Albania is Biodiversity
The concept behind the campaign
‘Albania is Biodiversity’ is an awareness-raising and educational campaign focused on Albania’s incredible and endangered ecosystems and species. At a first encounter, it features a “mosaic-like” public intervention, showcasing critically endangered and unique species through artistic elements. This artwork is complemented by an educational program specifically designed for children and young people, and a series of public events that provide in-depth information about species, habitats, and the importance of their preservation.
Albania's rich biodiversity
Albania, often hailed as one of Europe’s biodiversity hotspots, defies its modest size with a remarkable wealth of life cradled within it. This country, albeit less than 29 thousand square kilometers in size, stands as a testament to nature’s unparalleled diversity, offering refuge to over 3200 plant species, 800 fungi, 300 fish species, 360 birds, and 70 mammals, and with countless more awaiting discovery. This biodiversity richness thrives thanks to Albania’s unique geography and diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountain heights to unspoiled coastal shores.
Within its mountainous heart, Albania shelters awe-inspiring creatures such as the elusive Balkan lynx, majestic Brown bears, and a symphony of bird species, including the iconic Golden eagle, symbolizing the nation’s spirit and the wandering Egyptian vulture. Along its pristine coastlines, havens remain for endangered loggerhead Sea turtles, Monk seals, and Bottlenose dolphins.
Yet, this extraordinary biodiversity faces threats from short-sighted development policies that prioritize profit over preservation. It is time that Albania’s leaders place biodiversity at the forefront of their governance ethics, recognizing it not as a resource for the greedy profits of a few but as a treasure to protect for all of us. Let us safeguard Albania’s natural heritage, honoring a cultural legacy of harmony between people and nature that has flourished over millennia. This is a legacy we must cherish and pass down, a living testament for future generations.
PhD. Aleksandër Trajçe, Executive Director of PPNEA
Why is Albania's biodiversity important for Europe?
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in sustaining the fundamental processes that underpin life on our planet, including our own existence. In the absence of diverse arrays of animals, plants, and microorganisms, we cannot maintain the well-functioning ecosystems essential for our oxygen supply and food production. Moreover, who can deny that there is an inherent value in nature itself that people deeply appreciate? Who does not feel happiness recalling moments of wondering at blossoming flowers or at dolphins dancing on the waves?
Yet, Europe’s natural ecosystems are in a state of poor condition and require urgent restoration. Currently, only 15% of European habitats can be classified as being in ‘good’ quality, with particular concerns regarding the state of wetlands, dunes, and coastal habitats. The ongoing degradation of our environment stems from a multitude of often interconnected factors, including the expansion of agricultural and urban areas, escalating pollution, illegal hunting, water scarcity, and the impacts of climate change. The consequences of these challenges are devastating. As ecosystems and biodiversity continue to decline at an alarming rate, the need for natural habitats is more critical than ever.
Albania presents significant opportunities on the European scale for preserving the remaining pristine wilderness in the continent. The ‘Albania is Biodiversity’ campaign highlights Albania’s role as a biodiversity hub, emphasizing its exceptional conservation significance. Its essential goal is to ignite the curiosity especially of the younger generation, encouraging them to explore and understand the rich biodiversity around them, ultimately nurturing a future where both humans and the natural world thrive!
Dr. M. Goekhan Tuncer, Director of Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Tirana office
First installment of the campaign
In October 2023, for three weeks, we set up a resource hub in Tirana’s iconic Skanderbeg Square. This “one-stop” shop, offering a range of activities and educational opportunities on biodiversity, contained:
- Education Corner – A space offering biodiversity classes and lectures for pupils and students.
- Digital corner - A space for showcasing wildlife footage and audiovisual content on Albania’s biodiversity.
- Event Space – A hub for engaging events, including film screenings, talks, interactive performances, and exhibitions focused on nature protection.
- Shop – A dedicated area for distributing campaign materials, with all proceeds going towards nature protection efforts led by our partner, PPNEA.
- Info Corner – A space to learn about volunteering and engagement opportunities in nature conservation.
