Within the framework of the EU-supported PAMANCA project, a series of introductory stakeholder meetings were held in Librazhd, Shkodër, Sarandë, Vlorë and Rubik. These meetings brought together representatives of civil society, legal experts, media, local institutions and community actors with the aim of identifying key environmental challenges, legal gaps and governance issues related to the management of protected areas in Albania.
Project Overview
The PAMANCA project aims to strengthen the protection of Albania’s protected areas by fostering cooperation among institutions, civil society organizations and local communities. The project focuses on improving the implementation of environmental legislation, raising public awareness and enhancing the active role of civil society in nature conservation.
Five environmentally significant protected areas have been prioritized due to their high ecological value and increasing pressure from illegal activities, uncontrolled development and mass tourism:
- Shebenik–Jabllanicë National Park
- Butrint National Park
- Vjosë–Nartë Protected Landscape
- Buna–Velipojë Protected Landscape
- Lurë–Mali i Dejës National Park
These areas face multiple threats, including habitat degradation, pollution, illegal logging, hydropower development and tourism-related pressures, particularly in coastal and wetland ecosystems.erjet e paligjshme të pyjeve, zhvillimet hidroenergjetike dhe presionin e turizmit, veçanërisht në zonat bregdetare dhe ligatinore.
Key Issues Raised Across All Meetings
Discussions across all locations highlighted the importance of coordinated action between institutions, civil society and media to address persistent challenges in protected area management. Participants emphasized that unclear legal interpretations, overlapping institutional competencies and weak enforcement mechanisms often allow environmental violations to go unpunished.
A central concern was the revised Law on Protected Areas adopted in 2024. Participants noted that the removal of zoning provisions, including buffer zones, has significantly reduced the level of protection in areas previously subject to strict conservation rules. This legal change was widely perceived as opening the door to mass tourism and construction in ecologically sensitive zones.
Environmental crime emerged as a major issue, with reports indicating that the vast majority of environmental violations are not pursued through criminal proceedings. Limited institutional capacity, insufficient staffing and weak inspection mechanisms were repeatedly cited as major barriers to effective enforcement.
Region-Specific Environmental Concerns
In inland and mountainous areas, participants raised concerns about hydropower development carried out without proper public consultation or transparency. The cumulative impact of numerous small hydropower plants has resulted in riverbed drying, biodiversity loss and visible ecological degradation.
In northern regions, discussions focused on wastewater discharge, poor waste management, illegal hunting practices, erosion, flooding risks and the lack of updated management plans. Participants also highlighted the shortage of environmental rangers, with single staff members often responsible for extremely large protected territories.
In southern coastal and wetland areas, particularly around Butrint and the Vlorë coastline, the dominant issues included tourism pressure, infrastructure expansion, mining and quarrying activities, and water resource mismanagement. The lack of coordination between central and local institutions, combined with insufficient financial and human resources, was seen as a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Specific concerns were also raised regarding large infrastructure projects, including airport development and road expansion, which pose serious risks to bird migration routes, wetlands, landscape integrity and overall ecosystem stability.
Governance, Capacity and Community Involvement
Across all meetings, participants stressed that effective protection of natural areas requires clear legal frameworks, strong institutional capacity and genuine involvement of local communities in decision-making processes. The absence of updated management plans, poor transparency and limited public participation were identified as key weaknesses undermining conservation efforts.
There was broad consensus that environmental protection is closely linked to Albania’s EU integration process, particularly under Chapter 27. Aligning national legislation with EU environmental standards must go beyond formal harmonization and ensure effective implementation, enforcement and accountability on the ground.
Conclusions and Next Steps
The meetings confirmed the urgent need for legal and policy reforms that restore strong protection standards for Albania’s protected areas. Participants emphasized the importance of developing coordinated advocacy efforts, improving institutional capacities and ensuring that development initiatives respect ecological limits.
The findings from these consultations will contribute to ongoing advocacy work aimed at strengthening environmental governance, enhancing legal clarity and safeguarding Albania’s most valuable natural ecosystems for future generations.
