The Albanian Parliament approved legal changes proposed by the Socialist majority for \u201cProtected Areas\u201d in a plenary session characterized by tensions and disruptions from the opposition.<\/p>\n
With 77 votes in favor, this amendment paves the way for the economic development of protected areas, in full harmony with the environmental and territorial protection of these areas.<\/p>\n
The law introduces new concepts for categorizing biodiversity in the country, according to importance, as well as the possibility of updating it more frequently, and it gives local governance and communities the opportunity to be part of this decision-making process.<\/p>\n
The law reformulates the principles of managing protected areas, adding the principle of \u201cappropriateness\u201d, \u201cthe principle of categorizing objectives\u201d, and \u201cthe principle of management flexibility\u201d, aiming to increase efficiency in the management process of these areas, based on IUCN principles. The new law also guarantees public access to protected areas.<\/p>\n
This law grants more competencies to municipalities in the management of protected areas. It also aims to protect these areas through increased awareness, public education, promotion of research activities, encouragement of recreational activities and economic activities in line with the principle of effectiveness, as well as with the objectives of the protected area. It aims to provide opportunities for the economic development of the area\u2019s residents, so they can have access to and benefit from them. It allows the use of land and the conduct of activities that apply sustainable development principles with a focus on the economic development of the area. It allows permissible urban, recreational, or industrial interventions within the area, while preserving its character. It encourages and supports initiatives, projects, programs, and activities aimed at improving the ecological and natural indicators of an environmental protected area, or that have a positive impact on them.<\/p>\n
Upon approval, the European Union delegation in Tirana declared it would follow the implementation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlbania\u2019s path towards joining the European Union is clear. It requires sustained efforts by the government and the parliament to ensure that Albanian legislation converges towards European standards. In the context of accession negotiations, the adoption of laws on topics covered by the EU acquis presupposes genuine and inclusive public consultation as well as a predictable and transparent process. The EU Delegation will be following very closely the implementation of the new legal provisions on protected areas, in line with the EU\u2019s legal framework on environment protection and Albania\u2019s international commitments\u201d.<\/p>\n
\nAlbania\u2019s path towards joining the European Union is clear. It requires sustained efforts by the government and the parliament to ensure that Albanian legislation converges towards European standards. 1\/3<\/p>\n
— EU in Albania (@EUinAlbania) February 22, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n