Protected areas of Albania

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

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.

Name	Image	Designated	IUCN cat.	Area	Map
Gashi Valley			Ia
Rrajcë Strict Nature Reserve			Ia

National parks

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	Name	Image	Designated	IUCN cat.	Area	Map
	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

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.

Name	Image	Designated	IUCN cat.	Area	Map
Tulipa Albanica Habitat			III

Managed nature reserves

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.

Name	Image	Designated	IUCN cat.	Area	Map
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

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.

Name	Image	Designated	IUCN cat.	Area	Map
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
Pishë Poro-Nartë Protected Landscape			V
Buna River-Velipojë Protected Landscape			V