Restoring Nature, Advancing Climate Action in Albania

This World Environment Day comes at a moment of stark global warning. As the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has underscored, the past eleven years have been the hottest on record, and the impacts of environmental degradation are accelerating—from polluted air and degraded land to collapsing ecosystems and vanishing biodiversity. The world is heading toward a temporary overshoot of the 1.5°C temperature limit, with every fraction of a degree deepening harm, especially for the most vulnerable.

Meeting this challenge requires urgent, coordinated action: slashing emissions, accelerating a just transition from fossil fuels to renewables, cutting methane, protecting forests, land and seas, helping communities adapt to climate impacts already underway, and delivering on climate finance commitments to developing countries. This is the moment to act—for the environment and for our collective future.

Against this global backdrop, on International Environment Day 2026, the United Nations in Albania highlights progress in translating environmental commitments into concrete results for people, communities and ecosystems—contributing to global efforts to protect nature, biodiversity and the climate.

A major milestone in 2025 was the finalization of Albania’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2026–2036, supported by UNDP and UNEP, with contributions from FAO, UNICEF, UN Women and the wider UN Country Team, in close partnership with national institutions. The Plan identifies 66 priority adaptation measures and guides long term investments estimated at nearly USD 9.8 billion, strengthening Albania’s climate resilience in line with EU environmental and climate standards. It is complemented by local adaptation plans in eight municipalities, ensuring climate action responds to community needs and local realities.

“Protecting nature and strengthening climate resilience are central to Albania’s sustainable development and national priorities, with the EU accession process serving as a key accelerator of reform and action. The progress achieved shows the power of coordinated, inclusive efforts—from biodiversity and adaptation to green skills and youth leadership. The United Nations remains committed to supporting solutions that deliver for people and planet, leaving no one behind.”
— Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania

Albania has also advanced EU aligned biodiversity protection and sustainable ecosystem management, supported by UNEP, UNDP, FAO and UNOPS. Strengthened protected area governance, updated species protection frameworks and a new forestry programme are delivering tangible results: revenues from protected areas have more than doubled, with land use revenues rising from ALL 14.7 million to ALL 35.4 million and ecotourism revenues from ALL 6.8 million to ALL 18.2 million—demonstrating how conservation can protect ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The transition toward a greener and more resilient economy is gaining momentum. In 2025, more than 350 companies engaged in sustainability initiatives supported by UNDP, UNIDO and ILO, while 32 enterprises adopted circular economy solutions with support from UNIDO and UNEP, improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Climate resilient agriculture expanded through the work of FAO and UNDP, strengthening sustainable value chains, food security and rural livelihoods, while increasing opportunities for women’s participation in green and climate resilient economic activities.

Innovation and digital transformation are increasingly part of Albania’s environmental response. Through the Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) Joint Programme, implemented by FAO, ILO and ITU, digital tools are strengthening climate smart agriculture, improving data driven policymaking and enhancing rural resilience. As a Joint Programme contributing to SDG acceleration, DART links environmental sustainability, food systems, productivity and inclusion—demonstrating how system level digital solutions can advance multiple SDGs while supporting Albania’s climate, development and EU integration priorities.

Environmental sustainability is also being advanced through education, culture and skills, supported by UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, ILO and UN Women. Integrated approaches linking education, tourism and environmental stewardship, including LEAP, are equipping young people—especially girls and young women—with green and future ready skills, while UNESCO and UNOPS supported initiatives demonstrate how protecting and climate proofing cultural and natural heritage can support biodiversity, resilience and inclusive local development.

UN Women is supporting Albania’s climate action by integrating gender equality into policies through a comprehensive assessment of the links between gender and climate change, while also empowering women with climate-resilient livelihoods and skills. From promoting sustainable practices in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector in northern Albania to advancing women’s participation in tourism and green sectors, these efforts help protect biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and expand inclusive economic opportunities.

Strengthening resilience to climate and disaster risks remains a priority. In 2025, UNDP, UNOPS, UNEP and UNICEF, working with national and local authorities, supported flood risk management planning, climate resilient infrastructure and stronger civil protection systems. More than 230 civil protection personnel were trained, reinforcing inclusive preparedness and response capacities.

People—especially women and young people—are at the heart of this transformation. Across Albania, over 500 young people, including many young women, engaged in environmental activism supported by UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA, while youth led air quality initiatives reached thousands of peers. Climate education, green skills and gender responsive budgeting are being embedded into national systems through the work of UNESCO, UNICEF, UN Women and ILO, strengthening the foundations for a just and inclusive green transition.

As Albania finalises its next Voluntary National Review (VNR) and continues advancing toward its EU integration goals, the United Nations in Albania will continue to support integrated solutions that protect nature, strengthen resilience and promote a green, inclusive and sustainable economy.