With its exceptionally rich biodiversity, Albania is one of Europe's key biodiversity hotspots, hosting largely intact natural areas and a remarkable variety of species, habitats, and endemic life. This makes the country a crucial center for conservation. However, Albania faces one of the highest rates of biodiversity loss due to variety of reasons including deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, and uncontrolled land use.
Albania, with its exceptionally rich biodiversity, is one of Europe's key biodiversity hotspots, hosting largely intact natural areas and a remarkable variety of species, habitats, and endemic life. This makes the country a crucial center for conservation. However, Albania faces one of the highest rates of biodiversity loss due to variety of reasons including deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, and uncontrolled land use.
To address these challenges, the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation Tirana, launched the 'Albania is Biodiversity' campaign—a nationwide effort to inspire greater appreciation and protection of Albania’s ecosystems. Supported by international organizations such as the Swiss Embassy, the EU Delegation to Albania, the German and French Embassies, and Vodafone, this initiative aimed to raise awareness and spark conversations about the country’s endangered species and ecosystems.
For three weeks in October 2023, the campaign became the largest and longest-running of its kind in Albania, bringing nature closer to people, inspiring conservation efforts, and sparking meaningful conversations about biodiversity.
An artistic intervention
At the heart of the campaign was the striking “Albania is Biodiversity” mosaic, an approximately 250-square-meter artwork printed on fabric banners, showcasing 38 of Albania’s most endangered species. Placed in Tirana’s central Skanderbeg Square, it stood next to the iconic “The Albanians” mosaic of the National Historical Museum and featured reimagined patriotic figures as symbols of the country’s rich but fragile wildlife.
With illustrations of species by National Geographic artist Kadir Ozmen, transformed into a mosaic-like design by Albanian artist Kleidi Eski, the artwork quickly became a landmark, drawing both national and international visitors and sparking curiosity about the wildlife it depicted.
Unveiling the "Albania is Biodiversity" mosaic, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Unveiling the "Albania is Biodiversity" mosaic, Tirana, Oct. 2023
"Albania is Biodiversity" mosaic, Tirana, Oct. 2023
"Albania is Biodiversity" Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
A biodiversity hub
The “Albania is Biodiversity” artwork was complemented by a 600-square-meter biodiversity hub. Over 10,000 people had the opportunity to explore the five interactive educational corners of the hub and engaged in educational activities that provided in-depth information about species, habitats, and the importance of their preservation.
An educational program was specifically designed by PPNEA’s environmental education experts for children, families, and teachers to discover Albania’s ecosystems through games, real-size animal models, alongside biodiversity-themed posters and videos. More than 900 pupils from 17 primary schools participated in the education program, and around 150 students joined university lectures and expert talks that offered deeper insights into the country’s environmental challenges and conservation efforts.
The campaign also created a space for engagement through public events, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. Over 20 public events were organized, including wildlife photography exhibitions, film screenings, guided birdwatching tours, field visits, and panel discussions on biodiversity conservation. Performances, interactive storytelling sessions, and even a flash mob set to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy added a dynamic cultural dimension to the initiative. Each event reinforced the campaign’s message—biodiversity is not just a scientific or environmental concern; it is deeply connected to culture, heritage, and daily life.
Open Dance Session during Albania is Biodiversity, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Visitors at the Info Point of the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Kids playing at the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Visitors at the shop of the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Visitors at the Info corner of the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Visitors at the Shop of the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Local vendors at a fair in the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
School visit at the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
School visit at the Education corner of the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Pupils at the Education corner of the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
School visit at the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Participants in a Fair at the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Visitors at the Shop of the 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Shop, 'Albania is Biodiversity' Resource Hub, Tirana, Oct. 2023
Public outreach
The campaign was not only concentrated in on-site events, but it extended its reach also to digital audience. Over 1 million people were reached online, through a three-week social media effort focused on Albania’s rich biodiversity. Posts, videos, and interactive content helped raise awareness, inspiring people across the country to connect with Albania’s natural heritage. Both in-person events and online outreach, helped create a sense of appreciation for conservation efforts. As a result, around 200 young people signed up to volunteer with PPNEA, for long-term, on-the-ground conservation work.
Following the three weeks of on-site intervention, the campaign continued through an educational outreach program. Biodiversity-learning materials were distributed to 100 schools across Albania, providing valuable resources for teachers and students to continue exploring biodiversity and the importance of nature conservation.
Going forward
Despite Albania’s extraordinary biodiversity, the country is facing one of the highest rates of biodiversity loss in Europe, driven by deforestation, urbanization, and pollution. Public awareness, particularly among children and young people, along with capacity-building for environmental organizations and rangers, is crucial for protecting this natural wealth. This is why campaigns, educational programs, and training initiatives are so vital for preserving biodiversity.
The “Albania is Biodiversity” campaign highlighted both the beauty of the country's ecosystems and the urgency of their protection. By bringing biodiversity into public spaces and engaging thousands of people, the campaign made an important step toward a future where nature is not only valued but also actively protected and celebrated.
However, conservation is an ongoing effort. Everyone can contribute to safeguarding Albania’s wildlife and natural landscapes—whether through education, volunteering, or advocacy. The future of biodiversity depends on our collective actions.