Tirana, 19.12.2025 – The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention has once again expressed deep regret and serious concern that the Albanian government has failed to halt the construction of the Vlora International Airport, in direct violation of Recommendation No. 219 (2023).
Despite repeated calls to suspend the works, the Albanian authorities have completely ignored this request and decided to continue the construction of Vlora Airport. Attempting to avoid responsibility, they have stated that they will implement compensatory and mitigating measures during the airport’s operation.
However, the Bern Convention emphasizes that no mitigation measures, nor the airport’s operation itself, can commence without a new, full, and adequate Environmental Impact Assessment that comprehensively addresses the impacts on critical habitats and species in the Vjosa–Narta area. The Convention stresses that expressing willingness to take mitigation measures does not replace the need for a complete and lawful assessment, and any steps forward without such an EIA constitute a breach of the Convention.
Vjosa National Park has an official management plan, but it is not being implemented. The Committee underlines that the lack of planning and scientific assessment cannot justify harming biodiversity and calls for concrete, immediate, and measurable actions from the Albanian authorities.
“During 2025, Vjosa National Park has faced a series of serious pressures from extractive and processing industries, increasing urbanization, and the absence of effective controls. These interventions are severely challenging the integrity of one of Europe’s most important natural ecosystems. At EcoAlbania, we have continuously and comprehensively monitored developments on the ground and emphasized to the Bern Convention the importance of applying international reference standards for the management and protection of this park. Vjosa deserves real protection, not just protection on paper,” said Olsi Nika, Executive Director of EcoAlbania.
EcoAlbania and the Society for the Protection and Conservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) have opposed the Vlora International Airport project from the outset, repeatedly warning of serious legal irregularities, blatant procedural violations, and unacceptable environmental risks for one of Europe’s most valuable and sensitive ecosystems. Both organizations have continuously submitted documented evidence and formal objections to the Bern Convention, proving that the airport construction is taking place within the Vjosa–Narta Protected Area, an internationally important wetland and key biodiversity site, and that the project has proceeded without a new, full, and adequate Environmental Impact Assessment.
Continuing the works under these conditions constitutes a direct violation of both national legislation and Albania’s international obligations, threatening not only protected habitats and species but also the credibility of public institutions and respect for the rule of law. EcoAlbania and PPNEA call for the immediate halt of the project, full transparency, and full compliance with international commitments for nature protection before irreversible damage occurs.
Representatives of EcoAlbania and PPNEA presented scientific data on the importance of the Vjosa River estuary, including its role as a critical habitat for migratory and endangered bird species, an area highlighted by the Bern Convention itself. Meanwhile, they are pursuing legal action by challenging the Vlora Airport contract in court, arguing that construction permits were issued without the mandatory environmental and strategic assessments, contrary to Albanian law and international standards. These violations directly endanger the ecological integrity of the Vjosa–Narta Protected Area and place Albania in open conflict with its international nature protection obligations.
“The hypocrisy of the authorities, who have so far pledged to protect nature in Albania, has been exposed with the construction of the Vlora International Airport in the Vjosa River delta. To pursue their destructive vision for the Narta Lagoon, the Albanian government has ignored every standard for protecting nature and protected areas. In fact, immediately after the EU condition to restore the protected areas law as part of negotiations, the Albanian government approved construction permits for massive residential and tourism complexes within the Vjosa–Narta Protected Area,” emphasized Zydjon Vorpsi, Policy Director, PPNEA.
Vjosa–Narta is one of the most important ecosystems in the Mediterranean, home to hundreds of bird species, including rare and internationally endangered migratory species. EcoAlbania and PPNEA reaffirm their commitment to protecting Albania’s natural heritage and to advocating for environmental decision-making based on science, law, and transparency, fully aligned with national legislation and international conventions, including the Bern Convention.
For further information:
Kaltrina Hyka, EcoAlbania, e-mail: [email protected]
Lorena Pyze Xhafaj, PPNEA, e-mail: [email protected]
