albanian ministry of tourism and environment

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Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment (Albania)

Albanian Ministry

Acronym: MTE

MINISTIRIA E TURIZMIT DHE MJEDISIT, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTE) is a public institution responsible for the formulation and implementation of the policies related to environment, nature protection, waste management, environmental monitoring, forest, water quality, protected area etc. Four national bodies operate under the Ministry as National Agencies, respectively: the National Tourism Agency (AKT); the National Coastline Agency; the National Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM); and the National Environment Agency (AKM), with its Regional Environmental Directorates. Moreover, the Ministry exercises the task of controlling the territory through the State Inspectorate of Environment and Forestry. The ministry employees are experienced personnel and are fully supported on an administrative level, as well as in ICT. In terms of environmental protection, MTE supports the valorisation and safeguarding of diverse ecosystems, by ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment for existing and future generations. More specifically, in the Government Program (2017-2021) the Ministry of Tourism and Environment has committed to improve environmental conditions through the following priorities: - preventing and containing erosion, through rapid-growth forestation and development of hydrotechnic protective works; - improving air quality through a better monitoring system of air pollutants in the major cities; - valorising endangered and protected ecosystems by drafting the National Plans for Integrated Management of Protected Areas (PAs), of National Parks (KPs), and of Strict Natural Reserves (RNS); - integrating natural ecosystems with infrastructure and tourism projects; - promoting circular economy in solid waste management etc. The commitments of the Ministry to the tourism sector are in line with environmental protection directives, and support the development of sustainable tourism, cultural tourism, agro-tourism, etc.

Address: BLVD. DESHMORET E KOMBIT NR 1 Tirana Albania

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Albania meets the record of 10 million foreign tourists

Albania has reached a record of 10 million tourists, marking the best tourist year in terms of quantity.

By the evening of December 25, 2023, the number of foreign visitors registered in our country was 10,011,500.

“The most important question for tourism this year was answered during these holidays, so let’s celebrate it together with the belief that in 2024 we will continue to break records towards the goal of championing tourism in the Balkans”, announced the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mrs. Mirela Kumbaro.

The high number of foreign visitors even during the winter months, confirms that there is an increasing trend to visit Albania during the entire year, a positive indicator of the growth of year-round tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has started preparing for Albania’s participation in the Fitur-Madrid and ITB-Berlin international fairs. Albania will be the country of honor for 2025 with a one-year promotional program.

What Is FESTA?

Forum of Environmental Sustainable Tourism in Albania

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Albania in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) under the special care of the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama , and Secretary – General of the UNWTO, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili , will organize the International Tourism Forum “ The Future of Environmental Sustainable Tourism in Albania (FESTA)” that will be held from the 3rd to the 5th of April 2023 , in Tirana, Albania.

In the framework of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), together with the Albanian Agency for the Strategic Program and Aid Coordination (SASPAC), the forum aims to include the most important topics within the strategic policies of the Albanian Government and UNWTO.

FESTA will be a platform for a range of panels and discussions amongst policymakers, entrepreneurs, operators of hospitality and all those who contribute to the shaping of this vital industry.

The Forum thematics will be focused on the current trends of sustainable travel, using insights, while exploring the transformational power of the travel industry and jointly strategise how to move forward in the road ahead.

Being among important actors who are at the forefront of the profession, will be a great networking experience among all attendees, against a background of Albanian food, culture, music, and hospitality.

Why Should You Attend?

Gain insights, explore the future, why albania.

Albania is a country located in the Balkan region of Southeast Europe. It is known for its beautiful Adriatic and Ionian coastline, rugged mountains, rich history, and warm hospitality. Albania is a country of contrasts, where ancient traditions blend with modern influences, and visitors can explore a wealth of cultural heritage sites, including ancient ruins, Ottoman-era architecture, and Byzantine churches. With a commitment to sustainable tourism, Albania is an emerging destination that offers visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience. Come and discover the hidden gem of the Balkans, where the past meets the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

The International Tourism Forum will be held from April 3rd to April 5th, 2023 in Tirana, Albania.

The International Tourism Forum is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Albania in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC).

The target audience for the International Tourism Forum includes high level government officials, entrepreneurs, operators of hospitality, and all those who contribute to the shaping of the tourism industry.

The aim of the forum is to explore sustainable tourism and strategize how to move forward in the industry.

Registration for the International Tourism Forum will be available on the conference website, which will be launched soon. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.

Yes, interpretation services will be available in multiple languages, including English, Albanian, and more.

Register Now!

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IUCN helps protect Vjosa in Albania, the last wild free-flowing river in Europe

By Julia Horwitz

Vjosa is one of the last wild free-flowing rivers in Europe. As part of the “Blue Heart of Europe”, this beautiful river contains at least 11 major tributaries coming in from Greece and Albania, and is 272km long. The Albanian government has committed to protect this untouched river ecosystem as part of their national commitments to halt the global biodiversity and climate crises. To achieve effective conservation of the Vjosa River, the Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment is in a unique and supportive partnership with the eco-friendly company Patagonia, with local civil society and environmental groups, and with the technical support of IUCN. However, achieving full conservation of this river will require solutions to many difficulties and issues. Without commitment to protection, the river is faced with numerous hydro and infrastructure project proposals, but with the help of local conservation organisations and IUCN’s guidance, this river can be effectively protected. IUCN defines all protected areas as “A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values”. The commitment by Albania is to secure a designation for Vjosa that clearly falls under the definition of a protected area. To further note, the plan is to develop an IUCN category II protected area, an “area to be managed for ecosystem protection and recreation”, and to align its future management to the IUCN Green List Standard for equitable and effective protected areas.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Nearly 30% of the Aoos-Vjosa river, including the source, lies in Greece, with the other 70% flowing through Albania and emptying into the Adriatic Sea. This beautiful riverscape is filled with meanders, oxbow lakes and canyons. However, the most outstanding thing about this river are the tributaries. Stretching along Greek and Albanian territories, the tributaries are mostly free flowing and relatively untouched by human activity. As our world develops day by day, and we are becoming increasingly obsessed with trying to own and fix things, we must also ensure we safeguard those unique places and processes which are not yet broken. Along with that, as the population of our world grows each and every day, so does the need for resources, space and economic growth. In this specific case, electricity, in part generated by Hydro Electric Power (HEP) is in high demand. Another aspect is the history of the region and the river itself. Like everywhere on our planet, there are cultural and traditional memories attached to the land. Vjosa specifically, has a large community of people who live on the floodplain and who use the water for everyday necessities. Some people require it for farming or agricultural reasons due to the soil being so fertile and having such close proximity to water. People benefit from living in/near a national park due to the environmental advantages that it presents. Indeed, the majority of local people and communities support this conservation project, which is an essential foundation for nature conservation.

A group of active environmental NGOs have launched the campaign of “Save the Blue Heart of Europe”. This campaign has played a large role in the information regarding the river itself as well as its surrounding areas. It supports the goal to turn Vjosa into a national park that meets IUCN Standards, and halts all future  HEP plant development.

More than a year ago, the Albanian Government declared the Vjosa Valley to become a protected area. Since then, IUCN has been working in support of effective protection for the Vjosa and its free-flowing tributaries, to bring them under conservation management. Working alongside outdoor apparel brand Patagonia, and fully supporting the Government of Albania, with local NGOs, the next step is to create a master plan for how the vision of effective management can be legally implemented and operational, in full consultation with local stakeholders.

VJOSA WILD RIVER CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES

• Support environmental processes.
• Keep the “ecological structure” the same in order for it to be able to flourish and continue to grow.
• Assess the potential for small and medium enterprises to engage in compatible economic activities, such as ecotourism
• This includes excluding activities that will disturb/destruct the environment such as mining, extraction, pollution, etc.
• Essentially, to restrict infrastructure development, especially HEP plants and impactful industry

Whilst completing such a lengthy and resource-intensive planning process, it is important to think about all of the sides of the story and who is involved. Although Albania faces some economic and development challenges, the commitment to Vjosa is a globally-significant statement of intent. This river and its tributaries could potentially be used for hydroelectric power (HEP) plants, so international support to help offset any opportunity cost and maximize incentives and benefits from conservation must be explored.

Besides direct impacts, there are also already high rates of pollution associated with infrastructure and industry. The threats to the valley itself include:

• Land degradation
• Urbanization
• Small HEP plants
• Extraction/mining (of both oil, water and gravel)
• Intensification of agriculture
• The development of tourism.

As the IUCN continues to support protection for Vjosa and the surrounding areas, there is a need to keep highlighting the local and regional benefits of protection, as well as the global significance. In terms of biodiversity, there could be a risk of further loss without effective protection. There are many migratory species (birds and fish) whose homes in the Vjosa river are under threat from any infrastructure-related impacts.

IUCN’s objective is to help the Albanian Government and partners to achieve a continuous, fair and effective, long term and sustained conservation result for one of the last free-flowing wild river in Europe. Through the help of mitigation techniques, support from our members and partners, political will in Albania, and the prolonged hard work, there is no doubt that Albania shall succeed in its goal for Vjosa. The hard work will continue day-and-night to 2030 and beyond, but IUCN, will support Vjosa over the long-term. That is what conservation truly requires! To support IUCN and Albania in protecting the Vjosa, please get in touch and join the Blue Heart Campaign!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Protection Study of the Vjosa River Valley Based on IUCN Protected Area ... https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2021-011-En.pdf  

“Eu Nature Restoration Law: A Boost for Biodiversity and Climate.” IUCN , 28 June 2022, https://www.iucn.org/news/europe/202206/eu-nature-restoration-law-a-boost-biodiversity-and-climate  

“Vjosa National Park Now.” Save the Blue Heart of Europe , https://www.balkanrivers.net/en/vjosanationalparknow  

The Fauna of the Vjosa River and the Adjacent Floodplain at POÇEM . https://balkanrivers.net/uploads/legacy/Vjosa_assessment_201709.pdf  

Freeman, Liam. “How Patagonia Are Fighting to Save Europe's Wild Rivers.” I, 13 June 2022, https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/n7zj7m/patagonia-river-vjosa-interview

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Vjosa, One of Our Last Wild Rivers, Becomes Europe's First Wild River National Park

March 16, 2023 by Patagonia

Joint press release from the Albanian Ministry of Tourism & Environment, IUCN and Patagonia  

ALBANIA, 15 March, 2023 –   Today, the Vjosa River in Albania, one of the last wild rivers of Europe is declared a National Park by the Albanian Government, becoming the first Wild River National Park in Europe. In future, the Vjosa will be conserved as a living, free-flowing river, to the benefit of people and nature. This is the result of a unique collaboration between the Albanian Government, local and international experts, environmental NGOs from the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and outdoor clothing company Patagonia. 

The Vjosa and its main tributaries run freely for over 400km, from the Pindus Mountain Range in Greece, where it is called Aoös, to the Adriatic coast in Albania. The river and its surrounding areas are ecosystems of substantial biodiversity and are home to over 1,100 species of animals, including 13 animal species and two plant species assessed as globally threatened by IUCN.

The Vjosa Wild River National Park facilitates solutions to challenges faced by the river such as water and land pollution, waste management, and deforestation. Additionally, the National Park will create economic opportunities for local communities, through responsible tourism, and help address the problem of depopulation from the area.  

Gaining IUCN Category II: National Park status means the Vjosa will be afforded protection, to the highest international standards, ensuring its ecological integrity, allowing natural processes to occur, and sustaining populations of all native species. The designation will take place in two phases, with Phase I being declared today (15 March 2023):

In Phase I, the active channel of the river will be given National Park status, plus some lands and river vegetation within the active channel, or at risk of flooding or erosion – over 400km in total length. The area will be managed as a National Park and is expected to be fully operational by early 2024. 

Phase II, in the coming years, will add other free-flowing tributaries and areas that are integral to the river’s ecosystem, plus some private land, following consultation with stakeholders. 

Patagonia, IUCN, and the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign NGOs have been engaged in the work to protect the wild rivers of the Balkan Peninsular for the last eight years. In 2021,  IUCN finalised a study  showing how applying IUCN’s protected area standards would benefit the communities and biodiversity of the Vjosa Valley.

In June 2022, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro and Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert came together at a ceremony in Tirana to sign a commitment to create Vjosa Wild River National Park together. Over the last nine months, extensive fieldwork and in-depth analysis has taken place by a team of over 30 local and international experts in areas such as eco-tourism, geomorphology, ecology, planning and management of protected areas, sustainable financing of national parks, legislation, and social and environmental impact assessment. Consultation with interest groups, as well as public communication, has also been incorporated into the process. At the same time, the Albanian government is starting a joint process with the Greek government to create the Aoös -Vjosa transboundary park, aiming for the highest level of protection for the entire river, from source to sea, across both countries.

Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Albania: “Vjosa is a symbol of human history and also a very important part of the history of our country. Maybe Albania does not have the power to change the world, but it can create successful models of protecting biodiversity and natural assets and we are proud to announce the creation of this first National Park on one of the last wild rivers in Europe. The Albanian government has taken the bold decision to create a National Park of 12,727 hectares, including the 190 kilometers long Vjosa, where over 60,000 people have lived for centuries. 

“Now a new phase begins - that of drawing up the management plan to give people the opportunity to build their lives in a sustainable way. This is our vision: sustainable and environmentally responsible development, which protects biodiversity and gives people the opportunity to prosper in their homelands.”

Ryan Gellert, CEO, Patagonia: “This unique collaboration between government, civil society and business is testament to the power of collective action and we hope it will inspire others to come together to protect the wild places we have left, in a meaningful way. Standing on the banks of the Vjosa today, we are humbled to know that this exceptional river and its wildlife will be conserved forever.”  

Boris Erg, Director, European Regional Office, IUCN:  “Today marks a milestone for the people and biodiversity of Albania. IUCN applauds the Government of Albania for their leadership and ambition and stands ready to support the implementation of the decision to designate the Vjosa Wild River National Park. We invite other governments in the region and beyond to show similar ambition and help reach the vital goal of protecting 30 percent of the planet by 2030.”

Albania, the road towards sustainable tourism

The Week for Sustainable Tourism took place in Albania on the dates 8 – 12 November 2022.

On November 8 and 9, 2022, for the first time in Albania were offered trainings with international standards in sustainable tourism. The actors of tourism in Albania showed a very high interest and the participation was from the ranks of the private sector (hotels, tour operators, destination organization) as well as the public sector (Ministry of Tourism and Environment, universities, and tourism experts). The participants considered these trainings as an important step towards sustainable tourism and a starting point for other activities in this sector. The trained experts will be able to offer services in the local market and promote further standards adoption.

In the framework of this week, was organized also the Conference: “Albania, our road towards sustainable tourism”. Sustainability in tourism was the focus of the Conference. Participants from the private and public sector showed a very high interest and emphasized once again that Albania should focus concretely on sustainable tourism. International experiences have shown that sustainable tourism is the future of tourism, and many countries and businesses are adapting sustainability standards and criteria. A successful tourism is a sustainable tourism in function of the tourist, businesses, and the common economy!

The Week for Sustainable Tourism was organized by RisiAlbania in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the private sector.

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Ministry of Tourism and Environment in Albania

Supporting Albanian Negotiations in Environment, Chapter 27

Team & partners.

Jadranka Ivanova

Team Leader

[email protected]

Rezart Kapedani

Deputy Team Leader

Rezart.kapedani.sane27@ brookshannas.com

Torgeir Hannas

Program Director

[email protected]

Ermira Bashllari

Programme Coordinator

Ermira.bashllari.sane27@ brookshannas.com

Main partner at MTE

Almira Xhembulla

Deputy minister for tourism and environment and Head of Inter Institutional Working Group for Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change [email protected]. al

Sofjan Jaupaj

Department of Integration, Coordination, Assistance and Agreements at Ministry of Tourism and Environment

Artenida Duraku

Director of Department of Integration, Coordination, Agreement and Assistance,  MTE

Elkida Sinani

Head of Sector of Integration and Coordination, MTE

Kozeta Goga

Specialist at Sector of Integration and Coordination, MTE

Members of the SANE27 Board:

Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MTE):

Mr. Sofjan Jaupaj, Head of Department, SANE27 Program Board Chairperson, MTE

Mr. Johan Willert, First Secretary, Programme Officer Development Cooperation Natural Resources and Environment, Sida representative, Swedish Embassy

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, (MEFA):

Hadit Kovaci, Head of Sector, Environment, Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries Sector , European Union Directorate , MEFA

Other partners in implementation

Inter Institutional Working Group for Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change

Institutions member of IIWG27

Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs

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The program “Supporting Albanian Negotiations in Environment, Chapter 27” (SANE27) started with implementation in April 2018 and is implemented in partnership between the Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

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