National_parks_of_Albania

Protected areas of Albania

Protected areas of Albania

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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]

Network of protected areas in Albania (2020)[1]

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]

Strict nature reserves

(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.

  World Heritage Site
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National parks

(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]

  World Heritage Site
  Ramsar wetland or a marine protected area
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Natural monuments

(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]

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Managed nature reserves

(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]

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Protected landscapes

(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.

  Part of the Emerald network
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See also

References

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    "Map" (PDF). gazetasi.al. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
  2. [2]
    UNESCO. "Albania". whc.unesco.org.
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    "WDPA - Designation Display". Archived from the original on 2011-01-12. Retrieved 2010-11-28.
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    BirdLife International. "Albania". datazone.birdlife.org.
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    "Baza Ligjore | APR Tirana". Retrieved 2021-02-20.
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    "Vendime të miratuara në mbledhjen e Këshillit të Ministrave, datë 26 Janar 2022" (in Albanian). Kryeministria. 26 January 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
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    "Parku Kombëtar i Butrintit – Plani i Menaxhimit të Integruar (2020-2030)" (PDF). kultura.gov.al. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
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    "Parku Kombëtar i Prespës pajiset me sinjalistikën vertikale". ata.gov.al. Agjencia Telegrafike Shqiptare. 5 December 2021.
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    Parmentier, Laurian (15 November 2022). "Integrative analysis reveals cryptic speciation linked to habitat differentiation within Albanian populations of the anomalous blues (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Polyommatus Latreille, 1804)". Comparative Cytogenetics.
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    "Decision no.715 dated 23.06.2009 amending Decision No.402 dated 21.6.2006 proclaiming National Park the Dajti Mountain natural ecosystem". FAOLEX. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
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    "Regulation No. 1631 proclaiming the natural ecosystem of Bredhi I Hotoves-Dangelli as national park". UNEP. Retrieved 17 December 2008.
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    Katanich, Doloresz (15 March 2023). "'Conserved forever': Albania's Vjosa officially declared Europe's first wild river national park". Euronews.
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    "10 years Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park". UNDP. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
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    "40-vjetori i Monumenteve të Natyrës". inca-al.org. Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
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    "Rrjeti i Zonave të Mbrojtura në Shqipëri" (PDF). cbd.int. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
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    "UNEP/MAP welcomes the announcement of a protected area in Porto-Palermo Bay in Albania". United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 2 September 2022. Archived from the original on 5 September 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
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