Distinction for integrity in difficult times
This year's EuroNatur Award honors Albanian conservationist Ardian Koçi, who, as director of Divjaka-Karavasta National Park, has shown extraordinary commitment to protecting this important area. Despite personal and professional disadvantages, he courageously stood up against poaching and large-scale tourism projects—and was ultimately forced out of office. In his laudatory speech, EuroNatur's Executive Director Gabriel Schwaderer highlighted the integrity of this year’s laureate: “Ardian Koçi has taken his work as a trustee for nature seriously and has selflessly championed its protection. His uncompromising, clear-cut position rubbed others up the wrong way, on the local as well as national level.”