Management of the park

The Regional Administration of Protected Areas Vlore (RAPA Vlore) was established by the Council of Ministers Decision No. 102 on February 4, 2015, serving as the representative institution of the National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA) in the Vlore Region, with the responsibility of overseeing and managing protected areas in the region.
Within its territorial jurisdiction, beside Karaburun – Sazan National Marine Park, RAPA Vlore manages 3 other National Parks, 4 Natural Parks, and 1 Protected Landscape. Furthermore, RAPA Vlore is entrusted with managing 86 natural monuments in the Region, encompassing geological, biological, and hydrological monuments.
The establishment process of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Protected Area (MPA) was initiated by UNDP Albania, and since then, UNDP has consistently provided support for the park’s effective management. This assistance has been targeted at enhancing the capabilities of park managers and facilitating various actions aimed at accomplishing the conservation of the park ecosystem.
The park boasts a comprehensive suite of strategic documents that underpin both its management framework and day-to-day operations. These include the Management Plan, Touristic Plan, Strategy for the Management of the Visitor Centre of the MPA, and the Park’s Business Plan.
The “Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park” is categorized into three distinct management zones:
a) Core Zone: This zone spans 2,329.59 ha and is composed of water surfaces. It is dedicated to the highest level of nature conservation and the preservation of biodiversity. In this zone, the utmost protection is enforced to maintain an undisturbed natural environment. Scientific research is allowed, but activities like diving, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boat trips, anchoring, and infrastructure development are strictly prohibited. Special permits are required for specific activities, such as scientific research and monitoring.
b) Traditional Use and Sustainable Development Zone: Covering an area of 9,428.8 hectares, it is subject to the second level of protection. Visitors can engage in activities like boating (within designated areas), swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and visits without the need for prior authorization. However, commercial fishing, mineral extraction, and the collection of plants and minerals are strictly forbidden within this zone. The park administration determines the capacity for boat anchorage.

c) Recreation Zone: Encompassing 779.31 hectares this zone falls under the third level of protection. It permits low-impact tourist activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, water sports (excluding jet skiing), and visits without prior authorization. Nevertheless, commercial fishing, mineral extraction, and the collection of plants and minerals are strictly prohibited in this zone.
The management plan of the park was approved by the decision of the Minister of Environment in November 2015, approving the following management objectives per each theme:

                                                                                                            Management Objectives
                                                                                                     Biodiversity Conservation Theme:

• Reduce degradation and maintain the size and status of Posidonia meadows in front of beaches (western part) during the management plan timeframe (10 years).
• Stop degradation and maintain the status of coralligenous communities and other vulnerable marine habitats during the management plan timeframe (10 years).
• Preserve the favorable status of endangered and protected marine species and ensure safe passage of charismatic species (marine turtles, monk seals, dolphins, and whales) through a corridor during the management plan timeframe (10 years)

                                                                                                  Cultural Heritage and Landscape Theme:

• Preserve the aesthetic value of the landscape during the management plan timeframe (10 years).
• Preserve geological formations by stopping degradation on cliffs and in caves (Haxhi Ali, Grama Bay, etc.) in the next 5 years.
• Preserve the actual state of underwater archaeological remains at archaeological sites during the management plan timeframe (10 years).

                                                                            Supporting Local Communities and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Theme:

• Improve fish stocks through maintaining the number of species and increasing fish population abundance in the next 5 years.
• Achieve a diversified and quality tourist offer & sustainable level of tourism on beaches, caves, and diving sites during the management plan timeframe (10 years).
• Ensure a quality tourist experience, including clean, not overcrowded, and quiet natural beaches during the management plan timeframe (10 years).

                                                                                                 Awareness and Education Theme:

• Raise awareness about MPA values among visitors and the general public.
• Educate stakeholders on issues related to their contribution to improved MPA management.

                                                                                        Management, Administration, and Sustainability Theme:

• Establish a Management Administration, hire staff, raise their level of knowledge and skills, and adequately equip them in relation to the existing state in 2014. 
• Improve communication and cooperation of the Management Administration with the local residents and authorities