Skadar/Shkodra Lake Activities Studies When the project started there was little information regarding the lake. The data that existed was not accessible and poorly compiled. This problem was pointed out both in Albania and the Republic of Montenegro. Several studies addressed this problem within the project . Bibliography on Shkoder Lake (2001) Available online (PDF, 736 KBytes) In order to address the lack of information, and poor accessibility of what does exist, a team of environmental experts from both countries gathered 1,196 bibliographic items about Shkoder Lake — including materials from both Montenegro and Albania — and divided them into 17 sections: Algology, fungi, vascular plants, invertebrates, ichthyology, herpetology, ornithology, mammals, microbiology, chemistry of waters, meteorology, pedology, geology and hydrogeology, cultural and historical monuments, and a general bibliography. Information was also collected on regulations, management plans and more. For the first time, references to Shkoder Lake were compiled in one place and distributed to all relevant institutions from both countries (national parks, regional environmental authorities, environmental ministries, the Republic Institute for Nature Protection, and so on). Report on risks and potentials (2001) The key objective of the report was to identify the potential of Shkoder Lake, which should serve as a starting point for the preparation of sustainable development strategy for the region. Besides the discussion of potential from different points of view, the report gives an overview of the risks and conflicts that threaten Shkoder Lake. Risks and potential are discussed under the following sections: biodiversity (flora and fauna), water (chemistry and hydrology), geography, culture, historic monuments and the economy. Biodiversity database (2002) Available online (PDF, 214 KBytes) A team of experts composed of Albanians and Montenegrins prepared a biodiversity database containing a joint list of flora and fauna from the region, together with their conservation status. The database is recognised as a very important document for both Montenegro and Albania, as it collects the most important biodiversity data regarding a shared natural resource in one place. The compilation of this joint list allows new species to be included on national red lists, which will be of great importance in the preparation of a joint management plan for the lake. New species will be included on the national lists of Serbia and Montenegro and Albania according to international criteria for threatened and endangered species. Study on roles and responsibilities of Shkoder Lake stakeholders (2003) Because there is no clear picture about institutions and organisations in charge of the lake’s management, use and protection in either country, it was agreed to prepare a study that would clearly define roles and responsibilities of all involved parties. The study is ongoing. Studies will cover both Albania and Montenegro, and they will be published and distributed to local stakeholders and posted on the REC's website. The expert teams from both countries agreed on a format and content for each study, which eventually led to the development of a common approach and methodology for research, data collection and compilation.

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