Albania’s pristine landscapes—think crystal-clear waters of the Vjosa River, the whispering pines of Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangëlli, and the rugged peaks of Lurë-Deja Mountain—are calling adventurers worldwide. More than 5 million tourists have visited Albania’s protected areas in less than a year.

Thanks to the #EU4Nature project, exploring these natural wonders just got easier, smarter, and greener. Albania’s Protected Areas have gone digital, and it is an important step that’s set to revolutionize management, conservation and ecotourism.

Imagine this: you’re standing at the edge of Shebenik National Park, ready to hike through its untouched forests. No cash in your pocket? No problem. The park will issue you an E-invoice, and you can pay by bank transfer from your phone. With the new Unified E-Invoicing and E-Ticketing System, you can now get a E-Ticket and pay for anchoring your boat in the pristine waters of Porto Palermo or for kayaking in Vjosa River with a quick tap on the portable POS devices set up in designated areas of each park. Tour operators, licensed guides, or event organizers can now contact the Park administration and have the E-Invoice accessed in real time from their phone.

Covering over 95 services, from scuba diving to eco-friendly camping, this system is designed for an easy visitor experience and access to all services and activities that Protected Areas can offer.

Less time fumbling with payments means more time soaking in Albania’s breathtaking biodiversity.

This digital leap isn’t just about convenience; it’s a lifeline for conservation. The system will allow extend fee collection for activities and services offered in all Protected Areas.

“The digitalization of Albania’s Protected Areas is a game-changer. By streamlining access to parks, we’re not only making it easier for visitors to engage with nature but also ensuring transparency and formalization of funds. Every e-ticket sold directly supports conservation efforts, from habitat restoration to wildlife protection. EU4Nature is building a sustainable future where tourism and nature thrive together.”- says Violeta Zuna, Project Manager for EU4Nature.

Staff from the National Agency of Protected Areas gathered for hands-on training to master the new system. The result?

A smoother visitor experience that’s drawing more travelers to Albania’s 10 pilot sites, including Vjosa River National Park, Dajti Mountain, and Porto-Palermo Nature Park.

Easier access and payment experience translates to more visitors giving back to nature, as all revenues generated are funneled back into protecting these fragile ecosystems.

Albania is home to some of Europe’s last wild rivers and untouched forests. Yet, threats like urban sprawl and climate change loom large.

EU4Nature, funded by the European Union and Sida, and implemented by UNDP and the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation, is tackling these challenges head-on.

The project aims to protect 25% of Albania’s land and sea by 2030, up from the current 21.5%, aligning with EU Natura 2000 standards. Through innovative tools like the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) and nature-based solutions, EU4Nature is restoring degraded habitats and empowering local communities.

The digital system is a key piece of this puzzle. By formalizing payments, it builds visitor trust, strengthens controls, and ensures transparency and accountability, with funds reinvested directly into conservation. It also streamlines staff administration, freeing up time and resources for park management. More visitors, coupled with a convenient and user-friendly payment system for park activities, generate increased revenue for park management. This supports critical efforts like ranger training and rewilding initiatives. For local communities, this creates jobs—such as guides, artisans, and eco-lodge operators—directly linking their livelihoods to the health of the land.

By protecting Albania’s natural resources, the #Eu4Nature Project is not only helping conserving landscapes—but the project is also safeguarding the future of communities and their livelihoods.

So, grab your hiking boots, tap to pay, and step into the wild—Albania’s nature is ready for you, and every visit helps keep it thriving for generations.