The importance of wetland restoration

Wetlands hold immense natural value, not only for biodiversity and ecosystems, but also for the ecosystem services and functions they provide to the communities living nearby. Unsustainable interventions that have caused damage and fragmentation to these areas highlight the urgent need for their care and maintenance. One of the most important processes is the restoration of wetlands, aiming to recover their natural functions and biodiversity, and to help transform degraded areas into habitats that can support native species.

The importance of wetland restoration and the ways it can be achieved were the focus of the meeting/training for environmental organizations held on February 3–5, 2026, in the Velipoja area—one of the country’s most valuable wetlands. Participants discussed the steps of the restoration process according to the specific characteristics of each area and shared best practices from other European and regional countries, considering how these could be replicated in the context of Albania’s wetlands.