The European Union in Albania launches the campaign “Protect Nature While You Still Can"
The European Union in Albania, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment, today launched the campaign and movement “Protect Nature, while you still can”, a nationwide call for schools, students and communities across Albania to join forces in protecting the country’s biodiversity. At the heart of the movement is a simple message: nature cannot wait and every action counts.
The launch event took place at the Musine Kokalari School in Tirana, with the participation of H.E. Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the European Union to Albania, H.E. Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Education, and H.E. Sofjan Jaupaj, Minister of Environment.
Ambassador Gonzato highlighted the need for everyone to get involved and active in protecting Albania’s nature.
“Earth Day is not just about celebrating our beautiful planet - it is also a moment to remember that we all share the responsibility to protect it. To join the EU, Albania has to upgrade its environmental and climate standards. Each of us can contribute to this goal – by reusing, recycling, cleaning up waste, planting trees, or saving energy. To raise awareness about the shared responsibility we launched a campaign to help young people learn about Albania’s rich biodiversity and what they can do to protect it,” Ambassador said.
Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro underlined the importance of environmental education and the role of schools in fostering responsibility towards nature.
“Environmental education is now part of school curricula, as well as after-school activities. By keeping schools, homes and neighbourhoods clean, children become protagonists of a greener Albania.” said Minister Kumbaro.
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted Albania’s efforts to protect biodiversity and advance the Natura 2000 network. He noted that protecting ecosystems is vital for Albania’s sustainable future.
“Young people can be the best ambassadors for nature. Protecting biodiversity starts with everyday actions: not littering, respecting the environment, and inspiring others.” Minister Jaupaj stated.
The programme included an educational quiz about biodiversity protection, greening activities and creation of a nursery for the school to plant autochthonous seeds, the installation of nesting boxes for birds and bees, as well as the creation of a biodiversity-themed mural with the participation of students. In connection with Earth Day celebrations, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the schools across the country were invited to organise similar awareness-raising activities creating a National Movement for nature protection, under the slogan “Protect Nature, while you still can”.
The EU funded communication campaign “Protect Nature While You Still Can” will run from April to June 2026, aiming to strengthen young people’s awareness of biodiversity protection, encourage environmentally responsible behaviour, and support Albania’s efforts within the framework of the European green agenda. Through education materials, including the illustrated book “Fliko, Protector of Nature”, a brochure on protected areas and Natura 2000, and educational notebook on Albanian endemic species, as well as media engagement and activations, combined with practical action, the initiative seeks to inspire a new green generation where youth become active guardians of nature.
The campaign is being implemented under the EU4GreenGen, a European Union-funded project that raises awareness about biodiversity protection, waste management and circular economy principles in Albania.