Description
The Vjosa and Shkumbini Deltas represent Albania’s two most important wetlands, hosting a unique mosaic of lagoons, marshes and coastal habitats that provide refuge for thousands of migratory birds, including the Dalmatian Pelican, Avocet and Stone Curlew. Both deltas are recognised as Ramsar sites, Key Biodiversity Areas and Important Bird Areas of Mediterranean significance. However, these fragile ecosystems are under imminent threat from large-scale infrastructure and tourism projects, most notably the construction of Vlora International Airport in the heart of the Vjosa–Narta Protected Landscape and new resort plans in Divjaka–Karavasta National Park, following recent legislative changes that weaken Albania’s protected area framework.
Building on the success of the previous DIMFE-supported project Protecting Vjosa’s Delta from Unsustainable Development (2021–2024), PPNEA and EuroNatur aim through this second phase to scale up advocacy, legal action and community-based conservation efforts to safeguard Albania’s last intact river deltas from destructive urbanisation.
The project will combine scientific research, public mobilisation, and political advocacy to strengthen national and international pressure on the Albanian government to comply with EU environmental standards and international conventions.
A dedicated media and advocacy campaign will inform the public, engage 20 journalists, and generate over 50 national and international media articles. At the same time, local communities will be empowered through training, small grant schemes for eco-tourism and conservation initiatives, and awareness programmes encouraging participation in decision-making.
To ensure long-term presence and local engagement, the project will establish the first Bird Observatory in Albania, located within the Vjosa–Narta Lagoon. This 300-hectare site, rented and managed by PPNEA, will serve as a Community-Based Conservation Centre, hosting research, monitoring and education activities, and generating local income through nature-based tourism and product sales. The initiative will also pilot ecosystem service assessments using the TESSA toolkit to quantify carbon storage and other benefits of restored wetlands, promoting blue carbon financing opportunities for future conservation efforts.
Finally, the project will continue to support international legal processes under the Bern, CMS and AEWA Conventions, ensuring that Albania’s commitments under international environmental agreements are respected and that pressure remains high from EU and global institutions.
