In the framework of the World Environment Day, the International Organization for Education, Science and Culture of the United Nations – UNESCO has officially announced Lake Shkodra as one of the 14 new biosphere reserves in the world for 2026. With this decision, Lake Shkodra becomes part of the World Network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, which already counts 797 protected areas in 145 countries. of the world.
UNESCO values biosphere reserves as territories of exceptional ecological value, where nature conservation goes hand in hand with sustainable development and the well-being of local communities. The selection of Lake Shkodra is considered an international recognition for its natural wealth, unique biodiversity and the importance it has for the ecosystem of the region.
UNESCO Director General Khaled El-Enany is quoted as saying that biosphere reserves prove every day that protecting nature and improving people’s lives are not mutually exclusive goals.
For Shkodra, this new status is expected to bring more international attention, opportunities for the development of sustainable tourism, environmental projects and the promotion of one of the most important natural assets of the Balkans.
Lake Shkodra was one of 14 new areas announced this year by UNESCO, alongside new reserves in countries such as Canada, Portugal, Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
The Mayor of Shkodra, Benet Beci, wrote through a post on social networks that this is an international assessment for one of the greatest natural assets that Albania has.
“Good morning with great news for Shkodra and our Lake! Shkodra Lake has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an international award for one of the greatest natural assets we have. This is a moment of pride for Shkodra, for the communities living near the lake and for the tremendous potential that this territory carries for tourism, the local economy, the development of the region and the increase of well-being. Lake Shkodra is not only an asset It is identity, history and one of the most precious assets of Shkodra”, wrote Beci.
The inclusion of Lake Shkodra in this international network is an important assessment of the natural wealth, biodiversity and ecological importance that this ecosystem has for Albania and the region, the file of which was submitted in September of last year, while many years of work have been done in this direction.
Lake Shkodra is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula. It lies on the border between Albania and Montenegro, with most of its surface in Montenegrin territory.
