On World Environment Day, Lake Shkodra was declared by UNESCO as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.
In 36 months, three application files have been prepared for UNESCO, two national and one transboundary, requesting Biosphere Reserve status for the oldest lake in the world.
The Balkans and its aquatic ecosystems. The Skadar Lake Basin includes the lake itself, its outlet through the Buna River, the Cem and Kir rivers with their tributaries, and the confluence of the Drin and Buna. Together, these waterways create a unique and dynamic landscape that embodies the history of the people and the land, reflecting the deep interdependence of humanity and nature.
Almost a century ago, the calm waters of Lake Shkodra were filled with countless boats. Fishing, transportation, travel, and communication between villages like Shiroka, Zogaj, Kraja, Ljarja, and Shestani all relied on these vessels.
Most of the boats were built by the inhabitants themselves and a century later, when the memory of wooden boats has faded, an EU-funded project is bringing it back to life, trying to revalue the waters and lands, the rich underwater and above-water biosphere, as well as the traditions, crafts, culture, festivals, rituals, customs and heritage that define the entire Skadar Lake catchment area. The area has now been declared a transboundary biosphere reserve by UNESCO, under the “Man and the Biosphere” Programme.
