PPNEA

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PPNEA! As we welcome 2025, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, for being part of our journey toward bringing harmony between nature and human society in Albania. Thank you for your support and dedication in 2024! Love, PPNEA

#4PETHABECO - For a Harmonious Coexistence of Humans & Wildlife! PPNEA is part of the European PET HAB ECO project, "Strengthening cooperation to address socio-environmental challenges of priority species in the EUSAIR region." Coordinated by the University of Udine, this initiative unites eight Adriatic-Ionian countries; Albania, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Greece, to develop innovative solutions that promote coexistence between humans and wildlife. The 4PETHABECO project aims to test solutions to protect and restore terrestrial habitats and populations of large carnivores (focused on lynx, bear, wolf and jackal). The project also plans to incorporate green infrastructure solutions to enhance ecological connectivity. 🤝 With support from the Interreg IPA ADRION program, PET HAB ECO enhances collaboration across borders, ensuring a resilient future for wildlife and habitats in the EUSAIR region. Learn more and stay updated with #PetHabEco: https://lnkd.in/dEASXhuP #4PETHABECO

On the search of the Maja bear! Just before Christmas Eve, the TBBC team set out on an adventure to pay a visit to Maya the Bear. Our goal was to locate her den and set up some cameras, but the harsh terrain made it a bit tricky this time around. No worries though - there will be a next time! Our telemetry survey revealed that Maya was hibernating in a very remote area of the Mokra region last winter. In the meantime, we managed to set a trail camera right by her door, and we can’t wait to see what shows up. EuroNatur Foundation #Καλλιστώ  Macedonian Ecological Society #Ecosvest

Sign the petition - #BanLeadNow It’s time to #BanLeadNow! Everybody knows that lead is toxic. In fact, it’s so toxic that there’s no safe level of exposure. Lead harms our health, especially children’s, poisons animals, and contaminates the environment. That’s why it’s banned in petrol, paint, and pipes. Every year: - 1 million European children are at risk from lead in game meat. - 1 million birds die from lead ammunition poisoning. - 38,000 tonnes of lead shot pellets poison nature: entering our soil and water. - Pets and livestock are at risk of lead poisoning. Support for non-toxic alternatives is growing, and the EU has a unique opportunity to drive this change! Let’s create a non-toxic future together. Sign the petition to #BanLeadNow - https://lnkd.in/dwWD4cCc BirdLife Europe and Central Asia

At the recent annual meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention, criticisms were directed at the Albanian government regarding the ongoing construction of Vlora Airport. The construction, located within the Emerald Network site in the Narta Lagoon, has raised alarm among international environmental experts. Situated just 50 meters from the Narta salina and 800 meters from the Vjosa River National Park, the construction blatantly contravenes the principles of the Bern Convention. Despite the European Parliament resolution and repeated warnings from scientists and environmentalists demanding the immediate suspension of the construction of Vlora International Airport and a thorough reassessment of its environmental impact, heavy machinery continues to wreak destruction. Critics have called the construction "one of Albania’s gravest missteps" and a harbinger of broader threats looming over the country’s protected areas. The ecological implications are dire. The airport's construction disrupts the Adriatic Flyway, a critical migration corridor for birds, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and increased risk of bird-aircraft collisions. These risks not only threaten wildlife but also pose a significant safety threat to humans. The Bern Convention has issued an additional call for action, urging the Albanian government to revise its legislation on protected areas. Current laws, according to the convention, violate international principles for nature conservation. Albania’s annual progress reports on EU integration have repeatedly flagged the Vlora Airport in Chapter 27, highlighting that environmental protections do not meet European standards. Watch the full interview of Dr. Aleksandër Trajçe, Director of PPNEA, on the program ADN with journalist Ilir Yzeiri. LINK: https://lnkd.in/d-76zT2z

ADRIATIC STURGEON: A LOST TREASURE IN THE BUNA RIVER The Buna River, the heart of the Bunë-Velipojë Protected Landscape, is facing a concerning biodiversity crisis. Recent studies have confirmed the absence of the Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii), one of this unique ecosystem's rarest and most vital species. This discovery, resulting from advanced monitoring with environmental DNA analysis, highlights the urgent need for the protection of this species and the restoration of degraded habitats. The situation is driven by a combination of threats, including overfishing, especially illegal fishing, water pollution, and habitat degradation. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for intervention, protection, and restoration efforts. Authorities in both Albania and Montenegro must ramp up their cooperation and take decisive action to protect the Buna River's biodiversity. Without immediate and effective measures, not only will other crucial species be at risk, but the fragile ecological balance of this unique ecosystem could be threatened. READ MORE IN THE PRESS RELEASE: https://lnkd.in/dgwikqVk #CEPF #AdriaticSturgeon

Legal changes regarding Protected Areas now permit the construction of high-end tourist hotels even within the Vjosa National Park, including its central riverbed and tributaries.

PPNEA joins the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands PPNEA has officially joined the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands, marking a significant step in the country’s conservation efforts. This membership strengthens Albania's commitment to protecting wetlands while enhancing its presence in regional and international conservation initiatives. The Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands unites 29 organizations across 18 countries, encouraging collaboration to protect and sustainably manage wetlands, vital ecosystems for biodiversity, climate regulation, and local communities. The Alliance’s collaborative framework offers its members access to advanced restoration techniques, biodiversity monitoring tools, sustainable management practices, and advancing its ability to address ecological challenges. For Albania, this translates into a strengthened ability to influence international wetland conservation policies and expertise in designing restoration initiatives. Albanian wetlands, such as the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area, face immense threats from unsustainable developments and mass tourism, through this alliance, we strengthen efforts to protect these critical ecosystems, vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and human well-being, bringing expertise and international attention to protect our shared Mediterranean natural heritage. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/dGYzKYsW Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands

Wintering birds ringing camp in Great Prespa During the two-day wintering bird ringing camp in Prespa, experts from Tirana, staff from PPNEA's local office in Prespa, and Biochemistry students from the University of Korça collaborated to share expertise on bird ringing, a critical method for studying the behavior and population dynamics of migratory birds. Students received step-by-step training in this methodology, gaining hands-on experience while exploring the unique bird species of Prespa National Park and its ecological significance. The ringing process consists of several carefully organized steps. It begins with the selection of strategic sites and the placement of mist nets, followed by regular checks every 20 minutes to ensure the safe handling of captured birds. Once captured, the birds are placed in specially designed boxes and transported to the ringing station for processing. Detailed biological measurements are recorded for each bird, including tail, wing, and beak length, body weight, and wingspan. Following this, a unique metal ring is attached to each individual. This standardized process generates essential data for understanding bird behavior, monitoring population trends, and informing conservation efforts to protect their natural habitats. #PrespaNet EuroNatur Foundation Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) AAGE V. JENSEN NATURFOND

An Oxford-style debate brought critical thinking and dialogue to the forefront. Organized in collaboration between Blueprint UNAA and PPNEA, the debate tackled the topic: “Protected Areas of high importance for biodiversity should not have intensive economic activity.” The key takeaway? To sustain a healthy economy, the preservation of protected areas is essential. The debate highlighted the intricate balance required between economic development and nature conservation as a cornerstone of a sustainable future. What’s your opinion on this topic? Share your thoughts! #Blueprint #UNAA #PPNEA #DIMFE #birdlifeinternational #oxfordstyledebate #debate #youth #youthactivity