The National Agency for Protected Areas (NAPA), established by Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 102, dated 4.2.2015, is the central state institution responsible for protected areas, subordinate to the Minister and is responsible for their administration and control throughout the territory of the Republic of Albania. NAPA has the status of the General Directorate at the central level, while at the local level it is organized on a regional basis, according to the regional administrations of protected areas. The functions, composition, responsibilities, rights and duties of the Agency, as a central specialized body for protected areas and its subordinate institutions, are expressly provided for in this law, and are approved by the relevant decision of the Council of Ministers, upon the proposal of the Minister. The structure and organizational chart of NAPA and its subordinate institutions are approved by order of the Prime Minister.