Introducing an integrated evaluation index for recreational beaches in Albania aiming at improvement of assessment and integrated approach

Abstract

Within last three decades coastal and continental sand beaches of Albania are becoming
among the most valuable ecosystems used for outdoor recreation activities. At the
current circumstances the incorporation of the values as: parks, relaxed activities are
common at beach areas. The main purpose of this survey is to introduce an innovative
approach in assessment of the recreational beaches of Albania following the integrated
considerations. An integrated index to evaluate recreational sand beaches is using
descriptive beach indicators, beach user’s perception and indicators of beach economic
value. The design of the integrated index is based on best practices and advanced
referenced translated into Albanian context. Each of these 74 descriptive records
appraises the aptness of the beach for recreational activities using water and sand
intensively, in addition to other activities such as sunbathing, walking, swimming,
reading, etc.