Consultant: International Expert on Marine Protected Areas

Albania is currently implementing a project that proposes to assess the current situation in the country related to protected areas, with a special target on enabling the establishment of its first marine protected area. The objective of the project is, building on the recent WB study on the protected area system in Albania, to implement some of its key recommendations relating to country’s participation in the Programme of Work on Protected Areas which included the need for a comprehensive ecological gap assessment for the protected area system, and establishment of a policy environment and knowledge on marine protected areas. Despite the sea presence, there is no Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Albania, only national parks considering mainly terrestrial ecosystems. Establishment of MPAs and no-take zones will be beneficial for fisheries management as it will seek to make fisheries sustainable in the long term. In addition, ecotourism development and local economy would benefit in the short and long run (this will include cost benefit analysis and monitoring). Establishment of MPA and no-take zones will increase scientific understanding, and enhance non-extractive human activities related to tourism and recreation. The project addresses the key gaps of the PA system in Albania in general (by identifying and planning to cover the key biological gaps), and more specifically marine areas (as this has been the weakest element of the PA system so far). The efforts will also elaborate the key priority actions related to the working program on PA that Albanian environment authorities have identified. A group of national experts has already been set-up, including experts of Marine Biodiversity, Protected Areas (non marine), Environmental Law and GIS. The project envisages the involvement of several international experts, too, for joining the national team of experts and contributing in common for the project achievements and products. (Closing Date 15 February 2009)