In a letter to key governmental bodies, including the Council of Ministers and the Assembly of the Republic of Albania and Commission for Production Activities, Trade and the Environment and the Commission for Legal Affairs, Public Administration and Human Rights, 28 signatory organizations highlighted the necessity of not just safeguarding Protected Areas but also adhering to the process and principles aligned with European Directives.
Our concerns follow remarks submitted through the Parliament’s online platform and during the online public hearings with civil society representatives on environmental issues, emphasizing that discussions have been narrowly confined to only two parliamentary committees. This approach overlooks the crucial involvement of the Committee for European Affairs, which is essential for ensuring that the draft law aligns with EU Directives and international standards like those of the IUCN and related conventions.
Given these concerns and the ongoing objections to the draft law, we are advocating for the postponement of the plenary session set for February 15, 2024, and urging that the draft law be reviewed by the European Affairs Committee, before submitted for a voting.
We invite you to join our appeal to protect our natural legacy and guarantee that any legal amendments meet international norms, particularly those of the European Union.