The process of declaring Lake Shkodër a cross-border UNESCO biosphere reserve is now entering its final stage. Albania and Montenegro are preparing a joint nomination dossier.

Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro shared the update during a meeting at “inNature,” the National Agency of Protected Areas’ cube at the Pyramid in Tirana.

“We met again with good news, this time to follow the progress of declaring Lake Shkodër a cross-border UNESCO biosphere reserve. The project has now entered its final phase as we prepare the shared nomination dossier,” said Kumbaro.

She emphasized that including Lake Shkodër in UNESCO, alongside the Vjosa River, which is also awaiting approval under the “Man and the Biosphere” program, strengthens Albania’s environmental diplomacy. According to her, these recognitions support sustainable local development and foster cooperation in ecosystem management.

The initiative aims to deliver long-term benefits for local communities. It promotes sustainable development aligned with UNESCO’s values and creates new opportunities through environmental collaboration.

If approved, Lake Shkodër will gain higher standards of protection and better cooperation between Albania and Montenegro.

As the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Shkodër lies along the border between the two countries. It is also a major regional tourism destination and one of Europe’s richest areas for biodiversity. According to the 2025 International Waterbird Census, the lake ranked second in species count, with 23,899 individual birds recorded.

/a.p./