On 10 June 2026, the EU4Nature project held a workshop in Tirana on the designation of Natura 2000 sites in Albania. The event brought together representatives of institutions responsible for nature conservation and technical experts, focusing on the knowledge and capacities needed to prepare Albania’s Natura 2000 network.

The workshop addressed the requirements of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, the scientific criteria for identifying and selecting sites, and experience from newer EU Member States. Particular attention was given to the Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (SDF), which brings together the ecological, spatial and management information required for each proposed site.

The analysis presented showed that 43 proposed Natura 2000 sites have been identified, 34 of which fall fully or partly within the national protected-area network. However, data remain fragmented, and further work is needed to harmonize monitoring and establish an integrated national database.

During the practical session, participants worked in groups to begin completing SDFs for selected sites. The exercise helped translate EU requirements into concrete steps for collecting, harmonizing and managing biodiversity data.