4 Eyes 4 Nature - Birdwatching (BW) as a New Branch of Green Economy in Albania

The project aims to open, develop and sell birdwatching and other wildlife activities as eco-tourism business packages. It will thus develop and stimulate Birdwatching and other wildlife tourism activities through the creation of tourism green packages. The packages would be developed in a full product by AOS in partnership with tourism agencies, tourism associations and partner NGOs. Birdwatching in Karavasta, Narta Lagoon and Valbona

Karavasta is the most important bird area of Albania, it offers temporary or permanent shelter to more than 245 species of birds compared with 330 observed all over Albania. It is well known for the numerous flocks of migrating and wintering birds, spectacular colors of wintering ducks, the stormy flight of migratory waders and the magnificent descent of the Dalmatian Pelican, the iconic bird staying all year around in the park.

Narta lagoon ranks as the second most important area in Albania for water birds after Karavasta area. During winter Narta is hosting more than 23% of water birds seen in Albania. With regards to international importance, the area is important for wildlife due to the presence of more than 34,700 individuals. Besides the complex shelters 7 Globally Endangered species including the Dalmatian Pelican, Lesser Kestrel, Pygmy Cormorant, White-tailed Eagle, Great Spotted Eagle, Ferruginous Duck, White-headed Duck etc.

Valbona Valley and the Alps, Dragobi-Cerem – it is a route in between forests, alpine meadows and mountainous paths joining Valbona with the village of Cerem. It offers a striking mountainous landscape as well as a very rich wildlife including birds and mammals. The route is very interesting for wildlife observations, particularly in the early morning hours. One could easily observe more than 50 species of forest birds. It is very likely to observe also large mammals as the Wild Goat (Rupicapra rupicapra) and the Wolf (Canis lupus). Some existing marked trails facilitate the visitors walk.