Assessmenton Current Situation of Shkodra/Skadar Lake RAMSAR Site

JUNE 2010

Authors: Dr. Zamir Dedej • Prof. Dr. Trifon Ziu • Dr. Djana Bejko • Marina Miskovic, Ministry for Spatial Planning and Environment of Montenegro marina.miskovic@gov.me • Milena Spicanovic, Ministry for Spatial Planning and Environment of Montenegro, milena.spicanovic@gov.me • Viktor Subotic, coordinator LISEMP project of WB, viktor.subotic@gov.me

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Balkan Peninsula encompasses a very high biodiversity and provides a significant contribution to the European natural heritage. A very good system of national park (MNE) and protected area IVth Albania has been established. Nowadays the system is threatened by the unsustainable use and the degradation of the economic situation. Protected areas used to be under the strict control of the central governments without participation of regional authorities and local people. To ensure that they continue to play a significant role for biodiversity conservation, it is necessary to establish a new type of participatory management, including civil society and all the local stakeholders.Even Albania government ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1995 and the three Ramsar areas were proclaimed (Butrint 28/03/03. 13,500 ha; Karavasta Lagoon 29/11/95, 20,000 ha; Lake Shkodra and River Buna 02/02/06 49,562 ha 40°52’N 19°22’E), few measures and practices has been implemented in respect of promoting and awareness about the RAMSAR Convention implementation toward Biodiversity conservation and monitoring programs.

Although several measures are taken to prevent the illegal activities in the watershed, there are still concerns related to fishing with illegal tools, extraction on gravel in the nearest areas, illegal buildings, sewerage water discharge as well as industrial pollution affects. These provide that the enforcement remains still poor and often inefficient in front of business activities developed around the area.

Taking into consideration both Shkodra/Skadar Lake and Buna/Bojana River are shared eco-systems between Albania and Montenegro countries, it provides the necessity to further strengthen the institutional cooperation between the homologue institutions dealing with natural resources management and decision-making bodies.

In this respect, responsible authorities in both Albania and Montenegro countries, can define and provide proper tools and mechanisms toward joint management planning and implementation in respect of wise use and biodiversity conservation of shared wetland. Meanwhile, the inter-ministerial cooperation on bilateral level is already provided through the Joint Committee established on the frame of the project “Integrated Ecosystem Management of Shkodra/Skadar Lake” supported by GEF/WB.

Currently the biodiversity monitoring in the Lake basin is missing, all the data provided regarding the water quality, biodiversity and other ecological issues are old ones and cycled from the sources dated at 1980s. Only several anecdotal investigations were completed during the last twenty years. Even those ones were conducted in the frame of different projects implemented in Shkodra Lake region in both Albania and Montenegro. Nevertheless the existing monitoring capacities in both countries sharing Lake Shkodra are limited; there is a lack of proper laboratories and sometimes lack of skills. While Montenegro has some opportunity to conduct the relevant monitoring activities, Albania needs to build up capacities and infrastructure from the starting point.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATIONPROGRESS AND CHALLENGES

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1. What new steps have been taken toward lake Shkodra/Skadar management of natural resources The main step is the starting process for the management plan of the lake in the framework of GEF/WB “Lake Shkodra/Skadar Integrated Ecosystem Management Project (LSIEMP)”. The plan will be the main document to be used in the near future for the management of the nature resources in the lake area. In the mean time some other efforts had been made even by this project (the preparation of joint Strategic Action Plan) or by other project like the preparation of Local Environmental Action Plan (in Shkodra, Kastrati Commune, etc). It is expecting to start also the preparation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management for the Buna/Bojana River that will include part of the Lake Shkodra/Skadar. All these strategic and management documents will be useful in the establishment in the near future of the nature resources management in the right direction and in a transboundary context. If we are going to look to concrete investment in the management of the natural resources very little is reported (for not saying nothing) mostly supported by small project run by civil society organizations (CSO). The main achievement is the organization of the fishery community into the Fishery Management Organization, even there are not been reported improvement in stopping the illegal activities and overfishing.

Shkodra/Skadar Lake basin, as a focus of this study is, mostly, transboundary water system between Montenegro and Albania. In regards to this, several inter-states documents were elaborated:

1. Memorandum of Understanding in the field of environmental protection and sustainable principle implementation, signed between line ministries of environmental protection of Montenegro and Albania in 2003,

2. Memorandum for cooperation, defining establishment of Montenegrin-Albania Commission for Waters (authors of this study were not able to provide this document, either to elaborate roles of the titled Commission), and

3. Agreement for protection and sustainable development of Shkodra/Skadar Lake, signed between line ministries of environmental protection of Montenegro and Albania in 2008.

First document-Memorandum of Understanding in the field of environmental protection and sustainable principle implementation-call for establishment of working groups for certain activities-including water monitoring, pollution control, environmental impact assessment etc., but practically it was never practically realized.

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aOn the other hand, Agreement for protection and sustainable development of Shkodra/Skadar Lake calls for establishment of Shkodra/Skadar Lake Commission, as structure supported by GEF/World Bank project on Skadar/.Shkodra Lake integrated ecosystem management, which should evolve through time, and become legally-based transboudary cooperation (management) instrument. Roles of the Commission, according to the Agreement, are:

- Monitoring the implementation of the strategic documents drawn up by the two Parties (line ministries) for the conservation and management of the Lake ( Management Plans for the protected areas, the Joint Strategic Action Plan, and so forth);

- Monitoring and coordinating other activities for the protection of the Shkodra/Skadar Lake; - Cooperating with all national and bilateral stakeholders that have as their purpose the protection

and management of the Shkodra/Skadar Lake;- Suggesting to the Parties actions and measures necessary for the implementation of titled

Agreement;- Evidencing actions and positions that conflict with this agreement and informing the Parties

through their representatives in the Commission.Commission will have six permanent members: three from each country, including representatives of central level, local level/protected area authority and NGOs. Upon certain occasion, experts from different fields will be invited (domestic or foreign). Commission is expected to be establishing until the end of this year or early next year.

The designation of the Ramsar site, inside the boundaries of the Lake Shkodra/Skadar Nature Park in 2005, had been seen as one of the main achievement towards the implementation of the Ramsar Convention. The protection and management of the lake with 10 rangers has been part of this decision and brink more control in using the resources in a more sustainable way. During the last four years efforts had been made to involve the local community into the management process and some modest results had been achieved as the establishment of the Transboundary Shkodra/Skadar Lake Forum as an effort of the local NGOs to joint their efforts on the conservation of the area.

On the Albanian part the most difficult things are the work of the local institutions and the active participation of the local community in the management process. The local institutions (municipalities, communes, villages, etc) are still very passive concerning their responsibilities in the management and protection of nature resources, but also with an old mentality that everything should come from the central government. These do not push the process of wise and sustainable use of the nature resources. On the other hand even the works of the CSOs try to involve and approach different group of interest trying to make clear their “power” and participation in the decision making process, the results are still not very encouraging.

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aAs explained in the first paragraph there are two main efforts made to start the process of developing the management plans for the area of Lake Shkodra/Skadar and the river Buna/Bojana. This will be the major priority until the 2011 and then all the interested stakeholders should start the implementation based on a biding document when they will be approved. In the mean time several activities will be implemented, mostly supported by the GEF/WB project but also from the civil society organization.

2. Transboundary cooperation between Albania and Montenegro on the frame of Lake Shkodra/Skadar management Concerning the institutions point of view joint documents for future cooperation had been signed and several activities are implemented in a transboundary context. On the other hand even this has been the main topic for the decision makers and government and local institutions, no evident signed of a joint structure or real transboundary cooperation is seen. Protection and sustainable development of this area and lake ecosystem has been in the main focus of the environmental collaboration between Albania and Montenegro.

The dialogue between the two governments on issues related to the lake environment began in 1994. In May 2003 a Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection and Sustainable Development of joint resources was signed by the Ministers of Environment on the frame of Stability Pact project supported by SDC and implemented by the Regional Environmental Center – REC. By doing so, the two countries commit to conserve the natural resources of Shkodra/Skadar Lake in a coordinated and integrated manner and to improve the relevant national level regulatory and institutional capacities. In the last few years the Governments of the two countries have acknowledged the possible impact of further degradation of the lake natural resources and showed their willingness to cooperate in improving the protection and management of the lake and its watershed. In 2005 the two Ministers of environment signed Declaration of Lake Day, precising that third week of June will be every year celebrated as Shkodra/Skadar Lake Day.

For the civil society organization the transboundary cooperation is one of the most successful achievements of all the other efforts made in the area. Through the REC office in Shkodra work, with a support of the Swiss Cooperation - SDC funds, at the end of the first project phase, a joint structure was established as a neutral platform for dialogue and cooperation in bilateral level. Due to REC/SDC project

10this structure raised capacities and was legal registered in both Albania and Montenegro countries. This is the Transboundary Shkodra/Skadar Lake FORUM who addresses the transboundary dialogue dealing with sustainable development of shared natural resources and the better management of the area. This FORUM is still functioning under SDC – Swiss Cooperation support but needs a lot of more support in the future as the unique body in the area.

Shkodra/Skadar Lake area is a common resource to Albania and Montenegro. The dialogue between the two governments on issues related to the lake environment be gan after 1990, after decades of no-cooperation. In 1994, a Protocol for cooperation was signed between the Universities of Shkodra and University of Montenegro for conducting scientific research on Shkodra/Skadar Lake. Later, the German Rectors’ Conference and the University of Graz supported these two universities in their bilateral cooperation on Shkodra/Skadar Lake. Labora tory equipments for chemical and biological analyzes are provided to both universities and an ongoing project, called the “Integrated Monitoring of Lake Shkodra/Skadar” was promoted to create the ground for a long-term cooperation. As an example of first transboundary cooperation structure, Joint Forum of Shkodra/Skadar Lake has been established since 2001 with aim to address Lake Issues in bilateral scope. This structure was established through the project “Promotion of Networks and Ex changes in the Countries of South Eastern Europe”, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC), and implemented by Regional Environmental Centre (REC). This project established first connections and cooperation mechanisms between Montenegro and Albania, serving as a base for further bilateral and interna tional cooperation and activities implementation. The cooperation between Albania and Montenegro has been quickly concretized, through implementation of small and medium projects on transboundary issues and activities, first by local NGOs and later by local and central governments and interna tional organizations. An important role for increasing transboundary collaboration have played also the fa cilities created by the two governments for the regime of border passing for Albanian and Montenegrin citizens and improvement of the infrastructure for the communica tion between the two countries. The opening of a new border crossing, Murriqan – Sukobin, in May 2002, has shortened significantly the distance between Shkodra and the coastal areas of Montenegro. Recent establishment of the ferry line between Shkodra and Virpazar will help small-scale activities between the two countries, mostly in tourism field. At the official level, in May 2003 the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Protection and Sustainable Development of joint resources between Montenegro and Albania was formally signed by the Ministers of Environment. By doing so, the two countries commit to conserve the natural resources of Shkodra/Skadar Lake in a coor dinated and integrated manner and to improve the relevant national level

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11regulatory and institutional capacities. Both governments show their willingness to cooperate in improving the protection and management of the lake and its resources. A recent development in bilateral co-operation is the joint inauguration by the Prime-ministers of the two countries of the international workshop on “Shkodra/Skadar Lake international designations for territorial development” on 18-19 October 2005 in Vranjina (Montenegro) and Shkodra, conducted by international organizations like UNDP, UNESCO, IUCN and others. The Government of Albania, by the Decision of its Council of Ministers no. 337 of 15.07.1999, has provided a special state-level commission to deal with water-related issues with the neighboring countries. However, this Commission has been inactive to date. Transboundary collaboration on environmental issues between Albania and Montene gro, despite started since 13 – 14 years is not in a satisfactory level yet, in respect of the concrete and measurable results and achievements (apart from agreements, docu mentations and organizations of meetings). Albania has some other experience with the set-up of a bilateral Management Committee for Lake Ohrid with Macedonia, which can serve as an example for the bilateral structures with Montenegro for Shkodra/Skadar Lake. It is a positive fact that both countries are making their efforts for the integration of the EU legislation into the national lows, which will obviously help in strengthening of institutional and legislative framework for the conservation of the lake area and transboundary collaboration. In this point of view, one of the main goals and many actions of the present JSAP are dedicated to improvement of institutional and legislative framework, as well as the joint management of Shkodra/Skadar Lake in many aspects.

On the frame of REC/SDC project, the two AL-MNE Ministers of Environment signed Declaration of the Lake Day, recognizing that in third week of June will be every year celebrated Shkodra/Skadar Lake Day.

To support the overall strategy for more sustainable use of the natural resources of Shkodra/Skadar Lake and its watershed, a number of support mechanisms or policies should be formulated. The most relevant policies for the sustainable use of the natural resources of Shkodra/Skadar Lake and its watershed are to be established and agreed between the key stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the strategy. In the TDA relevant policies for achieving the sustainable use of the natural resources of Shkodra/Skadar Lake and its watershed are suggested. The Strategic Ac tion Plan should define the institutional structures and include a roadmap and actions to give effect to these supporting policies.

A preliminary assessment of the institutional capabilities in both countries indicate that still much is to be done to achieve an institutional structure that could form the basis for an effective bilateral management structure. It is, therefore, recommended to focus on the strengthening of the relevant Albanian and Montenegrin institutions be fore a full fledged Shkodra/Skadar Lake Management Committee/Commission is es tablished. In the meantime, however, it is very important that lines of communication between the two countries with respect to the Shkodra/Skadar Lake environmental issues are formalized.

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THE WISE USE OF SHKODRA/SKADAR LAKE WATERSHED

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1. Promoted measures which encourage the application of the wise use principle and actions been taken in your site.

It is not easy task to find measures that had been promoted for encouraging the wise use principles on the Albanian part of the lake. There is some attempt to organize in a better way the Fishery Management Organization for the fishing purposes and to stop the illegal activities, but not any evidence show the impact on this very delicate issue. From a long time is expected to build the waste water treatment for the Shkodra city urban water but until now the work had not started yet. The hunting remain a problem in the area, but the most dangerous problem is the continuation of building houses in the plain part of the Rrethina, Gruemira, Qender, Kastrati Communes.

As an area protected as national park in Montenegro, Skadar Lake has a managing authority (National Park) which operated based on the management plans. Those plans include activities that promote the wise use of the wetland, including: - Research and monitoring activities (ornithofauna – monitoring of nesting birds, census of migratory flocks; plants – rare and endemic species)- Education and awareness rising – through visitors’ centres, workshops and events, NP tries to educate various target groups about the protection and sustainable use of Skadar Lake. For instance, a series of workshops on the importance of pelicans has been organised with local communities living near the breeding area, World Wetland Day is celebrated every year with presentations and workshops for children etc. - New management plan for the National Park is in the final phases. Through the project “Integrated management of the Shkodra/Skadar Lake Basin”, an integrated management plan for the whole of Skadar Lake will be developed, covering different aspects of the wetland and its catchment.

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III. WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE

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1. Ecological character of SHKODRA/SKADAR Lake Ramsar siteThe lake is geographically and ecologically connected with other aquatic habitats (Bojana/Buna River, Velipoja Reserve and Domni Marsh, Delta of Bojana/Buna River, Veluni Lagoon), thus creating large complex of wetlands. It was identified as one of the 24 European transboundary wetland sites of international importance, known as “Ecological Bricks Sites” (Europe’s Environment, Dobris Assessment, 1995, 249 pages). The lake is one of the five most important wintering sites of waterfowl in Europe, and is a critical staging and wintering site for migratory birds, of which some are globally threatened. The winter identification of water birds counted a number of individuals ranging from 100,000 to 280,000. In the summer, Lake Shkodra/Skadar is a sanctuary to 1.5 to 2.5 million birds. Lake Shkodra/Skadar is situated in one of the most important European migration routes of the birds, which travel via the Balkans. Totally the list of water and low land birds comprises 203 species, with about 90 percent of the birds belonging to migratory species and having international significance. Among them are white herons, white spoonbills, and various ducks. Small cormorants nest in the marshy north of the lake and represent one of the three most important colonies in the world. The rare and endangered curly pelican, nests on floating peat islands at the north end of the lake. The Dalmatian pelican, which is one of the biggest birds in the world and listed in the World Red Book, has been nesting on Lake Shkodra/Skadar until the beginning of the 1990s. The last time it was recorded on the lake was in 1993.The lake has unique and rich flora and diverse fauna that include numerous endemic species. The aquatic flora of the lake include about 15 species of aquatic plants listed in the Albania Red Book, of which some have regional importance. Generally, the lake is also considered one of the diversity centers for freshwater snails, crabs, frogs, lizards, freshwater fishes and other animals for all of Europe.Due to the presence of high diversity and high growth rate of phytoplankton (over 460 species determined in the Albanian part of the lake), which makes up an abundant food basis for the zooplankton and phytophagous fish, Lake Shkodra/Skadar has high fish productivity (approximately 50 kg per hectare annually). About 20 percent of fish species in the lake migrate towards the sea. Among them are the sturgeon, eel, lamprey, mullet, and guppy and flounder (species included in the Albania and Montenegro Red Books).A lot of the macrophytes form plant associations, even though in some cases in some cases in rather limited areas. In the aqueous surroundings, in the deluged land and in the marshy zone one could come across 15 associations, six of which are considered as threatened in the Albanian Red Book.It is a well-known fact that the values of an ecosystem are in a moderate amount increased by the presence of the rare species. In this respect Shkodra Lake plays an essential part. For many plants (as well as animals) it constitutes an important habitat where they manage to survive.

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20The submersed and emerged vegetation is to be encountered especially along the eastern side, particularly in the Buna Plain – Vraka Stream sector, Kalldrun – Sterbeq sector etc.; while in the western side this vegetation is to be found in small quantities; many of the submersed genus Myriafillum, Potamogeton, Ceratofillum etc make up a suitable environment for the living, nutrition and reproduction of the fauna; likewise the emergent plants such as the water lilies (Numphar lutea, Nymphae alba), the water walnut (Trapa natans), the reed grass (Phragmites australis) etc create surroundings of great ecologic values which supply food and shelter and a place for reproduction to many creatures as for instance to some kinds of water birds.

Shkodra/Skadar is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula in terms of water surface. The watershed area of the lake is about 5,500 km2 (4,470 km2 in Montenegro-more than 1/3 of territory of the country, and 1,030 km2 in Albania). The lake area varies between 353 km2 in dry periods and 500 km2 in wet periods (at maximum level, 335 km2 is in Montenegro and 165 km2 in Albania). The lake volume varies between 1.7 km3 in dry periods to 4.0 km3 during wet periods. Distance between the mouth of the Crnojevica River (north-western lake edge) and the lake’s outlet (Bojana/Buna River) is 44 km (maximum length); its greatest width is 13 km. The whole coastline of the lake, including islands, is 207 km. Lake outflow by River Buna-Bojana is on average about 300 m3/s.Territory of the watershed area of Shkodra/Skadar Lake are the fields of towns Niksić and Cetinje in Montenegro, low field area of Zeta (including capitol of Montenegro-Podgorica), Shkoder valley, River Morača with its (sub)watershed, Perroii Thate with its watershed, as well as some other smaller areas like valley of Crnojevica River and valley of Rrjolli. The average altitude of the watershed area is 770 m, what shows that this lake collects waters from a mountainous area. The altitudes vary from 5m above the sea level in the low filed of Mbishkodra, up to 1490 m above the sea level near the spring of Morača River.

Shkodra/Skadar Lake represents one of the most important natural habitats in Balkan Peninsula. Montenegrin part of watershed area is with the highest number of inhabitants, which includes the two largest towns–Podgorica and Niksic.

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21Floods between 1848 and 1858 and in 1896 diverted the Drin River (Albania), whose watershed is around 14,000 km2, towards the west into the Buna-Bojana River, a few hundred meters from the lake outlet. The large amounts of sediments raised the river bed and resulted in an increase in the lake level with several meters, until today.

Sometimes in present time the outflow from the lake in Bojana/Buna River is impeded due to the increase in the flow in the Drin river. This occurs mostly in the period from December to February, but may also occur during the other months, depending on the water released from the (three) hydro-power dams that were constructed end 1960s, early 1970s upstream in the Drin river. The management of the dams depends upon the rainfall and electricity demand. The impediment of outflowing water in the Bojana/Buna River increases the water level in the lake significantly. With high Drin levels and low Bojana/Buna levels, Drin River waters even enters into Shkodra/Skadar Lake. An increased flow in the Drin River also causes sediment deposition in the river channels at the meeting point of the two rivers, thereby further obstructing the flow in the Bojana/Buna River and the outflow from the lake.

Whole Balkan Peninsula experienced a strong orogenic period resulting in the Dinaric Alps. The basin of Shkodra/Skadar Lake is a depression located south of the Dinaric Alps and orientated northwest-southeast, parallel to the current shore of the Adriatic coast. Limestone and associated karstic processes determine

the geomorphology. On the northern and north-eastern side of the lake, the flat Zeta valley and the main inflowing rivers (River Morača as the most important), are located. Their deposits (deltas) and the lower edge of the valley have created a wide marsh belt that is regularly flooded. Shkodra/Skadar Lake is separated in the southwest by steep hills from the Adriatic Sea: the Tarabosa and Rumija mountains. This zone is only 10 to 15 km wide but with peaks up to 1600 m. along the lake’s coastline there are elongated islands. Many karstic springs can be found in the south-western part of the lake. Precipitation on the lake, groundwater and springs contribute also to the inflow. Two main groundwater sources can be distinguished: aquifers in the Zeta valley and karstic springs, mainly on the south-western side of the lake.

Figure 1: The geology of the Shkodra/Skadar Lake watershed basin and surrounding areas

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o Climate in Shkodra/Skadar Lake basinMeditteranian climate is predominate in Lake basin. The annual potential of the sun radiation is 2054 kw/m2, which is considered as a high amount, with a high importance as an ecologic factor for the area. The annual average number of sunny days on the lake is 116,4, while of the cloudy days is 73 – 106. Wind

activity is determined by cyclonic factors of the Mediterranean and Balkan, but also by the local factors. In the Albanian part (Shkodra Area) predominate the winds from east and south-east, while in Montenegrin part (Virpazar) predominate the winds from north-east and south-west. There are 15 types of winds, which are known on the Skadar/ Shkodra lake basin. The annual average temperature of the air is 14ºC - 16ºC. The highest average temperature is usually recorded in August (in Shkoder 21,4ºC – 27,5ºC and Podgorica 20,1ºC – 29ºC) and the lowest average in January (in Shkoder 0,5ºC – 6,5ºC and Podgorica 0,6ºC –6,7ºC). The highest values of air humidity are recorded in November (77%), while the lowest in July (55%). The average of the annual rainfall on the lake is between 1750 mm and 2500 mm, but within the basin some areas receive over 3,000 mm.

Regarding hydrology, the most important tributaries of Shkodra/Skadar Lake enter the lake from the north: Morača, Crnojevića River, Orahovštica, Karatuna, Baragurška River –in Montenegro, and Perroi i Thate, Rjolli and Vraka River in Albania.

Figure 2: Main tributaries and outflow (Bojana/Buna River) of Shkodra/Skadar Lake basin

Most of the water of Shkodra/Skadar Lake comes from the Morača River with its 210 m3/s inflow rate, or 62%. The lake is also supplied with water through sub–lacrustic springs. These springs are locally named “The Eyes”. The depth of these springs varies and can reach 80 m below sea level. The springs can be found in the southwest, northwest and northern side of the lake, the most famous are Raduš and Karuč.

Quantification of the parameters that determine the water balance of Shkodra/Skadar Lake gives insight in the importance of each parameter. From the Figure 3., it is clear that the water level of the lake is strongly related to the inflow by the Moraca River.

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o Figure 3: Shkodra/Skadar Lake water balance, in dependence from inflow by Morača River

All water inflow is precipitation-dependent, meaning that the highest water contribution by rivers and springs is in winter and in spring. The highest quantity of water is taken out from the lake by Bojana/Buna River, but evaporation is significant too. The highest Bojana/Buna River water levels are in February and the lowest in August. Evaporation is the lowest in February and the highest in August.

Biological importance of Shkodra/Skadar Lake-Shkodra/Skadar Lake’s biodiversity has developed in a unique physical environment where geology, geomorphology, hydrology and climate provide a wide variety of habitats. Total biodiversity is high (species-area relationship= 0.875) and the region is considered to be a biogenetic reserve of European importance.From a zoogeographic perspective, lake region is located in a zone where two major zoogeographic areas meet: the Palaearctic region (Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa) and the Palaetropic region (Africa). Their linkage and influences can be seen among bird fauna, with incidences of African species (e.g. African cuckoo, African black heron, flamingo) and winter migratory species of West Siberia (ducks, geese). During the last glacial period Shkodra/Skadar Lake represented a refuge for several species occurring at that time. As a result, today some relict and endemic animal and plant species are met in the area. After the ice age, species such as the turtledove, the Dauric swallow, Syrian woodpecker and Spanish sparrow have come to the region as they expanded their distribution area.

2. Monitoring fauna and flora conditions in the conditions in the siteThe only monitoring process is made by different department of the Shkodra University. The main data are related to the biological parameters (phytoplankton, vegetation, birds, etc), chemical and hydrological. But at the moment most of the collecting data are rather qualitative than quantitative and they are not described yet full indicator and a system of regular monitoring in the lake area. The activity is related to the lack of funds also.

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o Taking into account development of inter-state relations between Montenegro and Albania, there is no permanent monitoring of Shkodra/Skadar Lake in any segment: water quality, biodiversity, air pollution, sediments quality etc. Monitoring from Montenegrin side is done by several state agencies: Hydrometeorological Institute, Center for ecotoxicological researches, University of Montenegro, in some cases with financial and expert assistance of foreign donors. Water quality is measured as part of environment monitoring in Montenegro, by Hydrometeorological Institute. This monitoring program has a lack of basin-approach, so it is not providing sufficient data for future planning and activities. Based on data collected from the past and recent ones, quality of the lake waters is at satisfactory level, with certain exceeding of pollutants (locality as mouth of Morača River), which are more season type then permanent pollution sign. As far as biodiversity is concerned, only monitoring of birds (winter census) is regular, from beginning of ‘90s. From beginning of 2000s, extreme declining of species and number of individuals is detected. Slightly from 2005, birds started returning to the lake, which is positive trend, but it takes systematic approach to this issue, to preserve important bird’s species presence at the lake, as ecological value, as well as resource for sustainable development of National Park.Based on above mentioned, need for proper monitoring program, as well as providing of certain monitoring equipment for protected areas of Shkodra/Skadar Lake in Albania and Montenegro is recognized as priority within WB/GEF “Shkodra/Skadar Lake Integrated Ecosystem Management Project”. Implementation phase of the project will start until the end of 2008, so it is expected that these project activities will be realized in near future.

From 2009, main institution in Montenegro which will work on environmental monitoring will be newly established Agency for Environmental Protection, under Ministry for Spatial Planning and Environment. This institution will prepare monitoring programs, and then through tender procedures, qualified legal persons will conduct monitoring. Agency will be in charge of collect data, processing them, announcing to the wider public, as well as for communication with European Environmental Agency. This is part of creating new institutional framework in sector of environment of Montenegro.

3. Inventory and integrated management of shared LAKE SHKODRA/SKADARThe main inventories are made for the birds and flora, and some small efforts for the fish stock. The integrated management is one of the weak points as mentioned before. There is in all fields of Shkodra/Skadar Lake environment quite some data available, but data collection has often been uncoordinated, irregular in time and space, and using different methods and standards (nationally and transboundary).

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o The Government of Republic of Albania and the Government of Montenegro have received financing in the amount of US$1.99 million and US$ 2.56 million equivalent respectively from the World Bank toward the cost of the Albania/Montenegro Lake Skadar/Shkoder Integrated Ecosystem Management Project.

The project will include the following components for both countries:Component 1 – Understanding and Management of Lake Shkodra/Skadar Ecosystem: This component will help establish and operationalize a high-level Shkodra/Skadar Lake Commission (SLC) with a Secretariat that will serve as the main steering mechanism to implement the Strategic Action Plan-developed in 2007, and serve as the key forum to discuss and agree on issues affecting lake resources management and use. The Commission will convene bilateral Working Groups of technical specialists and local stakeholders to facilitate discussions on specific issues and to steer joint program implementation. The project will support an initial four Working Groups: Planning and Legal; Monitoring and Research; Communications/Outreach and Sustainable Tourism; and Water Management. These Working Groups will agree on specific objectives and work programs in their respective areas of responsibility and will directly oversee design and implementation of joint activities. They will also serve as a mechanism to exchange technical information and coordinate with linked non-project activities. The two line Ministries for environmental protection (Ministry of Tourism and Environment in Montenegro and Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration in Republic of Albania) will be responsible for appointing the SLC and Working Group members. The Commission and Working Groups will be served by a small 2-person Secretariat based in Albania. Component 2 – Enhancing Sustainable use of Lake Ecosystem: This component aims to promote adoption of sustainable approaches to economic development of the lake and its natural resources. It focuses on tourism and fishing where there is high potential for economically significant sustainable use.

Component 3 – Catalyze Pollution Reduction Investments: This component will support investments to help address existing sources of pollution identified in the Transboundary Diagnostics Analysis (TDA); the project will complement investments by the two governments and other donors (see Annex 15), addressing transboundary issues and demonstrating innovative approaches. The component includes three subcomponents:

(i) Small-scale, innovative wastewater treatment for a lakeside village (Montenegro) (ii) Technical assistance for protection of groundwater from hazardous wastes at the KAP

Aluminium plant (Montenegro)(iii) Pilot ecological restoration of lakeside vegetation buffer areas (Albania).

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oBesides this, most important project in Shkodra/Skadar lake region, there are several smaller projects, mostly related to environment (in broader sense), supported by foreign organizations such as:- REC (Regional Environmental Center), which is focuses on establishment of advisory transboundary

structure for protected areas of Shkodra/Skadar Lake,- GTZ (German Technical Assistance organization), which project is focused on development of

planning documentation and location studies in both countries.- Council of Europe (CoE)-project related on development of local communities in National Park Skadar

Lake.

Project implemented by Montenegrin and Albanian Academies of Sciences and Arts, titled “Regulation of Shkodra/Skadar water regime” has main goal which is prevention of further fluctuation of lake water level, between winter maximum and summer minimum (explained in Section 1 of the document).

4. Threats to biodiversity in Lake Shkodra/Skadar sit scaleThere are a set of problems pertaining to the water pollution constitutes one of the major concerns regarding the preservation of the conspicuous values of this ecosystem, Even as far as concerns this aspect one should evaluate the significant contribution of the vegetation in the self-clearing process of the water, serving as a bio filter. The pouring of the urban waste water is one of the major threats in the water life. The illegal fishing and sometime overfishing is also taking place and are part of the major biodiversity threats. The impacts of these causes cannot be quantified in the absence of a comprehensive set of data concerning the quality of soil, water and sediment and biodiversity, and pertinent data related to the causes. Main pressures and threats and their expected short- and long-term impact on flora, fauna and habitats; government policies are expected to become more effective on long-term.

DisturbanceSkadar Lake area is extensively used by various stakeholders – fishermen, tourist workers, agriculturalists etc. Those daily influences present a threat in the form of disturbance. This is particularly important for the reproductive period of birds, when they are more vulnerable to disturbance, which can cause failure to breed. This is mainly because of the unregulated water transport and failure to guard strict reserves due to the poor human and technical capacities.

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o Direct killFish stock of Skadar Lake is used for commercial purposes. In Montenegro, fisheries are regulated by the National Law on Freshwater Fisheries and a set of bylaws and regulations, and enforced by the Ranger Service of the National Park Skadar Lake. However, illegal fishing takes place and presents one of the major problems for protection. The assessment of the fish stock has not been done for three decades, so the extent of fishing and overexploitation are unknown, but the experience of fishermen and individual researchers indicates that changes in the composition of fish communities have occurred. Bird hunting has been banned by the law in 2002. However, cases of illegal hunting do take place, especially during migrations when flocks of waterfowl use the Lake for resting. This may not affect population sizes to a significant effect, but it does create disturbance. Habitat destructionSkadar Lake is a popular tourist destination, and there are regional plans for development of nature-oriented and rural tourism. Accordingly, there are lots of activities through which natural and semi-natural habitats are modified and destroyed (construction of buildings, conversion of habitats into agricultural land, construction of transport infrastructure etc). This does not directly affect the space of the wetland, but does create disturbance and has indirect effects by increasing the levels of pollution and such. PollutionThe location of Skadar Lake is such that some of the major towns in the region gravitate towards its shores. Podgorica, Niksic in Montenegro, Shkodra in Albania, and the surrounding industrial and agricultural lands all have an effect on Skadar Lake ecosystem. This includes inorganic pollution from the industry (Aluminum plant near Podgorica), as well as organic pollution (sewage waters from big towns, as well as agricultural run-off from the plains north of the Lake). Water quality monitoring is done on the state level, and the water quality is still good. However, an increase in macrophyte cover in the past years is an indicator of eutrophication, and this issue should be taken into account. Other threats

There is no specific data and research on the invasive species. However, cases of uncontrolled introduction of non-indigenous species have been recorded (a species of piranha was found last year in Skadar Lake). Also, the expansion of species related to the agricultural lands has been observed – e.g. crow population has increased in the past years, and they affect the populations of other wild birds (by destroying clutches) though to the unknown extent.

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

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1. Collaboration with other institutions, programs and partners in the international and regional levelIn 1994, a Protocol for cooperation was signed between the Universities of Shkodra and University of Montenegro for conducting scientific research on Shkodra/Skadar Lake. Later, the German Rectors’ Conference and the University of Graz supported these two universities in their bilateral cooperation on Shkodra/Skadar Lake. Laboratory equipments for chemical and biological analyzes are provided to both universities and an ongoing project, called the “Integrated Monitoring of Lake Shkodra” was promoted to create the ground for a long-term cooperation.

It is a positive fact that both countries are making their efforts for the integration of the EU legislation into the national lows, which will obviously help in strengthening of institutional and legislative framework for the conservation of the lake area and transboundary collaboration.

Transboundary collaboration on environmental issues between Albania and Montene gro, despite started since 13 – 14 years is not in a satisfactory level yet, in respect of the concrete and measurable results and achievements (apart from agreements, docu mentations and organizations of meetings). Albania has some other experience with the set-up of a bilateral Management Committee for Lake Ohrid with Macedonia, which can serve as an example for the bilateral structures with Montenegro for Shkodra/Skadar Lake. It is a positive fact that both countries are making their efforts for the integration of the EU legislation into the national lows, which will obviously help in strengthening of institutional and legislative framework for the conservation of the lake area and transboundary collaboration. In this point of view, one of the main goals and many actions of the present JSAP are dedicated to improvement of institutional and legislative framework, as well as the joint management of Shkodra/Skadar Lake in many aspects. Joint Documents, signed between Montenegro and Albania, in regards of Shkodra/Skadar Lake management:

Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Environmental Protec tion and Physical Planning of the Republic of Montenegro (now: Ministry of tourism and environment) and the Ministry of Environment (now: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration) of the Republic of Albania, 9 May 2003.

Agreement on International Lake Passenger Transport between Republic of Montenegro and Republic of Albania signed by Foreign Affair Ministers of Mon tenegro and Albania in 2004; Montenegrin Government Decision on Opening Vir pazar Border Crossing for international

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Declaration on Shkodra/Skadar Lake signed by the Lake’s Forum Members, 2006

Statement of Co-operation between Old Royal Capital Cetinje and City of Shkodra, 2006. Declaration on the Occasion of Designation of the “Lake Day” signed by the Minister of the Environmental Protection and Physical Planning of the Republic of Montenegro and the Minister of Environment, Forests and Water Administration of the Republic of Albania, 2006.

REC – implements Promotion of Networks and Exchanges in the Countries of South Eastern Europe Project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Co operation (SDC) since 2000. The project focuses on enhancing cross-border co operation, dialogue and partnerships, preparation of studies, capacity building and education/awareness raising. Joint Lake Forum was established with 13 members (6 on Montenegrin and 7 on Albanian side). The current project is closing at the end of 2007 (proposal for continuation has been submitted and approved by the donor). GTZ -Cross-border Spatial Planning Project for Shkodra/Skadar Lake region (dura tion May 2005 – October 2007); under the project endorsed by the relevant national Ministries, spatial plans will be prepared for certain locations in both Albania and Montenegro Dinaric Arch Initiative (DAI) international workshop “Lake Shkodra/Skadar International Designations for Teritorial Development” was held in October 2005 in Vranjina and Shkodra, bringing together, among others, Prime Ministers and Environment Ministers of the two countries. This workshop was organised by the DAI –a framework for co-operation between the offices of UNESCO, WWF, IUCN, UNDP and the Council of Europe. The main objective was to discuss the future development scenarios of the transboundary Lake and its basin. SNV – is supporting (providing technical assistance) developemnt of the joint Strategic Action Programme under the LSIEMP. SNV actively works together with GTZ in municipal capacity issues related to IT, planning and finance. Albanian and Montenegrin Academies of Sciences – implemented a joint project on surveying Bojana/Buna riverbed. The EULIMNOS project (www.eulimnos.org ) was initiated with the aim of estab lishing long-term cross border co-operation between established scientists, experts and students with an interest in the conservation of Lake Shkodra/Skadar. The scien tific aim of the EULIMNOS is to obtain a comprehensive insight into the current ecological status of the Lake. The project involved participants from the Universities

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o of Shkodra (Albania), Podgorica (Montenegro), Graz (Austria) and Heidelberg (Germany) and was funded by the German Rectors Conference (HRK) within the framework of the European Union Stability Pact for SEE. The DRIMON project (www.niva.no): Interdisciplinary assessment of water re source management in two transboundary lakes in South Eastern Europe. The project involved participants from the Universities of Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia and Norweigrian Research Council NIVA. The objectives the DRIMON project are: Es tablish nutrient budgets and address siltation challenges for the lake basins of Prespa and Shkodra/Skadar, and assess the status of the lakes through dose-response rela tionships between nutrients and sediment inputs and their effects in the lakes; Sug gest environmental goals for lakes Prespa and Shkodra/Skadar, based on information on their trophic status and evidence of their reference (or natural) conditions, in dia logue with stakeholders. Project implementing in Montenegro GTZ – “Support to Tourism Destinations in the Hinterland of Montenegro” Project (duration of the first phase is beginning 2006 – end 2007; the whole project is ex pected to last until end 2010). The current project focuses on Skadar Lake area, Cet inje and Plav municipalities. IRD – Implements “Clean Lake Project”, including cleaning of Zabljak Crnojevica, Besac, and Lesendro fortresses, and fishing settlements along the lake coast, in order to create better conditions for tourists who visit them. To that end, IRD will finance the procurement of two boats, motor grass cutters and saws, rubbish containers and wooden bins (this is a follow up to IRD project that supported development of bird-watching facilities and eco-tourism on the Lake). Council of Europe/ Ministry of Culture – implements “Regional Programme for the Cultural and Natural Heritage in South-east Europe”; within this framework, Pi lot Project on the Skadar Lake Region aims to explore new methods of management and project implementation in addressing local/regional development issues. UNDP – implements two Republic-wide projects that also have relevance for Skadar Lake: Strengthening Governance Systems in Urban Planning in Montenegro and En vironmental GIS for Montenegro. ADA – interested in supporting tourism development initiatives, possibly in partner ships with GTZ and SNV. ERM (Italian consulting group) – organised workshop on biodiversity monitoring in the framework of initiative supported by EBRD and MEPPP. Italian Ministry of Environment and Territory – is expected to provide support for ADRICOSM-STAR

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o project (in the framework of ADRICOSM-Partnership). The project will develop system for monitoring and forecasting models for the coastal zone in Montenegro and Bojana/Buna River (in support to sustainable devel opment of the coastal zone). Italian Ministry will also support development of sus tainable and eco-tourism in the Montenegrin national parks, including Skadar Lake. Projects implementing in Albania The pilot Fishery Development Project financed by the WB has started its imple mentation since February 2002 and is foreseen to end in March 2007. Main objectives of the project are to improve the work for the management of fish ing, establishment of the Fishing Management Organizations (FMOs) and rehabilita-tion of fishing centers. So far the project achievements have been: Establishment of FMO, which counts around 450 fishermen; Construction of Fishing Centers in Shiroke and Zogaj (another one is expected to be constructed in Malesia e Madhe); Supply of the center in Shiroka with facilities for conseravtion of the bycatch. Intervention in support of artisan fishing activities in Shkodra. Implemented by COOPI (Italian NGO), starting from February 2003. It aims to support the rehabilita tion and development of artisan fishing activity in the prefecture of Shkodra, con tributing to creating the conditions for repopulating and conserving fish resources in Lake Shkodra and to improve the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiary fami lies. 175 people have been direct beneficiaries, while approximately 735 people have been indirect beneficiaries, including fishermen, unemployed persons and their fami lies. Economic Development for the North of Albania (GTZ). During 2003 the Ger man government granted 55.000 EURO for supporting development in north Alba nia. Main goals of the project were: regional development, agriculture as the main economic sector, private sector, crossborder cooperation, establishment and support of labor market, living standards, infrastructure and public services etc. A safer future for Shkodra Water Basin Implementing EU standards. Imple mented by CSDC (Civil Society Development Centre), which is an organization es tablished by OSCE. The main objective of this center is offering the logistic support and services for NPOs as well as working on their capacity building. The relevant project has been supported by WWF. It aimed to raise public awareness for improv ing the water quality, based on WFR. In its framework a crosborder round table has been also organized. OXFAM (international organization working on Rural Areas Development andPromotion of Production and Marketing.) This organization offers financial sup port to the farmers of rural areas, especially to those of mountain areas. Core Objective: Alleviation of poverty in rural areas. Direct beneficiaries: 3,000 people Indirect beneficiaries: 20,000 people. Promoted projects and activities: beekeeping, agro-industry, wine

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o production, medi cal plants etc. UNOPS – PASARP (international organization, which supports infrastructure investments, social and health services.) Actually, its activity is reduced and it is going to be totally covered by another organization, which has been established un der UNOPS activity and called TEULEDA. TEULEDA (Agency for the Local Economic Development). The core objectives: support small enterprises development, territory marketing, identification and articu lation of priorities and opportunities for the local economic development. Priority sectors: Agriculture and agro-industry, handicraft, fishing, tourism services. COSPE (Cooperation for the Development of Emergent Countries) is an interna tional organization working on development in rural areas and capacity building. Its activity has started at 1995 and has been focused on the infrastructure investments, especially into the rural areas. Some of the activities has been also focused in sup porting traditional products and handicrafts, involving especially women. Last 15 years several technical reports of the projects and other publications (e.g. booklets) have published data on the environmental situation of Shkodra/Skadar Lake and its watershed. The most recent assessment of the environmental situation of the relevant area has been published in the TDA (Royal Haskoning, WB, 2006). Consid ering this assessment as the most updated ones, a part of the data in the following is mostly based on the TDA assessment

For at least 10 last years, the project “Transboundary Cooperation through the management of shared natural resources” implemented by REC delivered information and provided support for the key stakeholders of Shkodra Lake regarding the best practices management of water resources. These experiences has been provided through the several study visits carried out in different experienced countries like Germany & Switzerland shared by Bodensee Lake, Estonia and Russia shared by Peipsi Lake, Macedonia and Albania shared by Ohrid lake, Bosnia–Herzegovina & Croatia shared by Delta Neredva as well as Champlain Lake in US. Anyway such practices are still week lack of funds and this point had not been covered properly in the institutional level. On the other hand the GEF/WB project and other potential project are investing to bring together the staff of the protected areas and other interested groups, not only for integrated management but also for sharing their working and institutional experiences. These efforts should intensify and can be measured with replicable practices in the lake Shkodra/Skadar area.

V. IMPLEMENTATION CAPACITY

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1. Institutional structure for biodiversity in the region. There are several offices that work on the local level and most of them are depending from the Ministries. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Management includes the Fishery Inspectorate of Shkodra and Malesia e Madhe which collects and processes statistical information with regard to fishing, defines methods of cultivation, controls the operations of fishing establishments, their geographical location and maintains the registers of fishing vessels. The Inspectorate of Fishing activity consists on controlling, monitoring, licensing and having penalty for illegal fishing in the lake area.

The Directory of Forestry Service in Shkodra is one of the most important offices on the regional and local level. Administration of the hunting stock and the stock’s surface are the competence of the Directorate and the Institute for Forest and Pastures Research. This directorate is responsible to evaluate and preserve the forests and pastures in Shkodra Lake Region. The forestation directorate represents an important stakeholder group with respect to defining priorities for project preparation, future prospective of the area as well as involving in project implementation. From 2005 there is established the administration of the Shkodra Lake Nature Park with 10 rangers. They work mostly for prevention of illegal fishing, but also in the territory control, which means the control of negative activities around the lake.

An important stakeholder is also the Regional Environmental Agency (REA) located in Shkodra city and covering the whole Prefecture territory. This is depended from Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration. REA is authorised to make environmental planning and recommendations regarding the environmental management issues. It has the right to control the environmental effects of the activities implemented in the lake area.

Water Basin of Drini – Buna Directorate is the main important body in the field of water resource management. This office represents the local authorities responsible for management of water reserves in the respective basins. The basin Council has a juridical status and is a subordinate of the technical secretariat of the National Council on Water (NCW). Composition, rights and duties of the basin Councils should be determined by the NCW.

Other local institutions and authorities dealing with environmental issues are:

- The Prefecture of Shkodra

- Council of Shkodra Region

- Municipality of Shkodra and Municipality of Koplik

- Communes around the lake

- Public Health Directorate for Shkodra and Malësia e Madhe

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a- Council of Territorial Regulation (CTR) of Shkodra Municipality and Shkodra Region

- Commission of Restitution and Compensation of Property (to the former owners)

These local level institutions are responsible for the design of local environmental action plans in accordance with national environmental strategies and technical assistance provided by the Ministries. The Council of Territorial Regulation of the Shkodra region has an important role since it functions on the basis of bilateral agreement on the delegation of the power of urban planning. The CTR assists the Municipality of Shkodra in the sustainable development of environmental plans. Municipalities and communes can influence licensing of all activities under their jurisdiction. In addition, despite the fact that lagoons and forests are not under communes and municipality administration, they are asked to exert their authority and influence for solving many problems or play an intermediary role with the communities living nearby.

Shkodra University represents an important actor for the monitoring activities. It is an important institution in respect of providing expertise in the monitoring field, as well as involving them in implementation of different projects. The Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of the Biology – Chemistry has established the scientific sector of Bio – Ecology which is dealing with research. This sector is regularly working on scientific researches and several papers regarding the flora and fauna of the lake has been presented. The Microbiological Laboratory, also established in the Faculty of Natural Sciences provides microbiological analyses including those of the Lake waters. The Faculty of Natural Sciences, the branch of Biology-Chemistry and that of Geography of the Shkodra University are main contributors through their studies and research in and around the lake.

2. Nature Protection - Current Legal FrameworkAlmost the whole environmental legislation of Albania dates after 1990, following the political, economic and social changes. Last 15 years the Albanian parlament has approved many laws dealing directly or indirectly with the nature protection as:

Law “On Fishing and Aquatic Life” (1995) Law “On Water Reserves” (1996) Law “On Environment Protection” (2002) Law “On Protected Areas” (2002) Law “On Protection of Marine Environment from Pollution and Damage” (2002) Law “On Protection of Transborder Lakes” (2003) Law “On Environmental Impact Assessment” (2003) Law “On Forests” (2005)

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a Law “On Biodiversity” (2006) Law “On Wild Fauna and Hunting” (2009) Law “On Hunting” (2010)

The Albanian government has proclaimed the Albanian part of Lake Shkodra a “Managed Natural Reserve” through the Council of Ministers’ decision, No. 684 dated 02.11.2005. The Albanian part of Shkodra Lake and Buna River wetland complex has been also approved as a Ramsar site in 2005 (included in the list of internationally important wetlands, especially as waterfowl habitat). The enforcement of the laws, regulations and implementation of these government decisions are still weak. An inter-ministerial and inter-sectoral cooperation is needed for the suitable management of Shkodra Lake at the actual situation.

In Albania, the legislation for nature protection and management is in the process of being harmonized with the EU environmental legislation. Actually in the MEFWA is present an action plan for the EU approximation of all the environmental legislation that has been approved by the government. Most of the efforts for preparing the laws have been assisted by international experts and most of them are based on European legislation. Albania has also ratified many of the most important environmental conventions in international scale.

Despite the good progress, the implementation of the laws is not at a high level. More institutional strengthening is needed and clarifications of competencies are recommended to avoid overlapping between institutions. A special issue is the Law on transboundary lakes. It is still not very clear the responsibility of different authorities in managing the transboundary lakes, concretely between the fishery, forestry (administrators of PA) and water management authorities.

The Ministry for Spatial Planning and Environment is the most important government institution and is responsible for the formulation and execution of the general environmental policy. Its responsibilities include nature protection, biodiversity and protected area management. As a part of environmental protection, the ministry deals same sectors .In addition to these, it has a regulatory and coordinating role in communal and housing issues, including waste and wastewater management; highly relevant for the protection of the lake.

The Institute for Nature Protection and the Natural History Museum have the responsibilities to record, protect and conserve protected objects, animals and plant species such as historical monuments, nature reserves, endangered species of plants and animals. It is also responsible for the implementation of nature protection policies and advising on future plans and programmes related to the preservation of protected objects and species.

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o The Center for Ecotoxicological Research (CETI) and the Hydrometeorological Institute (HMI) monitor the quality of the water, air, rain and soil, as part of their regular activities or upon the request of the MEPPP. Both the HMI and CETI have their electronic databases consisting of time series with water quality data. The CETI database, available from 1997 onwards, contains (among others) a large number of water quality measurements.

Presently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Montenegro is in the process of establishment, and it is expected to become operational during 2007. The EPA mandate will include:

• Environmental permitting and EIA, SEA and IPPC procedures;• Inspection and enforcement of activities under environmental legislation;• Collecting and processing environmental monitoring data delivered by authorized institutions,

establishing environmental databases, and organizing dissemination of information and public access to it;

• Reporting related to the EU environmental acquis, national requirements in environmental law, and environmental agreements; and

• Publishing State of Environment reports after governmental approval and communicating all relevant environmental information to interested stakeholders, including relevant international organizations.

Activities to be carried out in Montenegro under the Montenegro/Albania Lake Shkodra/Skadar Integrated Ecosystem Management Project and the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan will have to conform to current laws in Montenegro and will be in compliance with relevant environmental laws, including the following:

• Law on National Parks (Official Gazette of the M, No.56/09)• Environmental Law (Official Gazette of the M, No. 48/08)• Environmental Impact Assessment Decree (Official Gazette of the RM, No. 14/97)• Law on Nature Protection (Official Gazette of the M, No. 51/08)• Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (Official Gazette of the RM, No. 80/05)• Law on Strategic Impact Assessment (Official Gazette of the RM, No.80/05)• Law on Integrated Prevention and Pollution Control (Official Gazette of the RM, No.80/05).

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V. EDUCATION & AWARENESS

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QUESTIONS

IF yES PROVIDE SHORT INFORMATION

INDICATORS:

A – yES; B – NO; C – PARTLy;

Has your country provided support to, or participated in the development of regional wetland training and research centers? B

Has an assessment of national and local training needs for the implementation of the international Convention, including in the use of the Wise Use Handbooks, been made?

B

Have opportunities for wetland site manager training in the country been provided? C

There is not made any detailed assessment of the training needs but in general the experience and the contact shows clear needs for all the basic trainings and the information on the elaborated tools from the international organization including the Ramsar Convention. The thematic should include modules for the management of the nature resources inside a protected areas and/or Ramsar site, regional cooperation and similar positive examples, fishery activity management, nature protection and sustainable tourism development, etc. The main target groups are the staff of the Nature Park, fishing organization, local staff, etc.

QUESTIONS

IF yES PROVIDE SHORT INFORMATION

INDICATORS:

A – yES; B – NO; C – PARTLy;

Has your country provided support to, or participated in,the development of regional wetland training and research centres?

C – Partly;

Has an assessment of national and local training needsfor the implementation of the international Convention, including in the use of the Wise Use Handbooks, been made? C – Partly;

Have opportunities for wetland site manager training inthe country been provided?

C – Partly;

VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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a The institutional structures established or rearranged in the last period are partially not yet fully settled and the inter-institutional relations and responsibilities are still developing. This situation has its impact on the environmental state, because of the lack of an appropriate conservation and management of the lake related to the weakness of institutional and legislative framework. There is a weak communication between different state structures and institutions for their common fields of activity. There is a kind of overlapping for some issues dealing with environment, tourism, land use and territorial planning between the respective ministries.

The influence of local government (municipalities and communes) is not in a proper level as regards to the environmental issues. (e.g.-The existing Law on Organization and Functioning of Local Government in Albania reserves extensive rights to the local level, but the real decentralization is not in the due level yet.)

The low level of implementation of the existing nature conservation laws or bylaws remains an issue of important concern.

Information, proposals and declarations of different NGOs that operate in the region and hold and transmit public opinion have been often neglected by different state structures, although there is a slight improvement in this aspect in the last few years.

On the elaborated Strategic documents for the Lake Shkodra the following approaches or policies for the conservation and management are recognized:

Institutional development and coordination:

Assist the institutions involved in policy making, planning and managing development of the lake basin to develop their capacity and capability and systems for integrated and participatory management.

Nature development:

Promote a coherent set of protected areas, well managed.

Legal framework:

Establish an appropriate legislative framework for integrated and participatory management, which promotes self-reliance, co-management and enforcement to the greatest feasible extent.

Education and awareness raising:

Raise awareness of institutions and communities for sustainable use of natural resources.

Information and knowledge development:

Support applied research and appropriate technology application. Improve information collection, storage, dissemination and accessibility.

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o Livelihood support:

Assist in poverty alleviation in the lakeshore zone through supporting sustainable livelihoods development.

Investment support:

Promote local and external investment in lakeshore areas for a sustainable economic and ecological development. Recognize the role and encourage involvement of private sector in all aspects of lake shore and basin management.

Key challenges

Inadequate basin approach Non completed legal and institutional framework Lack of horizontal and vertical cooperation Lack of transboundary cooperation in the sector of water management between Montenegro and

Republic of Albania Inadequate monitoring system Lack of scientific researches Pollution from different sources in the basin Over-development of certain areas of Shkodra/Skadar Lake region/basin Protection vs. development

Achievements

New legal and institutional system in water management sector Establishment of cooperation between Montenegro and Republic of Albania, after half century of

absence of joint discussions and communication at all levels Significant interest of foreign organizations/institutions, as catalysers for improvement of

cooperation at national and transboundary level Implementation of EU standards and good practices Protection of Albanian part of Shkodra/Skadar Lake and Bojana/Buna River Legal base for establishment of transboundary structures (e.g. Shkodra/Skadar Lake Commission)

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o Recommendations for priority actions

1. Integrated basin approach development-through implementation of new standards and measures, based on new Law on Waters, including clear environmental protection goals (establishment of inter-sectoral structures at state level)

2. Strengthening of human capacities in sector of water management 3. Further development on legal framework, according with relevant laws4. Coordination between transboundary structures for cooperation and management in Shkodra/

Skadar basin, between Montenegro and Republic of Albania, to avoid overlapping of activities and strategic directions,

5. Innovative planning documentation for Shkodra/Skadar Lake basin-new spatial plan development, with wider approach (not just to be related to protected areas), with proper zoning system, as a precognition for sustainable development,

6. Resolving of pollution problems (industry-waste-agriculture/farming)7. Implementation of environmental protection tools for better water management, through applying

of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Impact Assessment (SEA)8. Strengthening of management instruments in water management sector-development of system

of fees and taxes and practical implementation of “user pays-polluter pays” principle9. Establishment of monitoring system, in accordance with EU standards and Water Framework

Directive parameters10. Decentralization of responsibilities in water management sector (state level-local level-water

users)

References:

• ANONIMOUS (2006): Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) – Albania, Lake Shkodra-River Buna-Velipoja Coast. 1-21. http://www.wetlands.org/reports/ris/3AL003_RISen06.pdf

• ANONIMOUS (2007): Lake Skadar/Shkodra Integrated Ecosystem Management Project. The Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for Skadar / Shkodra Lake Albania & Montenegro. By: APAWA, CETI, SNV Montenegro. MoTE, MEFWA, GEF & World Bank (WB) (Eds.) 1-82. http://www.gom.cg.yu/files/1178286453.pdf

• BEJKO.D (2006): WWD ceremonies for the designation of Lake Shkodra. RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands. World Wetlands Day 2006 in Albania http://www.ramsar.org/wwd/6/wwd2006_rpts_albania01.htm

• EEA/OPOCE (Ed.) (2007): Europe’s environment — the fourth assessment. EEA (European Environment Agency) & OPOCE (Office for Official Publications of the European Communities)

• GANOULIS J. (2008): A Risk-based Integrated Approach for Managing Transboundary Groundwater Resources. Darnault C.J.G. (ed.), Overexploitation and Contamination of Shared Groundwater Resources. Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 355-375

• EC FISH DIRECTIVE 44 (2006): Directive 2006/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 September 2006 on the quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life. Official Journal of the European Union. 264/20—264/31 (http://rod.eionet.europa.eu/show.jsv?id=626&mode=S

• DEBARRy A. P. (2004): Watersheds: Processes, Assessment and Management. John Wiley & Sons.): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drainage_basin

• CEED (Ed.) (2006): Social Assessment for Shkodra/Skadar Lake in Montenegro Podgorica: 1-36• MIHO A., ÇULLAJ A., LAZO V., HASKO A., KUPE L., SCHANZ F., BRANDL H., BACHOFEN R. (2006): Assessment

of water quality of some Albanian rivers using diatom-based monitoring. Albanian Journal of Natural and Technical Sciences (AJNTS) (Academy of Sciences, Tirana, Albania) Nr: 19/20: 94-105 (http://www.academyofsciences.net/publications/)

• ROyAL HASKONING (2006): Lake Shkoder Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis Albania & Montenegro. GEF/World Bank, LSIEMP. Shkoder: 7 – 154.

• TROENDLE C. A., 2002: Albanian Watershed Assessment. MATCOM Corporation. Fort Collins, Colorado. USA, 1-68 http://www.fs.fed.us/institute/albania/albania_watershed_assess.pdf

• Transboundary Diagnosis Analysis (Royal Haskoning, 2006)• Joint Strategic Action Plan for Skadar Shkodra Lake (Center for ecotoxicological researches of Montenegro and

Association for Protection of Aquatic Wildlife of Albania, 2007),• Social Assessment for Skadar/Shkodra Lake in Montenegro (Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic

Development of Montenegro, 2006)• National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Montenegro (2007) • Spatial plan of Montenegro until 2020 (2008)• Transboundary Development Concept (GTZ, 2008)• Law on Waters and sub-legal acts (2007 and 2008)• Bilateral memorandums and agreements between Montenegro and Republic of Albania (2003, 2008)• Law of Nature Protection (2008)• Law on Environment (2008)• Drin River Basin IWRM Assessment (2008)

About the Ramsar ConventionThe Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) -- called the “Ramsar Convention” -- is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the “wise use”, or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories. Unlike the other global environmental conventions, Ramsar is not affiliated with the United Nations system of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, but it works very closely with the other MEAs and is a full partner among the “biodiversity-related cluster” of treaties and agreements.

About RECThe Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC), Albania is an Al-banian legal entity, registered under the NPO Law (2001). It is part the REC network, which is a non-partisan, non-advocacy, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to assist in solving environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The center fulfils this mission by promoting cooperation among non-governmental organizations, governments, busi-nesses and other environmental stakeholders, and by supporting the free exchange of informa-tion and public participation in environmental decision-making.

The REC network was established in 1990 by the United States, the European Commission and Hungary. Today, the REC is legally based on a charter signed by the governments of 28 coun-tries and the European Commission, and on an international agreement with the government of Hungary. The REC has its head office in Szentendre, Hungary, and country offices and field of-fices in 17 beneficiary countries which are:

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Kosovo/a, the FyR of Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slo-vakia, Slovenia and Turkey.

REC Albania has been established in 1993. REC Albania works to fulfill the REC mission sup-porting the NGOs, environmental institutions in all levels (national, regional and local) and differ-ent stakeholders in environmental field, and supporting participatory processes and exchange of information. The multi-disciplinary activities of REC Albania comprise all aspects of technical support and assistance including: Public Awareness, Involvement and Participation; NGO As-sistance and Support; Local Environmental Action Plans; Environmental Education and Informa-tion; Capacity Building Program; Local Initiatives, etc.