Marina Xhaho

Marina graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Tirana, where she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biotechnology. She also participated in the Erasmus programme at Pamukkale University. Her involvement with PPNEA began as an activist in initiatives focused on the conservation and monitoring of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the Mediterranean Monk Seal.

In October 2024, she joined the PPNEA team, continuing her commitment to biodiversity protection and the conservation of endangered species.

Currently, Marina is part of the Mammal Conservation Programme, contributing to the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP), where she supports monitoring activities and environmental education. She is also involved in the Bird Conservation Programme through the Safe Flyways initiative, which aims to protect migratory birds and their migration routes by addressing threats such as illegal killing. Most recently, Marina has become involved in the LIFE EV Safe Return project, which focuses on the conservation of the Egyptian Vulture.

In parallel, she has been actively involved in the Hands Off Vjosa-Narta campaign, which aims to protect the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape from the pressures of tourism development and threats to natural habitats.