Albania establishes Administrative Office for Vjosa River National Park

The Albanian government has approved the creation, organization, and functioning of the Administrative Office for the Vjosa River National Park. This decision marks a significant step in managing and protecting Europe’s last wild river, officially declared a Category II National Park in March of last year.

Why is this important: The Vjosa River is a unique ecological treasure, flowing freely across 272 kilometers from Greece to Albania’s Adriatic coast. Spanning 12,727 hectares, the park encompasses the river’s water surface, shoreline, and adjoining areas, as well as tributaries like the Drino, Bënçë, and Shushica rivers. It is Europe’s first wild river national park, home to over 1,100 species of fish, birds, and plants, including the critically endangered Balkan lynx, otters, and Egyptian vultures. This designation elevates Albania’s profile as a destination for eco-tourism while safeguarding a vital natural habitat against urbanization and other threats.

Context: The government’s latest decision establishes the park’s Administrative Office, based in Tepelena. Operating under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, this institution will oversee conservation efforts, manage day-to-day operations, and collaborate with local and national bodies to protect the park. It will also generate revenue through services and fees, which will be funneled into the state budget. The office’s primary mission includes drafting and implementing management plans, conducting restoration and conservation projects, and maintaining infrastructure.

A broader perspective: The Vjosa River has faced decades of threats from unregulated development, pollution, and potential hydropower projects. Persistent advocacy by local and international environmental organizations culminated in its designation as a national park. The new administrative body is tasked with ensuring the park’s long-term preservation and promoting sustainable tourism.

The creation of this office is part of a growing recognition of the economic and environmental value of Albania’s natural resources. By formalizing the Vjosa River National Park’s administration, the government aims to balance conservation with development, leveraging the park as a key asset for eco-tourism and biodiversity protection.

Albania’s commitment to protecting the Vjosa sets a precedent in Europe for river conservation and serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to preserve the continent’s remaining wild ecosystems.