TIRANA, April 28 /ATA/ - The Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park in the Albanian Riviera has marked the first anniversary of its designation as a protected area, one of the country’s most significant steps in marine ecosystem conservation.

Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj on Tuesday highlighted the park’s ecological value, noting that it stretches along the Karaburun peninsula and Sazan Island, featuring caves, canyons and clear waters.

The park hosts rich marine biodiversity, including rare and protected species such as the Mediterranean monk seal, dolphins and sea turtles, making it one of the country’s most important marine habitats.

The Environment Minister said the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park is a “natural treasure” of special importance for biodiversity conservation and the development of sustainable tourism.

The area is Albania’s first and only marine protected zone and is home to 36 species of international conservation importance, including several listed as threatened.

The rocky coastline offers striking scenery, particularly when viewed from boats visiting caves, canyons and small bays such as Haxhi Ali Cave and Duk Gjoni Cave.

Underwater landscapes are also notable for their ecological and visual value, featuring rock formations, underwater caves and marine flora and fauna, with some sites also containing archaeological remains.

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