On August 18th, the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law entered into force, marking a significant milestone in the effort to restore degraded ecosystems across Europe. With binding targets to reverse biodiversity loss and strengthen ecosystem resilience, this law aims to not only capture carbon and mitigate climate change but also reduce natural disaster risks, promote food security, and support sustainable development. For Albania, this is a call to action, especially as the country is rich in biodiversity but still faces challenges in ecosystem preservation and management.
Although Albania is not yet a member of the European Union, this new law sets a crucial framework for the country to consider in its ongoing environmental conservation efforts. As part of the Western Balkans, Albania has an immense opportunity to align its policies with the EU’s environmental goals, especially as the country aspires toward EU membership.
As an overall target to be reached at the EU level, Member States will put in place restoration measures in at least 20% of the EU’s land areas and 20% of its sea areas by 2030. By 2050, such measures should be in place for all ecosystems that need restoration.
Albania, with its rich natural heritage and diverse habitats—from coastal wetlands to mountainous regions—is home to important species and ecosystems that require urgent attention. For example, the Vjosa River, often regarded as the last wild river in Europe, the coastal ecosystems of Vjosa-Narta, Divjaka Karavasta, Shkodra Lake, Butrinti National Park ect, and the biodiversity of Albania’s protected areas are vulnerable to land use changes, unsustainable agriculture, and climate change. The Nature Restoration Law could serve as a guiding principle for future national policies to protect these unique ecosystems.
Restoration of Wetlands and Rivers: Albania’s wetland and river ecosystems, such as Vjosa-Narta, Divjaka Karavasta, and the newly discovered heron colony in the Drin River cascade, are critical for local biodiversity. The law sets targets to restore 25,000 km of rivers across Europe by 2030, transforming them into free-flowing rivers. For Albania, which boasts rivers of international significance, this target is directly aligned with the country’s ongoing efforts to protect river ecosystems from large-scale infrastructural projects, including hydropower development. Following similar restoration goals could further Albania’s commitment to preserving its freshwater ecosystems.
Pollinator and Farmland Bird Recovery: The Nature Restoration Law calls for the halting and reversal of pollinator decline, alongside increasing farmland bird populations.. Notably, Albania and AOS has already taken strides in bird conservation, especially with the recovery programs for endangered species like the Dalmatian Pelican, Hereons, Storks, Rollers, Egyptian vultures ect. Embracing similar restoration targets could help secure the survival of farmland birds and increase biodiversity in agricultural areas.
Urban Green Spaces: Although much of Albania’s biodiversity is concentrated in rural and protected areas, the law’s mandate to increase urban green spaces could also inspire action in cities like Tirana. As Albania continues to urbanize, integrating green and blu spaces into urban development plans could create healthier, more sustainable cities that benefit both biodiversity and residents.
Peatland Restoration: Peatlands in agricultural regions play a critical role in storing carbon and regulating water systems. The law mandates the restoration of peatlands, which is an area that Albania could explore in agricultural landscapes where soil and ecosystem degradation occur. By restoring these vital ecosystems, the country could significantly improve its resilience to climate change.
Although Albania is not an EU member, the Nature Restoration Law opens the door to potential funding opportunities for restoration projects. The EU’s LIFE Programme, which supports environmental and climate action projects, is already accessible to Albania. The new law emphasizes the need for Member States to seek financial support through programs like LIFE, the Common Agricultural Policy, and Horizon Europe. Albania can similarly tap into these funds to enhance its restoration efforts, contributing to regional and global biodiversity goals.
The Nature Restoration Law is also a vital tool to achieve international biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Albania, as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, shares in these global ambitions to halt biodiversity loss. The law’s targets, particularly for key ecosystems like forests, rivers, and wetlands, could serve as a model for Albania to implement its own biodiversity goals.
The Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS) remains committed to protecting Albania’s rich biodiversity, focusing on safeguarding Protected Areas, wetlands, and coastal high-biodiversity zones. By working closely with policymakers, conservationists, and communities, AOS drives initiatives that restore ecosystems and ensure a sustainable balance between nature and human development.