Lake Shkodra declared U's wealth NESTO

The decision was adopted after Albania's application submitted in December 2025, under its efforts to ensure its special ecological recognition and importance, natural habitat wealth and the role it plays in maintaining environmental balance in the region.

The Shkodra Lake is divided between Albania and Montenegro and is known as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in Southeast Europe.

It houses hundreds of species of birds, fish, and other wildlife species, some of which are rare or endangered, writes Euronewsal.

The announcement as the Biosphere Reserve aims to promote the long-term protection of the lake's ecosystem, while simultaneously promoting sustainable economic development, natural tourism and cross-border co-operation between Albania and Montenegro.