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, 4 Ramsar sites and other protected areas of various categories, that when combined, account for 21.36% of the territory. Furthermore, a biosphere reserve, 45 important plant areas and 16 important bird areas are found in the country.
Meanwhile, the central government has proclaimed the Coastline and the Tirana Greenbelt as areas of national importance.
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.
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).
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.
NameImage Designated IUCN cat. AreaMap Gashi Valley Ia Rrajcë Strict Nature Reserve Ia
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 , occupy 10.92% of the country's territory.
Logo NameImage Designated IUCN cat. AreaMap Butrint National Park II Prespa National Park II Divjakë-Karavasta National Park II Llogara National Park II Shebenik National Park II Alps of Albania National Park II Tomorr Mountain National Park II Lurë-Dejë Mountain National Park II Dajti Mountain National Park II Fir of Hotovë-Dangëlli National Park II Vjosa Wild River National Park II Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park II
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). NameImage Designated IUCN cat. AreaMap Tulipa Albanica Habitat III
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 , occupy 7.5% of the territory. NameImage Designated IUCN cat. AreaMap Fir of Kardhiq Nature Park IV Fir of Sotirë Nature Park IV Fir of Zhulat Nature Park IV Cangonj Nature Park IV Dardhë-Xhyrë Nature Park IV Gërmenj Nature Park IV Karaburun Nature Reserve IV Korab-Koritnik Nature Park IV Kunë-Vain-Talë-Patok-Fushëkuqe-Ishëm Nature Park IV Gjergjevica Lagoon Nature Reserve IV Shala Lagoon Nature Park IV Munellë Nature Park IV Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Nature Park IV Lake Ulza Nature Park IV Polis Nature Park IV Porto Palermo Nature Park IV Shtamë Pass Nature Park IV Lake Shkodër Nature Reserve IV Stravaj and Sopot Nature Park IV Blue Eye Nature Park IV Zagori Nature Park IV Balloll Nature Park IV Bogovë Nature Park IV
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 , occupy 2.94% of the territory.
NameImage Designated IUCN cat. AreaMap Bjeshka e Oroshit Protected Landscape V Fir of Drenovë-Sinicë Protected Landscape V Guri i Nikës-Lenie-Valamarë Protected Landscape V Qafë Bush-Kuturman Protected Landscape V Rrushkull Protected Landscape V Bisht Kamëz Protected Landscape V Nikolicë Protected Landscape V Krastë-Verjon Protected Landscape V Lake Ohri Protected Landscape V Vjosa-Nartë Protected Landscape V Buna River-Velipojë Protected Landscape V
See also Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve
References