Landscape Evolution and Sustainable Management Challenges in the Divjakë -Karavasta Coastal System, Albania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58425/jegs.v4i4.424Keywords:
Divjakë–Karavasta, landscape evolution, wetland reclamation, anthropogenic transformation, Mediterranean coast, sustainable managementAbstract
Aim: The Divjakë–Karavasta region, located along the central Albanian coast, represents one of the most dynamic Mediterranean landscapes, where human intervention has progressively reshaped natural ecosystems over the past two centuries. This study analyzed the long-term evolution of the Divjakë–Karavasta landscape from the early 19th century to the present, focusing on how natural and human-induced processes have shaped ecological and socio-economic systems. The aim is to assess the implications of these transformations for sustainable coastal.
Methods: A diachronic and comparative analysis was conducted using historical topographic maps (Austrian, 1918; Italian, 1930s; Albanian, 1960s and 1980s), complemented by documentary sources, aerial imagery, and field observations. Geospatial interpretation was employed to delineate land-use transitions, the extent of wetland drainage, deforestation, settlement expansion, and post-1990 urban growth. The analysis integrates both qualitative and quantitative indicators of landscape modification to reconstruct the spatial and temporal dynamics of change.
Results: Findings indicate a progressive transformation from a predominantly natural wetland ecosystem with minimal human impact to an intensively managed agricultural and settlement landscape. The most radical alterations occurred during the 1960s–1980s due to large-scale reclamation and collectivization projects, resulting in extensive wetland drainage, fragmentation of forest cover, soil salinization, and biodiversity loss. The post-1990 period introduced a new phase of unregulated land conversion and dispersed urban expansion, further compromising ecological stability. These cumulative changes have redefined the hydrological balance and reduced the resilience of the Divjakë–Karavasta ecosystem.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the Divjakë–Karavasta landscape reflects a critical transition from natural to anthropogenic dominance, characterized by short-term agricultural gains but long-term ecological degradation.
Recommendation: To restore ecological integrity and ensure long-term sustainability, local and national authorities should adopt an integrated coastal management plan that combines environmental restoration, climate adaptation, and spatial planning within the Divjakë–Karavasta region. This approach should prioritize wetland and buffer-zone restoration, reforestation, and strict regulation of construction and land use, while fostering active community participation and alignment with EU environmental and conservation frameworks to balance ecological preservation with sustainable regional development.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sonila Papathimiu, Gazmir Çela, Enkela Begu, Sabri Laçi
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