Protected Area Benefit Assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 1 PROVISIONING REGULATING CULTURAL SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES

Home , Butrint National Park, Dajti National Park, Llogara National Park, Valbona (river)

Protected area benefit REPORT ADRIA assessment (PA-BAT) 2019 in Albania

Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 1 PROVISIONING REGULATING CULTURAL SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES

Food Climate regulation Tourism

Hrana Regulacija klime Estetska vrednost krajine

Fresh water Modernation of extreme events Recreation What are ecosystem services?

Voda Blaženje ekstremnih dogodkov Turizem

Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions of eco- Raw materials Water purification Spiritual experience systems to human well-being and support our survival and quality of life. One of the most widely used classification of ecosystem services

was developed under the global initiative The Economics of Ecosys- Surovine (les, krma) Čiščenje vode Rekreacija tems and Biodiversity (TEEB)* which is aiming at mainstreaming the Medical resources Soil stabilisiation Aesthetics appreciation values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making at all levels. They divide ecosystem services to four broader categories: Provisioning services, regulating services, cultural services and

Zdravilne učinkovine supporting services. Preprečevanje erozije prsti Duhovna sprostitev Polination

Opraševanje

Carbon sequestration and storage

Preprečevanje erozije prsti

SUPPORTING SERVICES

Maintenance of genetic diveristy Habitats for species

Življenjski prostori živali in rastlin Ohranjanje genske raznolikosti *Available at: http://www.teebweb.org/

2 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 3 CONTENTS

Acknowledgements 3 Published by WWF Adria, Zelinska 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Introduction 8 Responsible person Deni Porej, Director of WWF Adria Methodology 10 Authors Anila Boshnjaku

Results 14 [email protected] Bredhi i Hotoves - Dangelli National Park © Massimiliano Sticca Genti Kromidha [email protected] Economic values of Albanian protected areas 21 Kasandra-Zorica Ivanić [email protected] Goran Sekulić Flow of benefits 38 [email protected]

Main potentials of Albanian protected areas 44 Front page photo Thethi National Park located in the northern part of Albania is one of The Importance of dialogue with stakeholders 52 the most amazing Albanian tourism destinations (c) PSEDA-ILIRIA

Challenges 56 Design Miroslav Mrva Recommendations for Government and decision makers 58

Acknowledgements Recommendations for PA managers and stakeholders 60 The authors of this report would like to express their gratitude to the Institute for Nature Conservation Conclusion 64 in Albania (INCA), especially Genti Kromidha and Abdulla Diku, who supported the PA-BAT process in Albania. Also, thank you to the national park managers who agreed to participate in this study and took ABBREVIATIONS the time to work with WWF Adria and stakeholders in their areas. The national parks included in this re- DAP PA-BAT port are as follows: Butrint, Thethi, Dinaric Arc Park Project Protected Areas Benefit Valbona, Qafë-Shtamë, Mali i Dajtit, Assessment Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Divjakë-Kara- INCA vasta, Mali i Tomorrit, Karabur- Institute for Nature RAPA un-Sazan, Llogara, Prespa, Bredhi i Conservation in Albania Regional Agency for Drenovës and Bredhi i Hotovës. We Protected Areas are also grateful to the participants NAPA of the assessment workshops for National Agency for WWF expressing their views and taking Protected Areas World Wide Fund for Nature the time to fill in the questionnaires. They made this assessment possible. PA Protected areas Printed on eco-friendly paper March, 2019

ISBN 978-953-48402-1-4

4 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 5 Who we are

The World Wide Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading non-governmental and non-profit organizations for nature conservation. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of our planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. WWF was established in 1961 and has representative offices in over 100 countries across the globe. The organization is proud to have over five million people who support it.

WWF Adria’s aim is to contribute to the conservation, better governance and sustainable management of protected areas, marine and freshwater ecosystems and forests as well supporting the broad involvement of stakeholders (CSOs) in natural resource management - Karavasta National Park © Massimiliano Sticca Divjake and sustainable development in the Adria-Dinaric region. Why you need to What we want to achieve read this document This Protected Areas Benefit Assessment (PA-BAT) of Albania identi- Sustainable use of natural capital forms a basis for social and eco- fies the main drivers relevant to the protected areas and Albania’s de- nomic development and is safeguarded through enhanced environ- velopment policies. It identifies the flow of economic benefits and the mental responsibility among the public, governments, CSOs and the need to develop strategies to give revenue back to local people and business sector. protected areas. It also provides ideas to build on current incentives.

One of the goals of this report is to motivate local inhabitants to contribute to preserving nature. The analysis also reveals the importance of jobs in protected areas, which is vital for rural economies and How this document relevant for politicians. This report is contributing to the strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011– contributes to our goal 2020, demonstrating the values of protected areas in the region. It provides examples of best practices to help achieve the first Aichi Biodiversity target, which is: “By 2020, at the latest, people are aware WWF brings to the region a wide range of the best international and of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve regional practices that can be locally applied according to our in- and use it sustainably” . The outcomes of the analysis can be of use as depth knowledge and experience of conditions and needs. background information in developing national policy documents on nature conservation.

1 Available at: https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/

6 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 7 Introduction

The primary goal of establishing protected areas worldwide is to protected areas ferent categories cover around 16% of Albania’s land surface. There conserve natural habitats and species. However, by doing so, protec- are established on is 798 protected areas, including natural monuments. Although most ted areas indirectly support other ecosystem services, for example, were originally set up to protect natural habitats, wildlife or more tourism, recreation, food, soil protection, climate regulation, and 16 PERCENT recently biodiversity, they are increasingly expected to provide wider many others. These can have non-economic or economic value for of the national benefits to human society. The total surface of the protected area in the inhabitants of protected areas, residents in the surroundings of Albania is around 456,000 ha4. protected areas and visitors and, indirectly, through the collection of territory taxes, for municipalities and states. Recognizing the wider benefits of The assessment has been done for 13 out of 15 national parks in protected areas for human well-being is vital for providing argu- Albania5, which amounts to almost 100 percent of all national ments for their long-term maintenance, which extends well beyond parks (NPs). The assessed national parks account for around 45% the conservation of biodiversity. of the total surface of protected areas (PAs) in Albania. This en- compasses a variety of ecosystems, which provide the whole array The Protected Areas Benefit Assessment Tool (PA–BAT) was first of protected area benefits. The following protected areas were part developed in 2008. The tool was designed to identify the human and of the assessment: Thethi, Valbona, Qafë-Shtamë, Mali i Dajtit, economic benefits of protected areas. In 2012, the methodology was Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Divjakë-Karavasta, Mali i Tomorrit, Karabur- adapted for the use in the Dinaric Arc Region2. As the PA-BAT is un-Sazan, Llogara, Prespa, Bredhi i Drenovës, Bredhi i Hotovës, and less labour intensive compared to other valuation approaches, it can Butrint. Thirteen coordinators, one for each of the assessed PAs, be used on a larger scale, for example at a country or even regional supported the process. In order to assess the values and benefits of level. Results can reveal challenges for natural area conservation and the protected areas using the PA-BAT in Albania, WWF Adria has can show the differences in perception of various stakeholders. The collaborated with the Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania assessment can also point to the necessary systemic or legislative (INCA) as part of the Dinaric Arc Park project (DAP)6. changes, needed to enable future use of some of the benefits of protected areas in the light of conservation goals. The findings presented in this report are the result of discussions with more than 280 participants, which include local residents, Supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the protected area managers and practitioners, government officials, protected area management agencies, protected area benefits as- experts, business representatives, non-governmental organisation sessments were conducted in all eight countries of the Dinaric Arc (NGO) representatives, and others. region3 in 2013 and 2014. The results provide initial information on This report provides initial information and guidance on how various how various stakeholders perceive the actual and potential values stakeholders perceive the current and potential economic values of of protected areas, which could prove useful in their future develop- protected areas, which aims to assist the Albanian government to ment and management. better integrate natural capital and ecosystem services into development planning. In this report, we present results of the Protected Areas Benefit Assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania. Currently, protected areas of dif-

2 N. Dudley & S. Stolton, 2012. The protected Areas Benefits Assessment Tool. A methodo- 4 Available at: https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/al/al-nr-05-en.pdf logy. WWF and Parks Dinarides. Available at: http://croatia.panda.org/en/what_we_do/ 5 Excluding Zall Gjocaj National Park due to its very small size (140 ha) and Lura protected_areas/pa4np/pa_bat_methodology/ National Park due to lack of active management and severe damages suffered along last 3 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, decades. Serbia and Slovenia 6 Available at: http://croatia.panda.org/en/what_we_do/protected_areas/dinaric_ arc_parks/

8 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 9 Methodology

The PA-BAT methodology is an important tool used to identify a full The steps in implementing the PA-BAT assessment are: range of current and potential benefits of individual protected areas, including protected area management challenges. The PA-BAT has 1. Nomination of PA-BAT coordinators in protected areas and been designed primarily in order to help protected area managers collection of basic PA data; who work with various stakeholders, from local to global in iden- 2. One day site-based participatory workshops (datasheets, deta- tifying the benefits and values of their protected area. iled notes, participant surveys); 3. Data validation (post-workshop); Using the PA-BAT methodology, workshop participants assessed 4. Data analysis (site-based, national and international level); economic and non-economic/subsistence values of protected areas 5. Preparation of guidance notes on the use of the results; in terms of their benefits to a range of stakeholders. The tool uses a 6. Implementation of recommendations. list of 22 values that are characteristic of protected areas. Values are organized around nine main groups: nature conservation, protec- A crucial step of the assessment is the workshop, which should ide- ted area management, food, water, culture, health and recreation, ally be attended by diverse stakeholder groups. For the Dinaric Arc, knowledge, environmental services, and materials. eight stakeholder groups were defined as the most relevant: Apart from economic benefits, protected areas provide a range of non-economic benefits that are important for subsistence. Protected 1. Local residents living in the protected area; areas contribute to human well-being in many ways, not only as a 2. Local residents living near the protected area; source of income. There can be marked differences among protected 3. The national population; areas in the importance of values, depending on the area’s natural 4. Scientists/experts; assets, conservation goals, legally binding protection arrangement 5. Civil society organisations; and perception of stakeholders. 6. The government (local, national, protected area managers); 7. The business sector; 8. The global community.

The workshop participants assess economic and non-economic/ existential values (fulfilment of basic subsistence needs) of ecosystem services regarding their benefits for different stakeholders. The benefits are scored on a six-point scale, so that answers are agreed upon within each stakeholder group through a discussion (Table 1.). Global experts National National collector Scientists/ population community (mushroom Civil society society Civil Government Local people Local people organization) organisations living near PA living in the PA (local,national, (local,national, Business sector PA managers)PA

Existential + + + + n.a. n.a. + value

Economic €€P €€ € €P P value

n.a. non-applicable to the particular stakeholder group Llogara National Park © Massimiliano Sticca

10 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 11 The scale is as follows:

a) no benefit (blank cell); b) minor existential benefit (+); Shkodër Thethi National Park © RAPA c) major existential benefit (++); d) minor economic benefit (€); e) major economic benefit (€€); f) potential economic benefit (P).

To conduct the analysis, we have combined the workshop results with participants’ other valuable remarks collected during the workshop and with relevant written resources, which helps us interpret the results.

The PA-BAT is a tool that assesses the importance and values of all forms of legal resources used in a protected area. In all the other countries in the region, discussions proved very useful in identifying illegal resource uses. These were written in the minutes of the workshops but have not been measured through the datasheet form. Albania is an exception because, after conducting the PA-BAT workshops, management plans for some of the protected areas proved lacking. Local communities did not know what the allowable resource uses were or which activities were illegal therefore not enforcing conservation measures. This is why we made an exception. During the discussion with stakeholders, we assessed the use of both legal and illegal resources in order to conduct a more accurate assessment of Albanian protected areas.

The results of the PA-BAT in Albania are useful on multiple levels. They can be used to inform the management of individual protected areas. In addition, the results can be used to support the development of national policies that ensure nature conservation while promoting sustainable development and the wise use of natural resources. We have developed guidelines on the use of PA-BAT for park management authorities in order for them to implement proactive measures based on the assessment results7.

Results for individual protected areas assessed in Albania could be found on Natureforpeople.org* platforme.

7 http://croatia.panda.org/en/what_we_do/protected_areas/pa4np/pa_bat_meth- odology/ *https://natureforpeople.org/protected_areas/

12 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 13 11 POLLINATION AND HONEY PRODUCTION 12

Results 35 11 TOURISM AND RECREATION 13 20

11 NATURE CONSERVATION 34 13 28 Overall, results show that stakeholders recognize a wide range of 10 values and benefits of Albania’s protected areas. At least one stake- COMMERCIAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL WATER 27 10 holder group has recognized each of the 22 assessed values8. It is 25 10 WILD FOOD PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS 12 worth mentioning that all the values are recognized more as sub- 6 sistence/non-economic values. This could imply that majority of 22 9 MEDICINAL HERBS 12 stakeholders are using protected areas for their own subsistence (as 10 sources of food, water, and wood), and they still have not found a 12 9 LIVESTOCK GRAZING 11 12 way to use protected areas to generate income. 12 8 HUNTING 8 12 The most recognized values according to all stakeholder groups for The most 12 6 WOOD 12 economic and non-economic benefits are tourism and recreation, recognized 3 commercial and non-commercial water use, traditional food (honey, CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL VALUES 10 6 livestock grazing, wild food plants and mushrooms, agriculture), PA values are 10 13 medicinal herbs, hunting, fishing, wood and cultural and historical 10 6 tourism, water use, TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE 0 9 values (see Figure 1).The PA-BAT workshops’ results showed that traditional food, 9 5 hunting and gathering of firewood, two illegal activities, are present FISHING 7 0 11 in all visited parks. This information can be used to monitor and medicinal herbs, NATURE MATERIALS 9 4 improve resource management. The information can also be used hunting, fishing, 8 to improve law enforcement in the country, such as instituting a) A 9 3 and wood. WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY 7 Moratorium of Hunting9 and b) Moratorium on Forests10. 5

1 9 GENETIC MATERIAL 4 10

1 9 FORMAL AND INFORMAL EDUCATION 2 7 The results of the PA-BAT assessment in Albania show that 8 at the time of the assessment stakeholders were deriving eco- SOIL STABILISATION 7 9 nomic benefit from the traditional use of natural resources for 8 food, wood, water, and minerals. The stakeholder assessment CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION 7 5

also indicates that protected areas are being developed for 6 BUILDING KNOWLEDGE 5 13 tourism and as cultural assets. 6 SPECIFIC SITE VALUE 4 13

0 0 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 NUMBER OF PROTECTED AREAS

LEGEND 8 Specific site value - An area recognized by a significant number of people as being of unusually high importance from a cultural, historical, spiritual or scientific perspective. Economic value Non-economic value Such places are likely to have a special role in national, regional or global consciousness. 9 Approved on 15 March 2014, expires in 2021. 10 Starting from 11 February 2016, approved by Law No. 5/2016 “Proclaiming the Figure 1. Comparison of economic and non-economic/subsistence values of various moratorium on forests in the Republic of Albania” ecosystem services in 13 Albanian national parks assessed by different stakeholder groups.

14 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 15 The most important findings regarding the specific values with the 4. Cultural and historical values: Many protected areas in Al- highest scores are: bania have a rich history and many cultural objects and monuments within their borders (for example, Butrint is a UNESCO World Her- 1. Tourism and recreation: Stakeholders recognize tourism itage Site12). Most of the protected areas have been inhabited since and recreation to be one of the greatest values of protected areas ancient times. The cultural heritage of Albania’s protected areas, in Albania. Albanian protected areas are becoming more popular together with their natural resources, flagship species, important eco- as attractive tourist destinations due to their natural and cultural systems (RAMSAR sites13 - Butrint, Prespa and Skadar Lake, assets. This increase in tourism has started to support local econom- and Karavasta lagoon), and distinct landscapes are important not ies through revenue generated from services like accommodation, only because of the potential for the development of tourism, but also food production, local products and services, recreational activities, for the intrinsic value these places have for local people. transportation, etc. 5. Medicinal herbs: The collection and processing of medicinal 2. Nature conservation: The conservation of natural areas and herbs is a very common activity, especially in the mountainous areas resources is mostly recognized for its non-economic value, and of Northern and Southern Albania. There is a long tradition of medi- slightly less so in economic terms. This shows that, although they did cinal herb collection in Albania’s protected areas. Although official recognize the importance of protecting nature, the stakeholders were data is missing, stakeholders identified the importance of this activity not aware of the commercial potential of protected areas and of the Protected areas in for seasonal jobs and income generation. mechanisms for deriving economic value from protected areas (i.e. Albania have a rich management plan, PA staff) when the assessment was carried out. history and many 3. Water: Albania is a country whose surface and groundwater re- cultural objects sources far exceed their usage. Most of the country’s economic activ- and monuments ities rely on the utilisation of water resources. Over 90% of energy production comes from hydropower plants (HPPs), and agriculture within their fully depends on irrigation11. Thus, commercial and non-commercial borders. water use is another activity very well recognized by stakeholders in all assessed PAs. However, stakeholders did not fully understand the role that Albanian protected areas play in the conservation of water resources. During the workshop discussion, we highlighted the fact that water resources, both in their quality and quantity, are highly dependent on preserved, natural ecosystems. It is important for stakeholders to be aware of this so they can make informed and sustainable decisions on the usage of PA resources. Dajti National Park © Massimiliano Sticca

11 Water Management in Albania. Status of transposition, Implementation - The way 12 Available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/570 forward. Available at: http://www.env-net.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ 13 RAMSAR sites are wetland areas determined to be of international importance by Water_legislation_Research_Co-PLAN.pdf UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention, Available at: https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris-search/ ?language=en&f%5B0%5D=regionCountry_en_ss%3AEurope&f%5B1%5D= regionCountry_en_ss%3AAlbania

16 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 17 According to the PA-BAT results, the values of Albania’s protected 7. Education: Stakeholders who participated in the assessment did areas that are the least recognized by stakeholders are the following: not widely recognize education as a contributing economic value. The PAs were not sufficiently used as education sites, showing that the 6. Job creation: The stakeholders of Albanian protected areas were On average, non-economic and social values of PAs were not perceived by locals asked to assess the importance of direct employment in the protec- and were not being promoted by PA management at the time of the ted area management. At that time, they were to exclude indirect one ranger assessment. The situation has changed during the last few years. Sev- jobs related to protected areas such as jobs in tourism or trade of in Albania covers eral projects have supported educational activities in PAs, promot- 14 natural and local products . No jobs related to the protected area 4222 ha (42 km2) ing their values through visits and activities organized by schools. management were recognized in Albania during the assessment. This Several NGOs are active in implementing knowledge building and is not the case in other countries in the region, where jobs are one of of the protected area. educational activities in protected areas in cooperation with NAPA the most important benefits of protected areas because they provide and RAPAs. Regional Directorates of Education are cooperating with direct employment for local communities. At the time of assessment, the NGOs that are playing an active role in project implementation. the level of employment in the protected area management was low Various donors have supported these projects. (only 40 people). After the establishment of NAPA (National Agency of Protected Areas) in 2015, the situation has changed. NAPA is During the last years 8. Regulating and supporting ecosystem services (such as currently employing about 274 people, (253 at the regional level and climate change mitigation, soil stabilization, and flood prevention): 21 at the headquarters), including 108 rangers, which is significant education in PAs Public awareness of these important ecosystem services is on a local level. In Albania, there are twelve Regional Agencies for has been recognised generally low. The PA-BAT results clearly demonstrate this. These Protected Areas (RAPAs) rather than one Management Unit for each and several projects PA values received relatively low overall scores, which shows that the protected area. The management and employment for Albania’s understanding of their importance is still limited. The only regulat- protected areas are centralized. Most PAs in Albania are in were implemented. ory service that received a higher score is climate change mitigation. remote mountainous areas where employment is scarce The assessment results reveal that the participating stakeholders and restricted to agriculture, forestry, and other natural took nature for granted to some degree, and did not fully compre- resource-based sectors. In addition, most mountainous areas hend the potential of the ecosystems that surround them. Ecosystem have experienced rapid depopulation in the past few decades. Local services are a relatively new concept and it will take some time before residents critically need stable jobs, such as jobs in PA management. the idea is accepted and properly valued among local people. Specific PAs in Albania are critically understaffed. Out of 274 employees in local knowledge on erosion, floods, drought, and landslides exists, total, there are 108 rangers in the field. On average, one ranger in but this knowledge is not currently considered in the wider context Albania covers 4222 ha (42 km2) of the protected area15 . By com- of the ecosystem approach and climate change. These important parison, eight national parks and 11 nature parks in Croatia employ ecosystem services need to be heavily promoted in order to increase more than 1,300 people, of whom only 15 percent work (around 200 public awareness. people) on nature conservation while the others work in other fields (such as hospitality and maintenance).

14 There is no statistic because in many cases trade of natural and local products are family businesses, run by family members and they are not declared. 15 Mean value hectares per ranger 456 000 ha (Albanian PA surface)/108 number of rangers in Albania

18 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 19 Economic values of Albanian

TOURISM AND RECREATION protected areas

MEDICINAL HERBS 35 20 The analysis shows that top activities that generate economic be- POLLINATION AND HONEY PRODUCTION 34 28 nefits (primarily minor economic benefits) within protected areas are livestock grazing, honey production, the collection of medicinal LIVESTOCK GRAZING 27 herbs and tourism (Figure 2.). Nature conservation is listed as an NATURE CONSERVATION 25 income generating activity because stakeholders perceive PAs as places where natural values, culture, and specific site values are key 22 WILD FOOD PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS 10 elements for the promotion of tourism. In addition, government, civil society, and researchers often benefit from international donors’ CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL VALUES 12 11 funds for implementing projects related to nature conservation. FISHING 12 8 The highest economic values were attributed to water use (hydro- 12 power plants, bottling water, and communal water supply enter- HUNTING 3 prises), followed by livestock grazing (dairy products) and tourism 10 COMMERCIAL WATER USE 10 and recreation. The majority of income comes from the provisioning services16 such as food production, raw materials, TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE 10 0 water, and medicinal resources. Regulating services– cli- WOOD 9 mate change mitigation, flood prevention, and soil stabil- 0 11 ization – were not recognised as of economic value in any 9 NATURE MATERIALS 8 protected area. This reflects the present situation, as protected 8 area management authorities, local inhabitants or municipalities WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY 9 do not currently generate any economic benefit from contributing to the conservation of regulating ecosystem services. The concept of EDUCATION 9 payments for ecosystem services is a relatively new emerging finan-

9 cial mechanism in which beneficiaries of ecosystem services provide

0 5 10 15 20 25 economic incentives (voluntary or mandated by law) to the providers

of the services. In Albania, such mechanisms are poorly developed. There are some supporting schemes in place for developing sustain- NUMBER OF ANSWERS able agriculture, mainly for organic production and drip irrigation, at the national level, but there is no specific scheme dedicated to PAs. LEGEND

Minor economic value Major economic value

Figure 2. List of economic values and the 16 Available at: http://www.fao.org/ecosystem-services-biodiversity/background/pro- comparison between major and minor economic visioning-services/en/ values of the 13 assessed protected areas in Albania

20 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 21 Tourism

Tourism and recreation have received one of the highest scores for minor economic value. However, the stakeholders recognized that tourism was of major economic importance in only four17 out of 13 protected areas. This may be due to these PAs not having fully developed their tourism offer at the time of the PA-BAT assessment. In addition, different stakeholder groups may not have good insight into the actual income that tourism generates in PAs. In the four national parks that highlighted tourism’s major economic importance, the income from tourism-related activities has been going towards the local business sector (in Butrint, Valbona, and Dajti) and the local community (in Valbona and Thethi).

Tourism in Albania is a new and fast-growing sector. The Albanian government states it as a priority for the country’s economy. Albania is strategically oriented towards the development of sustainable tourism. The Albanian Government has drafted a strategy for tourism development that aims to increase and diversify tourist attractions in the country by increasing the potential for PAs to become tourist sites National Park © Saimir Kalbaj Valley Valbona and reducing the current state of depending on coastal areas to draw tourists during the summer season18 19.

The number of foreign visitors has increased by 454 % from 2013 The number of Since 2000, the number of international arrivals has been growing to 2016. In 2016, the number increased by 14.6% compared to the almost continuously, reaching 4.1 million visitors in 2015. That is a previous year. Tourism has contributed to national revenues, which foreign visitors has 1300% increase in only 15 years. The direct contribution of tourism in 2016 increased by 13% compared to the year before20. increased by to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 was 8.4% (1 billion USD), while tourism’s indirect effects amounted to about 26% of GDP (3.2 billion USD)21. In 2016, travel and tourism directly suppor- 454 % ted 85.500 jobs (7.7% of total employment), while the total contribu- from 2013 to 2016. tion (including wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income impacts) amounted to 267.000 jobs in 2016 (23.9% of total employment)22.

17 Butrint, Valbona, Dajti, Thethi 21 TRAVEL & TOURISM ECONOMIC IMPACT 2017 ALBANIA Available at: https:// 18 Available at: http://shtetiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Strategjia-e- www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries-2017/al- Turizmit-2007-2013.pdf bania2017.pdf 19 Available at: http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/al/misioni/diplomacia-eko- 22 National sectoral plan for tourism in Albanian Alps, , project financed by CEB, imple- nomike-dhe-publike/turizmi-ne-shqiperi mented by Albanian Development Fund, provided for public consultations 20 Tourism bulletin

22 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 23 Tourism in PAs In the Albanian Alps (Thethi, Lugina e Valbonës, Lumi i Gashit) the Natural and rural areas in Albania offer opportunities for the devel- number of visitors increased by 33% (from around 102,000 in 2015 opment of rural, mountain, eco and agro tourism as well as different to 135,000 in 2016). The visitor trends in the last few years demon- activities in nature. Some of the examples are rafting (Osum, Berat, strate why stakeholders in the 13 assessed PAs have recognized tour- Vjosët), paragliding (National Park of Llogara), mountain biking ism as an important economic driver (Figure 1.), while also recogniz- (National Park of Dajti), fishing (Lake Skadar, Lake Prespa, Ohrid), ing the potential for future development of tourism (Figure 4.). trekking, mountain climbing, walking/hiking, and strolling with Recent investment in Albania’s physical infrastructure influenced the saddle horses in national parks such as Valbona and Thethi. Some of increase in tourism in the Albanian Alps. The new Milot-Kukes High- these activities are the main reasons that draw international tourists way and a newly paved road to Valbona enabled easier access to the to protected areas. An impressive number of tours are organized in region. Donors (mostly GIZ) are working with local authorities and the mountainous areas of Albania such as the Northern Alps (Na- communities on developing standards and protocols for the develop- tional Park Thethi, Vermosh-Lepushë, NP Valbona and Tropoje), ment of sustainable tourism in the area. mountainous area of Tirana (NP Dajti) and Korca (NP Bredhi i In addition, the creation of the National Agency of Protected Areas Hotovës), the hills of Elbasan and Librazhd (NP Shebenik-Jabllan- (NAPA) has raised the profile of Albania’s protected areas. Since the icë), Tomorrit, NP Llogara, Karaburun and the mountainous area of creation of the NAPA (2015), local and foreign citizens are becoming Gjirokastra and Përmeti. The number of tourists has dramatically In the Albanian more familiar with the concept of protected areas and are learning increased over the last several years. Alps the number of more about Albania’s protected areas. Tourism in Albania’s protected areas is still developing. Albania’s Compared to 2015, 2016 has seen a significant increase in the num- increased by PAs do not have the staffing capacity or organizational ber of visitors to almost all the tourist sites in Albania’s PAs. Based structure to effectively develop sustainable tourism. The on surveys (not published data)23 in 2015, the total number RAPAs do not employ any tourism experts. Thus, despite of visitors in Albania’s PAs was around 471,000, out of 33 % recent progress, the number of visitors in Albania’s PAs is still low, which 112,000 were foreign visitors. In 2016, the total number (135,000 in 2016) when compared to Albania’s other tourist destinations such as its of visitors reached over 1.5 million, 3 times more than 2015. beaches. NAPA is investing in improving its capacity and infrastructure. The RAPAs have built and now operate seven visitor centres/ info points and actions are being taken to improve soft tourist infrastructure (such as trails, signs, watchtowers and resting places) in several parks.

23 Data provided by National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA) Inter-sectoral Agriculture and Rural strategy, Ministry of Agriculture and , Rural Devel- opment

24 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 25 Water

Albania is rich in water resources such as lakes, rivers, and springs. More than 152 torrents and small rivers form eight large rivers running southeast to northwest towards the Adriatic coast. Albanian rivers are characterized by a high flow rate. About 80% of the river- stretches meet the national standards for water quality24.

The integrity of the river network and the condition of the rivers in the Dinaric Arc region is very high. A WWF analysis from 201425 showed that 60% of the analysed rivers in Albania are in outstand- ing condition. Many of the rivers are within PAs and are crucial for protected ecosystems and the connectivity between them. The governmental and business sectors recognize that water resources in Albanian PAs generate economic value through hydropower plants (HPP), bottling companies and communal water supply systems. Locals living in and around protected areas primarily acknowledge the subsistence value of water resources (for example to provide water used for commercial supply and irrigation). PAs contribute to water quality and quantity by providing filtration, groundwater restoration, and maintenance of natural flows. This al- lows for the commercial exploitation of water, but without providing revenues for PAs and surrounding local communities. The benefits, such as improved water quality and quantity, that PAs and other 77% natural areas contribute to the commercial use of water are often of PAs generate

ignored or underestimated. major economic Butrinti National Park © Lorela Lazaj benefits from The business sector in the assessed PAs recognizes the relevance of the use of water, preserving ecosystems to conserve water resources. The assessment shows that 77% of PAs generate major economic benefits from the mainly for the use of water, mainly for the business sector26 (hydropower plants and business sector. bottling companies), while the government has a minor economic

24 Available at: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/rivers_lifelines_of_the_ dinaric_arc.pdf 25 Mali i Tomorrit, Qafë-Shtamë, Bredhi i Drenovës, Bredhi i Hotovës, Llogara, Dajti, Shebenik-Jabllanicë 26 Mali i Tomorrit, Qafë-Shtamë, Bredhi i Hotovës, Valbona, Prespa, Thethi, Shebenik-Jabllanicë

26 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 27 value from water in seven PAs27 (through communal water supply The annual fish Water usage in Albania’s protected areas provides a clear example systems). Five national parks have water bottling plants within their harvest in Lake of the unequal distribution of benefits from the ecosystem services territory. At the time of the assessment, protected areas did not re- provided by parks and the benefits that accrue to local people. Al- ceive money from these companies. The companies are paying taxes, Skadar is around though protected areas also provide important non-economic water but none of this goes to the PA’s management. The companies do benefits, the PA-BAT assessment identified an inequality in provide jobs for the local community. 124 tons the distribution of monetary benefits resulting in the busi- per year. ness and government sectors receiving most of the income. Lake Skadar is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula (368 km²). Only the local community in the Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park It is a very important resource for local people, providing reported economic gain from water ecosystems through locally water supply and fishing. It also provides critical habitat for organized irrigation associations. In addition, it is worth noting that European migratory birds and endangered species, such due to the illegal use of water, many water users living in protected as the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus). Lake Skadar areas do not pay for drinking water. This is a problem predominantly spans Albania and Montenegro with 149 km² of its surface located in rural areas in the country. In 2018, the government of Albania in northwestern Albania28, and the remaining 219 km² located in will attempt to address these issues through proposed Water reform Montenegro. In Albania, it has the status of a Managed Nature policies. Reserve. At the international level, it is designated as a RAMSAR Tirana, and its one site29, part of the Emerald Network (Special Areas of Conservation in million inhabitants, Freshwater is a crucial resource for the local population, but it is also Europe30) and Important Areas for Birds and Plants.31 an important asset supporting economic development, such as tour- get their water ism. Ecotourism can especially have a positive impact on the local Fishing is one of the major economic activities on Lake Skadar. There from the community’s well-being. Developing tourism that is mindful of its are 447 anglers, (members of the Fishery Management Organization) Dajti National Park. ecological impact will help ensure the long-term conservation of the and 210 licensed fishing boats on the Albanian side of the lake. The natural assets that attracted tourists to visit in the first place. annual fish harvest in Lake Skadar amounts to approximately 124 tons per year32. At the local level, Water Resources Management is organized within six administrative river basins (Drini, Mati, Ishmi–Erzeni, The water sourced from protected areas is important for the national Shkumbini, Semani, and Vjosa). Six River Basin Councils (RBCs), water supply. For example, Tirana, the capital city of Albania, and its headed by prefects of the regions, act as administrative bodies. Each surrounding area, which collectively have a population of more than is responsible for the protection, development, distribution, and op- one million, get their water from the Dajti National Park. eration of water resources within its own basin boundaries. Six River Basin Agencies (RBAs) are responsible for on-site inspection of all activities related to water resource usage. However, they have little authority in enforcing legal and regulatory procedures, resulting in 27 Available at: http://konferenca.unishk.edu.al/icrae2014/cd/pdfdoc/585.pdf 28 A wetland area determined to be of international importance by UNESCO’s Ramsar poor coordination with local sectors in water resources management. Convention. 29 http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/programme-additional-info/important-bird- and-biodiversity-areas-ibas 30 Designated by the Bern Convention (Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats). 31 https://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/important-plant-areas-international 32 Data from OMP (Fishery Management Organization)

28 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 29 Hydropower (HP) is an important, well-established and frequently controversial source of electricity, with HP plants often built in or More than 90% WWF pillars of work with local communities: close to protected areas. More than 90% of electric energy in Albania of electric energy in is produced in hydropower plants. Still, there are plans to build Albania is produced in • capacity building for the local community to help them both large and small hydropower plants (HPP) on pristine rivers of hydropower plants. actively and constructively engage in a dialogue relevant to Albania, even though they have negative socio-economic and envir- their well-being; onmental impacts. Hydropower plant construction in national • identification of sustainable economic opportunities, in parks will inevitably compromise their natural values and order to facilitate ecotourism development to improve their degrade their ecosystem. own livelihoods; and Unfortunately, in Albania, these negative impacts are often ignored • halting unsustainable hydropower construction on the and hydropower generation facilities are planned and developed re- Valbona River, in order to facilitate the conservation of gardless of the protected status of an area or conservation value of a nature and the national park as the key asset for sustainable river/river stretch. Such is the case with the Valbona Valley National development. Park, a place of extreme natural beauty, with numerous historical and cultural attractions. Several hydropower plants are already under construction, and permits have been issued for the construction of Jointly, these pillars should lead to building a strong local com- more projects. munity, which is able and willing to make development decisions important for their own livelihood based on the balanced considera- Construction of hydropower plants on the Valbona River would have tion of economic, environmental and social factors. a devastating effect on this freshwater ecosystem, the surrounding national park and the local community, for which this protected area, is a significant source of income.

The Valbona Valley NP is at the focus of WWF’s field engagement in Albania. We aim to empower the local community to self-organize and drive their own economic development through the preservation of natural areas. The pillars of our work include: Catherine Bohne from NGO Toka with Valbona National Park stakeholders © TOKA TOKA National Park stakeholders © with Valbona Toka Catherine Bohne from NGO

30 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 31 Medicinal plants

The flora of Albania is very rich, especially in medicinal, aromatic and Medicinal and spice plants. About 30% of all European plant species are found here, and 27 species and 15 sub-species are endemic33. It is also critical to aromatic plants note that approximately 95% of medicinal and aromatic plants are one of Albania’s in Albania are exported to Europe and the United States34. most important The PAs where stakeholders recognized the collection of medicinal exported products, plants to be an important economic activity income source for the people living in the area are Prespa and Dajti, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, estimated to acco- Tomorrit, Valbona, Qafë-Shtamë, Bredhi i Drenovës, Llogara, Theth, unt for between and Valbona. 30-33 million $ Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are one of Albania’s most annually. important exported products, currently estimated to account for between $30-33 million USD annually35. The production of medicinal plants reached 10.644 tons in 2016. Sage (Salvia officinalis) remains the single most significant MAP product and export from Albania, most probably representing somewhere in the range of half of the MAPs harvesting is an activity involving whole families, especially Albanian MAP exports. Although most of it is cultivated, there is still women: around 50% of the harvest workforce is comprised of some collection in the wild. women, 30% of children (of both sexes), and 20% of men, whereas farming is a male-dominated activity37. Others important MAP products are lavender, oregano, thyme, juni- per, helichrysum, etc. The areas that produce the highest amounts of Current estimates indicate that there are over 100,000 families MAP products are Shkodra (7.000 tons), Berati (1.200 tons) and El- involved in the medicinal plant sector38. In Northern Albania, it basani (600 tons)36. Several PAs, such as Lake Skadar, Mali i Tomor- is estimated that medicinal and aromatic plant farming makes up rit in Berati and Shebenik-Jabllanicë in Elbasan, are located in these close to 35% of household income. There are four villages within the areas. However, there is no data on the MAP harvesting in PAs. There Valbona NP area alone where an estimated 400-500 people are in- is no disaggregated data for the production of the MAP in protected volved in this activity. At the same time, the lack of organization areas. The herbs and spices sector provides income to thousands of at the rural, collector levels continues to severely impede families that collect, harvest, clean and store medicinal plants. improvements in quality control, especially with respect to post-harvest handling. Additionally, the potential for adverse environmental impact remains very real.

33 Distribution, Production, Potential and Conservation Status of Fifteen Major Botanical 37 Available at: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00JN4F.pdf Herbs in Albania: A Rapid Assessment,” Herbs and Spices Project, USAID IFDC/AAATA, 38 December 2003 Per data from the Albanian Agriculture Competitiveness Lushnja Project, June 2015 34 Paul, Boban, Center for International Development at Harvard University, July 18, and “The Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Value Chain in Albania,” USAID Albania 2014. Available at: http://projects.iq.harvard.edu/albaniagrowthlab/blog/taking Competitiveness Program, June 2009- Available at: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/ -closer-look-albanian-agriculture PA00JN4F.pdf 35 Medicinal and aromatic plants in Albania: USAID and Assist IMPACT, 2015. Available at: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00M2NP.pdf 36 Data from Ministry of Agriculture

32 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 33 Wild food

Wild food such as edible wild plants and animals, mushrooms, medicinal plants, honey, and other wild materials are well recognized and used by local people in Albania. Their economic value is evident and many of the stakeholder groups benefit from trade and processing of natural food and materials.

There is a lot of potential for the production of wild food from the ecosystems within the PAs in Albania. Traditionally, these products have been collected and processed in many PAs, but comprehensive data and statistics, especially those that analyse the collection in PAs separately from the collection in other areas, are missing. The collection of wild plants and mushrooms represents a very significant source of income for vulnerable groups in Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park © Ornela Poçi remote rural areas (i.e. Valbona and Prespa Lake). In Valbona NP, blueberries. This amount makes up 20-30% of the income of the families that seasonally collect blueberries in August. Montenegro 100 tonnes of and Kosovo represent their main markets for blueberries. There is blueberries are no processing industry within the PA or the surrounding Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park collected. area, which would provide additional benefits for the local community. The park covers an area of about 34,000 ha. Various We would like to highlight that the collection of wild, edible plants, fruits and plants such as nuts, hazelnut, chestnut, berries, mushrooms and fruit could represent a significant potential source blackberries, wild pears, wild apple, raspberries, blueber- of income for local communities, but it should be well planned and ries, mushrooms, nettles, and sorrel are collected there. Most controlled to avoid having a negative impact on natural ecosystems. members of the community collect nuts, both to sell and to feed their families. 8-10% of farmers’ revenues come from the sale of nuts collected in the park39 . Grazing: During the workshops, local stakeholders provided data about pastures and their uses inside the protected areas. The provided data shows the importance of livestock The Qafë-Shtamë National Park covers 2000 ha, and locals collect grazing for local communities (around 50% of the park chestnuts, hazelnuts, and strawberries on 20% of the park’s land. area is used for grazing in both the Shebenik-Jabllanicë 40 These products are important for local subsistence and are a possible and the Dajti national parks) . There are dairy processing source of income generation. units located within some of the parks (one in Butrint and In Valbona NP, locals collect strawberries, blueberries, nuts, hazel- three in its surroundings, three in Llogara, and one in nuts, and snails. In Valbona NP, blueberries cover 300 ha, which Shebenik-Jabllanicë). The area is known for its good quality amounts to the annual production of approximately 100 tons of dairy products. The local restaurants sell local products, which are in high demand.

39 Minutes from the PA-BAT workshops. 40 Minutes from the PA-BAT workshops

34 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 35 Honey production

Beekeeping is becoming an important income source in rural parts Honey production In the Butrint National Park, the cultivation of citrus has of Albania. The Inter-sectorial Strategy for Agriculture and Rural and wild food increased awareness of the importance of pollination. Origin- Development 2014-2020 report on Albania brought attention to the ally, farmers used many pesticides to increase citrus fact that beekeeping has the potential to become a highly profitable gathering play a production, but the unintended consequence was economic activity (MARDWA, 2014). Other studies consider honey significant role that the pesticides harmed bees, which had a negat- production to be a promising activity that can contribute to farm in the economy of ive effect on production. In recent years, farmers have diversification, which is very important for sustainable rural develop- used fewer pesticides thus increasing production as the num- ment (Wehinger and Zhllima, 2015). The quantity of honey produced local communities ber of bees and beehives increases. Around 2,300 families in Albania has increased by approximately 145% during the last in Albania. keep beehives in the park. There is a regional association of decade, reaching around 400 tons in 2016. However, honey export is beekeepers and they bring their beehives from the surround- insignificant. ing areas of Butrint42 .

As shown by this graph, the Korca region in southeastern Albania produces the greatest quantity of honey in the country. This region Clearly, honey production and wild food gathering play a significant has the highest number of beehives, 18% of all the beehives in the role in the economy of local communities in Albania. These activities country. There are two national parks in this region--Prespa Lake are particularly important for rural, mountainous areas where other and Bredhi i Drenovës. business opportunities for local residents are scarce. PAs contribute to the conservation of the ecosystems that are providing these provi- In Albania, where chestnut honey is attractive for producers due to sioning services. Protected areas enable the controlled and sustain- its high price, many families are involved in beekeeping. In Tropoja able use of these natural resources. (a municipality in the Kukes county), more than 400 farmer families have 6.550 beehives. In Valbona National Park, located in Tropoja, In Tropoja the total amount of honey (from chestnuts around the park, flowers, (Valbona NP etc.) produced in 2016 was estimated to amount to around 100 tons.41 25 % The region of Kukes ranks 7th in terms of honey production, and it included) more than 20 % has about 7% of the total number of beehives in Albania. 400 farmer families have 15 % Pollination, which is a key element of honey production, is 10 % not recognized as a regulating ecosystem service related to 6.550 beehives. food production. The results of the assessment demonstrated that 5 % honey production is an income generating activity for local com- 0 % munities and beekeeping associations in the following national parks: Fier Berat

Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Qafë-Shtamë, Valbona, Dajti, Prespa, Bredhi i Dibër Lezhë Vlorë Kukës Tiranë Korçës Durrës Elbasan Hotovës, Mali i Tomorrit, Divjakë-Karavasta and Butrint. Shkodër At the workshop in Shebenik-Jabllanicë, we were informed that there Gjirokastër are 1000 hives producing around 15 tons of honey within the park. Figure 3. Honey production by regions

41 Available at: http://www.wellfoodproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ 42 Notes from PA-BAT workshop in Butrint. General-situation-in-Albania.pdf

36 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 37 Flow of benefits

Revenue estimates and the size of investments are not the only BUSINESS SECTOR 47 economic parameters relevant to a comprehensive understanding 16 of local and rural economies. Focusing on amounts alone can lead LOCALS LIVING IN THE PA to false conclusions about the sustainability of economic activities. 41 12 To understand local and rural economies, it is crucial to analyse the economic flow and distribution of benefits to different stakeholder GOVERNMENT(S) 34 groups. The economic benefits from large businesses and in- 4 vestments do not necessarily reach local people. In general, LOCALS LIVING NEAR THE PA the fair distribution of benefits and sustainable incomes are crucial 30 3 for fragile rural economies. Properly governed PAs, which involve local communities and businesses, serve as an ideal framework for CIVIL ASSOCIATIONS 6 sustainable rural development. 1

GLOBAL COMMUNITY 5 The graph (Figure 4.) illustrates the distribution of economic benefits from Albania’s protected areas to the different stakeholder groups. The business and government sectors are reaping the EXPERTS/SCIENTIStS 5 greatest economic benefit from Albania’s protected areas but very little is going back to the preservation and man- Properly NATIONAL POPULATION agement of natural resources within the protected areas. 1 This is expected since the managing bodies in all the assessed areas governed PAs are public institutions. Integration of local communities and involving local 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 the civil sector in public governance is still not widespread communities in Albania. Although locals gain economic benefits from NUMBER OF STAKEHOLDER GROUP ANSWERS Albania’s PAs, some of the income they earn comes from and businesses, serve as an ideal illegal activities. According to the assessments that were com- LEGEND pleted in 13 Albanian PAs, local stakeholders and the civil sector are framework for not adequately and equally engaged in benefit sharing. Discrepancies sustainable ru- Minor economic value Major economic value between these groups and the government and business sectors are high, which calls for special consideration by the PA managers and ral development. institutions in charge. Figure 4. The flow of economic benefits (major and minor) from all assessed values within protected areas to different stakeholder groups

38 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 39 The business sector receives significant economic gains from protected areas, including water resources43 for hydropower plants, bottling Local communities in Albanian PAs receive major economic gain plants (Qafshtama, Sopoti, Spring, etc.), tourism-related activities44, from livestock grazing (Mali i Tomorrit, Divjakë-Karavasta, Prespa hunting, fishing, and livestock grazing. The business sector util- and Shebenik-Jabllanicë), wild food plants and mushrooms (Valbona izes protected areas for some purposes that are not envir- and Prespa), fishing (Divjakë-Karavasta and Prespa), medicinal herbs onmentally sustainable, including the harvesting of natural (Tomorrit, Prespa and Dajti), tourism (Valbona and Thethi) and resources through industries such as chromium mining45. wood (Prespa). In addition, communities derive minor economic gain from honey production, different agriculture products, and fishing The assessment revealed that some stakeholders derive income from and hunting. For some local communities, livestock grazing inside activities that are illegal in protected areas, such as hunting46 and PAs is of vital importance51. Around 50% of the park area in both the selling wood47. The future management of protected areas should fo- Shebenik-Jabllanicë and the Dajti NPs is used for grazing52. cus on putting an end to these illegal activities through enforcement. An example of the business sector using water from protected areas: At the time of the PA-BAT assessment, forestry services were in charge of renting the grazing areas in PAs. However, as of 2015, Drinking water NAPA has been in charge. Shepherds can sign a contract with NAPA Qafshtama Co., which has captured about 20% of the national to use the pastures in PAs. A contract is a tool intended to increase market for bottled water in Albania, provides limited local bene- the effective use of pastures in PAs. It is also a source of revenue fits (employment for around 27 local people in 2016 and help with for NAPA. According to data provided by NAPA, 131 contracts have local road maintenance). The local government does not receive any been signed in 2016, and the contracts govern the use of about 1,700 tax revenue from the company, because the government provided hectares of land. the water concession. The number of employees from the area has increased from 7 in 2012 to 27 in 2016. The company has increased The construction of dams for electric power production affects the its production and income dramatically. The company’s income in- whole water system including rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Build- creased by 83% in 2016 compared to 2015 and 337% compared ing dams on Albanian rivers would disturb water flow and jeopardize to 2011. Its profit increased by 44% in 2016 compared to 2015. Al- ecosystems and the services they provide. There are a few benefits to though the company’s market share is the equivalent of local communities from hydropower construction, especially from a 5,6 million € of market value, no revenue goes back to im- long-term perspective. Government and business communit- proving conditions in the PA which provides the water4849. ies should consider alternatives to hydropower (such as The Dajti National Park supplies water for the city of Tirana with a renewable, wind or solar energy) that provide greater bene- population of about one million people.50 fits while minimizing environmental impacts. Local communities are not aware of the potential benefits from the ecosystem services that river and marsh areas could provide.

43 Mali i Tomorrit, Qafë-Shtamë, Bredhi i Drenovës, Bredhi i Hotovës, Llogara, Dajti, Shebenik-Jabllanicë 44 Butrint, Valbona, Dajti 45 Dajti, Shebenik-Jabllanicë 46 Bredhi i Hotovës, Divjakë-Karavasta, Llogara, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Qafë- Shtamë,Thethi, Dajti, Butrint 47 Bredhi i Hotovës, Bredhi Drenovës, Prespa, Mali i Tomorrit, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Llogara 51 Mali i Tomorrit, Divjakë-Karavasta, Prespa, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Dajti, Valbona, 48Data from Qafshtama Company Bredhi i Hotovës 50Available at: http://ujesjellesitirane.al/ 52 Minutes from the PA-BAT workshops

40 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 41 All stakeholders groups almost equally recognize the benefits of tourism and recreation. According to the PA-BAT assessment, the business sector receives major economic benefits from tourism and recreation in Butrint, Valbona, and Dajti. Locals receive economic benefits in and around the Valbona and Thethi National Parks. Local governments receive minor economic benefits from tourism-related activities in four PAs53, while businesses (mainly local restaurants and accommodations) receive economic benefits in more than half of Albanian national parks54.

According to the assessment, local communities inside PA borders receive minor income from tourism in five PAs55 although community members in most of the PAs did not know where the borders are drawn. Additionally, locals from the surrounding areas generate income from four of the PAs56.

These results reveal that local people are not aware of the economic potential of tourism in PAs. The government and business sectors are also not adequately integrating PAs and their values, such as tourism, into their planning. This is why there were budget constraints for the PAs in the past. These constraints have led to institutional limitations that threaten the legitimacy of the PA system, and perhaps even its viability. As demonstrated by the data on tourist visits, there is great potential to develop tourism around Albania’s natural areas (particularly protected areas)57.

53 Butrint, Valbona, Karaburun-Sazan, Dajti 54 Mali i Tomorrit, Qafë-Shtamë, Divjakë-Karavasta, Karaburun-Sazan, Llogara, Prespa, Thethi 55 Mali i Tomorrit, Butrinti, Divjakë-Karavasta, Prespa, Dajti 56 Mali i Tomorrit, Bredhi i Hotovës, Butrint, Llogara The marine area near the Karaburuni peninsula and around Sazani Island © INCA The marine area near the Karaburuni peninsula and around Sazani Island © INCA 57 Tourism strategy of Albania. Available at: https://www.eujournal.org/index.php/esj/ article/viewFile/2879/2707

42 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 43 Main potentials of Albanian protected areas tourism and recreation 12

medicinal HERBS 8 To analyse the potential of Albanian PAs, stakeholders who parti- cultural & historical values 7 cipated in the PA-BAT assessment were asked to select values they believed would have potential economic value in the future. The livestock grazing 6 potential for protected areas to drive economic development was There is potential to further develop widely recognised among the stakeholder groups involved in the traditional agriculture 6 tourism in protected areas, but proper assessment. The assessed areas have different ecological character- visitor management should be set up. istics, legally permissible activities, and socio-economic contexts, nature conservation 6 and therefore they have a unique development potential. The results pollinationa and honey 4 of the PA-BAT assessment show (Figure 5.) that stakeholders Connecting conservation of nature and predict that economic activities will shift away from the tra- education 4 ditional use of natural resources (wood, water, and natural cultural heritage is a great opportunity materials) to the development of tourism as well as cultural commercial water use 4 for ALBANIAN protected areas. and educational58 assets. Economic water quality and quantity 2 Stakeholders who participated in the workshops identified the poten- potential from building knowledge 2 tial for PAs further sustainable development, which provides useful tourism is Values, connected with food have separately received HIGH scores AND WHEN connectED information for PA managers, planners and decision makers. perceived in fishing 2 Stakeholders also identified the greatest potential to increase the with tourism, could be and important market economic benefits derived from PAs: tourism (92% of assessed PAs), 92% of assessed wild food plants 2 product. medicinal herbs59(69%) and cultural and historical values60(54%). PAs, medicinal wood 1 Local products from livestock grazing61 (62%) and traditional ag- herbs in 69% riculture62 (46%) already provide some economic benefits (minor or major) and have the potential to generate additional income for and livestock 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 local communities, as well as for civil society organizations, and the grazing in 62%. 1 government and business sectors. Figure 5. Economic potential recognised by different stakeholder groups

58 Mali i Tomorri, Valbona, Dajti, Llogara. At the moment of the assessment only Butrint had some economic benefits from education. 59 Mali i Tomorrit, Qafë-Shtamë, Valbona, Prespa, Dajti, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Bredhi i Drenovës, Llogara, Thethi, 60 Butrint, Valbona, Karaburun-Sazan, Dajti, Mali i Tomorrit, Bredhi i Hotovës, Llogara 61 Mali i Tomorrit, Qafë-Shtamë, Bredhi i Hotovës, Divjakë-Karavasta, Llogara, Prespa, Shebenik-Jabllanicë,Butrint 62 Mali i Tomorrit, Divjakë-Karavasta, Valbona, Prespa, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Bredhi i Hotovës

44 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 45 Tourism was assessed as having the greatest potential for future sustainable tourism in PAs through the development of environment- economic benefits from PAs. In almost all assessed PAs (except ally friendly tourist activities. Bredhi i Drenovës, most likely because of the land erosion and forest degradation63), stakeholders, especially the local business sector, There is greater potential for the development of tourism in Albania’s recognized the potential of the development of tourism64. Locals see PAs. Seven visitor centres have been created in seven of the PAs the potential of tourism, but not necessarily, how they will benefit (Llogara, Dajti, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Divjakë-Karavasta, Velipoje, economically. In all of the PAs, stakeholders believe that recreation Thethi, and Karaburun-Sazan). Visitor centres will raise awareness and tourism have not yet reached their full potential. During the last about the values and benefits of PAs. The creation of visitor several years, the number of tourists has increased as the PAs have Seven visitor centres should be accompanied by the development of tour- been better promoted as tourist attractions. There is a need for more centres have ist attractions and promotional/educational programs. investments to improve both physical infrastructure (roads and util- been created in Inhabitants of mountainous areas who had previously emigrated are ities) as well as institutional capacity (the number and quality of PA returning to the country to run businesses in the fields of tourism and staff). Local communities are increasingly more aware of the benefits PAs: Llogara, traditional agriculture. Stakeholders who participated in the PA- of tourism. Dajti, Shebenik- BAT assessment recognized this as a potential positive outcome of Jabllanicë, sustainable tourism development. The National Tourism Development Strategy 2017-2022 recognizes the sustainable use of natural resources to be critically important Divjakë-Karavasta, Commercial water use represents an important opportunity for for sustainable tourism development. The vision of this strategy is: Velipoje, Thethi, PAs and PA authorities to build better relationships with the com- “Albania will be recognized as an attractive touristic destination, and Karaburun- panies involved. For example, a simple step that the water companies authentic and welcoming in the Mediterranean and Europe, based and PA authorities could take would be to work together to provide in the sustainable use of natural potential, cultural and historical Sazan. better information about the protected area and its importance on easily reachable from international markets.” One of the objectives marketing materials for the bottled water from the site. The PA of the strategy is “increasing the quality standard in accommodation authorities and water companies could ultimately establish structures and services in rural areas, mountainous and national cooperative agreements to share capacity and even funding parks protected areas”. The strategy recommends, “assessing activ- to preserve the water source, such as Payment for Ecosys- ities to be developed and assessing the quantity of tourism offer in tem Service (PES) schemes65.If the private and public sectors national parks, natural and other protected areas.” The fact that were to work together in this way, it would be an important step the national strategy recognizes the potential for developing PAs as toward promoting the equitable and sustainable use of protected area tourist attractions is a step in the right direction. In addition to the water resources. recommended improvements to accommodation facilities, actions have to be taken to improve the tourist offer and human capacities as Surprisingly, stakeholders who participated in the assessment identi- well. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has recently been es- fied the potential for economic benefits from education. It was un- tablished in Albania. The fact that there is one ministry covering both expected to have education, which does not have obvious economic tourism and the environment is as a positive step toward promoting impacts, rank relatively high, because, at the time of the assessment,

63 Available at: http://www.mjedisi.gov.al/files/userfiles/Biodiversiteti/RAPORT_Ar- 65 http://www.undp.org/content/sdfinance/en/home/solutions/payments-for-ecosys- ritjet_dhe_Mangesit_Ruajtja_Natyres-Biodiversiteti&ZM_(2009-2013).pdf tem-services.html 64 Butrint, Valbona, Dajti, Mali i Tomorrit, Qafë-Shtamë, Divjakë-Karavasta, Karabur- un-Sazan, Llogara, Thethi, Prespa

46 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 47 the economic value from PAs was derived primarily from the direct The new Law on climate change mitigation, soil stabilization, and flood prevention. use of natural resources. Several projects have supported educational Protected Areas, Local stakeholders, with a less than favourable economic activities in PAs, promoting their value through visits and activit- situation, are not expected to have a comprehensive under- ies organized by schools. The Institute for Nature Conservation in approved in May standing of these services. Instead, they focus on tangible Albania (INCA) is one of the most active NGOs that has implemented 2017, contributes activities with immediate benefits.Since regulating services are many educational projects in several protected areas in cooperation to the effective bringing benefits to a wider range of stakeholder groups, there is a with NAPA and RAPAs. Regional Directorates of Education are need to develop national and regional policies to promote the import- cooperating on the implementation of educational components of the and independent ance of these services and to develop mechanisms for their valuation projects. One important EU project supporting PAs is the NaturAL management of and inclusion in financial flows. project or “Strengthening capacity in National Nature Protection - PAs. preparation for Natura 2000 network”. It will contribute to better The full economic potential of the PAs can be more effectively real- management of PAs by aligning the country’s regulatory framework ized if an appropriate legal and institutional framework is in place. with the EU environmental acquis. Recent developments in legal and institutional frameworks related to PAs show that the Albanian Government recognizes the importance Stakeholders who participated in the assessment identified the of the economic potential of PAs and wants to consolidate the PA economic potential of traditional agriculture and livestock system. grazing. Current market developments and agricultural policies do recognize the high economic potential in those fields, especially in the Superior legal and institutional frameworks, which were production of healthy and organic food. Local stakeholders are dis- recently established, should improve the governance of PAs in Al- couraged by problems related to agriculture and rural development bania. The new Law on Protected Areas, approved in May 2017, will (land ownership certificate, land fragmentation, low level of tech- contribute to the effective and independent management of PAs. The nology, etc.) Use of pastures in PAs has been better regulated since law lays the groundwork for the integration of ecosystem services the creation of NAPA. Despite the difficulties faced by the Albanian into development plans in order to achieve a balance between nature agriculture and livestock sectors, PA managers and other stakehold- conservation and sustainable economic and social development. The ers should not overlook the economic potential of these industries. involvement of civil society at all stages of a PA’s manage- There is room for further integration of sectoral strategies related to ment, from the announcement of protection of a certain the environment, rural development and tourism for a more effect- area to the drafting of its management plan, represents ive use of natural capital as a precondition for sustainable develop- another legal innovation. ment. Currently, decision makers do not recognize the potential for development based on regulation and supporting services such as The role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): The existence of a strong and active civil society is considered a key factor for Albania in the European integration process. After Albania was granted the

48 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 49 status of an EU candidate country in June 2014, the involvement of CSOs and experts in the consultation process during policy/strategy/ law preparation has increased. The European Commission considers CSOs to be a valuable source of expertise for the assessment and monitoring of the developments reforms. The Agency for Supporting Civil Society (ASCS) was set up to serve as technical secretariat for the National Council of Civil Society (NCCS). The NCCS is a bilateral forum with state and civil society representatives, which was established in the attempt to create an organized structure that includes the voices of civil society in the policy-making processes in Albania. The EU - Albania progress report from 2016 highlights this as an important achievement in the field of democracy66.

Environmental CSOs have made considerable progress in the last few years. They have contributed to environmental education, capacity building, participation in public information, managing of PAs, environmental legislation and reducing illegal activities in PAs. The environmental NGOs in Albania (INCA67, EDEN Center68, PPNEA69, Milieukontakt70, TOKA, etc.) have played an important role through advocacy, lobbying, act- ivism, protest, awareness raising, etc.

Still, CSOs have little influence on decision and policymaking, and many are unable to fulfil their role as watchdogs. Civil society organisations, therefore, need support to find new ways of making their

66 2016 Communication on EU enlargement policy , page 9 67 http://www.inca-al.org/sq/ 68 http://www.eden-al.org/index.php/al/projekte/projekte-ne-zbatim 69 http://www.ppnea.org/ 70 http://www.milieukontakt.org/en/

50 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 51 The importance of dialogue with stakeholders

Involving The assessment of PAs in Albania shows that participatory pro- Recent developments in the best practices for PA governance call for stakeholders cesses are in an early phase of development. The consequences of a intensive collaboration with all stakeholders. PA managers should in- long period of authoritative governance are still present, and both volve stakeholders in the management of protected areas, taking into improves the managers and stakeholders need to further develop their capacity for account that a participatory approach improves the effectiveness of effectiveness of collaboration. PA management and creates an environment for developing oppor- PA management. tunities and reducing threats. A participatory approach is a relatively new concept for PAs in Albania. So far, the government established and public institutions managed all the PAs with very little participation from other stakeholder groups, especially local ones. The value of the involvement of different stakeholders is still not fully recognized or acknowledged, National parks but there have been some incremental practical changes. There are Other recently established legal provisions for the participation of stake- authorities are holders in the establishment and management of PAs, although these Details of provisions are not yet specific or straightforward enough to signi- 4% the park obliged to Ecosystem 15% ficantly change current practice. According to the Law on Protected services establish 17% Areas, Management Committees composed of representatives from management local stakeholders have to be established for each NP according to the Law on PA the parts written in yellow are not visible enough. committees The Management Committees should be composed of representatives composed of from the municipality within the administrative territory in which Values of the park representatives the protected area is found, institutions at the regional level, insti- 21% tutions with a direct relationship to protected areas (i.e. agriculture, from the tourism, and infrastructure) and CSOs. Law enforcement represents municipality. the biggest challenge. Best practices from the Adria region (such as I have met other 33% stakeholder councils in Croatia71) could be replicated in Albania. stakeholders 10%

Benefitsof the park

Figure 6. Example of the results from the participant survey

71Available at: https://www.bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/service/Skript360.pdf

52 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 53 The PA assessments (which had more than 200 participants/stake- Workshops One of the important findings of the WWF’s Dinaric Arc Parks holders) show that some of the stakeholders had a basic level of highlighted the project and PA-BAT reports for the countries in the region (Croatia, knowledge about the parks (Figure 5.), and the majority of them were Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) was that the cooperation interested in learning more about the benefits and values of PAs. In major lack of and dialogue between protected areas and the local community was addition, the workshops highlighted the major lack of communica- communication poorly developed. In 2016 and 2017, WWF Adria continued to work tion between the PA management and the local communities. The between the PA on this issue. WWF developed a methodology for Community Inter- PA-BAT workshops also helped stakeholders build an understanding action Assessment72 and implemented surveys in 66 protected areas of the values of the benefits that the PAs provide and the connections management and the throughout the Dinaric Arc region. In Albania, WWF has assessed 11 between the ecosystems provided by the PAs and other stakeholders local communities. out of 15 national parks, which is almost 73% of national parks in the in the area. Participants’ feedback from the assessment workshop was country73. The results of this assessment provided some insights into very positive. Over 70% of them rated the workshops as very good the reasons for the insufficient involvement of local communities and and 70% said the workshops met their expectations. a set of recommendations was prepared to address this issue in the coming years74. The survey results indicated that over 50% of the stakeholders participated in a workshop about PAs for the first time. They wel- The feedback from the workshop participants illustrates the import- comed the discussion on the values and benefits of PAs and were Over 50% ance of the PA-BAT process for stakeholders. The assessments are interested in getting more information on the discussed issues. 33% not solely technical processes used to analyse the value and benefits of the stakeholders said the most beneficial part of the workshop was of the stakeholders of PAs. They are also very useful tools for fostering communication meeting the other stakeholders. These results indicate the need participated in and cooperation amongst all PA stakeholders. for further improvement of communication among stake- workshops met for holders. Additionally, most of the workshop participants expressed a desire for future collaboration with other stakeholders, which could the first time. be useful for developing new local initiatives/cooperatives and mu- tual projects in the future.

72 Fenten, W., Kus Veenvliet, J., Orlović Lovren, V. & Partington, R. 2017. Connecting Local Communities and Protected Areas. Community Involvement Assessment. Method- ology Manual 73 The WWF Adria will soon publish the results of the assessment. 74 Fenten, W., Kus Veenvliet, J., Orlović Lovren, V. & Partington, R. 2017. Connecting Local Communities and Protected Areas. Community Involvement Assessment. Capacity Development Plan

54 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 55 Challenges

The PA-BAT assessment provides a good platform for gathering 1. PA development is not a part of local and national development relevant information on the values, benefits, and potentials of the policies and strategies, PAs, as well as for identifying the main challenges and obstacles for 2. There is a lack of stakeholder involvement. Structures and pro- integrated management, sustainable use of resources and effective cesses for stakeholder participation are not developed, cooperation between different actors. During discussions with the stakeholders, WWF identified a number 3. The human and financial capacities of PA management struc- of challenges that affect the effectiveness of the protected area system tures (at the national and regional levels) are limited, in both the in Albania, and the achievement of biodiversity and social goals numbers of staff and in their competencies. The lack of experts in nature conservation. The challenges of the PA management are for nature conservation, rangers, education, interpretation, and numerous: tourism is evident, 4. Lack of efficient monitoring of the use of resources in PAs. There is room for improving the monitoring of visitors in PAs, 5. There is insufficient data published on the activities performed in PAs, which hampers the development of studies analysing the socio-economic development of the areas, 6. Weak law enforcement in the field of nature conservation which has resulted in illegal logging and hunting in PAs and in other areas despite the Moratoriums, 7. Problems with data related to the EIA (Environemental Impact Assessment) as well as regarding public participation, transparency, and right to information, 8. Weak public support for PAs and nature conservation due to a poor understanding of the values and benefits of ecosystem services and natural resources, 9. Pay back schemes are missing. The business sector is using ecosystem services without generating any revenue for PAs, 10. Activities such as education and knowledge sharing are not sufficiently developed or supported in PAs. Butrinti National Park © Lorela Lazaj

56 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 57 Recommendations for government and decision makers

Recommendations for the improvement of the PA system 8. Increase the educational function and impact of protected areas, particularly collaboration with schools, 1. Government’s better financial and institutional support of PA 9. Better promote the values of PAs through activities such as local management structures, with the aim of better recognition of the festivals and celebrations with active participation from the values and benefits of PAs, public, 2. Better integration of PA values and benefits into sectoral 10. Improve tourist and recreational attractions and the respective strategies and plans (including tourism, rural development and, infrastructure (such as marking the trails, managing the trails, agro-environmental subsidy schemes, water management, spa- reducing conflict between different users of trails and creating tial planning, energy, education, and others), information centres), taking their impact on natural values into consideration, 3. Establish strong institutional cooperation between tourism and the environmental sector within the new Ministry of Tourism 11. Plan any hydropower development as an integrated approach, and Environment, balancing economic, social and environmental considerations, 4. Install visitor centres in all PAs and increase the capacity of PA 12. Eliminate state subsidies for construction of small hydropower management to develop activities related to education and aca- plants, as their environmental impacts are overwhelmingly demic research in cooperation with schools and Universities, devastating in comparison to their electricity contribution to the grid, 5. Institutionalise the participation of local stakeholders in the PA governance through the establishment of legal documents that 13. Establish mechanisms to motivate businesses to invest more in require a more participatory approach, natural capital in order to be sustainable (i.e. Payment for Eco- system services - PES), 6. Establish mechanisms, such as stakeholder forums and councils, to promote cooperation between local communities, the private 14. Establish the systematic collection of data relevant for PA sector, and PA managers, management planning in order to increase transparency and enable the development of studies analysing the socio-economic 7. Organize dedicated administrations around single important development of the areas, protected areas, which is key to success for PA development and promotion, 15. Engage with the media to plan and implement awareness-raising campaigns to promote PAs and their benefits, 16. Enable the application of pay back schemes in order to increase the revenues of PAs.

58 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 59 Recommendations for PA managers and stakeholders

8. Increase the level of engagement of the local community through Each of the PAs has its specificities based on its values and benefits. communication, education, public awareness, and training, General recommendations that apply to all of the PAs include: 9. Increase the number of rangers working in the field; Increase 1. Improve institutional frameworks (including the number of trained and educated personnel (such as biologists, tourism employees and their competences) in order to achieve effective experts, communications staff) working for the PA management, management not only for nature conservation but also to ensure the sustainable economic development of the local population, 10. Engage with businesses in order to promote investment in nature conservation, 2. Increase the awareness among decision makers and policy developers regarding the values and benefits PAs provide and 11. Engage with schools (e.g. the WWF Nature Academy75), to better advocate for the integration of PA related issues into the stra- promote the value of ecosystems and increase awareness of the tegic and planning documents of other sectors (such as tourism, importance of nature conservation, agriculture and rural development, water management, energy, 12. Engage with academia and the sciences sector, not only natural etc.), science but the social and economic sciences as well, to analyse 3. Develop management plans with the aim to conserve the PA, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources in PAs, and do not allow any interventions (e.g. hydropower plants) that 13. Support local communities in the development of markets for would damage PA ecosystems irreversibly, traditional products. 4. Increase the capacity for tourism within PAs and engage with service providers to improve local offerings through promotional activities such as fairs, festivals, etc., 5. Establish participatory structures and allow the participation of local stakeholders in management planning, in accordance with the Law on PAs, 6. Support the capacity building of local stakeholders so they can play an active role in PAs governance (including management planning and monitoring), 7. Develop additional educational programs in PAs and strengthen partnerships with schools and academic institutions,

75 Available at: https://natureforpeople.org/wwf_examples/education/

60 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 61 Recommendations for the use of the PA-BAT results 5. The PA benefits recognized by local people and stakeholders provide useful insight into which strategies will be the most effective for a PA promotion. This is because the benefits recog- While the PA managers should focus on implementing the PA-BAT nized by locals are proven to resonate with the public, results76, they are also very relevant to local governments and stake- 6. The PA-BAT results help PA managers in focusing on practical holders who are trying to initiate sustainable development initiatives solutions that contribute to human well-being, in their regions. Ministries and other relevant institutions, which are developing policies for natural resources’ management and rural 7. The process of the PA-BAT assessment is as important development, should use the PA-BAT results to create a conducive as its results. PA benefits and values are constantly changing, environment for sustainable local initiatives in PAs. as are the perspectives of stakeholders. Periodic revision of the PA managers should consider the following issues: PA-BAT assessments can help in updating and maintaining positive and constructive dialogue between stakeholders, 1. Local communities’ better understanding of the values and bene- 8. Assessed values and benefits provide very important inputs for fits of PAs can significantly improve their management, decision-making, spatial planning, Environmental Impact As- sessment (EIA), Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and 2. The PA-BAT assessments provide initial information for the similar processes. further development of detailed and targeted assessments for particular development incentives, 3. Discussions regarding the PA benefits and values are the basis for building participation processes and partnerships between stakeholders in PAs, 4. The PA-BAT results help with the strategic orientation of a PA or the PA system on a national level. In addition, the results provide useful data for management planning,

76 More info on Albanian PAs values: https://natureforpeople.org/protected_areas/

62 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 63 Conclusion

Over the last several years, Albania has improved the legal and institutional frameworks related to PAs. A dedicated agency dealing In addition to identifying economic and non-economic as well as with PAs was established and a new Law on Protected Areas was potential values of PAs, the PA-BAT is also a convenient tool for approved. Still, the system of PAs in the country needs to be further developing communication and cooperation between stakeholders, developed. PAs cover around 16% of the nation’s territory, which is taking into account the fact that improved participation of different a greater percentage of land dedicated to PAs than in the majority of stakeholders in PA management is key to the success in the gov- the other countries in Europe and the world. This is a result of the ernance of PAs in Albania. Albanian commitment to reach international standards for nature conservation. A lot has yet to be done to promote and develop PAs as Overall, PA-BAT assessments and processes can also contribute to a resource for sustainable economic and social development. fulfilling the country’s obligations to support the achievement of EU biodiversity targets for 2020 as a part of the European Integration A comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the PA values and Process. In addition, the assessment contributes to the objectives benefits provides a roadmap for the development of a more efficient of national strategies such as the National Strategy on Biodiversity and effective PA system and nature conservation in Albania. The PA- and international agreements related to the environment such as BAT assessment completed in 13 PAs has shown that stakeholders the Convention on Biological Diversity, including meeting the Aichi recognize a wide array of PA values and benefits. They have identified Biodiversity Targets (goals for the conservation and sustainable use many values that are important for their subsistence or for economic of biological diversity). PA-BAT assessments also support the imple- development. These are not only values based on the traditional mentation of more than one of the United Nation’s 2015 Sustainable and direct use of natural resources but include other values based Development Goals. on sustainable practices. These values are highly dependent on the protection and conservation of natural resources (i.e. tourism and education). The results show the need for the improvement of the management of Albania’s PAs.

64 Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania Protected area benefit assessment (PA-BAT) in Albania 65 WWF in numbers PROTECTED AREA BENE F IT ASSESS M ENT TOOL (PA-BAT) IN ALBANIA

1961.

WWF is one of the world’s largest conservation organization since 1961 +100

WWF works in more than 100 countries on 6 continents.

+5 M

WWF has more than 5 million supporters worldwide. PROTECTING NATURE

WWF Adria works through ADRIA partnerships on national, regional and global level. WW F

Working to sustain the natural world for people and wildlife ADRIA.ORG

together possible wwfadria.org

© 1986 Panda symbol WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature This document has been financed by the Swedish International (Formerly World Wildlife Fund) Development Cooperation Agency, Sida. Sida does not necessarily 66WWF Adria, Protected Zelinska area2, Zagreb, benefit Croatia assessment (PA-BAT) in Albaniashare the views expressed in this material. Responsibility for its contents rests entirely with the author.