The Buna River–Velipoje Protected Landscape is a protected area in northwestern Albania, spanning the Drin estuary, Viluni Lagoon, the Buna River and its estuary, and part of the Adriatic coast. Its mix of wetland habitats supports a wide range of aquatic life and makes the area a nature-focused complement to time on the coast.
- Location: Northwestern Albania, including Velipojë wetlands and the Gulf of Drin coast.
- Key wetland areas: The Buna River and delta, Domni Marsh, Viluni Lagoon, and the Velipojë wetlands.
- Protection: Designated as a protected landscape by Albania’s Council of Ministers in 2024.
- Hotel in Velipoje: a three-star hotel in Velipoje.
What does the Buna River–Velipoje Protected Landscape include?
The Buna River–Velipoje Protected Landscape brings together river, delta, lagoon, marsh, wetland and coastal environments. The management plan identifies the Buna River and delta, Domni Marsh, Viluni Lagoon and the Velipojë wetlands as key wetland areas.
Albania’s Council of Ministers designated the Buna River, Velipojë, as a Category V protected water and landscape by Decision No. 593 in 2024. That decision replaced an earlier protected-landscape designation made in 2005.
For a coastal outing beyond the protected wetlands, the Velipoje Beach guide covers the area’s beach setting.
What habitats and wildlife can you find there?
The protected landscape contains wetlands with flowing and still waters, permanent and seasonal water bodies, and fresh and brackish conditions. That variety of habitats supports aquatic animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish and invertebrates.
Waterbirds and migratory birds are among the wildlife groups identified in the management plan. The plan also identifies Velipojë forest as part of the strictly protected core conservation area; fencing was put in place there to protect the forest from excessive visitor use.
What should you know about conservation rules?
Conservation rules restrict activities that could harm the landscape’s existing natural communities. Decision No. 593 prohibits cultivating or breeding invasive and non-native species that could damage those communities, and it lists habitat fragmentation among prohibited activities.
Before setting out, check the official site of Albania’s National Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM). The agency is among the institutions responsible for implementing the protected-area decision, and the landscape is managed by the agency’s regional branch.
FAQs
Where is the Buna River–Velipoje Protected Landscape?
It is in northwestern Albania and includes the Buna River and estuary, Viluni Lagoon, the Drin estuary and the Gulf of Drin coast.
Which wetland areas are part of the landscape?
The management plan names the Buna River and delta, Domni Marsh, Viluni Lagoon and the Velipojë wetlands as key areas.
What kinds of wildlife does the landscape support?
Its wetlands provide habitat for birds, including waterbirds and migratory birds, as well as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish and invertebrates.
What can you pair with a visit to the wetlands?
Velipoje’s coastline offers a different kind of outdoor setting; the guide to getting around Velipoje covers local transport.