Project title: Conservation and propagation of the Albanian tulip
Duration: April 2019 – December 2020
Overview and objectives: The project is implementing a series of activities, aimed at ensuring the survival of Tulipa albanica and other endemic species in the region of Kukës, Albania. The final aim is to declare the site where Tulipa albanica grows, a protected area. Tulipa albanica is endemic to northeastern part of the Republic of Albania and it grows in an area smaller than 80 ha or 0.8 km². IEP is working closely with the Municipality of Kukës in ensuring official protection for the site. The advocacy of the project secured official local protection in April 2020 for the habitat of the Tulipa albanica:
The project aims to: Ensure the survival of the species Tulipa albanica, conservation of its habitat, and creation of a generation of skilled botanists and professionals in the protection of endemic species in the KBA area ALB 15.
Activities:
- Field trips and searching for new populations
- Propagation of the species through seed planting
- Monitoring and research for Tulipa albanica and other endemic species
- Advocacy for declaring the site a protected area
- Awareness raising and training on conservation and propagation
Project leader: Mr. Endri Haxhiraj
Funding: The project is financially supported by Birdlife International and DOPPS, through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)
Project publications:
- First step of the official protection of the Albanian tulip (Tulipa albanica) has been approved!
- New field trip for Tulipa albanica in Surroj, Kukës and Oplas, Has
- Event in Kukës on the declaration of the local protection for the Tulipa albanica habitat
- Field expedition to propagate Tulipa albanica in new areas of Surroj
Media coverage of the project:
- Mbrojtja e tulipanit shqiptar
- Euronews Albania: Tulipa Albanica është bërë pjesë e listës së 86 tulipanëve të konsideruar si të veçantë në botë
- Video from Report TV: Tulipani shqiptar merr status të veçantë mbrojtje, bashkia Kukës: Bima unikale do të rrisë turizmin
- Article from Shqiptarja.com: Tulipani shqiptar merr status të veçantë mbrojtje, bashkia Kukës: Bima unikale do të rrisë turizmin