In recent years, Albania’s protected areas have faced unprecedented threats due to legal changes that put their ecological and territorial integrity at risk. The government’s rapid amendments to laws governing these areas have led to significant reductions in the size of critical national parks. The PA-BAT+ project, inspired by IUCN’s innovative methodology, aimed to safeguard three of Albania’s most important national parks: Divjakë-Karavasta, Butrint, and Lurë-Mali I Dejës. These parks are classified as Category II Protected Areas by IUCN and national legislation, yet recent legal changes threatened their survival by opening them up to economic activities like tourism infrastructure, which would have altered their natural character.
A key component of this campaign was the documentary “Hileja”, which shed light on the challenges, progress, and future of Albania’s Protected Areas. It offered valuable insights into the changes in boundaries, legal developments, and the evolution of conservation efforts in the country. By showcasing the stories of local communities, environmental experts, and activists, the documentary captured the ongoing fight to preserve Albania’s natural heritage. The documentary has been shared across social media, TV broadcasts, and international platforms raising awareness about the pressing need for conservation.
In addition to the documentary, the project engaged in extensive public outreach through a series of workshops, consultations, and media campaigns. These initiatives provided a platform for local communities to express their concerns, share their stories, and advocate for sustainable solutions that protect their land. Public consultations helped gather important feedback from the people most affected by the legal changes, ensuring that their voices were heard in the decision-making process.
The PA-BAT+ project has also succeeded in strengthening the network of environmental organizations in Albania, uniting over 15 organizations and academic institutions to collaborate on the preservation of protected areas. These organizations have now become a powerful force in lobbying for change and advocating for the protection of national parks. Recently, the Constitutional Court of Albania accepted the lawsuit filed to block revisions to the Law on Protected Areas. This decision marks a significant step forward in ensuring the long-term protection of Albania’s natural reserves, reinforcing the vital role that legal action plays in environmental conservation. The court’s decision highlights the urgent need to place ecological integrity above private interests, sending a strong message that the fight for preservation is not just for local communities—it is a matter of national importance.
Thanks to the collaboration of local communities, experts, and organizations, the PA-BAT+ project has not only safeguarded Albania’s protected areas but also set the stage for future sustainability efforts.
You can watch the full documentary here: “HILEJA” a film documentary on Protected Areas