Located within Butrint National Park, the Vrina Marshes are one of Albania’s most valuable but heavily altered wetland ecosystems. Once part of a large, wildlife-rich floodplain, supporting more than 250 bird species and rare or endangered reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Its wetlands are also critical stopping points for migratory birds traveling along the Adriatic–Ionian flyway. The marshes were drained and canalised in the mid-20th century, leading to major habitat loss and a sharp decline in waterbirds and other wetland-dependent species. Today, only a fraction of the original marshland remains – but new momentum is now driving efforts to restore this natural treasure back to life.

 

Credits Tauland Bino

 

The Green Light Protocol: Laying the Foundation

The conception of the restoration project was strongly supported by the Green Light Protocol, an initiative of the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands that helps civil society organizations co-create science-based wetland restoration plans.

 

Credits Besjana Shehu

 

Through this process, AOS worked closely with wetland scientists, hydrologists, landscape planners, and artists to:

• Analyze the ecological history and current pressures on the Vrina Marshes;
• Explore multiple restoration scenarios and hydrological solutions;
• Engage protected-area managers, local communities, and government representatives;
• Develop a shared long-term vision for the recovery of the marsh.

This participatory design phase confirmed Vrina as a priority site and provided the technical and social foundation needed to advance restoration efforts.

 

A Vision for Ecological Renewal

Building on the outcomes of the Green Light Protocol, the restoration initiative focuses on reviving natural water dynamics and restoring a mosaic of interconnected habitats. Planned measures include:

• Reestablishing seasonal flooding by reconnecting parts of the Pavllo River with its floodplain;
• Creating shallow pools, reedbeds, and open water zones to support waterbirds, amphibians, and fish;
• Removing Tamarix overgrowth and promoting native marsh vegetation;
• Enhancing ecological corridors that link Butrint’s wetlands with other coastal habitats;
• Assessing options to improve freshwater availability while safeguarding local farmland.

Restoring Vrina is expected to enhance biodiversity and improve ecosystem services such as salinity control, groundwater recharge and climate resilience.

 

 

People at the Heart of the Project

Community involvement is central to the project’s success. Farmers, landowners, and village councils have been consulted and will be involved in participating in co-designing the restoration and defining future land-use opportunities. This includes exploring sustainable grazing management and developing nature-based tourism activities that complement Butrint’s world-famous cultural heritage.

A restored Vrina Marsh could become a new attraction for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and students to a region historically known for its archaeological wonders.

 

 

A Model for Albania’s Wetland Future

The Vrina Marshes restoration aligns with the Butrint National Park Integrated Management Plan (2020-2030), which identifies wetland recovery in the Vrina plain as a strategic priority. As one of the first large-scale wetland restoration efforts in the country, Vrina has the potential to become a model for Albania’s future landscape restoration initiatives.

With a shared vision and a strong scientific basis, the project now moves toward implementation, offering a unique opportunity to revive one of the country’s most significant coastal wetlands for nature and people alike. Ensuring that future generations experience the wildlife, beauty, and resilience of the Vrina Marshes.

Link to the Vrina Marshes Infographic