Albania Prepares to End Decade-Long Hunting Moratorium with New Management Framework

Albania is moving toward a new chapter in wildlife management as it prepares to lift a national hunting moratorium that has been in place for over ten years. The government recently adopted Law 89/2025, which establishes a modern governance framework intended to replace the long-standing suspension of hunting activities. This legislative shift follows years of debate regarding the most effective ways to protect the nation's biodiversity and manage its natural resources. The decision to reopen hunting comes after stakeholders observed that the moratorium did not fully achieve its intended conservation goals. Reports indicate that poaching actually increased in several regions during the ban, while the lack of a regulated presence led to a decline in long-term wildlife monitoring. Conservationists and hunting organizations now argue that a total ban can inadvertently weaken field presence and enforcement capabilities. To support this transition, Albania has formally joined the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation, known as the CIC. This partnership aims to provide the country with access to international expertise on sustainable wildlife management and governance. The collaboration focuses on stabilizing hunting territories and implementing professional ranger systems to ensure that future activities are strictly controlled. Proponents of the new law emphasize that regulated hunting serves as a vital tool for conservation when managed through science-based quotas. By creating a legal framework, authorities hope to incentivize local communities to protect habitats and participate in anti-poaching efforts. The goal is to move away from unregulated exploitation and toward a system where wildlife populations are monitored and managed for long-term health. This approach aligns with broader findings in conservation science, which suggest that regulated hunting can support stable or increasing mammal populations. A study published in Nature Sustainability found that species subject to well-governed hunting programs are often less likely to be classified as threatened. These programs frequently generate revenue that is reinvested directly into habitat protection and endangered species recovery. However, the transition remains a subject of careful oversight to ensure that the new system avoids the pitfalls of past management failures. Stakeholders have stressed that the success of the program depends on reliable population estimates and the exclusion of trophy-focused practices. The focus remains on using hunting as a legitimate tool for population control and ecosystem management rather than for the collection of souvenirs. Local engagement is considered a cornerstone of the new strategy, as the presence of responsible hunters can act as a deterrent to illegal poaching. By providing a legal pathway for wildlife management, the government aims to restore the authority and incentives necessary for effective conservation. This includes training programs and strict compliance requirements for all participants. European experience, as noted by the Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU, highlights the importance of strong national federations in maintaining these standards. The organization has advised Albanian officials on the necessity of clear governance structures to prevent the misuse of hunting privileges. These frameworks are designed to ensure that hunting remains an integrated part of rural land management. As the implementation phase begins, the government is working to establish the technical infrastructure required for the new system. This includes the development of a permit and booking system to track harvest data and enforce safety zones. Officials intend to use this data to adjust management strategies in real-time based on the actual status of wildlife populations. The move has sparked discussions about the role of hunting in modern European conservation, where balancing human activity with biodiversity protection is a constant challenge. While some groups remain cautious about the potential for industrial-style exploitation, the current consensus among policymakers is that a regulated system is preferable to an uncontrolled one. The upcoming season will serve as a test for the new governance model. Ultimately, the success of Albania's initiative will be measured by its ability to reduce illegal activity and improve the overall health of its ecosystems. By integrating hunting into a broader conservation strategy, the country hopes to create a sustainable model that benefits both wildlife and local communities. Future efforts will likely focus on refining these regulations to ensure they remain grounded in the best available scientific data.