The EU4Nature project aims to contribute to the protection and conservation of at least 25% of Albania’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 through the establishment and effective management of Protected Areas (PAs), including Natura 2000 sites and other area-based conservation measures. The project strengthens the institutional framework for nature conservation by supporting the transposition of the EU Nature Protection Acquis and building the capacities of national institutions responsible for the planning and management of PAs.

Technical assistance is provided to improve the regulatory framework for PA monitoring and performance, enhance environmental inspection, and promote sustainable financing mechanisms for the PA network through the development and implementation of secondary legislation. EU4Nature also enhances the effectiveness of existing and newly designated PAs by revising and developing management plans, establishing Performance Monitoring Systems, and supporting priority conservation and ecosystem restoration actions. Sustainable management plans for priority habitats, species, and forest resources are also developed. In addition, the project empowers civil society organisations through a Small Grants Programme that supports innovative pilot initiatives to improve PA management, promote Nature-based Solutions, and strengthen efforts to prevent and combat environmental crime.

• Contribute to the protection and conservation of at least 25 per cent of the Albanian territory (on land and at sea) by 2030 through the establishment and the effective management of a system of Protected Areas (PAs), including NATURA 2000 sites and other effective area-based conservation measures.
• Enhance the management effectiveness of the Albanian PAs and ensure the effective protection and conservation of at least 25 per cent of the Albanian territory.

• Strengthened capacities of the relevant institutions to effectively manage Protected Areas (PAs) according to the EU acquis and best practices.
• Revised and new protected areas management plans through assessment of biodiversity values and threats following Natura 2000 requirements.
• Performance monitoring system in place.
• Conservation and restoration measures foreseen in the management plans are implemented.
• Nature-based solutions (focusing but not limited to nature protection /conservation and fighting of environmental crime) implemented.