The project to designate Shkodër Lake as a UNESCO transboundary biosphere region is complete.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared the news today. He noted that the lake recently celebrated its anniversary as a protected area.

Rama called it an important step. The Ministry of Environment finalized the UNESCO application. This move aims to include Shkodër Lake in the “Man and the Biosphere” program and add another Albanian jewel to the world heritage list.

UNESCO recognition highlights Albania’s environmental diplomacy. It also encourages sustainable development in local communities. The project fosters cooperation in managing shared ecosystems.

The initiative will create new opportunities for local communities. It aligns with UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program and supports sustainable development.

Shkodër Lake is the largest in the Balkans. It lies on the border between Albania and Montenegro. The lake is a major tourist destination in the region.

It also ranks among Europe’s richest areas in biodiversity. It hosts a wide variety of fish and waterbird species. In the 2025 International Waterbird Census, Shkodër Lake ranked second with 23,899 individuals counted.

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