Violeta Zuna

Manager for the Protected Areas Programme #UNDP Albania. Passionate about #environment, #development. Tweets are my own. RT are not endorsement

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

#Vjosa —Europe’s last major free-flowing river — is now under real protection! #EU4Nature,funded by @EUinAlbania @SwedeninAL,is upgrading park management w/camera traps,drones,e-ticketing systems,training for staff
Story: 🔗https://t.co/Ne5xcYkwwk
Implemented with @AICS_Tirana

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Thru #EU4Nature, actions are underway to restore ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity&engage local communities in protecting one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural treasures
#EU4Nature is implemented by @UNDP &@AICS_Tirana
Funded by @EUinAlbania & @SwedeninAL
@MjedisiGovAL

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Today is #InternationalDayofRivers.
3 years ago today,Vjosa National Park was proclaimed a protected area. Together with our partners through the #EU4Nature funded by @EUinAlbania & @SwedeninAL we support @MjedisiGovAL safeguard the last wild river of #Europe.How?Follow thread👇

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

@EUinAlbania @SwedeninAL @aics_it @RandiDavisUNDP @XicoRoquette @ElvitaKabashi @violetazuna @MehillajTatjana @HaklajAlketa The intervention is being implemented with the direct involvement of the local community, actively participating in on-the-ground work while simultaneously contributing to nature protection and generating local benefits. @EUinAlbania @SwedeninAL @aics_it

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Thanks to #EU4Nature, a Financial Plan for Dajti National Park is now in development. This practical tool will link the park's management goals with the revenue &expenditure needed to achieve them over ten years.
✅The plan includes both basic and optimal scenarios, alongside a financial GAP analysis to assess priority needs. Developed by #UNDP in partnership with Tirana's Protected Area Administration and the National Agency of Protected Areas, this plan will enable long-term planning and ensure the park's financial sustainability.
#EU4Nature is funded by @EUinAlbania and @SwedeninAL and implemented by #UNDP in p'ship with @MjedisiGovAL and #AICS

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Albania's Parks Went Digital!
No cash? No problem!

Thanks to #EU4Nature exploring Albania's stunning Protected Areas got WAY easier.

✅ NEW Unified E-Invoicing & E-Ticketing System: Pay park fees & ecotourism services ANYWHERE in the park with portable POS.
✅ 95+ Fees Covered:From hiking permits to guided tours.
✅ Seamless Experience: More time enjoying nature, less hassle.
A hands on training on how to use the system took place today with the staff of the National Agency of Protected Areas.
🟪Why Digital Matters?
This isn't just convenience—it’s formalization, transparency & MORE funding reinvested DIRECTLY into conservation.
Easier visits = More support for protecting Albania's natural treasures for generations. 🌿 #Albania #Ecotourism #DigitalTransformation #NatureTech #SustainableTravel
#EU4Nature is funded by @EUinAlbania and @SwedeninAL and implemented by #UNDP in partnership with #AICS and @MjedisiGovAL

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Nestled along Albania’s border with North Macedonia, #Shebenik National Park spans over 34,500 ha of pristine beech forests, alpine meadows, and 14 glacial lakes. Home to the iconic Balkan lynx, it’s a haven of ecological, geological, and cultural value.
The #EU4Nature project funded by @EUinAlbania and @SwedeninAL is stepping in to protect this treasure by:
✔️ Revising the Management Plan to meet biodiversity and Natura 2000 needs.
✔️ Building capacity through staff training and best practice exchanges.
✔️ Investing in habitat restoration and recovery of endangered species.
With sustainable management across its 4 sub-zones, Shebenik aims to be a model for Albania’s protected areas, aligned with Natura 2000.
#EU4Nature is implemented by #UNDP & @aics_it in p’ship w/ @MjedisiGovAL

[Violeta Zuna @violetazuna]

RT @UNDPAlbania: Our Resident Representative @RandiDavisUNDP shares insights in a new #Op-Ed: The Human Side of Al and Its Potential for Al…

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Boosting Albania’s protected areas with
@EUinAlbania & @SwedeninAL -funded #EU4Nature! Our training equipped managers with tools to enhance monitoring & reporting. Guided by intl. experts, hands-on case studies sparked vibrant discussions, strengthening conservation efforts.

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Albania's biodiversity is a global treasure from the wild Vjosa River to the ancient forests of Bredhi i Hotovës. But unchecked development & climate change threaten these fragile ecosystems.
The #EU4Nature project funded by @EUinAlbania @SwedeninAlbaniaworks to: ✅ Expand protected areas to 25% of Albania’s territory by 2030 ✅Safeguard 10 critical sites. ✅ Restore habitats & empower local communities
Why care? Because protecting nature = protecting people.
Our story has more: https://t.co/9t4c4ETQBD

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

#BiodiversityDay isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to ACTION! Through #EU4Nature we are driving IPO change in Albania’s unique ecosystems by:
👉Mapping critical habitats & species
👉Supporting Natura2000 site designations
👉Strengthening protected area management
👉Building capacity for conservation
Biodiversity fuels healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, & sustainable futures.
Let’s move beyond words and ACT—because nature is a necessity, not a luxury!
#EU4Nature is funded by @EUinAlbania & @SwedeninAL and implemented by #UNDP & @aics_it in p’ship with @Turizmimjedisi

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

No challenge is too big when we come together for a better future!
On #EuropeDay, a huge thank you to @EUinAlbania @EUAmbAL for our incredible partnership transforming lives across #Albania!
From building cutting-edge schools for the next generation, protecting Albania’s stunning natural areas, creating job for youth, supporting inclusive labor markets for those left behind, to strengthening local democracy through powerful partnerships between civil society, local governments& NGOs, we’re making a real difference for #people.

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

This is an important step in building capacities for Albania’s integration into the EU nature protection network. #EU4Nature project is funded by @EUinAlbania and @SwedeninAL and implemented by UNDP and @aics_it
Thoughts on nature protection in Albania? Share below! 👇
#EU4Nature

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Strengthening Knowledge on EU Nature Directives!
Experts & reps from the National Agency of Protected Areas & 12 Regional Protected Areas Admin were brought together by UNDP in the context of the #EU4Nature project to discuss EU nature laws such as Habitats & Birds Directives.
Focused on linking Natura 2000 with Albania’s protected areas & aligning biodiversity laws with EU standards.
@EUinAlbania @SwedeninAL

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Home to 16 natural monuments, Zagori Nature Park is also a refuge for wildlife such as the Brown Bear, Wolf, and Eurasian Otter!
However, conservation efforts face challenges due to the absence of a management plan. That’s where #EU4Nature comes in—working to strengthen administrative capacity, develop a management plan, implement priority actions, and equip the park for effective conservation.
 #EU4Nature is funded by @EUinAlbania and @SwedeninAL and implemented by #UNDP & @aics_it

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Did you know? Zagori Nature Park is on the focus of the #EU4Nature project! Covering approximately 25,000 hectares, the park balances conservation and sustainable use—a true haven for nature lovers.
The park is divided into two subzones: Core Subzone – Strictly protected for research and eco-tourism. Traditional Use Subzone – Supports sustainable agriculture and grazing.
@EUinAlbania @SwedeninAL

[UN Biodiversity @UNBiodiversity]

Albania, rich in biodiversity, is enhancing nature protection with the #EU4Nature project, funded by @EUinAlbania & @SwedeninAL, and implemented by #UNDP and @AICS in partnership with @MjedisiGovAL.

Read more: https://t.co/emZeGYBlMx
via @UNDPAlbania

[Randi Davis @RandiDavisUNDP]

I love this project

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Protecting Albania’s biodiversity starts with the right knowledge! Together with the National Agency of Protected Areas in the context of we #EU4Nature project, brought together experts, academics&researchers to identify 6 key indicator species in 10 pilot protected areas.
Action plans are in the making to safeguard them.
@EUinAlbania @SwedeninAL

[UNDP in Albania @UNDPAlbania]

Building capacity is key to preserving Albania's natural beauty! With support from @EUinAlbania, @SwedeninAL, with @aics_it, we're helping @MjedisiGovAL enhance the management of protected areas for a more sustainable future in #Albania