Strengthening national capacity in nature protection – preparation for Natura 2000 Network
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
- International Union for Conservation of Nature
- Società Botanica Italiana
- Ministry of Environment of Albania
February 2015 - May 2019
Overall Objective
The project has the dual purpose of:
- implementing at least five Management Plans for the many existing protected areas
- prepare a preliminary list of Natura 2000 sites, in view of their future submission to the European Commission by the competent Albanian authorities, contributing to the alignment process of the country’s regulatory framework with the EU environmental acquis
Summary of the Project
The project NaturAL aimed to halt the loss of biodiversity in Albania, through improved management of protected areas and setting the basis for the future implementation of the European Natura 2000 network. Protected areas are the cornerstones of nature conservation and often the most reliable way to conserve the diversity of ecosystems. Albania has made significant progress in expanding the network of protected areas from 5.2% of the country’s territory in 2005 to 16% in 2014. Despite this remarkable process, the investments in the protected areas, in particular in infrastructure, equipment and technical capacities of staff, have been inadequate.
Activities
- Preparation of Management Plans in at least five protected areas, and a preliminary list of Natura 2000 sites
- Preparation of the preliminary list of Natura 2000 sites in view of its future submission to European Commission by the competent Albanian authorities, contributing in this way to the alignment of the country’s regulatory framework with the EU environmental acquis
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive capacity building programme for protected areas staff
- Realisation of specific actions concerning infrastructure, equipment, conservation of priority habitat and species, and biodiversity monitoring
- Protected area managers trained and assisted in developing project proposals for future financing under the EU programmes
- Informing, communicating and educating the young people, protected area visitors, local communities, nature resource managers and all the interested on the importance of nature conservation in Albania and the role of its protected areas
The focus is put on five protected areas:
Lake Shkodra Managed Nature Reserve;
Korab-Koritnik Managed Nature Reserve;
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park;
Tomorri Mountain National Park; and
Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangëlli National Park.
In addition, limited actions have been realised in:
Buna River-Velipojë Protected Landscape;
Dajti Mountain National Park;
Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park;
Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape; and
Llogara National Park
Expected Results
- An assessment on the current state of all Protected Areas and the Protected Areas systems in the country, and recommendations to the authorities on how to improve the network
- Key conservation actions as indicated in the selected Protected Areas Management Plans; this will include support to governance frameworks, law enforcement and capacity building of relevant administrations in managing protected areas and public engagement and awareness rising
- Tabular and spatial databases of conservation values, species and habitat for the selected Protected Areas (that will include habitat maps for each area); a the preliminary list of Natura 2000 sites for Albania; standard Natura 2000 files in view of their submission to the European Commission
- Communication channels to publicise the Natura 2000 network and raise awareness about biodiversity issues in general and in particular about the network
- Project proposals in view of future access of Albania to EU’s financial instrument supporting nature conservation such as the LIFE+ or LEADER programs
Edvin Pacara
edvin.pacara@eeas.europa.eu
