Albania, despite its relatively small size, is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe, home to exceptional natural wealth and unique ecosystems that stretch from the Albanian Alps to the southern coastline. Protected Areas cover more than 21% of the country’s territory and represent the foundation of this natural heritage. They provide habitat for thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are protected at European and international level, while also delivering essential ecosystem services such as water and air purification, soil protection, and resilience against natural disasters.
In recent years, protected areas have also gained increasing social and economic importance. According to the National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA), visitor numbers significantly increased during 2023–2024, reflecting growing public interest in nature and outdoor tourism. This trend highlights the urgent need for careful and sustainable management to ensure that increased use does not compromise ecological integrity.
For years, the main legal framework governing protected areas was Law No. 81/2017 “On Protected Areas”, which aimed to align Albania’s legislation with European Union standards and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) principles. The law established clear rules for the protection, zoning, and management of protected areas, prioritizing nature conservation.
However, the adoption of Law No. 21/2024 marked a significant turning point by shifting the focus from conservation toward economic development and investments within protected areas. This legislative change raised concerns regarding compatibility with international conservation standards and created legal uncertainty around the future protection of these areas.
A year later, Law No. 20/2025, known as the “Mountains Package,” further deepened these concerns by introducing provisions that weaken the principle of inalienability of forests and facilitate development projects through expedited permitting procedures. Together, these legal changes signal a broader shift in the state’s approach to protected areas, prioritizing short-term economic interests over long-term environmental protection.
Against this backdrop, this report provides an overview of the legal and institutional framework governing protected areas in Albania, identifying key challenges, legal inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement in order to strengthen nature conservation and sustainable management.
