Divjakë-Karavasta National Park

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Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is a protected area in western Albania, along the Adriatic Sea. It covers about 222 square kilometers in Fier County, near the town of Divjakë.

The park protects wetlands, lagoons, salt marshes, coastal meadows, floodplains, forests, reed beds and estuaries. Its highlight is the Karavasta Lagoon, one of the largest lagoons in the Mediterranean and a Ramsar site of international importance. The lagoon is fed by the Shkumbin and Seman rivers and is separated from the sea by a wide sand barrier.

The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm summers (roughly 12°C in February and 24°C in August). The area belongs to the Illyrian deciduous forests ecoregion, featuring a mix of habitats that support many species.

Biodiversity is rich: 228 bird species, 25 mammals, 29 reptiles and 29 amphibians have been recorded. The coast and wetlands are important for migratory birds traveling along the Adriatic Flyway, and the park is home to about 5% of the world’s Dalmatian pelican population. Karavasta Lagoon is the species’ main coastal breeding site on the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

Forests and woodlands include pine, juniper, willows, oaks and ashes, providing shelter for animals such as red fox, golden jackal and roe deer. The wetlands also support fish and help local fisheries.

The park is a popular destination for nature lovers and researchers. A proposed resort project by the company Mabetex has faced opposition from environmentalists and local residents.

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is managed as a national park (IUCN Category II) and works to protect the Karavasta and Godulla lagoons as well as the Shkumbin and Seman estuaries.