The Sotira Fir Natural Park lies in the municipality of Dropull, Gjirokastër County. It is one of the pilot sites where EU4Nature is working to strengthen protection and improve natural resource management.

The area became a Natural Park in January 2022. It was previously a Natural Monument but gained a new status and larger territory. The park includes an important forest habitat. Silver fir and sweet chestnut trees dominate the area, along with other species of high conservation value.

Experts have identified nine types of natural habitats in the park. Many protected plant and animal species live here, including endemic ones like the Epirus violet (Viola epirota) and the Epirus knapweed (Centaurea epirota). The park also hosts species on the IUCN Red List.

However, the park lacks a management plan. Limited administrative capacity also poses a challenge for preserving its ecosystems.

EU4Nature will help address these issues. It will support the park’s first management plan, train staff, and provide equipment and infrastructure. These actions will help ensure sustainable management and effective protection of the area.

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