Despite being a relatively small country, Albania is exceedingly rich in biodiversity. Its ecosystems and habitats support over 5,550 species of vascular and non-vascular plants and more than 15,600 species of coniferous and non-coniferous evergreens, most of which are threatened at global and European levels. The country has made recent efforts to expand its network of protected areas which now include: 11 national parks, 1 marine park, 718 nature monuments, 23 managed nature reserves, 11 protected landscapes, 4 World Heritage Sites, [2] 4 Ramsar sites [3] and other protected areas of various categories, that when combined, account for 21.36% of the territory. [4] Furthermore, a biosphere reserve, 45 important plant areas and 16 important bird areas are found in the country. [5] [6]
Meanwhile, the central government has proclaimed the Coastline and the Tirana Greenbelt as areas of national importance. [7]
At present, protected areas are constantly under threat by illegal logging, forest fires and the construction of hydroelectric power plants which have prompted ongoing protests from environmentalists and civil society. [8]
The national policy for governing and the management of protected areas is implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism through the National Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM). [9]
(Cat. Ia) Strict nature reserves are limited areas of ecological significance, preserved and protected for scientific purposes, to safeguard the living world and all its cultural and natural values. Two such areas in the country have this designation: Gashi Valley and Rrajcë Strict Nature Reserve.
Name | Image | Designated | IUCN cat. | Area | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gashi Valley | 15 January 1996 | Ia | 3,000 hectares (30 km2) | ||
Rrajcë Strict Nature Reserve | 7 July 2017 | Ia | 4,700 hectares (47 km2) | ||
(Cat. II) National parks are vast areas of land or water, typically not less than 1000 hectares in size, that possess exceptional scientific, ecological, and educational values and are kept away from strenuous human activities. These parks are protected and monitored to maintain the ecological balance of their ecosystems, to promote scientific research, and to provide visitors with spiritual and educational experiences, in compliance with environmental and cultural regulations. A total of 12 national parks, encompassing a surface area of 313,950.77 hectares (3,140 km2), occupy 10.92% of the country's territory. [10] [11]
Logo | Name | Image | Designated | IUCN cat. | Area [12] | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Butrint National Park | 2 March 2000 [13] | II | 8,622.2 hectares (86.222 km2) | |||
Prespa National Park | 18 February 1999 [14] | II | 27,613.05 hectares (276.1305 km2) | |||
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park | 19 October 2007 [15] | II | 22,389.08 hectares (223.8908 km2) | |||
Llogara National Park | 21 November 1966 [16] | II | 1,769.20 hectares (17.6920 km2) | |||
Shebenik National Park | 21 May 2008 [17] | II | 34,507.90 hectares (345.0790 km2) | |||
Alps of Albania National Park | 26 January 2022 [18] | II | 82,844.65 hectares (828.4465 km2) | |||
Tomorr Mountain National Park | 18 July 2012 [19] | II | 27,185.5 hectares (271.855 km2) | |||
Lurë-Dejë Mountain National Park | 21 November 1966 [20] | II | 19,288.88 hectares (192.8888 km2) | |||
Dajti Mountain National Park | 21 June 2006 [21] | II | 28,561.85 hectares (285.6185 km2) | |||
Fir of Hotovë-Dangëlli National Park | 17 December 2008 [22] | II | 36,003.76 hectares (360.0376 km2) | |||
Vjosa Wild River National Park | 15 March 2023 [23] | II | 12,727 hectares (127.27 km2) | |||
Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park | 28 April 2010 [24] | II | 12,437.7 hectares (124.377 km2) | |||
(Cat. III) Natural monuments typically consist of natural entities and habitats that cover a limited area of land, usually no more than 50 hectares. These areas are recognized for their significant scientific, ecological, cultural, historical, aesthetic, and religious values. They may include both living organisms, such as rare or endemic species of trees and plants, as well as non-living environmental features like unique geological formations created by wind, ice, or water erosion, such as: karst springs and lakes, glacial lakes, wetlands, and sources of mining or thermal activity. A total of 718 nature monuments have been designated (government decision no. 303, dated 10.05.2019). [25]
Name | Image | Designated | IUCN cat. | Area | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tulipa Albanica Habitat | 13 March 2023 | III | 35.5 hectares (0.355 km2) | ||
(Cat. IV) Managed nature reserves are protected areas of land or water that are of local and regional importance. These areas are maintained through proper management to preserve the species, habitats, and other unique natural phenomena, with the aim of enhancing their quality and utilizing them for recreational and entertainment purposes, as well as for studies, educational, and cultural activities. A total of 23 managed nature reserves, encompassing a surface area of 216,024.68 hectares (2,160 km2), occupy 7.5% of the territory. [26]
Name | Image | Designated | IUCN cat. | Area | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fir of Kardhiq Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 4,303.6 hectares (43.036 km2) | ||
Fir of Sotirë Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 4,927.67 hectares (49.2767 km2) | ||
Fir of Zhulat Nature Park | 26 January 2022 | IV | 936.2 hectares (9.362 km2) | ||
Cangonj Nature Park | 27 July 1977 | IV | 250.3 hectares (2.503 km2) | ||
Dardhë-Xhyrë Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 400.3 hectares (4.003 km2) | ||
Gërmenj Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 1,410 hectares (14.1 km2) | ||
Karaburun Nature Reserve | 27 July 1977 | IV | 17,490.7 hectares (174.907 km2) | ||
Korab-Koritnik Nature Park | 21 December 2011 | IV | 53,850 hectares (538.5 km2) | ||
Kunë-Vain-Talë-Patok-Fushëkuqe-Ishëm Nature Park | 28 April 2010 | IV | 8,092.3 hectares (80.923 km2) | ||
Gjergjevica Lagoon Nature Reserve | 26 January 2022 | IV | 2,966.3 hectares (29.663 km2) | ||
Shala Lagoon Nature Park | 26 January 2022 | IV | 10,619.35 hectares (106.1935 km2) | ||
Munellë Nature Park | 26 January 2022 | IV | 20,760.05 hectares (207.6005 km2) | ||
Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Nature Park | 31 January 2007 | IV | 26,043.34 hectares (260.4334 km2) | ||
Lake Ulza Nature Park | 3 April 2013 | IV | 4,205.15 hectares (42.0515 km2) | ||
Polis Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 45.1 hectares (0.451 km2) | ||
Porto Palermo Nature Park | 29 July 2022 | IV | 1,694.98 hectares (16.9498 km2) [27] | ||
Shtamë Pass Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 6,864.36 hectares (68.6436 km2) | ||
Lake Shkodër Nature Reserve | 2 November 2005 | IV | 24,049.75 hectares (240.4975 km2) | ||
Stravaj and Sopot Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 1,548.9 hectares (15.489 km2) | ||
Blue Eye Nature Park | 15 January 1996 | IV | 293.3 hectares (2.933 km2) | ||
Zagori Nature Park | 26 January 2022 | IV | 24,607.63 hectares (246.0763 km2) | ||
Balloll Nature Park | 27 July 1977 | IV | 323.3 hectares (3.233 km2) | ||
Bogovë Nature Park | 27 July 1977 | IV | 342.1 hectares (3.421 km2) | ||
(Cat. V) Protected landscapes and seascapes are primarily managed for the preservation of landscape values and to provide recreational opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. This category includes areas with residential centers that allow activities like agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishing, etc., both on land and in sea. The goal is to preserve the quality of landscapes and the harmonious interaction of human activity in them, and maintain the biological diversity they host. A total of 11 protected landscapes, encompassing a surface area of 84,746.69 hectares (847.5 km2), occupy 2.94% of the territory.
Name | Image | Designated | IUCN cat. | Area | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bjeshka e Oroshit Protected Landscape | 15 January 1996 | V | 4,646.7 hectares (46.467 km2) | ||
Fir of Drenovë-Sinicë Protected Landscape | 21 November 1966 | V | 2,065.8 hectares (20.658 km2) | ||
Guri i Nikës-Lenie-Valamarë Protected Landscape | 15 January 1996 | V | 5,172.7 hectares (51.727 km2) | ||
Qafë Bush-Kuturman Protected Landscape | 27 July 1977 | V | 4,159.7 hectares (41.597 km2) | ||
Rrushkull Protected Landscape | 16 December 1995 | V | 579.5 hectares (5.795 km2) | ||
Bisht Kamëz Protected Landscape | 28 December 2020 | V | 491.5 hectares (4.915 km2) | ||
Nikolicë Protected Landscape | 15 January 1996 | V | 510 hectares (5.1 km2) | ||
Krastë-Verjon Protected Landscape | 26 July 2018 | V | 1,469.24 hectares (14.6924 km2) | ||
Lake Ohri Protected Landscape | 18 February 1999 | V | 28,000 hectares (280 km2) | ||
Pishë Poro-Nartë Protected Landscape | 22 October 2004 | V | 15,972.7 hectares (159.727 km2) | ||
Buna River-Velipojë Protected Landscape | 2 November 2005 | V | 21,678.85 hectares (216.7885 km2) | ||
Lurë-Dejë Mountain National Park is a national park in northeastern Albania, spanning an expanded area of 202.42 km2 (78.15 sq mi) since 2018 by encompassing the entire section of Kunora e Lurës, former Zall-Gjocaj National Park, and Dejë Mountain. The park was originally established in 1966 to protect the various ecosystems and biodiversity as Lura National Park. The altitude vary from 1,500–2,300 m (4,921–7,546 ft). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the park as Category II. Nevertheless, it is described as an important Bird and Plant Area, because it supports significant bird and plant species.
Llogara National Park is a national park centered on the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera in Southwestern Albania, spanning a surface area of 1,769 ha (17.69 km2). The park's terrain includes large alpine meadows, vertical rock faces, precipices and dense forests. The most area of land is covered by forests and was established in 1966 to protect several ecosystems and biodiversity of national importance. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the park as Category II. The region has been recognised as an important Bird and Plant Area, because it support significant numbers of various bird and plant species.
Dajti Mountain National Park is a national park established in 1966 in central Albania, spanning an area of 293.84 km2 (113.45 sq mi) since 2006. The park is 40 km (25 mi) east of the Adriatic Sea and 26 km (16 mi) east of Tirana. The area is under shared jurisdiction between Albanian Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM) and Tirana Municipality Parks and Recreation Agency (APR). It is adjacent to Shtamë Pass Nature Park to the northwest, Kraste-Verjon Protected Landscape to the west, and Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Protected Landscape to the east. The park is marked by an extremely fragmented, rugged topography which creates favourable conditions for a great diversity of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Shebenik National Park is a national park in eastern Albania adjacent to the border with North Macedonia. It encompasses 34,507.9 hectares (345.079 km2) and is specifically marked by a mountainous landscape supplied with glacial lakes, valleys, dense coniferous and deciduous forests and alpine meadows and pastures. Elevations in the park vary from 300 metres to over 2,200 metres above the Adriatic at the peak of Shebenik and Jabllanica, hence the name. It dwells a number of endangered species that are fast becoming rare in Southern Europe, including the brown bear, gray wolf and balkan lynx. The abundance in wildlife can in part be explained by the variety of vegetation types and remote location.
Theth National Park was a national park in northern Albania. In 2022, the park was amalgamated to form the Alps of Albania National Park. Established in 1966, the park covered 2,630 ha (26.3 km2) and is centred on the Albanian Alps, encompassing the larger portion of Shala Valley. The park was established to protect various ecosystems and biodiversity and the cultural and historical heritage of the region. It is dominated by high terrain, with a wide variety of natural features including valleys, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, dense forests and several rock formations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the park as Category II. Notably, the region has been also identified as an important Bird and Plant Area. In 2017, Theth has been further declared a Protected Historic Center.
The Valbona Valley National Park was a national park inside the Albanian Alps in northern Albania. In 2022, the park was amalgamated to form the Alps of Albania National Park. The park covers a total area of 80 km2 (31 sq mi), encompassing Valbona River and its surrounding areas with mountainous terrain, alpine landscapes, glacial springs, deep depressions, various rock formations, waterfalls and the Valbona Valley with its dense coniferous and deciduous forest. It is characterized by its very remote areas which have a large preserved ecosystem all of which is primarily untouched with pristine quality. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centrepiece of what has been referred to as the Albanian Miracle of the Alps.
Shtamë Pass Nature Park resides in the edge of the mountain chain north of Tirana, about 25 kilometers east of Kruja. The park is named after the Qafë-Shtamë passage, and has an area of 6,864.36 hectares, with a beautiful mountain scenery consisting mainly of pine forests, some small lakes and major water sources. The national park was established in 1996 by the Albanian government and transformed in 2022 into a larger nature park. It is becoming lately a popular attraction for hiking.
The Fir of Drenovë-Sinicë Protected Landscape is a protected landscape near Korçë in eastern Albania, with an area of 10.3 km2 (4.0 sq mi).
Prespa National Park is a national park situated in southeastern Albania on the border triangle shared with Greece and North Macedonia. At approximately 277.5 km2 (107.1 sq mi), the park encompasses the country's sections of the Great and Small Prespa Lake. It is considerably characterised by high mountains, narrow islands, vast freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, meadows, reed beds and dense forests.
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is a national park in western Albania, sprawling across the Myzeqe Plain in the direct proximity to the Adriatic Sea. The park spans a territory of 222.3 square kilometres (22,230 ha) containing remarkable features such as wetlands, salt marshes, coastal meadows, floodplains, woodlands, reed beds, forests and estuaries. Because of the park's important and great availability of bird and plant species, it has been identified as an important Bird and Plant Area of international importance.
Tomorr Mountain National Park is a national park founded in 1956 that lies in southern Albania, nestled in the central and higher portions of the Tomorr massif, spanning an area of 261.06 km2 (100.80 sq mi) since 2012, and expanded to include its quarry areas since 2019. The park covers a territory of 26,106 ha. The area falls within the Berat County and only 1,278 ha inside the Elbasan County. The park was established in 1956 and is considered one of the most important protected areas for the maintenance of mountainous biodiversity and ecosystem integrity at the national level. The park has been recognised as an Important Plant Area of international importance by Plantlife.
The Korab-Koritnik Nature Park is a nature park in eastern Albania and forms a section of the European Green Belt, which serves as a retreat for endangered animal and plant species. It encompasses 55,550 hectares (555.5 km2) of alpine mountainous terrain, with valleys, rivers, glacial lakes, caves, canyons, dense coniferous and deciduous forest. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the park as Category IV. Both, Koritnik and Korab has been recognised as an Important Plant Area of international importance by Plantlife.
The Kunë-Vain-Talë-Patok-Fushëkuqe-Ishëm Nature Reserve is a nature park located within the Lezhë County forming the Drin river delta and facing the Adriatic Sea in northern Albania. It spans an area of 43.93 km2 (16.96 sq mi). The area is the first protected area to be established in Albania as a hunting reserve in July 1940. The current nature reserve was established in 2010 encompassing the Kunë Island, the Kunë-Vain lagoon, the woodlands, and several ecosystems. Notably, it has been also identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
The Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Nature Park is a habitat or species management area in central Albania adjacent with the border with Dajti National Park. It covers a surface area of 25,266.42 hectares (252.6642 km2). It is situated in Dibër and Tirana County with three municipalities, Xibër, Martanesh and Shëngjergj, and several villages within its territory. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the landscape as Category V. The region has been as well recognised as an Important Plant Area of international importance by Plantlife.
The Albanian Ionian Sea Coast is a coastline of the Northeastern Ionian Sea, that encompasses the southwestern border of the Republic of Albania, stretching from the southern half of Karaburun Peninsula, across the historical region of Labëria, the city of Sarandë, the mountains of the Ceraunians and the Albanian Riviera, to the Lake of Butrint, where the Strait of Corfu separates the country from Greece.
The Bay of Grama is a bay in the Ionian Sea situated along the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast on the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe. It is one of many bays of the western Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera south of the Karaburun Peninsula. The bay is primarily known as a touristic place, and for the engraved inscriptions in the surrounding coastal cliffs as its name relieves.
The National Agency of Protected Areas is a government agency in Albania. Its main duties are focused on the management, protection, development, expansion and operation of the protected areas in the country, which today account for about 21.3% of the territory of Albania. AKZM was established on February 4, 2015, and took many of the functions and duties of former local Forestry Police which was abolished. The newly created local Protected Areas Administrations (AdZM) on a county level are: AdZM Tiranë, AdZM Durrës, AdZM Shkodër, AdZM Kukës, AdZM Dibër, AdZM Lezhë, AdZM Elbasan, AdZM Berat, AdZM Fier, AdZM Korçë, AdZM Vlorë, AdZM Gjirokastër.
Vjosa Wild River National Park is a national park located in southern Albania. The Vjosa River is Europe's first Wild River National Park that was designated on 15 March 2023. The park was declared a natural ecosystem by decision of the Council of Ministers, in compliance with Law 81/2017 "On Protected Areas". The river valley is considered Albania's biodiversity hotspot, offering ideal aquatic habitats for over 1,100 species of wildlife, including otters, the endangered Egyptian vulture and the critically endangered Balkan lynx, of which only 15 are estimated to remain.
Lake Ulza Nature Park is a regional nature park located in Mat, Albania. It covers a surface area of 4206 hectares and is located near the town of Burrel in the central part of the country.