Albania
Mirjan Topi is an ornithologist and conservationist.
About Albania
The Republic of Albania is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located on the Adriatic and Ionian Sea within the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south; and maritime borders with Greece, Montenegro and Italy to the west. Tirana is its capital and largest city
Source Wikipedia
Following years of conflict an assessment by the United Nations identified that the main issue in Albania was one of environmental “hotspots” at industrial sites which posed significant risks to human health and required immediate management and risk reduction measures.
Albania currently has one of the highest proportions of high biodiverse wild areas in any country in southern Europe, some of which is under threat from urban and industrial development.
About Mirjan
Mirjan Topi is an Albanian ornithologist, conservationist, and educator dedicated to preserving some of Southern Europe’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Over the past decade, he has focused on protecting iconic species like the Egyptian vulture, now on the brink of extinction in Albania, with only ten breeding pairs remaining. His work includes monitoring populations, preventing the use of poison baits by local landowners, and running educational wildlife tours across the country.
Mirjan co-authored Albania’s first complete bird field guide and founded the Center for Birds of Albania, promoting research, conservation, and public awareness. He has rehabilitated and tracked large birds of prey, including golden eagles, combining hands-on work with advocacy.
A major focus of Mirjan’s efforts is campaigning against the Vlore airport, planned within the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape. The airport threatens the Narta Lagoon, one of the Mediterranean’s most important wetlands, home to hundreds of species, including 26 globally threatened animals. Through direct action and social media advocacy, Mirjan seeks to protect Albania’s natural heritage while highlighting the economic value of sustainable nature tourism.
Mirjan’s passion extends beyond iconic species—he is committed to preserving Albania’s mountains, lagoons, and wildlife-rich landscapes for future generations, ensuring that both nature and communities thrive together.
Watch the portrait's story below
This video shows the painting process, and tells some of Mirjan's story.