Restoring Vjosë-Nartë, one tree at a time
This case study examines the Vjosë-Nartë A/R project’s contribution to Albania’s environmental conservation efforts under the broader Italian ACAP (Azione Comunitaria per le Aree Protette dell’Albania) initiative.
About
Challenges:
The Vjosë-Nartë A/R project has faced several significant challenges:
- The degraded state of the landscape due to previous extreme environmental events left the native vegetation sparse, and natural regrowth struggled to establish itself.
- The construction of the Vlora International Airport within the borders of the Vjosë-Nartë has raised concerns about potential damage to biodiversity, as it threatens the ecological balance of the area, which is a critical habitat for over 200 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.
- While the project aims to provide environmental education and promote sustainable practices, gaining the trust and active participation of the local population is crucial for the project’s success and sustainability.
Solutions
To address the challenges faced by the Vjosë-Nartë A/R project, several solutions have been implemented:
To combat environmental degradation, the project introduced four indigenous tree species specifically chosen to restore the area’s biodiversity, including 4604 specimens of Pinus halepensis; 2420 specimens of Pinus pinea:, 1143 specimens of Populus alba; and 1135 specimens Laurus nobilis.
In response to the potential threat from the Vlora International Airport, environmental organizations and project stakeholders have engaged in advocacy to protect the biodiversity of the Vjosë-Nartë area.
Several initiatives to engage the local community through environmental education programs have been established, aiming to foster a sense of ownership among residents and encourage practices that support long-term conservation goals.
Impacts
- By planting 9,302 trees across an area previously affected by extreme environmental events, the project aims to enhance the region’s carbon stock.
- The efforts are expected to sequester 722 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over 20 years, aligning with Albania’s commitment to the European Natura 2000 network.