Collaborative Efforts: Addressing Wildlife Crimes in Albania

Last week, PPNEA hosted a workshop on wildlife crimes in Albania which brought together many key stakeholders. Mrs. Almira Xhembulla, Vice Minister of Tourism and Environment, delivered a speech at the meeting, and to the representatives from local municipalities in Pogradec and Bilisht, the Prosecution of Korce, National Inspectorate for Territorial Protection (IKMT), and representatives from National and Regional Agencies of Protected Areas across Tirana, Shkoder, Kukes, Elbasan, Pogradec, Korce, Berat, Gjirokaster, and Fier. Attendees also included representatives from the National Hunting Federation and organisations specialising in wildlife rescue interventions.

The workshop itself focused on raising awareness about the offenses being committed, with particular emphasis on rare and endangered mammal species like the Balkan lynx, Brown bear, and chamois, as well as the illicit killing and poisoning of birds. The objective was to underline the need to increase collaborations between institutions, and build capacity in the identification and comprehension of the impacts of wildlife crimes.

Discussions during the meeting delved into wildlife monitoring and the crucial role of data gathering in understanding the consequences of wildlife crimes. RAPA Elbasan, RAPA Korce, and PPNEA, presented initiatives for species monitoring in protected areas and bio-corridors which have been made possible by PONT.  These initiatives emphasise the importance of habitat connectivity and ecological corridors in sustaining wildlife and biodiversity.

Recognising wildlife crime as a significant environmental offense, the meeting stressed the importance of cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders, while also highlighting the need for public awareness and collective action.