Call for experts

Munella Nature Park

Munella Nature Park was designated in 2022 and extends across the administrative territories of the Regional Administrations of Protected Areas (RAPAs) of Lezhë, Shkodër, and Kukës. The park is of high importance for biodiversity conservation, as it represents a key link in the ecological corridor of the Balkan Lynx.

Despite its significant natural values, the park still lacks a Management Plan. Within the framework of Albania’s European Union accession process, the need for effective management of protected areas and alignment with European nature conservation standards is becoming increasingly important.

The preparation of the Management Plan for Munella Nature Park will be carried out through an inclusive process involving the National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA), the respective RAPAs, local stakeholders, and specialized experts. This process aims not only to develop the Management Plan but also to strengthen institutional capacities for its future implementation.

In this context, qualified experts are sought to provide technical expertise in the key fields required for the preparation of the Management Plan for Munella Nature Park.

Project Information

The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP) aims to restore a viable population of the Balkan lynx by addressing its key threats. Through transboundary cooperation, research, monitoring, community engagement, policy work, advocacy, and communication, the programme works to improve conservation strategies, strengthen legal protection, and establish a sustainable habitat network for the Balkan lynx.

The programme is implemented by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), and Environmentally Responsible Action Group (ERA), with scientific support from KORA and coordination by EuroNatur.

Natura 2000 Expert

Main Objective

To identify, assess, and map Natura 2000 habitat types within Munella Nature Park, evaluate their conservation status, and provide recommendations for conservation measures in support of the preparation of the Management Plan.

Expert Responsibilities

Conduct a desk review of:
- Existing literature and studies carried out in Munella Nature Park for the identification and classification of Natura 2000 habitats.
- Relevant EU Directives (Birds Directive and Habitats Directive).
Conduct field surveys and identify Natura 2000 habitats present within the park.
Delineate and map Natura 2000 habitat types according to EU standards and methodologies.
Describe the ecological characteristics and current condition of each habitat type.
Assess the conservation status of each habitat using a three-level scale: good, poor, bad.
Identify the main pressures, threats, and conservation challenges affecting habitats.
Propose specific habitat conservation and restoration measures necessary to maintain or achieve a favourable conservation status.
Review and summarize existing information on Natura 2000 species.
Provide recommendations for management zoning based on habitat distribution and conservation priorities.
Participate in joint field visits with the Management Plan Working Group to discuss habitat identification, conservation values, and management implications.

Expected Deliverables

Technical report on identified Natura 2000 habitats.
List of habitats with corresponding Natura 2000 codes.
Conservation status assessment for each habitat.
List of recommended conservation measures.
GIS spatial data on habitats in a format suitable for integration into the Management Plan.
Brief report on Natura 2000 species and bird species of conservation importance.

GIS Expert

Main Objective

To collect, organize, and map all GIS data required for the preparation of the Munella Management Plan, including habitats, management zones, trails, forests, pastures, and other key park features.

Expert Responsibilities

Collect, review, and organize existing GIS data related to the Nature Park.
Integrate Natura 2000 habitat mapping results into a GIS database.
Digitize and update information on:
- Park boundaries;
- Existing and proposed management zones;
- Hiking trails and access roads;
- Visitor infrastructure;
- Active and abandoned pastures;
- Degraded forest areas.
Support the delineation of management sub-zones based on ecological and management criteria.
Map and classify degraded forest areas according to their restoration potential, including:
- Areas suitable for natural regeneration;
- Areas requiring afforestation or active restoration measures.
Prepare thematic maps required for the Management Plan.
Ensure all GIS data are organized in a format suitable for future use and updating by RAPAs and PPNEA.

Expected Deliverables

Organized GIS database for Munella Nature Park.
Natura 2000 habitat maps.
Thematic maps of:
- Habitats;
- Zoning;
- Pastures;
- Degraded forests;
- Tourism infrastructure;
- Natural restoration areas.
Final maps for integration into the Management Plan.
Technical documentation of GIS datasets.

Sustainable Tourism and Visitor Management Expert

Main Objective

To provide recommendations for sustainable tourism development and visitor management as part of the Management Plan preparation process.

Expert Responsibilities

Assess existing visitor infrastructure and tourism services within and around the Nature Park.
Identify infrastructure needs related to:
- Visitor centre;
- Information points;
- Interpretive trails;
- Maps and orientation/information panels;
- Visitor access and entry points.
Assess the current tourism offer, including:
- Accommodation facilities;
- Guided tours and local guides;
- Recreational and outdoor activities;
- Cultural events and festivals.
Identify opportunities for the development of new tourism products and services.
Provide recommendations for sustainable tourism development consistent with biodiversity conservation objectives.
Prepare a Preliminary Visitor Management Plan.
Propose measures to minimize visitor impacts on vulnerable habitats and species.

Expected Deliverables

Tourism offer assessment report.
Inventory of existing tourism infrastructure.
Proposals for new visitor management infrastructure.
Preliminary Visitor Management Plan.
Conceptual map of tourism attractions and access networks.

Duration

The assignment is expected to last 6 months, starting from the date of contract signature.

Required Qualifications

University degree in Biology, Ecology, Tourism, Tourism Management, GIS/Geoinformatics, or other related fields, along with documented experience in the relevant area of expertise.
Good knowledge of Albanian environmental legislation and European Union legislation, including the Birds Directive, Habitats Directive, and the EU Nature Restoration Law.
Experience in consultation processes and collaboration with stakeholders will be considered an advantage.

Application Procedure

Interested experts are invited to submit: