Connectivity Through Pastures in Albania

Challenge

The high pastures of Korab–Koritnik are losing both people and biodiversity. As shepherds leave, under-grazed slopes are invaded by shrubs and erosion scars increase. Climate change and unclear institutional responsibilities further weaken management, while unique species and habitats along the Albanian section of the European Green Belt remain poorly documented and protected.

Objective

The project aimed to create a solid evidence base for sustainable pasture management and to turn that knowledge into concrete decisions. The project wanted to map pastures and habitats, understand the social and economic drivers of change, and provide relevant institutions with clear recommendations and tools to guide grazing, reduce erosion and strengthen biodiversity conservation.

Approach

The project combined science, local knowledge and policy work:

• Field and remote sensing: Botanists, an ecosystem ecologist and a GIS expert mapped vegetation and pastures using satellite imagery, drones and on-the-ground surveys.
• Community insight: A local social expert interviewed shepherds and families about grazing practices, challenges and needs.
• Policy integration: Findings were turned into recommendations and a concise policy paper, and were discussed with the National Agency of Protected Areas, the National Forest Agency and the Regional Administration of Protected Areas in dedicated meetings and a national workshop.

Achieved Results

The project provided authorities with a complete pasture and habitat map and a structured pasture inventory for Korab–Koritnik, together with an integrated set of recommendations on sustainable management. An entirely new subpopulation of the critically endangered Tulipa albanica was discovered and, based on this, NAPA received a formal proposal to expand its protected area. A policy paper on pasture management and future strategy options was submitted to the National Agency of Protected Areas, the National Forest Agency and the Regional Administration of Protected Areas.