Articles

Vjosa-Narta is an area of international importance. Vjosa - Narta Protected Landscape is included in ecological networks: Emerald candidate Area under the Bern Convention as "Protected Landscape of wetland systemVjose - Narte" (ID AL0000008, surface: 19.412,00 hectares, "Protected Landscape of wetland system Vjose - Narte In addition, the site is known as an Important Area for Birds called "Narta Lagoon" with ID "AL005" as it meets the criteria A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i. It is known as the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). globally named as"Vjosa - Narta (Vjose-Pishe Poro Lagoon of Narta)" with ID ALB24. The area meets Ramsar criteria for the total number of wintering water birds with more than 34 000 individuals/species (Ramsar Criteria is 20 000 individuals/species). For the three species, the area shelters more than 1% of the regional population, which is sufficient to list Vjosa-Narta as one of the most important poultry areas in Albania and the Eastern Mediterranean Region. 92 species belong to the group of valuable species.

Vjosa-Narta harbors 26 Globally Endangered species and is thus an area, the protection of which has a worldwide interest. In addition, the complex records 189 Endangered Species in Albania, a fact that lists it in a precious area that deserves careful protection. The importance of the area is also demonstrated by the presence of 118 species protected nationally and internationally.

The Vjosa-Narta Complex is a well-known area for its unique flora and habitat diversity. All of these species constitute an important national feature of particular economic and scientific value. Some species are very rare for Albania, others have important scientific value, and a high number of species are widely used in economics as medicinal, aromatic, industrial and ornamental plants. In the protected landscape of Vjosa-Narta 114 aromatic medicinal plants have been identified.

The area is distinguished for its ecological, historical and archaeological values, habitat diversity and landscape mosaic. The valuable species and habitats make it very attractive for the education and public awareness of school pupils, students, the general public and even decision makers. 

Photo by: Borut Rubinič