... provide drinking water to one in three of the world s 100 largest cities;

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Annice Magdalen Hodges
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Protected areas provide a wide range of social, environmental and economic benefits to people and communities worldwide.

1 There are approximately 200,000 protected areas in the world, which cover around 14.6% of the world s land and around 2.8% of the oceans. Protected areas (PA) can take on many different forms, such as national parks, wilderness areas, community conserved areas, nature reserves and privately owned reserves. Protected areas provide a wide range of social, environmental and economic benefits to people and communities worldwide. Clean water, clean air, access to food sources, buffers of weather events, cultural and spiritual values, and raw materials for consumers, are some of the ecosystem services that ensure the well-being of humanity, especially the poor who most directly rely on them. More than instruments for conserving nature, protected areas are vital to respond to some of today s most pressing challenges, including food and water security, human health and well-being, disaster risk reduction and climate change. Fishing at Lake Skadar IUCN/Boris Erg Grazing in Shebenik Jabllanicë IUCN/Tomasz Pezold... provide drinking water to one in three of the world s 100 largest cities;... store the same amount of carbon as the tropical rainforests;... keep us healthy by being the source of clean air and water, as well as new medicines;... help reduce the risks and consequences of extreme events such as floods, storm-surges, drought and sea-level rise;... enhance food security by boosting fisheries and preserving wild relatives of crops; and... provide homes, jobs and livelihoods to millions of people around the world.

It is a home for six endemic plants, among them Astragalus autroni, an endemic specie found only in Tomorri Mountain. Mountain s breathtaking landscapes are a great inspiration for the artists.

2 Berat Tomorri National Park consists of a mountain terrain rich in ground and underground waters. One can find there tree species like Fir (Abies), Black Pine (Pinus nigra), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Oak (Quercus cerris), and hazelnut plantations. It is a home for six endemic plants, among them Astragalus autroni, an endemic specie found only in Tomorri Mountain. Mountain s breathtaking landscapes are a great inspiration for the artists. The Osumi Canyons, the so called Colorado of Albania, are located in the Tomorri National Park. The canyons are 13 km long, 4 to 35 meters wide and 70 to 80 meters deep, with vertical slopes at the foot of the lively Osumi river run. The local communities of protected areas in the Berat region have a tradition for livestock grazing, as well as for the production of the tomato of Tomorri, onions of Lybesha and honey. In addition to scientific and economic values, the park is of high importance for the aesthetic, recreational, cultural and touristic development of the region. Carst effect on Tomori mountain SBI experts

The Protected Areas of Dibra region are known for their remarkable natural values but also for their unique cultural values, history, traditional costumes, characteristic houses, traditions and

3 Dibra Korab Koritnik Natural Park stretches in two regions: Kukes and Diber and has a size of 55,550 hectares. Some of the nature monuments it offers to the park visitors are Grama Mirrors, Vlesha Cold Water, Buroviku i Begjunecit, Bellov Cave, Bellova Natural Water Springs, Pocesti Waterfall, Guri i Kërcinit. The Protected Areas of Dibra region are known for their remarkable natural values but also for their unique cultural values, history, traditional costumes, characteristic houses, traditions and customs which are preserved and transmitted even today through local celebrations, dances, wedding songs, rites and popular games. The shearing feast is organized at the Korab-Koritnik Protected Area (Kalaja e Dodës ) as well as the Saint George day, Vintage Fair is held in Peshkopi every October, and so on. The region is known for fruit trees and agro-dairy products and the production of apples, walnuts, chestnuts, plums, pears, potatoes and for raising Rude sheep (Kalaja e Dodës ). All these represent special values of the region of great attraction for tourists and visitors. View of Korab-Koritnik RAPA Dibër

mainly of pine forests. The renown Source of the Queen Mother is located within the park.

4 Durrës The most important protected areas in Durrës region are the Qafështama National Park and Rushkulli Managed Nature Reserve. The National Park of Qafështama resides in the edge mountains over Qafështama pass, about 25 kilometers east of Kruja, with a beautiful mountain scenery, some small lakes and major sources consisting mainly of pine forests. The renown Source of the Queen Mother is located within the park. The Durrës region is also rich in nature monuments including Cape Rodonit (surrounded by rocky formations 25 m high, featuring a Scanderbeg castle and a church); Arramerasit Planes in Fushe Krujë (a group of plane trees over 20 m high and with a trunk diameter between 1 and 1,3 m); Gorge of Vaja or Vaja Rock in Kruja (formed by the Droja River erosion over the limestone rocks million years ago). The legend says that after the invasion of Kruja in 1478, ninety local women and girls jumped from the rock 200 meters high, holding hands, to avoid being imprisoned by the Turks. The mourning of the local community for those brave women named the rock Shkëmbi i Vajit (Mourning Rock). Kallmi beach RAPA Durrës

Elbasan Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park is known as one of the largest and most beautiful parks that has a very rich inventory of both flora and fauna, as well as more than one thousands water

In Fushë-Studë there is a very picturesque lake where the surroundings resemble a beautiful spring balcony offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Lake.

5 Elbasan Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park is known as one of the largest and most beautiful parks that has a very rich inventory of both flora and fauna, as well as more than one thousands water springs. One of the oldest mosques of the area is found in the Zgosht village. In Fushë-Studë there is a very picturesque lake where the surroundings resemble a beautiful spring balcony offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Lake. The Ice Cave and the Eremite Cave are found in the park, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century of the Byzantine rule. The park is characterized by several thousand hectares of grassland and a variety of flowers ranging from the most beautiful and least frequent Narcisium poeticum to Albanicum Lilium. Within the park there are over 14 small glacial lakes of great beauty and three rivers, with a total length of 22 km. Some of the rare species that inhabit the area are Marten, Wild Boar, Roe Deer, Chamois, Lynx, Grouse, Golden Eagle, Trout, Otter, etc. View of Shebenik Jabllanicë RAPA Elbasan

Divjaka beach is a strip of about 15 kilometres of white sand that borders with a pine forest - a destination for thousands of tourists and visitors.

6 Fier Divjaka-Karavasta National Park is home to Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) and to more than 200 other wild birds. At the Karavasta oasis one can find the 410 years old Wild Pine, a designated Nature Monument. Divjaka beach is a strip of about 15 kilometres of white sand that borders with a pine forest - a destination for thousands of tourists and visitors. Divjaka-Karavasta National Park offers a great variety of natural, religious, historic and archeological attractions, including a Byzantine Church from XVIII century in New Karavasta village, Ardenica Monastery from XVIII-XIV century near Kolonja village, Lemon hill (Ancient City of Anisas) which have archaeological values and the Boshtova castle - the only castle in Albania built in the lowlands. The pelican island in Karavasta lagoon A. Fezollari

Gjirokastra Hotovë - Dangëlli National Park is characterized by a colourful biodiversity where the greatness of nature meets the rich variety of ecosystems.

orientalis), Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris), Hungarian Oak (Quercus frainetto), etc.

7 Gjirokastra Hotovë - Dangëlli National Park is characterized by a colourful biodiversity where the greatness of nature meets the rich variety of ecosystems. The forestry habitat is composed of large areas covered by the Macedonian Fir (Abies borisii-regis) and other kinds of endemic species like Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum), Oriental Hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris), Hungarian Oak (Quercus frainetto), etc. The Park hosts a variety of bushes such as Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo), Common Juniper (Juniperus communis), Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), etc. which in combination with high forests form a rich habitat for Grey Bear, Roe deer, Wild Boar. Hotovë Dangëlli National Park offers to its visitors the sights of picturesque canyons of Langarica, Kamencka and Borocka, the ancient bridges of Katiu and Dashi and the mysterious caves. In the park, one can find the thermal healing waters of Bënja. One should not leave this park without tasting the traditional cuisine and the raki of Përmet. Katiu bridge, Bënjë N. Giglio

Korça Liqeni i Prespës së madhe RAPA Korçë Shared between Macedonia, Albania and Greece, the lakes of Prespa, Small Prespa and Ohrid are beautiful territories with clean and healthy environment, rich

The surrounding mountains, reaching the altitude of 2200 m are covered by different vegetation zones varying from Oak, to Greek Juniper to Beach forests up to subalpine meadows and White-bark pine.

8 Korça Liqeni i Prespës së madhe RAPA Korçë Shared between Macedonia, Albania and Greece, the lakes of Prespa, Small Prespa and Ohrid are beautiful territories with clean and healthy environment, rich in cultural and traditional diversity. The surrounding mountains, reaching the altitude of 2200 m are covered by different vegetation zones varying from Oak, to Greek Juniper to Beach forests up to subalpine meadows and White-bark pine. The combination of diverse types of habitats ensures the presence of various animal species. The lakes play a particular role for migratory water birds, and are crucial for the prosperity and health of its inhabitants. The variety of local pastoral and agricultural products witnesses the long history of human presence with its cultural heritage, traditions and the balanced use of resources. The visitors of this region can enjoy the typical relaxing summer holidays, or go for hiking, cycling, swimming, paragliding, food and drink tasting, visiting cultural sites and joining traditional festivals. Ohrid-Prespa Watershed is designated as UNESCO Trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve.

Bardhë River and 53 nature monuments. The National Park of Valbona Valley, with a size of 8000 hectares, is one of the pearls of the Albanian Alps.

9 Kukës Protected Areas of Kukës region occupy about 22.3% of its total size. It includes the Gashi River, a strict nature reserve (proposed to be included on the World Heritage List), National Park of Valbona Valley, Natural Park of Korab-Koritnik, Protected Area of Drini i Bardhë River and 53 nature monuments. The National Park of Valbona Valley, with a size of 8000 hectares, is one of the pearls of the Albanian Alps. It is the most visited park in Albania, hosting both national and international visitors. Korab-Koritnik Natural Park stretches in two regions: Kukes and Diber and has a size of 55,550.2 hectares. Protected areas of the region are distinguished not only for their outstanding natural values but also for their unique cultural and traditional values. The Chestnut festival is becoming a tradition in Tropoja, but the area is also renowned for the special potato variety and local sheep and goat breeds (rude sheep, Hasi goat). Crocus scardicus on Korab-Koritnik RAPA Kukës

Lezha The most important protected area in Lezha region is the Managed Natura Reserve of Kune-Vain, composed of a lagoon system of Kune and Vain, connected by the Drin River so that various habitats

The wetland of Kune-Vain is characterized by the presence of sea waters, lagoons and marshes, as well as freshwater (rivers and draining ditches) which enable the presence of various types of fish

10 Lezha The most important protected area in Lezha region is the Managed Natura Reserve of Kune-Vain, composed of a lagoon system of Kune and Vain, connected by the Drin River so that various habitats are integrated in one sole ecosystem. It is a home to endangered wildlife such as Cormorants (Phalacrocorax Pygmeus) and Otter (Lutra lutra). The wetland of Kune-Vain is characterized by the presence of sea waters, lagoons and marshes, as well as freshwater (rivers and draining ditches) which enable the presence of various types of fish with high economic values. Similarly important is the Patoku lagoon located further south in the Drini bay. Other important natural areas worth visiting in Lezha include the Small Suka cave (a 40 meters long karst cave), Shkopeti gorge (a 60 meters long gorge carved by the Mati River) and Rana e Hedhun, a sand dune created by the wind on a seashore, about 600 meters long and 100 meters wide). Fishing nets in Kune Vain lagoon /C. Carugati

Shkodra View of Lake Skadar SBI/M. De Sanctis Skadar Lake, with a total size of 368 square kilometers (149 km in Albania), is the biggest lake in the Balkan Peninsula.

It is one of the most important wetlands in Europe for wintering of Waterfowl, with a known capacity of about quarter million individuals and 283 type of identified birds, 168 out of which belong to

11 Shkodra View of Lake Skadar SBI/M. De Sanctis Skadar Lake, with a total size of 368 square kilometers (149 km in Albania), is the biggest lake in the Balkan Peninsula. Rich with underwater flora (abondance of macrophyte species), Lake Skadar counts more than 238 types of water plants. It is one of the most important wetlands in Europe for wintering of Waterfowl, with a known capacity of about quarter million individuals and 283 type of identified birds, 168 out of which belong to water habitats. The globally endangered Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) resides and nests at Skadar Lake. Skadar Lake, where mountainous terrain harmonizes with the lowlands and water, invites the visitors to experience tourist places like Shiroke and Zogaj, and the picturesque spots of Bregu i Ranes, Bishtiqendia, Stërbeqi, Grili, Shegani, etc. This is where the visitors can go fishing, enjoy water sports (canoeing, sailing), boat tours, biking and so on. They can also visit Taraboshi Mountain and the forests and hills from Buna River to Hani i Hotit.

Tirana View form the Dajti mountain IUCN/A. Nikodinovic Located 25 km from the capital, National Park of Dajti Mountain is one of the most attractive and most visited parks in Albania.

Dominant peaks and the balconies, which stand on steep cliffs, add great value to the natural beauty of the park with more than 26 tree species and different types of wildlife.

12 Tirana View form the Dajti mountain IUCN/A. Nikodinovic Located 25 km from the capital, National Park of Dajti Mountain is one of the most attractive and most visited parks in Albania. It is the first National Park established in Albania in Dominant peaks and the balconies, which stand on steep cliffs, add great value to the natural beauty of the park with more than 26 tree species and different types of wildlife. Dajti Park is used for walking, hiking, horse riding and other sport activities, which make it very attractive for young people. The Park offers agro-dairy products, traditional cuisine mainly meat based, while the visitors of all ages are attracted by the castle of Dajti, a first category monument revealed in Within the park there is the Bovilla reservoir that provides drinking water to the capital.

Vlora Llogara National Park serves as a bridge to the Ionian shores, with a specific climate where the fresh mountain air mixes with the sea breeze.

It is a Black Pine (Pinus nigra) that is more than a hundred years old, 20 meters high and with a log diameter of 75 cm.

13 Vlora Llogara National Park serves as a bridge to the Ionian shores, with a specific climate where the fresh mountain air mixes with the sea breeze. The park is dominated by a wide variety of habitats including natural or semi-natural, artificial or man-made ones. The Flag Pine is a Nature Monument, found some 910 meters above sea level. It is a Black Pine (Pinus nigra) that is more than a hundred years old, 20 meters high and with a log diameter of 75 cm. It has taken the shape of the flag as a result of strong winds from the southeast. Llogara National Park represents a great example of the co-existence of the inhabitants with nature, where socio-economic interests very often go hand in hand with nature protection. In the vicinity of Llogara National Park there are two centers, Dukat Fushe and Dukat Fshat where local community dedicates to agriculture and livestock breeding, growing fruit trees and maintaining vineyards. Flag pine, LLogora RAPA Vlorë

14 a promoter of park values IRF Elfi M. Jugend Park Rangers, Portugal a guardian of park s wildlife a custodian of the visitor safety S Koening Archiv NP IRF a champion of good relationships with local communities a professional guide through the park IRF an educator on biodiversity importance

31 July World Ranger Day Protected areas give us water, food, medicine and clean air, and help reduce risks and consequences of floods and storms, while providing homes and jobs to people.

Many of them risk their lives to protect our planet s most precious natural areas.

15 31 July World Ranger Day Protected areas give us water, food, medicine and clean air, and help reduce risks and consequences of floods and storms, while providing homes and jobs to people. Worldwide, protected areas are all managed by skilled rangers from Indigenous Peoples, local communities, private organisations, as well as those working in conservation agencies. Many of them risk their lives to protect our planet s most precious natural areas. They are nature defenders, and thanks to them the global community can continue its efforts to conserve the species and ecosystems that sustain us all. In Albania, in 2015 National Agency for Protected Areas was recognized as a unique responsible body dedicated to Protected Areas and in each region its staff is building up its capacities and performing rangers duties. The main responsibility of a park ranger is protecting and supervising designated outdoor areas. Rangers patrol the protected areas making sure no illegal activities are happening. They might be called on to conduct search-and-rescue missions and to help fight fires. Park rangers, through interpretation, help visitors understand nature and learn about the park s features and importance. They might be responsible for giving guided tours or presentations of the park. Some of them work in the visitor centers, providing guests with maps and areas of interest and informing which areas are off-limits. Torre Drin, 5 floor Bavarian Forest Ranger Service

Caring for our Lake our Future

Caring for our Lake our Future The Management Plan for Lake Shkodra Nature Park A Summary Photo Tonin Macaj This brochure is partly funded by the European Union Lake Shkodra: plentiful nature, long human