PPNEA

‘’Tomorri - Vjosa’’, a New Connectivity Conservation Area for Albania Recently, mandated by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), PPNEA has worked for the development of a study to assess the options and opportunities for enhancing connectivity conservation in the southern part of the PONT focus area in Albania. This region, which includes parts of the Vjosa river, with its uninterrupted flow, represents a highly biodiverse region, which serves both as a habitat and a migration corridor for numerous species. It is especially important, facilitating the connection between upstream and downstream regions and supporting species dispersal. The newly ecological corridor ‘’Tomorri - Vjosa ‘’ Connectivity Conservation Area (CCA) connects core areas, the Tomorri National Park, the CCA ‘’Polis - Rungaje - Gramoz- Morave’’, the Fir of Hotove - Dangelli National Park and finally the Prespa-Pindos CCA, in northwestern Greece. Its vision is to protect the ecological integrity of this area while maintaining a favorable conservation status for the local habitat types, rare and protected species' habitats, and populations of fauna. The key species in this connectivity area are the Brown bear, chamois, otter, birds such as the emblematic Egyptian vulture and Golden eagle, and numerous fish species important for conservation in the national and international level. ‘’Tomorri - Vjosa ‘’ CCA expands in several municipalities covering different spatial areas, populations and of different importance for the connectivity potential of the CCA in focus. The work on ecological corridors, represents a great opportunity to strengthen the cooperation between the protected area regional administrations, local municipalities, NGOs, businesses for the benefit of nature and local communities along these corridors. PONT is in the process to attract interested donors and to raise additional funds to be able to finance important conservation actions in the Tomorri – Vjosa CCA in the long-term. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dFnJUwjs Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) #ConnectivityConsevationAreas

Preparatory Forum of the Berlin Process in Skopje The Civil Society Forum at the Berlin Process is a vital platform for civil society organizations to share key recommendations with decision-makers from the Western Balkans (WB6) and EU institutions. From July 9-11, Skopje hosted the Preparatory Forum, where over 100 participants formed seven working groups to tackle critical regional issues, including EU Integration, the Common Regional Market etc. PPNEA – BirdLife Albania, invited by the Aspen Institute Germany and Südosteuropa-Gesellschaft e.V., led Working Group F, focusing on “Environmental Protection and Sustainable Economic Development.” This initiative is crucial due to its impact on: - Environmental Protection: Ensuring that environmental concerns are integrated into broader development agendas. - Regional Cooperation: Strengthening Albania's role in regional collaboration. - Policy Influence: The recommendations developed will be presented at the Main Forum in Berlin in October, providing an opportunity to shape high-level decision-making and secure support for environmental initiatives. Established in 2014, the Berlin Process aims to enhance cooperation among the Western Balkans Six, Berlin Process host countries, and the EU. It fosters a consistent and inclusive dialogue, bringing together high-level representatives, EU institutions, international financial institutions, and regional civil society, youth, and businesses. The process provides strong political support and visibility for regional cooperation initiatives and EU connectivity projects. #BerlinProcess10 #BerlinProcessCSF #CivilSocietyForum2024 #AspenWB * Learn more about PPNEA work and donate today https://lnkd.in/dBVUERqA. Your financial contribution can help us in our efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations in Albania.

In the draft decision for the proclamation of the Protected Landscape Pishë Poro - Nartë, particular attention is given on the permitted activities outlined in Article 5. These include agritourism accommodation structures - camping - renewable energy installations, and the establishment of fish breeding centers. Additionally, with the approval of National Territorial Council (KKT) the construction of highways and urban areas is allowed, similar to how KKT authorized the construction of Vlora airport three years ago. These interventions within the Protected Area will transform this natural paradise—home to sea turtles, various mammals, and thousands of birds—into an urbanized space. Unique habitats will be replaced by Vlora International Airport, high-rise buildings, highways, and renewable energy structures. 🔗https://lnkd.in/d7WrFS6e

Protected Landscapes are handed over to Investors The anticipated threat, regarding the changes to the law on protected areas, has just begun. Authorities are now transforming the pristine wilderness of Vjosa - Narta and other protected landscapes into grey urbanized zones. Read the full article by journalist Artan Rama, published on Citizens Channel. https://lnkd.in/d7WrFS6e

🦉 The third of 7⃣‘Principles for a #birdsafe grid’ is sustainable funding sources for #civilsociety 💶 Civil society experts & NGOs can 💪 contribute to a sustainable #energytransition by providing essential knowledge to infrastructure development ⚡ 🛠 BUT - NGOs need sufficient funding to support this effort. Policymakers should ensure stable financial resources and capacity-building for NGOs to enhance public understanding & engagement in electricity grid projects. Read more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQQiqrFC Want to discuss this topic more? Sign up for the workshop event at #Wingspan2024! https://lnkd.in/eDVeGSbD SafeLines4Birds LIFE Programme #Energy4Europe #EUEnv #restorenature #energytransition

When it comes to bird protection around the grid, collaboration is key. The second of 7 ‘Principles for a #birdsafe grid’ builds on the first, aiming to foster collaboration at the Member State level to complement European efforts Member States should develop national action plans for a #birdsafe electricity #grid through cross-sector collaboration. National working groups would enable joint action that outlines priority topics and clear timelines relevant to each context. These partnerships would also create opportunities to facilitate mutual training sessions on ornithological and technical aspects of electricity grid infrastructure – serving as a broader capacity-building exercise within the relevant organizations. Read more here - https://lnkd.in/eQQiqrFC SafeLines4Birds LIFE Programme #Energy4Europe #EUEnv #restorenature #energytransition

To ensure a #birdsafe electricity grid, we need to enhance exchanges of best practices The first of 7⃣principles proposed by the #Conservation community is to centralise knowledge & establish a biennial Europe-wide conference. This conference should unite stakeholders to share: 🔎 Latest research findings on bird conservation 💡 Technical innovations 🛠 Practical experiences and lessons learned 🤝 Insights from existing partnerships & ideas for new ones! We will kick this off at #Wingspan2024 Curious? Check out the full document here! 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQQiqrFC Sign up to register for the conference here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eDVeGSbD SafeLines4Birds LIFE Programme #Energy4Europe #EUEnv #restorenature #energytransition

Ready for a new adventure on the “Balkania Route"? A scenic 3550 km hiking route will stretch through Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. “Balkania Route” is a collaborative effort by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation, PPNEA, and Citizens Association TEAM, Back to Nature, and Association Center for Medical Herbs and Berries Ambrozija. More than just a hiking trail, the "Balkania Route" aims to promote incredible biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods. From mountain guides and birdwatchers to organic farmers and environmental educators, this initiative is set to create diverse job opportunities and support rural economies. As part of the European Green Belt, this project also highlights the importance of natural resource conservation, cross-border collaboration, and educating the next generation. The "Balkania Route" project is a partnership designed to strengthen, support, and connect trail infrastructure across the Balkan Green Belt. * Learn more about PPNEA work and donate today https://lnkd.in/dBVUERqA. Your financial contribution can greatly help us in our efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations in Albania.

Have you read the “7 Principles for a Bird-Friendly Grid” yet? This essential document will take centre stage at the #Wingspan2024 conference during a workshop on day two. It's a unique opportunity for #grid operators⚡, authorities & others to exchange with NGOs on the outlined principles, explore steps towards implementation & forge partnerships aimed at creating a #SharedAirspace. 🦆 Want to join the conversation? Sign up for Wingspan2024 now! 👉https://lnkd.in/eDVeGSbD Read the full report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQQiqrFC SafeLines4Birds LIFE Programme #Energy4Europe #EUEnv #restorenature #energytransition

EURONEWS: Why is Trump’s son-in-law allowed to build in Europe’s first wild river national park delta? "A new international airport and luxury tourism developments could spell the end for one of Europe’s last pristine deltas." - quoted in the article by journalist Lottie Limb. For several weeks, international media have highlighted the threat to Albania's protected areas, citing concerns that changes to the law On Protected areas could lead to their destruction. The Euronews article describes attempts to pave the way for luxury resort construction in the Vjosa - Narta Protected Area, while Vlora International Airport is being built regardless of the European authorities requests to suspend the construction work. The Euronews article about Albania has not yet been shared by Euronews Albania. You can read the full article at the following link: https://lnkd.in/d3JGziRy EuroNatur Foundation BirdLife Europe and Central Asia