This is a moment that shapes the future of Protected Areas in Albania where 51 Civil Society Organizations, national and international, operating in the field of nature protection and academic-research institutions of natural sciences, joined forces and efforts towards an unwavering comprehensive and resilient commitment which aims to influence the political-making and decision-making instances so that environmental protection has priority in their agenda.
More specifically, to (i) halt inappropriate decision-making in crucial areas of biodiversity, ii) fight environmental crime, (iii) increase transparency and stability in decision-making; (iv) increase the professional capacities in terms of monitoring, study, and protection of nature in line institutions; (v) work towards monitoring and assessing the status of habitats and species of national/international importance, as well as (vi) to further strengthen cooperation with Civil Society for more sustainable decision-making.
We strongly support and believe in the principles of freedom, the rule of law, democratic values, and the territorial, social, and ecological integrity of Protected Areas. We strongly oppose any unilateral action or attempt to change the status and reduce the surface of PAs, the stability, and the prosperity of natural resources. Therefore, the 51 organizations and partners will continue to act together and with determination and commitment to advance these principles in the country and beyond, respecting the law at the national level and international conventions. Individually and collectively, we will further enhance our cooperation with multilateral institutions by reinforcing our common priorities to improve the well-being of natural resources, strengthen the legal framework and environmental sustainability of the PAs, and improve and share the common vision toward comprehensive and transparent environmental decision-making.
Representatives of Academic institutions:
1) Prof.Dr. Ferdinand Bego – Biology Department – Faculty of natural Sciences
2) Dr. Ina Vejsiu – Vice Dean, for Public Realtions and Institutional Cooperation – Faculty of Forestry Sciences
3) Dr. Gentjan Hykaj – Environment Department – Polis University
Civil society organizations:
Albanian Ornithological Society | EcoAlbania | Res Publica | Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development | VIS AlbaniaCOSV – Cooperazione per lo Sviluppo CISP Sviluppo dei Popoli @GO2ALBANIA CLE – Centre for Legal Empowerment | Universiteti Polis | Fakulteti Shkencave te Natyres (F.SH.N) | Qendra EDEN/ EDEN Center Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania | CELIM Shqipëri Milieukontakt Albania (member of Milieukontakt International Network) | REC Albania | WWF Adria Qendra ACEG Shpendët e Shqipërisë / Birds of Albania North Green Association | Well Point | AllGreen | All Green Centre Agri-En Environmental and Territorial Management Institute | ICLA INLSH | AgroPuka | Shoqata Alpin | Albanian Shkodra Lake FORUMNew Bridges NGO | Forumi i Mendimit të Lirë | H2H_Foundation | Shoqata Mkezh | Education Development and Employment Center | GreenVision | seep.org | Shoqata “qsnnn” Fushe-Arrez | Ekologet per Rajonin | Nisma e Luleve | Mjedisi & Komuniteti | Youth For Democracy Movement | MENV Group Shoqata CERCI Federata e Perdorusve te Pyjeve Qarku Gjirokaster qarku kukes | Organizata Miqesia Ulez | EcoPartners for Sustainable Development | New Impact Association | Mbrojtja e Mjedisit dhe Zhvillimi i Turizmit | Green Adventures Into Albania | Klubi alpin bjeshkatar “Struga”
