In the framework of World Environment Day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - UNESCO has officially declared Lake Shkodra as one of the 14 new biosphere reserves in the world for 2026. With this decision, Lake Shkodra becomes part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which already counts 797 protected areas in 145 countries around the world.
UNESCO considers 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 importance for the region's ecosystem.
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 contradictory 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 Balkans' most important natural assets.
Lake Skadar was one of 14 new areas declared 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 in a post on social media that this is an international appreciation for one of the greatest natural assets that Albania has.
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"Good morning with great news for Shkodra and our Lake! Lake Shkodra has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an international recognition 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 extraordinary potential that this territory holds for tourism, the local economy, regional development and increased well-being. Lake Shkodra is not just a natural asset. It is identity, history and one of Shkodra's most precious assets," 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 dossier of which was submitted in September last year, while many years of work have been done in this direction.
Lake Skadar is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula. It lies on the border between Albania and Montenegro, with most of its surface area in Montenegrin territory.
