Lake Shkodër and the Buna River are set to join UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a “Biosphere Reserve.” This initiative, driven by environmental organizations and local stakeholders from both Albania and Montenegro, aims to preserve and sustainably manage these vital cross-border ecosystems.

Aurora Piroviq, director of one of the environmental organizations in Shkodër involved in the project, shared that efforts are underway to prepare the necessary documentation for the UNESCO application.

“This project began years ago, involving organizations such as EIDEN in Tirana and ENPRO in Montenegro, alongside other local organizations and institutions from both countries. We are now working on the dossier to have Lake Shkodër and the Buna River declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO,” said Aurora Piroviq, biologist and environmental activist.

In addition to being a significant international recognition, the project seeks to positively impact local communities by fostering new opportunities for sustainable development in alignment with UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program. Should it gain UNESCO protection, Lake Shkodër and the Buna River will benefit from higher management standards and strengthened cooperation between the two nations.

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