Nestled in southeastern Europe bordering the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania boasts mountains, rivers, wetlands, and coastal lagoons home to numerous endemic species. Recognizing biodiversity as one of its greatest assets, the country sees its landscapes not only as a source of pride but also of economic potential, especially through tourism.

Albania is looking toward sustainability to protect these ecosystems and the income they can bring. Tourism in Albania has seen growth in recent years. In 2023, Albania ranked fourth globally for the largest percentage increase in international tourist arrivals, with many visitors coming to enjoy the country’s nature and beaches, UN’s environment program said in a technical highlight for Albania.

As this level of growth in tourism poses risks to nature, land, and biodiversity loss, the government established a joint Ministry of Tourism and Environment in 2017. Its goal: is to help ensure environmental protection does not diminish alongside the industry’s uptick. 

“The interests of nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development will always prevail over tourism investments,” said Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, Minister of Tourism and Environment of Albania.

Kumbaro Furxhi said that in 2022, the country expanded its protected areas to cover 21.4 percent of its territory from 17.5 percent. This included the establishment of the Albanian Alps National Park. Covering an area of approximately 83,000 hectares with stunning mountain landscapes and valleys, the park aims to better integrate biodiversity conservation with rural development.?

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment also promotes responsible tourism that benefits both local communities and the environment. A notable example is the Vjosa Wild River National Park, which in 2023 became the world’s first wild river national park, Kumbaro Furxhi said. The government consulted extensively with local communities before creating the park, according to ministry officials.  

“This collaborative approach has become a model we successfully apply across the country,” said minister.

Vjosa Wild River National Park now balances ecological significance with human recreation. Ecotourism activities, such as rafting and fishing, are managed in a way that ensures they align with conservation goals and support local livelihoods while also protecting the region’s cultural traditions and agriculture.

Through partnerships with the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Albania has further expanded its protected area network, improving biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Projects in the Kune-Vaini lagoon ecosystem and North Albanian Mountainous Region have enhanced local capacities and increased awareness of climate change, benefiting both the tourism sector and conservation efforts.?

UNEP also supports Albania in several other key areas including science-policy integration, capacity building, technology transfer, and awareness-raising activities. Ecosystem-based adaptation approaches are now being integrated into national development strategies to build capacity raise awareness about climate change and reduce vulnerability to its impacts.

As part of its efforts to meet European Union (EU) accession goals, Albania is aligning its environmental policies with EU standards, including the integration of the EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives into national legislation. The two directives aim to maintain or restore protected species and habitats. The country is also working to improve enforcement in areas such as waste management and climate action.

Albania is among the countries that contribute their full financial share to UNEP’s core fund, the Environment Fund. “By contributing our full share, we affirm our belief in UNEP's crucial role in enhancing planetary resilience through conservation, restoration, and the sustainable use of nature,” said Kumbaro Furxhi.?