阿地理、环境、气候（英）
ENVIRONMENT
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION
Albania is situated on the western part of the Balkan Peninsula between 49#
39’, northern geographic latitudes (Vermosh); 39# 16’, southern (Konispol); 21# 40’ (Vernik); 19# 16’ western (Sazan).
Albania shares borders with Montenegro and Kosova to the North, with Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the North East, and with Greece to the South and Southeast; to the West and Southwest are the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Albania has a surface of 28.750 km2 (11.000 sq miles). Its total border length is 1904 km, out of which 316 km are coastal line, 657 km are land boundaries, 48 km are rivers, and 73 km are lakes. Albania is within three hours flying time of most major European cities.
LANDSCAPE
Albania is mainly a mountainous country; 28% is made of mountains and 47% are hills, whereas the plains comprise 25%, with an altitude up to 300 m above sea level. The average altitude of the country is 708 m above sea level, two times greater than the average altitude of Europe.
Albania’s mountain landscape is magnificent and breathtaking, with forests of oak, beech, pine and coniferous trees, clear and cold streams. The highest regions, where peaks rise to about 2.700 m are the dramatic Albanian Alps in the North and a range of forested mountains, which stretches the length of the country and to the Eastern border. The mountains are populated in the central part with trees giving way to pasture in the south.
On the basis of territorial peculiarity and structures of relief, four natural regions are distinguished: The Alps of North Albania; The Central mountainous region; The Southern mountainous region; the Western Lowlands.
The Alps of Northern Albania
These mountains are situated along the right side of the Drin valley. On the whole, the average altitude is 1.500 m above the sea level, however the greater part of them exceeds 2.000 m, in the highest peak being Jezerca at 2.603 m above sea level. The form of the region is very rugged, with pyramid like mountains full of deep ravines and valleys, which make them look higher than they actually are. The valleys of Boga, Thethi and Jezerca leave an amazing impression on the visitor.
The Central Mountain Region
These mountains are situated between the valley of Drin and the valleys and rivers of Lower Devoll and Upper Osum. They differ from the region of the Northern Alps in that they are not rugged. Three main mountains running northwest to southwest are in the general structure of the relieve. The highest peak in this range is Mount Korabi at 2.751 m above sea level. There are also two long depressions that stretch between them, Mati and Upper Shkumbini and the depression of Drin i Zi. The lakes of Lura, which are considered to be “the pearls of Albanian landscape” are the most fascinating part of the region .
At the south Eastern end of the region there is a zone of deeply embedded depression between the mountains, forming large and beautiful lakes of Ohri and Prespa.
The Southern Mountain Range
These mountains are situated south of the central region and offer a still more regular tectonic structure, characterized by the presence of a series of limestone mountains and valleys running parallel with each, from northeast to southwest. Most of the mountain peaks are 2.000 m above sea level, however there are some valleys that drop down to sea level. The highest mountains of the region are Tomorri at 2.417 m and Papingji at 2.486. The mountains of the southern region are mostly bare or covered with scant forests.
Western Depression
The Western Depression is situated on the western part of Albania extending along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea. It is composed of low altitude plains. This depression stretches for 200 km from the Lake of Hoti in the north, to Vlore in the south. In the east it extends up to the western slopes of the North Alps, of the central mountain range and those of the southern mountain range penetrating up to 50 km from the seashore. A range of hills divides the depression into separate plains. On the whole the plains have a negligible inclination and mostly they do not raise more than 20 meters above sea level. The lowland is extended from North to South and is penetrated by rivers with large watersheds like Shkumbini, Semani and Mati. The plains of lowland are characterized by a flat relief. Some parts of the lowland near the coastal area, like Tale (Lezha), Velipoja (Shkodra), Fushë-Kuqe (Laç) and Divjaka (Lushnja) are situated at the sea level. Along the seashore there are many lagoons and stretches of sand, the later forming ideal bathing beaches such as those of Shengjin, Velipoja, Durres, Karavasta, Godulla, Vaini, Kënalle, Divjake, etc.
THE CLIMATE
Albania is situated in a zone with the Mediterranean climate.
Albania is characterized by hot summer, bright sunny days, generally mild winter and abundant rainfalls. The period from June to September is hot, while from October to May it is cool and wet.
The meteorological conditions change rapidly from southwest to Northeast, the temperatures and the precipitation diminish in this same direction. The amount of rain and snowfall is sufficient (about 1.200 mm per annual), but is unevenly distributed during the year. The average annual temperature varies from 14.80C (Shkodra, North of the country) to 16.50C (Vlora, South of the country), while the absolute maximal temperature vary from 38.30C (Shkodra) and slow down in the vicinity of the sea. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 250C. The highest recorded summer temperature is at Kucova 43.90C. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 60C. The eastern part of Albania has very cold winters. The lowest recorded temperature being –340C at the resort of Biza, 35 km East of Tirana. The winds have a seasonal character, during the cold half of the year and especially during the winter months, the air moves from the land towards the sea reducing the land temperature. The winds are numerous and have different directions. The most typical are sea breezes, ice winds especially in the Northern part and hot and dry winds which blow in the Southwestern direction. The situation is reversed during the summer months. The most characteristic winter wind is the “murlan”, a cold dry and very strong wind. The “Sirocco’ or native “Juga” wind is a warm, moist oppressive wind laden with rain. In the regions along the sea, sea breezes that blow during the months of June, July and August predominate.
Albania has a Mediterranean climate and the seasons are clearly distinguished from one another, with a generally mild and moistly winter and with a hot dry summer. These features become more accentuated in the coastline of the country. By drawing a comparison between the Autumn and Spring temperatures, one notices that spring is cooler than Autumn. The maximum absolute temperatures have been recorded in the southern part of the country, in the coastal area and in Myzeqe. The minimum absolute temperatures are more accentuated in the interior of the country, in closed hollows.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Forests. Albanian National Parks. Wild life. The Main Hunting Natural Resources. Wild birds. Aquatic Birds.
The great climatic, geographic and physical variety of the Albanian territory explains the presence of a rich plant and animal life. Albania has great variety of plants, representing the greater part of the plant life of the Balkan Peninsula. In general, the flora of the western part of the Albanian territory is represented mainly by the Mediterranean evergreen shrubbery and bushes, whereas in the interior of the land it is predominated by the plant life of Central Europe; broad-leaf trees, like the oak and coniferous trees and the Mediterranean varieties are not lacking. The Albanian Alps have typical Alpine flora represented by various grasses and vetch, forming excellent summer grazing grounds for sheep and goats. The flora of Albania is very rich in medicinal plants such as juniper berry, sage, jimson, weed, thyme, linden flowers, mint etc.
Forests
Albania is rich in forests. Out of the country’s 28.748km2, nearly 11.000 km2 or 37% are forested. This amounts to almost 1 million hectares with wood volume of 83 million m3. Forests are more extensive along the Northern, north-eastern and south-eastern regions. High forests constitute 46% of the forestland; the remainder is coppice (29%) and scrubs (25%). The major components of forest are Quercus, 32% (300.000 hectares); Fagus silvatica, 17% (160.000 hectares); Pinus, 15.7% (142.000 hectares); Abies, 2% (13.000 hectares) and assorted broad-leaved species, 34% (510.000 hectares).
Protected areas in Albania
Protected areas in Albania are considered those parts of forestland, water, coast or seas, which have basically been intended for protection and preservation of the biodiversity, natural wealth and cultural values. The origin of Protected Areas designation dates back to 1940 with the establishment of the first hunting state reservoir of “Kune-Vain-Tale” (Lezha). The National Forest Park of “Mali i Dajtit” (Tirana) was also officially designated as a Protected area in 1960 and later on other areas like Thethi (Shkodra), Lura (Dibra), Pisha e Divjakës (Lushnja), Llogara (Vlora) and Bredhi i Drenovës (Korça) were designated as Protected areas.
Albania has six national parks, mainly in forestland areas. Their main purpose is to protect the rich variety of fauna including brown bears, wolves, lynx and wild boar. Hunting laws have been introduced. The parks are also attractive natural resorts for visitors and most of them do have recreational facilities. 15 mountain zones for stationary tourism are identified.
Albanian National Parks:
Thethi is situated in Shkodra region. It spreads over 2.300 hectares, out of which 1.600 ha is made up of forest and the rest covered by rocky land. It is found 750-2.567m above the sea level. The wild goat grows in the upper summit, while wild boar, wolves, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, wild-cocks, eagle and hawk are found within the forest area.
Lura is situated in Dibra region. It spreads over about 1.280 ha, out of which 869 ha is made up of forest, 50 ha of meadows, 27 ha of lakes, 100 ha of rocky areas, etc. The wild life is represented by bears, wolves, rabbits, wild cocks, woodpeckers, cuckoos, etc.
Dajti is situated in Tirana region. It covers about 2.119 ha, out of which 1.600 ha are covered by forest and shrubs, 8 ha are meadows and the rest rocky area. Speaking of wild animals, there can be found wild boars, foxes, mountain partridge, rabbits and rarely the bear (ursus arcto).
Bozdoveci is found on Morava’s mountain slopes in Korça region. It spreads over an area of 1.380 ha, out of which 750 are forest area. The park is situated between 1.170-1.790 m above the sea level. Wild animals and fowls are the bears, capreolus, wild boars, wolves, rabbits, squirrels, eagles, etc.
Llogara is found about 38 km Southeast of Vlora. It’s area spreads over 1.010 ha, out of which 800 ha is forest and the rest is grassland, meadows and steep rocky area. The park is situated at 475-2.018 m above the sea level. An attractive area with pine trees is situated near the “Llogara” neck (1.025m). “Flag pine”, thus called because it has a flag’s shape 917 m tall tree and 13 m trunk) is distinguished as a rare natural monument.
Wild animals and fowls are wild boars, wolves, foxes, eagles, wild pigeon and other kinds of birds.
Divjaka is alongside the Adriatic sea, 30 km from Lushnja. It spreads over 1.250 ha. The Mediterranean natural coniferous forest composed of pines; the only of this kind in Albania, is a mixture of umbrella pine (pinus pinea) and Aleppo pine (pinus halepensis).
Animal species are fox, marten, badger, ferret, wild duck and goose, white stork, field plane partridge, snipe, sea eagle, etc.
A colony of Dalmatian Pelican (Pelicanus crispus), rear species for Albania and the Balkans is settled in Divajka.
Wildlife
Rich and multifarious is the animal life, represented by a great variety of wild animals such as wolves, bears, brown bears, wild boar, wild goats, foxes, lynx weasels, otters, jackals, hares, etc and wild birds such as partridges, eagles turtle-doves, wild cocks, pheasants etc., as well aquatic birds like wild ducks, wild geese, herons, swans, pelicans etc.
In Albania, wild animals and birds of pray are the property of the state, but all adult citizens enjoy the right to go hunting. There have been established 23 hunting reserves (in the forest and lagoons), with an area of about 35.000 hectares in order to create favorable conditions to hunters. Hunting is permitted only upon special license issued by the Directorate General of Forest & Pastures. Special authorization is required to hunt or capture less common mammals such as bears and wild goats, or birds such as eagles.
The main hunting natural resources
There are seven main hunting resources alongside the Adriatic Sea from Buna River in the North to Vjosa in the South:
Velipoja (Shkodra). It is situated alongside the sea and Buna River. Its surface is 700 ha, out of which 350 ha is made up of woods.
Fushë Kuqe – Patok (Laçi). It is situated alongside the Adriatic Sea, between the outlet of Mati and Ishmi Rivers. It spreads over 2.200 ha and is composed of the Fushë Kuqe lagoon and mixed forest in a strip shape.
Rrushkulli (Durrës). It is located in the outlet of Erzeni River and stretches as a narrow strip beside the Adriatic Sea. Its area is 880 ha, out of which 350 ha is forest and 500 ha is water area.
Karavasta – Divjaka (Lushnja). Its area is 5.000 ha. It is situated alongside the Adriatic Sea, beginning from the outlet of Shkumbini River in the North to Karavasta Lagoon.
Pishë – Poro (Fier). It is spread over an area of 1.500 ha.
Pishë – Poro (Vlora). Its area extends over 1.700 ha. Pishë Poro of Vlora, as well as Pishë Poro of Fieri is situated alongside the Adriatic Sea (on the left side) and outlet of Vjosa River (on the right side).
Kune – Vaini (Lezha). It stretches on both sides of the outlet of Drini River, spreading over an area of 2.300 ha, out of which 1.200 ha are water surface, 430 ha are forest and the rest is arable land. This hunting reservoir is permeated by two lagoons, that of Vaini and Kendella. A varied forest massif extends alongside the seacoast. The fauna is very rich, represented by different kinds of woodcocks, wild gees and ducks. Rare birds like swam-Cygnus, clangula hyemalis and branda ruficullis visit the lagoon of this reservoir. Other wild birds such as numensus arquata, scolopax rusticola and capella gallinage, which are subject to hunting do find shelter in this environments during the winter season. The lagoons of Kune and Kenadhe are rich in fish, amphibians and water reptiles.
RIVERS
The total inland water surface is 1350 km2, composed by natural lakes, artificial lakes, coastal lagoons and river network. Island surface 95.8 km2 is constituted of sandy islands, parts of coastal lagoons, rocky islands, which are separated from the lad. Albania is rich in rivers (721 km) and streams. The regime of the rivers and streams is torrential with great differences in the amount of water they carry from season to season, a fact that explains their eroding capacity. The rivers are very important for the irrigation of the land and for the production of hydroelectric power. The most important rivers are Drin in the north, Shkumbin and Seman in the south. The Drin River has two springs, one coming from Lake Ohrid and the other from Kosova. The longest river in Albania is Seman, which is 281 km and is divided into two separate branches, Devoll and Osum. The river Vjosa, 272 km long, originates from Smolika mountain, which is the most torrent in Albania. Other rivers to mention are Erzen, Mat and Ishem, however the only navigable river is Buna in the north of the country.
LAKES
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Lakes Area in square km2 Altitude above Maximum
Sea level in meters Depth in meters
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Natural lakes
Shkoder 149 4.5 9.0
Ohri 111.4 695.0 287.0
Prespa 49.5 853.0 35.0
Butrinti 16.3 0.0 21.4
Artificial lakes
Fierza 72.5 295.0 128.0
Vau i Dejes 24.7 74.0 52.0
Ulza 12.5 128.5 61.0
Komani 13.0 170.0 96.0
There are four natural freshwater lakes 9326km), Shkodra, Ohri, Prespa, Butrinti, all of which share borders with Greece and former Yugoslavia. Lura Lakes (12 lakes) situated in the northern part of Albania cover a square of 100 hectare. There are also numerous artificial lakes (9174 km) created as a result of hydroelectric power stations damming key rivers. The largest artificial lakes are concentrated in the North, around Tropoja, Kukes and across to Shkodra. Five lake zones are potentially available for tourism development, mainly hotels, holiday villages and individual leisure facilities.
COASTAL LINE
Albania’s coastline is one of its greatest assets. Its total length is 427 km, which is very clean by Mediterranean norms. There are two distinct zones: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The Adriatic coast is 273 km long, which has shallow water and long sandy beaches (up to 5 km). Much of the coast is pine forest. The southern Ionian coast is 154 km long, being rugged and dramatic, with steep backdrops to fine white sandy beaches. The beaches are smaller and rockier here, and the water is deep right from the shore. Citrus, fig and olive trees dominate the landscape, giving it a classical Mediterranean beauty.
There are several environmentally sensitive lagoons (coastal lagoons 130 km2) along the coast, the most important being Karavasta, near Divjaka in the central region, and Butrint in the south. Many migratory birds visit the coasts. Twenty-four coastal zones have been chosen for potential tourism development. This will consist of hotels, holiday villages and marinas in the future.
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