Central Mountain Region (Albania)

See also: Geography of Albania
Topographical map of Albania

The Central Mountain Region (Albanian: Krahina Malore Qëndrore) is a physiogeographical region encompassing the central and eastern edge of Albania.[1] It comprises the mountainous inland extending all the way from the valley of Drin and the mountains of Sharr, Skanderbeg, Korab, and Shebenik-Jabllanicë, through the lakes of Ohrid and Prespa, until it reaches the village of Ersekë and the mountains of Pindus close to the border between the country and Greece.[2]

The central mountain range can be conventionally divided into a number of subregions. The north encompasses the mountainous districts of Mirditë and Pukë. The center is dominated by the mountains of Lurë and Korab alongside the regions of Martanesh and Çermenikë. The south includes the valley of Shkumbin as well as the mountains of Mokër and Valamara, the plain of Korçë with the upper districts of Devoll and Kolonjë.

The relief of the central mountain range is varied and supplied with high mountain passes, steep canyons and gorges, dense forests and alpine landscapes dotted with glacial lakes, which in turn provide excellent conditions for a great biodiversity. Most of the terrain was formed by ultramafic rocks, originating from the Earth's mantle, which has become largely serpentinite.[3]

The protected areas of the region are home to some of the most iconic views and landscapes of the country. There are six national parks, a ramsar site, a biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site located in the region.[4][5] Likely the largest protected areas, measured by area, are the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park and Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park.

  1. ^ "Udhezimi nr.2 date 20.07.2016" (PDF). mjedisi.gov.al (in Albanian). p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-09-07. Retrieved 2017-09-07.
  2. ^ Fjalor enciklopedik shqiptar: N-Zh dhe një shtojcë. Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë. 2009. p. 2542. ISBN 9789995610326.
  3. ^ University of Tirana. "TURIZMI NË RRETHIN E DIBRËS" (PDF). doktoratura.unitir.edu.al. p. 21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-10-08. Retrieved 2017-10-08.
  4. ^ European Green Belt. "Brezi i Gjelbër Evropian" (PDF). europeangreenbelt.org (in Albanian). p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-10-18. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  5. ^ Ramsar Convention (3 July 2013). "Albania adds its parts of the Prespa Lakes to the Ramsar List". ramsar.org.