Abstract
Due to its geographical location, extensive mountain
areas and high rainfall, Albania has an exceptionally high level of biodiversity,
including
many medicinal plants. These are exported in large quantities, particularly to Europe
and
the USA, and almost 90% of them come from wild collection. This puts immense pressure
on
biodiversity, partly because legal regulations are not sufficiently effective and
the value
chain lacks transparency. Some species are already endangered and on the national
"Red
List". Some species are increasingly being cultivated. Unfortunately, the resulting
products are usually more expensive and often lack the good quality of wild-collected
plants. Several international organizations have been providing support for the development
of the sector for many years. Medicinal plants are offered on the national market
at markets
and in supermarkets. There are no reimbursable herbal medicines.
