Projects

Project title: NaturAL (Strengthening capacity in National Nature Protection - preparation for Natura 2000 network)

Project duration: February 2015 – May 2019

Project financier: European Commission

Summary of the project: For the implementation of this project, a part of flora and fauna experts of the RCFF also worked. NaturAL aimed to stop the destruction of biodiversity in Albania by improving the management of the country's protected areas. The project focused on the implementation of at least five management plans of many protected areas in Albania and the preparation of a preliminary list of Natura 2000 sites in view of their future submission to the European Commission by the Albanian authorities. 

Project title: In-depth and comprehensive study of the flora, fauna and vegetation of the Vilun - Rana e Hedhur coastal area

Project duration: March 2016 – December 2016

Project financier: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana

Summary of the project: The entire project was implemented by the flora and fauna experts of the RCFF. The purpose of this project was to assess the biodiversity of the study area based on the representative groups of flora and fauna. The specific objectives:

1) The study of spontaneous fauna and flora, with a focus on endangered categories, also carrying out ex-situ conservation of flora species

2) Assessment of dynamics and quantitative analysis of populations of species distributed in

the different habitats of the study area (mainly for fauna).

3) Identification and classification of habitats according to the European Directive (Natura 2000)

4) Mapping of important species for the gene pool and habitats of the area

5) Recommendations for the sustainable management of the area for the preservation of the biodiversity and its values, in function of the local population and beyond

Project title: Biodiversity monitoring

Project duration: January 2015 – December 2015

Project financier: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana

Summary of the project: Flora and fauna experts of RCFF worked for the implementation of this project. Monitoring of the quality of the environment through the use of biodiversity indicators, for the year 2015, was carried out in 16 stations, located in the south of Albania. The selected stations and indicators of biodiversity as well as the expected levels of pollution and their impact on the population and ecosystems are the primary criteria that have been considered throughout the process, also following the basic requirements of national and European Union legislation. The observations had been carried out in a 3-year period (up to 5 years for certain types), respectively for 16-17 stations in a year.

Project title: "Qualitative and quantitative assessment of biodiversity in the ecosystem of the Vjosa river estuary"

Duration of the project: 2014-2015

Project financier: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana

Summary of the project: The entire project was implemented by the flora and fauna experts of the RCFF. The aim of this project was to assess the biodiversity in the delta of the Vjosa river, relying on representative groups of flora and fauna.

Project title: Hydrobiological and biodiversity monitoring in the Drin-Mat rivers deltas for the year 2013"

Project duration: March 2013 – December 2013

Project financier: Environment and Forestry Agency, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration

Summary of the project: For the implementation of this project, a part of flora and fauna experts of the RCFF also worked. In support of the National Monitoring Program for 2012 and based on several years of work experience of the specialists of the Research Center of Flora and Fauna in relation to the inventory and monitoring of the flora and fauna of our country, the aim of this project was to assess the current state of phytoplankton, phytobenthos, zooplankton, zoobenthos, endangered or interesting natural habitats from the point of view of biodiversity, as well as plants and animals of European and national importance, for conservation (red list species), in these habitats. The monitoring process was focused on the Drin and Mat Rivers Deltas and was designed as a long-term monitoring, since changes in the ecosystem and its component elements, abiotic and biotic, due to climate change, require a relatively long time to occur and become visible.

Project title: "Monitoring of some endangered species of Fauna and Flora in the Alps"

Duration of the project: 2011-2013

Project financier: National Program for Research and Development, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration

Summary of the project: Flora and fauna experts, part of the RCFF, worked for the implementation of this project. The area of ​​the Alps, selected for monitoring, represents one of the richest regions and the highest values ​​in terms of biodiversity, with habitats and species of interest at the European level or rare, threatened and endemic.

Project title: Monitoring of habitats of European importance in the region "Estuary of the Vjosa River - Estuary of the Buna River"

Project duration: January – December 2009

Project financier: Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration

Summary of the project: For the realization of this project, a part of flora experts, part of RCFF, also worked. The region selected for monitoring represents one of the richest and highest value regions in terms of biodiversity, with habitats and species of interest at the European level or rare and threatened species. In this region, a large number of plant associations are found, a wide spectrum of habitats, starting from coastal sand dunes, sand dunes, lagoons and salty and brackish lands, alluvial forests and Mediterranean conifers, etc. Many of these associations are endangered.

Project title: "Botanical overview of the Albanian Riviera (Porto Palermo – Saranda)"

Duration of the project: From 2019 and onwards

Project financier: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana.

Project summary: This project is implemented by the botanists of the Botanical Garden of RCFF. Fieldwork expeditions are carried out in the spring. The main objectives of this study are:

1. Identification and georeferencing of the flora of the area, determination of the endangered status according to IUCN and ex-situ conservation of valuable species in the Botanical Garden

2. Identification and classification of habitats, according to the European Habitats Directive (Natura 2000)

3. Mapping of the area's habitats and the geographical distribution of relevant species to the gene pool

4. Recommendations for the good management of the biodiversity of the area and the sustainable use of its values.

Project title: "Study of the flora and vegetation of Pashtrik Mountain"

Project duration: Spring 2021 – Spring 2022

Project financier: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana.

Project Summary: This project is implemented by the botanists of the Research Centre of Flora and Fauna. The purpose of this project is the prior recognition with main plant habitats and groups of the area, also their respective flora, as well as the collection of live plants for the Botanical Garden exhibitions and the enrichment of the National Herbarium with new species from the study area.

Project title: Botanical overview of the Albanian Riviera (Porto Palermo – Saranda)

Duration of the project: From 2019 and onwards

Project financier: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana.

Project summary: This project is implemented by the botanists of the Botanical Garden of

RCFF. Fieldwork expeditions are carried out in the spring. The main objectives of this study are:

1. Identification and georeferencing of the flora of the area, determination of the endangered

status according to IUCN and ex-situ conservation of valuable species in the Botanical Garden

2. Identification and classification of habitats, according to the European Habitats Directive

(Natura 2000)

3. Mapping of the area's habitats and the geographical distribution of relevant species to the gene

pool

4. Recommendations for the good management of the biodiversity of the area and the sustainable

use of its values.

Project title: Study of the flora and vegetation of Pashtrik Mountain

Project duration: Spring 2021 – Spring 2022

Project financier: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana.

Project Summary: This project is implemented by the botanists of the Research Centre of Flora

and Fauna. The purpose of this project is the prior recognition with main plant habitats and

groups of the area, also their respective flora, as well as the collection of live plants for the

Botanical Garden exhibitions and the enrichment of the National Herbarium with new species

from the study area.