles in practice and explore innovative approaches to waste management and resource recovery.
“Through RecycAl and the Circular Economy Park, we demonstrate tangible solutions. Waste is collected, processed, and reused. We educate, raise awareness, and advocate for political change.”
– Lulzim Baumann
Finding Motivation Despite the Challenges
everwave: “With so many challenges to overcome, what keeps you going?”
Lulzim: “My love for nature and my belief in change. Every child who learns how to separate waste gives me hope. Every partnership, such as the one with everwave, shows that we are not alone.”
Looking Ahead
everwave: “What are your goals for the future?”
Lulzim: “To replicate the Eco Park model throughout Albania and across the Western Balkans. To establish a truly effective waste management system. And my biggest dream: a clean, living Ishëm River, free from plastic, pollution, and indifference.”
Lulzim's story demonstrates how meaningful change can begin with a single step. What started as a small local cleanup initiative has grown into pioneering projects such as the Circular Economy Park and a long-term cleanup partnership with everwave, helping to build a cleaner future for Albania's rivers and communities.