The Great Green Wall of Divjaka-Karavasta National Park

 

Organization: Albanian Ornithological Society
Award Amount: €34 000
Project Type: PROZHUM Small Project
Duration: January 2024 – December 2026
Project Contact: Besjana Shehu, besjana.shehu@aos-alb.org
Keywords: advocacy; habitat protection; ornithology

Summary

The Divjaka-Karavasta National Park is a vital wetland ecosystem covering over 22,000 ha that supports thousands of wintering, breeding and migratory birds and is the only breeding site in Albania for the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus). Despite its status as a National Park and wetland of international importance, the site faces development pressure due to recent legislation permitting construction within core zones of protected areas, with two urbanization projects already planned within the park. Without proper intervention, these impacts could lead to the permanent degradation of the wetlands, threatening the biodiversity and livelihoods they support.

With its extensive expertise in bird and habitat conservation, AOS has spearheaded research, monitoring, advocacy, and restoration in the park, most notably for Dalmatian Pelican protection. As part of this PROZHUM Small Project, AOS will further these efforts by organizing a series of meetings and workshops to identify management priorities and mobilize efforts to revise the Park’s Management Plan. Through regular meetings as well as training sessions, AOS will support the Regional Agency for Protected Areas, under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, in its efforts to halt urbanization, reduce human impact and protect habitats and species. A series of community events and a public awareness campaign, including a critical mass cycling event, sustainable agriculture harvesting, and a podcast series, will bring ecosystem protection to the forefront of communities, particularly among fisher people. To identify gender-specific needs in wetland conservation activities, the project team is also engaging in participant mapping activities.

Objectives

• Advocate for the Protection of Divjaka-Karavasta National Park
• Strengthen Public Awareness and Collaboration with Local Communities and Engage in Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands
• Strengthen Scientific Knowledge and Capacity for Wetland Management

Resources

• Learn more about the PROZHUM project

Funding

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.