New Management Framework for Hunting Zones: Municipalities to Lead Leasing Process

The Ministry of Environment has released a draft decision for public consultation that fundamentally transforms the administration of hunting zones across Albania. This document aims to standardize the procedures for leasing areas dedicated to the breeding and repopulation of wildlife, transferring increased authority to local government units. Through this regulation, every municipality will be obligated to follow strict administrative steps to ensure that the management of these natural resources is conducted in a transparent and professional manner. This move addresses the long-standing need to resolve coordination gaps between central and local authorities in the sector.

New Procedures for Hunting and Breeding Zones

According to the new draft decision, all municipalities that have approved hunting zones within their territory must initiate public competition procedures within a 30-day window. This process commences immediately following the entry into force of the official acts designating these zones as available for use. The mayor plays a pivotal role, as they are empowered to establish a special commission via administrative order to oversee the entire competition process. This commission is tasked with ensuring that every step of the procedure adheres to legal standards and prevents any potential conflicts of interest during the selection of management entities.

Transparency in Public Notifications

The notification process for leasing these zones will no longer be closed; it must be published in the Official Bulletin of Notifications. Furthermore, municipalities are required to display these notices on their official websites and within physical institutional premises for at least 30 calendar days. The notification documentation must be comprehensive, detailing the exact surface area of the zone, a complete inventory of existing wildlife, and the estimated annual hunting quotas permitted.

Technical Criteria and Qualification of Entities

Participation in the competition is not open to all; it requires a high level of professionalism in the fields of environment and biology. Interested entities must prove they meet all criteria established in Law No. 89/2025 'On Hunting,' which serves as the legal foundation for this reform. One of the most stringent requirements is the submission of a detailed business plan for the management of the zone, which must be accompanied by an annual plan for wildlife utilization. This plan must clearly demonstrate how biological balance will be maintained and how the repopulation of endangered species will be stimulated.

Requirement for Qualified Staff

Any entity aiming to manage a hunting zone must employ at least one specialist with a higher education degree. This specialist must hold a diploma in fields such as forestry, biology, or veterinary medicine, thereby ensuring scientific oversight of all processes. In addition to technical capacities, entities must submit valid certificates regarding tax obligations and criminal records, ensuring that management is entrusted to reliable partners.

100-Point Evaluation System for Bidders

The selection of the winner will be conducted through a transparent scoring system, divided into four main components to evaluate every aspect of the proposal. Meeting formal criteria and administrative documentation is worth 20 points, while the business and annual utilization plan carries the most weight at 30 points. The technical and professional capacities of the entity, including staff experience, are valued at 25 points. Finally, the financial offer, representing the amount the entity is willing to pay for the lease, accounts for the remaining 25 points, totaling 100.

Announcement Deadlines and Appeals Process

Following the competition, the commission has only three days to draft the final evaluation report. The mayor is obligated to announce the winner within five working days of the completion of this evaluation. To guarantee the rights of every participant, an appeal period of seven calendar days from the date of the winner's announcement is provided, allowing any entity to contest the decision if irregularities are observed.

Impact on Local Economy and the Albanian Environment

This draft decision is expected to have a significant impact on the economy of municipalities, particularly in rural and mountainous areas of Albania where hunting is a long-standing tradition. Lease contracts will be signed for a five-year term, providing managers with sufficient time to invest in infrastructure and species breeding. The lease value cannot, under any circumstances, be lower than the starting value determined in the competition documents, which ensures stable revenue for local budgets. Furthermore, integrating breeding zones into hunting contracts creates an integrated management model that protects nature.

FAQ

How long is the contract for hunting zone management?

The lease contract for hunting, breeding, and repopulation zones is signed for a fixed term of five years, ensuring management stability.

Who is eligible to apply for these zone leases?

Entities that meet the criteria of Law 89/2025, employ specialists in forestry or biology, and present a comprehensive business plan are eligible to apply.

How is the winner of the public competition determined?

The winner is selected through a 100-point system, evaluating the business plan (30 points), technical capacities (25 points), financial offer (25 points), and administrative documentation (20 points).

Conclusion

The new reform for hunting zones marks a significant step toward the standardization of wildlife management in Albania. By empowering municipalities and establishing strict professional criteria, the goal is to transform hunting into a regulated activity that contributes to the local economy and environmental conservation. To stay informed on the latest environmental developments and government decisions, follow us at Librazhdi Press.

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