METT Assessment in the Albanian Protected Areas: Enhancing Conservation Efforts

The Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), aside from being an internationally recognised framework designed to evaluate the effectiveness of management in protected areas, has been of crucial importance to the Albanian Protected Areas, particularly around building on experience and expectations in approaching their vision. It started as an exercise with the Prespa National Park back in 2019 through the first PONT grant, and it quickly became the backbone of the operational plans built-in with the support of PONT.

The adoption of METT provides still today crucial insights into the strengths and weaknesses of conservation efforts, offering afterwards the opportunity to channel the activities to mitigate the gaps through the collaboration and careful planning.

Today PONT supports 5 protected areas in Albania: Prespa National Park, Aquatic / Terrestrial Protected Landscape of Pogradeci Lake, Shebenik National Park, Korab – Koritnik Nature Park and Albanian Alps National Park. Each of the parks giving light to their uniqueness, has been building on their experience, evolving in how they conduct the METT Assessment. They have used it as a self-tracking tool, but also as an opportunity to involve in the process stakeholders, broadening the opportunities for collaboration and minimising any overlap by ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address pressing conservation needs.

The METT assessment involves a participatory process that engages a wide range of stakeholders, including RAPAs and representatives from the local communities, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies. METT is regularly updated to track progress and adapt management strategies as needed. Key components of the assessment include:

• Context and Planning: Evaluating the clarity of management objectives, legal frameworks, and alignment with national and international conservation priorities.
• Inputs: Assessing the availability and adequacy of resources, such as funding, staff, and infrastructure.
• Processes: Reviewing the implementation of management activities, such as patrolling, community engagement, and habitat restoration.
• Outputs and Outcomes: Measuring the effectiveness of management actions in achieving conservation goals, such as species protection, habitat integrity, and community benefits.

Preliminary METT assessments in Albania’s protected areas have highlighted both successes and areas for improvement. The main strengths highlighted are: clear legal frameworks and management plans existing for most protected areas; active collaboration with international conservation organisations has strengthened technical capacities; local communities are increasingly involved in co-management and benefit-sharing initiatives.

The adoption of the METT assessment in Albania represents still today a crucial step toward improving the management of its protected areas. By identifying strengths and addressing gaps, this tool helped ensure that these areas continue to safeguard biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods. With sustained commitment from government agencies, local communities, and international partners, Albania’s protected areas can serve as models of effective conservation in the region.

By: Artenisa Peçulaj, “NAPA”