Biodiversity in Albania at the Heart of National Activism Day in Shkodra
Shirokë, Shkodër – For the first time in its nine editions, National Activism Day (#nad2026) was held outside Tirana, bringing the event to Shirokë. The gathering brought together the local community, civil society organizations, experts, academics, researchers, public institutions, and development partners to discuss the challenges facing biodiversity in Albania and the importance of collective action to protect it.
Under the theme “Biodiversity under Pressure – Voices that Matter,” the event created a platform for dialogue among those working every day to safeguard nature, emphasizing the need for science-based policies, stronger institutional cooperation, and active citizen engagement.
#nad2026 began with a voluntary clean-up action in Theth, organized by Ekomendje Shkodër, followed by a second clean-up activity in Shirokë, organized by Act4Shkodra, Qendra Rinore Atelie, Natyralistët, and Qendra Eper, with the support of GreenAL and CoPlan. The initiative brought together citizens, activists, and local organizations to send a clear message about the importance of caring for the environment through everyday action.
The programme continued in the center of Shirokë with an artistic performance by the “Kujtim Alija” Children’s Cultural Center of Shkodër, followed by a forum dedicated to biodiversity. In her opening remarks, Anila Bejko, Executive Director of CoPlan, emphasized that protecting biodiversity is not merely an environmental issue but a prerequisite for the country’s sustainable development.
“Biodiversity is often destroyed or lost in silence—not because it is unimportant, but because the damage does not happen overnight. It accumulates gradually until one day we realize that what has been lost can never be restored. Protecting biodiversity, therefore, is not only an environmental concern; it is also a matter of development, economic prosperity, public health, security, and intergenerational justice. The question is not whether we should pursue development. Of course we should. The real question is: what kind of development do we choose? One that irreversibly consumes our natural capital, or one that recognizes nature as our greatest ally for long-term well-being?”
The event also featured remarks by Sonila Hoxholli, representative of VIS Albania, who addressed the challenges facing natural areas and the importance of sustainable local development.
One of the highlights of the day was the keynote address by Dr. Marta Crivellaro, Environmental Engineer, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Trento. Drawing on her research experience in Albania, Dr. Crivellaro shared valuable insights into ecosystem conservation, sustainable territorial management, and the critical role of science in supporting evidence-based decision-making.
Throughout the event, the first panel discussion explored the challenges of managing natural areas under increasing development pressure, focusing on how to balance biodiversity conservation with economic development. The discussion brought together representatives from public institutions, civil society organizations, and academia, who shared experiences and recommendations for a more integrated approach to protected area management.
The second panel, organized with the support of the “Wheels of Change” program, focused on sustainable mobility in the Albania–Montenegro cross-border region, discussing how greener and more inclusive transport systems can contribute to both local development and environmental protection.
A key component of the event was the Activism Fair, where more than 30 environmental organizations from across Albania showcased their projects, initiatives, and contributions to nature conservation. The fair created opportunities for networking, exchanging experiences, and engaging directly with citizens, highlighting the vital role that civil society plays in driving change and strengthening a culture of public participation.
Through this edition, #nad2026 reaffirmed that biodiversity conservation and development are not competing objectives. On the contrary, sustainable long-term development depends on respecting natural capital, ensuring responsible territorial management, and actively involving communities in decision-making processes.
#nad2026 was organized within the framework of GreenAL – “Supporting Environmental Civil Society Organizations 2024–2027,” funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) with financial support from the Government of Sweden, and implemented by CoPlan – Institute for Habitat Development, in partnership with VIS Albania and COSV – Cooperazione per lo Sviluppo.