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Chronicles
Fluturat e Shqipërisë
CFeS 2025(3): 50-53.

Notes on the Regulatory Framework and Procedures for Scientific Research in Albania's Protected Areas.

Publication date: 30.xii.2025.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17848279

Antonela Çobanaj^*1 | Anila Paparisto¹ | Lulëzim Shuka¹ 

¹ University of Tiranë, Albania.
^* Corresponding author: antonela_cobanaj.fshnutdr@unitir.edu.al

Abstract
Scientific research in protected areas plays a crucial role in understanding and conserving biodiversity, yet it requires a rigorous legal and administrative framework to ensure sustainable and responsible practices. In Albania, this framework is defined primarily by Law No. 81/2017 “On Protected Areas” and a set of accompanying Decisions of the Council of Ministers (DCMs). These regulate research activities, sampling procedures, access to biological materials, and mechanisms for benefit sharing.
This paper provides a structured synthesis of the procedures and institutional responsibilities that govern scientific research within protected areas. It covers the approval of research activities (DCM No. 302/2019), the collection and use of biological materials and samples (DCM No. 127/2020), and the export of samples for genetic analysis (DCM No. 828/2021). By outlining application requirements, administrative review processes, monitoring obligations, and the legal provisions concerning the ownership and use of collected materials, the study offers a comprehensive overview of the national regulatory framework.
The paper aims to support researchers, institutions, and environmental managers in navigating the procedural landscape for conducting compliant and ethically responsible research in the protected areas of Albania.

Key words
Albania, Protected Areas, research activities, fee, decisions.

Introduction
Protected areas (PA) are critical reservoirs of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and natural heritage. Conducting scientific research and monitoring within these areas is essential for understanding ecological dynamics, identifying threats to biodiversity, and supporting evidence-based conservation and management strategies. However, research activities that involve fieldwork, species sampling, and the collection of biological material must be carefully regulated to ensure that they do not compromise ecosystem integrity or breach national or international legal standards.
In Albania, the framework governing scientific research in protected areas is defined by Law No. 81/2017 “On Protected Areas”, which sets out the rights, restrictions, and responsibilities associated with scientific activities. This law is implemented through several Decisions of the Council of Ministers (DCMs) that specify procedures for requesting and obtaining research permits, collecting biological materials, exporting samples for genetic analysis, and ensuring compliance with biodiversity regulations. Key instruments include DCMs that establish the criteria and monitoring requirements for scientific research activities, regulate the collection and use of biological materials and samples, set tariffs for research activities, and outline the documentation and approval procedures required for the export of biological samples for genetic research. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal and procedural requirements for conducting scientific research in Albanian protected areas. By synthesising legislative provisions, procedural steps, and institutional responsibilities, the paper supports researchers, environmental managers, and policymakers in understanding and applying the regulatory framework in practice. This work also highlights the importance of transparent, efficient, and scientifically grounded procedures that facilitate high-quality research while ensuring the protection and sustainable use of natural resources.

Methodology
This paper employs a document-based analytical methodology that is structured around the review, interpretation, and synthesis of the Albanian legal and administrative framework regulating scientific research and the collection of biological materials in protected areas. The methodology consists of the following components:
1. Legal and policy analysis
Primary legislation and secondary acts governing research activities in PA were systematically examined. Key documents include: Law No. 81/2017 “On Protected Areas”; DCM No. 302/2019 on the criteria for exercising, approving, and monitoring scientific research in protected areas; DCM No. 127/2020 on the criteria and rules for the collection, access, and use of biological materials and samples; DCM No. 1156/2020 on tariff structures for research activities and sample collection; DCM No. 828/2021 on documentation and procedures for exporting samples for genetic analyses.
The analysis focused on identifying institutional mandates, procedural requirements, application pathways, timelines, monitoring mechanisms, and benefit-sharing obligations.
2. Procedural mapping
The procedural steps defined in the relevant DCMs were extracted and systematically organised into comparative sequences. This included the following elements: submission requirements for research authorisation, standards for documentation, mandatory annexes, the timelines for review and approval by the National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA/AKZM) and the respective ministries, permissions required for sample collection, access, and export, and the monitoring responsibilities and compliance controls carried out by regional protected area administrations.
This mapping made it possible to develop a coherent and sequential representation of the research permitting process.

Results
Based on desk research data, the right to conduct scientific research activities in protected areas stems from Articles 61 and 65 of Law No. 81/2017 “On Protected Areas”, as amended, which provide that:

Article 61 National research programs in protected areas
1. The Ministry facilitates and promotes national research programmes within the territory of protected areas when the planned activities comply with the requirements of this law and with the legislation governing State Aid and cultural heritage.
2. Upon the proposal of the minister, the Council of Ministers adopts the decision on the criteria for conducting, approving, and monitoring scientific research activities in environmentally protected areas.

Article 65 Collection of biological materials and samples from environments in protected areas
1. Access to, collection of, and use of biological materials and samples within the territory of protected areas are permitted only if they comply with the requirements of the applicable legislation.
2. Upon the proposal of the minister, the Council of Ministers adopts the decision on the criteria and rules for granting permits for the collection, access to, and use of materials and samples from the environments of environmentally protected areas.

In order to implement these two articles, the following Decisions of the Council of Ministers (DCMs) have been approved, as follows:
- DCM no. 302/2019, “On the criteria for conducting, approving, and monitoring scientific research activities in the territory of protected areas”; and
- DCM No. 127/2020, “On the criteria and rules for granting permits for the collection, access to, and use of materials and samples in protected areas.”

. Our recent field studies (2017–2024) have added five new species to the historical records: Thymelicus lineola (Ochsenheimer, 1808); Euchloe ausonia (Hübner, [1804]); Polyommatus eros (Ochsenheimer, 1808); Satyrium ilicis (Esper, [1779]) and Polygonia c-album (Linnaeus, 1758). Additionally, 30 species have been confirmed: Iphiclides podalirius (Linnaeus, 1758); Papilio machaon Linnaeus, 1758; Driopa mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758); Ochlodes sylvanus (Esper, 1777); Erynnis tages (Linnaeus, 1758); Pyrgus sidae (Esper, [1784]); Colias croceus (Geoffrey, 1785); Gonepteryx rhamni (Linnaeus, 1758); Aporia crataegi (Linnaeus, 1758); Pieris ergane (Geyer, [1828]); Lycaena candens (Herrich-Schäffer, [1844]); Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761); Kretania sephirus (Frivaldszky, 1835); Polyommatus dorylas ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775); Satyrium spini ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775); Charaxes jasius (Linnaeus, 1767); Issoria lathonia (Linnaeus, 1758); Aglais io (Linnaeus, 1758); Aglais urticae (Linnaeus, 1758); Melitaea didyma (Esper, [1778]); Melitaea trivia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775); Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758); Coenonympha pamphilus (Linnaeus, 1758); Erebia medusa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775); Lasiommata maera (Linnaeus, 1758); Lasiommata megera (Linnaeus, 1767); Maniola jurtina (Linnaeus, 1758); Melanargia galathea (Linnaeus, 1758); Melanargia larissa (Geyer, [1828]) and Melanargia russiae (Esper, [1783]).
In total, the number of butterfly species recorded on Tomorri Mountain now stands at 94, distributed across six families: Papilionidae (3), Hesperiidae (15), Pieridae (15), Lycaenidae (21), Riodinidae (1), and Nymphalidae (39). (Table 1).

Procedure according to DCM no. 302/2019:
The request to conduct scientific research activities in protected areas may be submitted by higher education institutions, foreign researchers, scientific and research institutions and centres, nonprofit organisations specialising in this field, scholars, domestic or foreign students, as well as any other person with an interest in scientific research.

Entities or individuals seeking to conduct scientific research activities must submit a written request to the National Agency of Protected Areas. The request should be accompanied by three annexes, which constitute an integral part of this decision:
a) Annex No. 1, providing details about the applicant(s).
b) Annex No. 2, providing details about the scientific research activity.
c) Annex No. 3, a self-declaration.

The National Agency of Protected Areas examines the request and accompanying documentation within ten working days, assessing the scientific and research capacities of the applicant, experience in the relevant field, the document confirming student status where applicable, the document confirming academic staff status, as well as the requirements set out in the respective annexes.
If it is found that the request does not meet the specified requirements, it will be returned to the applicant for completion within five days. After the submission of the completed documents, the agency must decide on the approval or rejection of the request within another five days. During the review, consideration is given to the management plan of the protected area, the law on protected areas, and the legal framework governing cultural heritage, as well as the protection status and population size of species in the case of collection. When the research activity involves cultural heritage areas or objects, the opinion of the ministry responsible for culture is sought.

After approval of the request, the agency grants the applicant permission to conduct scientific research activities, provided that it complies with the legal requirements for the protection of biodiversity, wild flora and fauna, and protected areas. In cases involving historical centres, archaeological areas, or other protected areas, the agency notifies the ministry responsible for culture. The ministry responsible for the environment, the regional administration of protected areas (RAPA/AdZM), and the municipality in which the area is located are also informed.
During the implementation of scientific research activities, the researcher is accompanied by the staff of the regional administration of protected areas and the respective rangers. If a violation is detected, the administration takes action in accordance with the competencies defined in the law on protected areas.
Monitoring of the activity is carried out in accordance with the approved conditions, including compliance with the management plan of the protected area, the study methodology, the name of the species to be monitored and collected, the sampling locality and quantity, the frequency of field visits, and verification of the equipment and tools used.

At the conclusion of the scientific research activity, the applicant is required to submit the corresponding report detailing the results achieved to the ministry responsible for the environment and the National Agency of Protected Areas, in accordance with the legal framework governing the protection of biodiversity, wild flora, fauna, and protected areas.

The entry fee for conducting scientific research activities in protected areas is determined based on Decision No. 1156 of the Council of Ministers, dated 24.12.2020, titled “On determining the revenues generated from fees paid in protected areas, their amount, and criteria for their use”, Annex 1, point 7, “Fees for scientific research purposes and for the collection of genetic material and samples”:
a) Researchers, scholars, and specialists authorized by NAPA to conduct scientific-research monitoring activities: 1,000 ALL/month/person.
b) Collection of genetic materials and samples:
- For wild flora species: 3,000 ALL/sample.
- For wild fauna species: 10,000 ALL/sample.
- For minerals and similar materials: 33,000 ALL/sample.
- For paleontological findings: 60,000 ALL/sample.
- For soil analysis: 5,000 ALL/sample.

Link to the DCM and annexes: https://akzm.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vendim-2019-05-10-302.pdf

Procedure according to DCM no. 127/2020:
The collection, access, and use of biological materials and samples within the territory of protected areas (PAs), including plant species, algae, mosses and their parts, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, microbial materials, bacteria, viruses, and fungi, in significant quantities, must be conducted in accordance with the applicable legal framework governing protected areas and biodiversity. Such activities may only be carried out following the required approvals.
The right to collect and use biological materials or samples is granted to public and private scientific research institutions, higher education institutions, inter-institutional research and development centers, research institutes under ministries, other interested institutions, specialized nonprofit organizations, individual researchers, and both domestic and foreign students.

Entities requesting to carry out these activities must submit a written application to the National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA) at least three (3) months prior to the start of the planned activity. The application must include:
a) Full name of the applicant.
b) Applicant’s address.
c) Description of the activity to be carried out by the applicant.
d) List of staff members who will participate in the access, collection, and use of biological materials or samples.
e) Field of activity and the purpose of accessing, collecting, and using the biological materials or samples.
f) Description of the biological materials or samples to be accessed, collected, and used, including the number of samples and respective quantities (which must be kept to the minimum necessary).
g) Location and time of the planned activity.
h) Conditions for the storage and transport of the biological materials or samples.
i) Declaration that the activity will not negatively impact genetic resources or biodiversity.

The written request must be accompanied by the required information, as specified in Annexes 1, 2, and 3, along with the self-declaration form. The National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA) reviews the request within fifteen (15) days, evaluating compliance with legislation on nature conservation and protection, the proposed sampling methodology, potential impacts on biological diversity, prior approval from the landowner in cases of private property, and agreements regarding the subsequent use of materials and benefit-sharing.
When a request is submitted by specialized nonprofit organizations, researchers, or foreign or domestic students, the activity must ensure the sharing or subsequent use of materials, recognize the right of the Republic of Albania to utilize the materials, include the assessment and formalization of data, as well as obtain the minister’s consent for publishing the results on international information networks.
If the request does not meet the criteria, the Agency shall notify the applicant to complete the documentation within a ten-day period. After the submission of the completed documents, the request will be reviewed again, and a decision regarding approval or refusal shall be made within seven days.
Materials collected during the research activity shall remain the property of the Republic of Albania or of the landowner from whom they were collected and must be returned upon the conclusion of the activity, unless otherwise agreed. Staff of the protected area shall accompany the entities during the collection of materials and samples. Entities that fail to notify the Protected Areas Administration shall not be permitted to carry out the activity, and the Administration shall notify the central Agency to take appropriate measures, up to and including proposing the revocation of the approval.

Link to the DCM and annexes: https://akzm.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vendim-nr.127-dt.13.02.2020-2.pdf

Procedure in cases where samples will be taken outside the country for genetic analyses:
In addition to the above procedures applicable to protected areas, if it is planned to take samples outside the country for genetic analyses, Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 828, dated 24.12.2021, “On the approval of the accompanying documentation of the form, deadlines, and the procedure for reviewing the request for obtaining the declaration, as well as the declaration for reaching the final development stage of scientific research on genetic resources” shall also apply.

In support of the legislation on biodiversity protection, the Decision establishes the approval of the accompanying documentation, forms, deadlines, and the procedure for reviewing requests for obtaining the declaration for detailed control of scientific research on genetic resources, as well as the declaration for reaching the final stage of scientific research.
The accompanying documentation of the form includes:
a) The certificate for the use of biological material, issued by the Ministry, for requests to access in-situ genetic resources.
b) The document of approval from the Ministry for access to ex-situ genetic resources.
c) The agreement for the transfer of material from ex-situ sources that are publicly owned or publicly funded, including the accompanying data.
d) Prior informed written consent from the community for access to the knowledge, innovations, and practices of local communities related to genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
e) Prior approval for the transfer of genetic materials to third parties, in accordance with international regulations, issued by the Ministry or private owner, together with the agreement signed by the parties.
f) Information on the biological material subject to exploitation, including the number of samples and respective quantities, in accordance with Annex No. 1.
g) Information on laboratory methods for scientific research activities on genetic resources, in accordance with Annex No. 2.

The request form and accompanying documentation shall be submitted to the responsible structure within the Ministry, which shall review them within fifteen days of submission. If the documentation is incomplete, the applicant shall be notified in writing and required to complete it within ten days. Following a positive evaluation, the Minister shall approve, by order, the declaration for detailed control of scientific research on genetic resources within ten days.
The issuance of the declaration for reaching the final stage of scientific research shall be carried out after the applicant completes the form and submits the relevant documentation in accordance with the Biodiversity Protection Law to the Ministry. The responsible structure shall review the documentation within ten days of submission. In case of deficiencies, the applicant shall be notified and required to complete them within ten days. Following a positive evaluation, the Minister shall approve the declaration for reaching the final stage of scientific research within ten days.

Link to the DCM and annexes: https://www.qbz.gov.al/eli/vendim/2021/12/24/828/c393d6fd-adc6-4b2a-93f4-9d2a07d3cd9e

Discussion
1. Institutional roles and legal basis
Scientific research activities within protected areas (PAs) is regulated through a multi-institutional governance structure. The Ministry responsible for the environment establishes national research priorities, while the National Agency for Protected Areas (NAPA) serves as the primary authority for issuing permits, monitoring, and ensuring compliance. The regional administrations (AdZM) supervise field activities and ensure adherence to conservation regulations. For activities involving cultural heritage sites, the Ministry of Culture must also provide approval.
Law No. 81/2017 and its accompanying Decisions of the Council of Ministers (DCMs) collectively define the conditions under which research may be conducted, ensuring that research activities align with national biodiversity protection policies and do not compromise ecological integrity.

2. Application and approval process for scientific research
DCM no. 302/2019 outlines the procedures for requesting authorization to carry out scientific research in protected areas. Eligible applicants include universities, research centers, specialized NGOs, independent researchers, and students. The application must include detailed information on the research team, research objectives, sampling methods, equipment, and anticipated impacts.
AKZM shall review applications within ten working days, assessing scientific competence, compliance with conservation rules, and alignment with management plans of the respective protected areas. Requests that are incomplete shall be returned for revision, while approved projects are granted permits specifying conditions for fieldwork, sampling limitations, and monitoring.

3. Regulations for collecting biological materials and samples
DCM No. 127/2020 provides a detailed procedure for accessing and collecting biological materials within protected areas. Applicants must submit a comprehensive request at least three months prior to fieldwork, including information on sample types, quantities, purposes, storage conditions, and potential environmental impacts.
The collection of samples shall be strictly regulated to ensure minimal disturbance to ecosystems. The regional administrations and park rangers shall accompany researchers during field activities to oversee compliance. Any collected materials shall remain the property of the Republic of Albania or the landowner and must be returned upon completion of the activity unless otherwise agreed.

4. Tariff structure and financial obligations
DCM No. 1156/2020 establishes the tariffs associated with scientific research activities in protected areas. These fees include monthly rates for authorized researchers and specific charges for the collection of flora, fauna, mineral, paleontological, and soil samples. The tariff structure ensures that research contributes financially to the management and conservation of protected areas.

5. Export of samples for genetic analyses
DCM No. 828/2021 addresses procedures for exporting biological samples for genetic research, ensuring compliance with national sovereignty over genetic resources and international standards such as the Nagoya Protocol. The required documentation includes certificates of biological material use, approval for access to ex-situ and in-situ resources, transfer agreements, prior informed consent from communities when applicable, and laboratory methodology.
The Ministry reviews documentation within specified deadlines and issues declarations both for detailed research control and for reaching the final stage of scientific development.

6. Ethical considerations and benefit-sharing
An essential component of the Albanian framework is benefit-sharing, particularly when research activities involve genetic resources or traditional knowledge. Agreements must outline how both scientific results and potential benefits (e.g., data, technologies, publications, genetic information) will be shared with the Republic of Albania and local communities.
These measures align with global standards for equitable access and benefit-sharing (ABS) under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Conclusion
Scientific research in protected areas plays an indispensable role in biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and ecological restoration. Albania’s legal and administrative framework provides a comprehensive, structured set of procedures aimed at balancing scientific inquiry with environmental protection. Through well-defined application processes, monitoring mechanisms, tariff systems, and genetic material regulations, the framework ensures that research activities contribute effectively to conservation objectives while minimizing risks to ecosystems.
The procedural clarity outlined in DCMs 302/2019, 127/2020, 1156/2020, and 828/2021 enhances transparency, strengthens institutional coordination, and supports compliance with national and international environmental obligations. For researchers, adherence to these procedures is essential not only for legal conformity but also for fostering ethical and responsible scientific practice.
Notwithstanding the above, all DCMs do not foresee financial relationships between scientific contributors or scientific institutions that have been identified, monitored and discovered biological values, located inside or outside the PAs, thereby avoiding authorship and author rights on them.
All the above DCMs ignore and do not consider the rights arising from the implementation of the Nagoya protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, even though Albania has signed the Nagoya protocol since entry into force on October 12, 2014.
By outlining these requirements, this paper contributes to a better understanding of how scientific research can be effectively integrated into protected area management in Albania, promoting both scientific advancement and biodiversity preservation.

Author contributions
Antonela Çobanaj: conceptualisation, methodology, writing - original draft,
Anila Paparisto: conceptualisation, methodology, writing - original draft, writing - review and editing.
Lulëzim Shuka: writing - review and editing.
All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Supplementary material
S1. Permit application template for scientific research in protected areas - Albania.
S2. Map of protected areas - Albania.

Literature

Law No. 81/2017 “On Protected Areas”. (url)

DCM No. 302/2019 on the criteria for exercising, approving, and monitoring scientific research in protected areas. (url)

DCM No. 127/2020 on the criteria and rules for the collection, access, and use of biological materials and samples. (url)

DCM No. 1156/2020 on tariff structures for research activities and sample collection. (url)

DCM No. 828/2021 on documentation and procedures for exporting samples for genetic analyses. (url)

https://www.qbz.gov.al/eli/vendim/2021/12/24/828/c393d6fd-adc6-4b2a-93f4-9d2a07d3cd9e

https://akzm.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vendim-nr.127-dt.13.02.2020-2.pdf

https://akzm.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vendim-2019-05-10-302.pdf

Submitted: 02.xii.2025 | Accepted: 8.xii.2025 | Published: 30.xii.2025