IUCN: Albania to amend law that violates protected areas

 

IUCN Congress vote confirms: There is no justification for developing unsustainable tourism at the expense of Protected Areas

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) voted overwhelmingly in favor of Motion 130,  “Strengthening constraints against unsustainable tourism infrastructure .” Ahead of the IUCN 2025 World Congress, more than 98% of the Union’s members approved the motion, sending a powerful global message: Protected Areas exist for conservation, not mass development.

One of the main outcomes of this decision is the call to the Albanian government to amend Law No. 21/2024, which repealed long-term protection for the country’s most sensitive ecosystems. The IUCN Congress called on Albania to restore protection against the construction of airports, luxury resorts and other large infrastructure projects in IUCN Category I & II areas.

Albania in the spotlight of international attention

The Albanian government promoted the 2024 legal change as “in line with IUCN criteria”, but in reality it is contrary to international conservation standards. The law now allows the construction of airports, power plants and large tourist complexes even within IUCN Category I & II areas, as well as changing borders to accommodate these projects. This worrying legal change undermines biodiversity protection, commitments to EU membership and climate change resilience, setting a dangerous precedent that could encourage similar practices in other countries.

The Vjosa–Nartë Protected Landscape clearly illustrates what is at stake. Once a haven for over 200 bird species, including the Dalmatian pelican and flamingos, this area now faces the threat of the construction of Vlora International Airport and a 10,000-room tourist complex. Instead of being strengthened, protections have been dismantled to serve short-term development interests.

What started as a local reaction to Law No. 21/2024 in Albania has today become a historic moment for nature conservation at the international level.

Why does this Motion have global significance?

Protected Areas around the world are facing increasing pressure. For decades they have guaranteed biodiversity protection and climate sustainability. However, in many countries, legal loopholes are being exploited to allow construction under the guise of “tourism development”.

Motion 130 responds to this global challenge:

A global call to action
From the coastal wetlands of Albania to Protected Areas around the world, the message is clear: tourism cannot be an excuse to destroy nature.

“Although the adoption of Motion 130 is a success, the work is not over. Albania may continue to push forward with destructive projects in National Parks, ignoring the requirements of EU membership and the global stance of the IUCN. Continued vigilance remains essential.

"Motion 130 is a strong reminder: protected areas are not development areas, but are a refuge for nature, for people and for generations to come," the Center for the Preservation and Protection of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) wrote in a statement./ Monitor