BIODIVERSITY OF BUTRINT NATIONAL PARK, UNESCO AND RAMSAR SITE: ITS STATUS, THREATS AND PRIORITY NEEDS FOR CONSERVATION

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1 BIODIVERSITY OF BUTRINT NATIONAL PARK, UNESCO AND RAMSAR SITE: ITS STATUS, THREATS AND PRIORITY NEEDS FOR CONSERVATION Ferdinand Bego 1 *, Jamarber Malltezi 2, Raimond Kola 3, Albana Zotaj 4, Taulant Bino 5 1. University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana, Albania. 2. Agricultural University of Tirana, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Tirana, Albania. 3. Butrint National Park, Saranda, Albania. 4. National Planning Agency, Tirana, Albania 5. Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration, Albania ferdibego@gmail.com Abstract This paper provides an assessment of the current status of biodiversity in Butrint National Park (BNP)- UNESCO s World Heritage and Ramsar Site, conducted as part of the process for the preparation of the Management Plan for the BNP, taking place during Butrint Lake and its adjacent wetland and coastal habitats is one of the 19 most important coastal areas identified as Specially Protected Area-SPA in the frame of the activity Specially Protected Areas of the Mediterranean Sea of the Barcelona Convention. Butrint has been recently recognized as ASCI (Area of Special Conservation Interest) and become part of the EMERALD network of Albania. BNP is distinguished for its high biological diversity, both in terms of habitat and species richness: 26 types of habitats of Annex I of EC Habitat Directive, of which 5 are priority habitats for Europe plant species expected, of which half of them are already reported. One plant species is Endemic and 11 others are sub-endemic. Fauna of BNP is also rich and diverse: 105 fish species, 10 amphibians, 28 reptiles, 247 birds and 39 mammals are known to Butrint. All this makes Butrint NP to reach the highest figures ever registered in any Albanian wetland complex. However, biodiversity values of the Butrint NP are threatened by a number of uncontrolled human activities, such as illegal urbanization and mass tourism, land reclamation activities in the proximity of wetlands, mining, irrational marine aquaculture, hunting, excessive grazing and fires. The most serious threat nowadays is the recent rehabilitation of the pumping station of Vrina, which will reclaim the fresh and brackish water marshlands reestablished during the last 15 years. Some 250 ha of wetland- the core area of the Butrint Ramsar Site and National Park would be lost, putting so at risk the ecological integrity of the whole Site. In order to avoid and/or to minimize the impacts caused by such investment some wetland restoration scenarios and management measures are proposed and discussed. Key words: Biodiversity, values, threats, conservation measures, Butrint, Ramsar Site, Albania Introduction Butrint has been identified as one of the sites of particular cultural and environmental values in Mediterranean region (UNEP B.P/R.A.C., 1988). Importance of Butrint wetland for water birds has been identified earlier in the past (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932; Whistler,1936; Lamani and Puzanov, 1960) and reconfirmed in recent times (Barbieri et al. 1986; Hagemeijer et al. 1993; Kayser et al. 1995, 1997; Bino et al. 1996; Zekhuis & Tempelman 1998; Bino and Bego unpublished observations), although the reclamation work conducted in early 60 s of the past century did show to have severely impacted the ecological balance of the Butrint lagoon and its adjacent wetland habitats. For its unique and outstanding cultural values Butrint was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since In December 1999, the World Heritage Site of Butrint was enlarged and endorsed by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The Governmental Decree No. 531, dated designated the wetland complex of Butrint covering a territory of ha as Ramsar Site and the application was due to the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention for inclusion in the list of the Ramsar Sites. The Butrint National Park was established in November 2005, by means of the Government Decree No. 693, dated , covering an area of 8,591.2 ha. Butrint NP has been proposed as ASCI (Area of Special Conservation Interest) and included in the EMERALD sites of Albania (2011). An environmental Management Plan has been recently prepared ( ) in the framework of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Cleaning-Up Project (ICZMCP),

2 and recently (2011) endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration (MoEFWA). During this process the biodiversity status of the Butrint National Park has been fully assessed, together with existing and potential threats to it. National parks provide grounds for education and recreation, and immense opportunities for ecotourism (Achama,1995; IUCN,1994). Ecotourism opportunities of Butrint NP has been presented at Mediterranean region (Bego and Malltezi, 2011), along with importance of Biodiversity conservation and wise use to the regional rural development (Malltezi et al, 2011). This paper is specifically focused on: (i) assessing the current status of biodiversity in the Butrint NP area, (ii) identifying and assessing the existing and potential threats, (iii) identifying the main conservation needs and (iii) proposing management measures to meet those conservation needs. Study area and Methods Description of the study area Butrint (39º 50 N and 20º 00 E) is located in the south west corner of Albania, some 12 km South of the Saranda city (Fig. 1). It borders with Greece to the South and the Ionian Sea to the West. Inside the Butrint NP there are included territories of three communes: Aliko, Xarre, and Ksamil. Seven small villages occur within the Ramsar area with a total population of ca 16,521 (according to INSTAT), while inside the Park boundaries there are located villages of Ksamili and Manastir (Fig.1 and 2). The altitude of the wetland site varies between 0 to 845 m. Figure 1. Location of the Butrint national park Butrint NP is characterized by mild Mediterranean climate. The average temperature of the air is 17.1 ºC. January is the coldest month (9.7 ºC) while August is the hottest month (25.1ºC). Rain precipitation is high, over 1,500 mm per year. The area is under the influence of the marine wind. The wind speed reaches is highest figures during the winter period with an average speed of m/s. The summer season is characterized by lower wind speeds, an average of m/s. The arms of two rivers embrace the Butrint Ramsar site, Bistrica in north and Pavllo in the south. In the east, the Mile Mountain creates a barrier between this wetland and the continental part of Albania. Inside the Ramsar Area are observed a variety of relief forms (fields, hills, mountain, abrasive and accumulative coast) which have different morphographic and morphogenetic features. Butrint plains have a very low altitude with an elevation of only few centimeters becoming thus in the past subject of sea floods. Riverbeds are shallow and wide. During wet seasons, the plain is flooded by rainwater, creating fresh and brackish marshes. Different ranges of

3 hills and mountains go through the area: Mileti-Mile mountain range, the hilly ridges of Çuka e Ajtoit-Stillo, Mursi-Xarra, Gjashta-Butrint and Ksamili islands. Mile registers also the tallest peak of the BNP (845 m). Mursi-Vrina plain was created by the activity of Pavllo River and tectonic movements. The plain has a very low altitude in its eastern side. The western sector is at the sea level. Lake Butrint makes up the core area of the Butrint NP (Fig.2). It has a surface of 1600 ha. Its catchment area is defined by Bistrica River in the North, Mile Mountain in the west and the Pavllo River in the south. The lake has a tectonic origin while its water regime is typical of coastal lagoons. It joins the Ionian Sea through the natural channel of Vivari (3,600 m long, m wide and up to 5-6 m deep). A small amount of continental water, deriving from Bistrica and Kalasa rivers, enters the lagoon in its northern side. Figure 2. Hydrology and Hydrography of the Butrint NP Lake Bufi (Rreza) is situated on the southern eastern part of Lake Butrint, about 2 m above the sea level. Its total surface is estimated at about 83 ha (Fig. 2). The lake is shallow, with an average depth of circa 1 m. It is supplied by the powerful salted sources of Rreza with springs on the northeast side of the lake, at the slopes of Mileti Mountain. The excessive waters of Bufi are then discharged into the southern part of Butrint Lake through a former natural channel of 1 km long. Pavllo River is situated on the southern part of Butrint. It starts from the west of Fatrion River (Greece). Flowing into Mursi and Xarra plains, Pavllo River has a protected bed with lateral embankments. The main river discharges into Ionian Sea, just north of Stillo peninsula, while a small branch of it discharges into the northern part of the lake Butrint. Bistrica River has the most powerful underground supply in Albania. Its hydrographical network is composed by the unity of Kalasa, Delvina and Bistrica rivers. Bistrica itself takes its waters from the limestone sources of the western slope of Mali i Gjere Mountain. After reaching the plain area, Bistrica joints Kalasa River and together they flow into the Ionic Sea through Çuka channel, which represents an artificial channel open during the reclamation work of former marshland of Vurgu taking place at 60 s. Since then and on most of the waters (over 90 %) of Bistrica and Kalasa rivers are not discharged into the Butrint lake.

4 Survey methods Survey methods used vary according to the group of organisms surveyed. Observations along transects, in fixed stations and point counts were the main methods applied during the surveys conducted from October 2008 to October Midwinter counts for water birds were conducted in two consecutive winters (January 2008 and 2009). Surveys on nesting birds were conducted from early April to mid June. Data collected have been compared and supplemented with historical data (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932; Whistler, 1936; Lamani and Puzanov, 1960; Barbieri et al. 1986; Hagemeijer et al. 1993, Kayser et al. 1995, 1997, Bino et al. 1996, Zekhuis & Tempelman 1998, Bino and Bego unpublished observations). Mammals have been surveyed through active searching for animal signs and tracks. Bat detector was used to search for bat presence at night. Complementary data have been gathered through literature review, making use of available data collected in the past (Prigioni et al, 1986; Uhrin et al, 1996; Bego, 2003; Bego et al, 2008; Paspali and Bego, 2008; Rogozi et al, 2008). Amphibians have been surveys through active searching for specimens (adult and larvae). Active searching for specimens during the surveyed transects has been the method applied for reptiles. Complementary data have been gathered through literature review (Bruno, 1989; Haxhiu, 1994, 1995, 1998). Data on Fish have been collected through cooperation with local fishermen operating inside Butrint NP territory and those of Saranda fishing inside and close to Butrint. Historical data on fish by-catch from Saranda Fishery department have been consulted as well. Complementary data have been gathered through literature review (Rrakaj, 1995). Additional data for sea turtles and mammals (monk seal, dolphins) presence in the Butrint NP marine environment have been searched through interviewing of local fishermen and those of Saranda fishing in the section Kepi Stillos-Ksamil-Cuka Channel outlet. Insects, especially butterflies, have been surveyed through time-constrained point counts and use of nets. Data from the past were gathered from literature review (Misja, 1984, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2001). Plants were studied by active searching for specimens along the surveyed transects. Complementary data were gathered trough literature review (Academy of Sciences, 1988, 1992, 1996). International Threat status of the species are those obtained from IUCN (2011), while the national threat status of plant and animal species have been defined by the existing Red data book publications (Academy of Sciences, 1995; Misja eds, 2006). Results and Discussions Diversity of habitats Butrint includes a set of different habitats, artificial, semi-natural and natural, ranging from wetland habitats in the West to mountainous habitats in the East (see Figure 3). Each habitat is important in terms of species richness and abundance. 26 habitat types are met inside the Butrint NP, of which 5 are priority habitats for Europe (Habitat Directive) as shown in the table 1. Table 1. Habitats within Butrint national park, code and name according to Habitat Directive (NATURA 2000) and EUNIS, their importance, size and percentage No Code_Name Importance Area in ha % of site Posidonia beds (Posidonion oceanicae) HD I* % Estuaries HD I % Mudflats and sandflats not covered by HD I % seawater at low tide Coastal lagoons HD I* %

5 No Code_Name Importance Area in ha % of site Large shallow inlets and bays HD I % Annual vegetation of drift lines HD I Vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean HD I % coasts with endemic Limonium spp Salicornia and other annuals colonizing HD I mud and sand Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia HD I % maritimi) Mediterranean and thermo-atlantic HD I % halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) Halo-nitrophilous scrubs (Pegano- HD I Salsoletea) Mediterranean salt steppes HD I* (Limonietalia) Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with HD I % benthic vegetation of Chara spp Natural eutrophic lakes with HD I % Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition type Vegetation Mediterranean temporary ponds HD I* % Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers HD I % with Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba Laurus nobilis thickets HD I Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert HD I % scrub Endemic phryganas of the Euphorbio- HD I % Verbascion Pseudo-steppe with grasses and HD I* % annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea Dehesas with evergreen Quercus spp HD I % Submerged or partially submerged sea HD I caves 23 92D0 Southern riparian galleries and thickets HD I % Olea and Ceratonia forests HD I Quercus ilex forests HD I % Quercus macrolepis forests HD I % 27 Agriculture arable land % 28 Olive groves, agrumes and vineyards % 29 J2 Low density buildings EUNIS % 30 Other type of littoral (not covered with sea % grasses) Total % Species diversity Butrint supports plants and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological diversity of the bio-geographic region. The site shelters a high proportion of biodiversity in Albania. Its role is particularly important for certain group of species such as amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

6 Figure 3. Habitat distribution map of the Butrint NP. The preliminary results have shown that the area is one of the most important coastal complexes of Albania, with nearly 17% of country s species richness. Regarding the diversity of its flora and fauna it is clear that Butrint reaches the highest figures ever registered in an Albanian wetland complex (see table 2). Butrint has the highest number of species of amphibians and reptiles ever recorded on an Albanian site. Besides the high number of species it is also the only site in Albania to support the Epirote Frog Rana epeirotica and Marginated Tortoise Testudo marginata, Sand Boa Eryx jaculus and Balkan Wall Lizard Podarcis taurica jonica. Littoral waters of BNP area are visited by rare and globally threatened sea turtles, such as Loggerhead Caretta caretta (EN) and Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea (CR). Comparisons done with the other wetland areas in Albania have shown that Butrint also registers the highest number of bird species ever recorded on an Albanian site. The complex is also one of the most diverse sites for mammals in Albania. It is the only site in which the presence of the monk seal (Monachus monachus) has been reported so far in the country. Table 2. Number of species found in Butrint and Species of Conservation Concern Biological groups Number of species National % Species of NCC 1 Plants % 32 Insects ,5% 10 Fish % - - Globally Threatened Species 1 NCC National Conservation Concern

7 Amphibians 10 67% 5 2 Reptiles 28 75% 15 6 Birds % Mammals 39 53% Total % Some 140 plant and animal species of Butrint national park are of National Conservation Concern, while 35 animal species are having a global conservation interest (IUCN, 2011). Table 3. List of Globally Threatened Animal Species 2 reported within Butrint National Park Scientific name Albanian name English name Status Amfibet-Amphibians Triturus cristatus Tritoni me kreshte Great Crested Newt LR/cd Hyla arborea Bretkoca e drureve European Tree Frog LR/nt Reptilet-Reptiles Caretta caretta Breshke deti Loggerhead EN Dermochelys coriacea Breshka lekurore e detit Leatherback CR Testudo marginata Breshka malore Marginated Tortoise LR/lc Testudo hermani Breshka e zakoneshme Hermann s Tortoise LR/nt Emys orbicularis Breshkujce European Pond LR/nt Terrapin Elaphe situla Gjarpri laraman Leopard Snake DD Shpendet-Birds Phalacrocorax pygmeus Karabullaku i vogel Pygmy Cormorant LR/nt Pelecanus crispus Pelikani kaçurel Dalmatian Pelican LR/cd Branta ruficollis Pata e vogel laramane Red-breasted Goose VU Marmaronetta Rosa pikaloshe Marbled Duck VU angustirostris Aythya nyroca Kryekuqja e vogel Ferruginous Duck VU Oxyura leucocephala Rosa kokebardhe White-headed Duck EN Haliaeetus albicilla Shqiponja e detit White-tailed Eagle LR/nt Aegypius monachus Shkaba e zeze Black Vulture LR/nt Aquila clanga Shqiponja e madhe e Great Spotted Eagle VU rosave Falco naumanni Skifteri kthetra-verdhe Lesser Kestrel VU Otis tarda Pula me mjeker Great Bustard VU Gallinago media Shapka e madhe e ujit Great Snipe LR/nt Numenius tenuirostris Kojliku sqepholle Slender-billed Curlew CR Gjitaret-Mammals Rhinolophus blasii Rhinolophus euryale Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Miniopterus schreibersi Myotis emarginatus Myotis myotis Lakuruq nate hundepatkua i Blasiusit Lakuriq nate hundepatkua i mesdheut Lakuriq nate hundepatkua i madh Lakuriq nate veshmiu i Schreibersit Lakuriq nate veshmiu i Geoffroit Lakuruq nate veshmiu i madh Blasius' Horseshoe Bat Mediterranean horseshoe Bat Greater Horseshoe Bat Common Bentwing Bat Geoffroy's Bat Greater Mouse-eared Bat LR/nt VU LRcd LRnt VU LRnt 2 Ex- Exctinct ; CR Critically Endangered, EN Endangered, VU Vulnerable, DD Data deficient, LR/nt Lower Risk nearly threatened, LR/cd Lower Risk conservation dependent, LR/lc Lower Risk least concern

8 Scientific name Albanian name English name Status Myotis capacinii Lakuriq nate veshmiu gishtgjateared Long-fingered Mouse- VU Bat Microtus (Pitymys) felteni Miu i Feltenit Feltenii s Vole LRnt Microtus thomasi Miu i Thomasit Thomasi s Vole LRnt Mus macedonicus Miu i maqedonise Harvest Mouse LRnt Glis glis Gjeri, Gjumashi i madh Fat dormouse LRnt Sciurus vulgaris Ketri Red squirrel LRnt Canis lupus Ujku Wolf VU Monachus monachus Foka e mesdheut Mediterranean monk Seal EX Flora of the Butrint NP area is rich and very diverse with an expected plant species, of which half of them are already reported. The Albanian Red Data Book lists 32 plants found at Butrint as having an unfavorable national conservation status. 16 of them are considered as Endangered, 12 as Rare and 4 species are insufficiently known. The presence of 1 Endemic (E) and 11 Sub-endemic (SE) species should also be noted. Endangered Plant Species (E) 1.Agrimonia eupatoria L. 2.Aristolochia sempervirens L. 3.Capparis spinosa L. 4.Colchicum automnale L. 5.Desmazeria marina (L.) Druce 6.Ephedra distachya L. 7.Hypericum perforatum L. 8.Laurus nobilis L. 9.Lotus cytisoides L. 10.Mathiola tricuspidata (L.) R.Br. 11.Origanum vulgare L. 12.Prunus webbii (Spach) Vierh. 13.Quercus ilex L. 14.Salvia officinalis L. 15.Satureja montana L. 16.Viburnum tinus L. Almost cosmopolite. Steno mediterranean. Europe-Asia. Central Europe Mediterranean-Atlantic. Mediterranean-Northwestern Paleotemp. Stenomediterranean. Stenomediterranean Stenomediterranean. Europe-Asia Mediterranean. Stenomediterranean. Stenomediterranean eastern Orofite -Mediterranean Stenomediterranean. Rare Plant Species (R) 1.Alkana corcyrensis Hayek. Sub-endemic (Al., Gr.) 2.Alissum smolikanum E.I.Nyarady. Sub-endemic (Al., Gr.) 3.Colchichum cupanii Guss; Stenomediterranean 4.Crocus boryi Gay. Almost endemic (Al.,Gr.) 5.Daphne gnidium L. Stenomediterranean 6.Euphorbia dendroides L. Mediterranean 7.Galium intricatum Margot & Reuter Sub-endemic (Al., Gr.) 8.Galium procurrens Erhend. Balkanic 9.Limonium anfractum (Salmon) Salmon. Sub-endemic (Al., Ju.) 10.Pterocephalus perennis subsp.bellidifolius (Boiss) Vierh. Sub-endemic (Al,Gr.) 11.Stachys decumbens Pers; Sub-endemic (Al., Gr.) 12.Teucrium fruticans L. Steno-Mediterranean Insufficiently Known Plant Species (DD) 1.Centaurea spruneri subsp.guiccuiardii (Boiss) Hayek 2.Scabiosa epirota Halacsy &Bold. 3.Stachys sericophylla Halacsy 4.Thymus teucroides Boiss & Spruner Sub-endemic (Al.Gr.) Sub-endemic (Al.,Gr.) Sub-endemic (Al) Sub-endemic (Al.,Gr.)

9 Fauna. Some 246 bird species, of which 70% are water birds, 9 amphibians and 25 reptiles (representing % of the country s herpetofauna) and 39 mammals (cc. 60 % of the country s mammalofauna) are reported for the Butrint Ramsar site. As a wetland complex designated as Ramsar Site, birds are considered important elements of the ecosystem. The high number of bird species is a good indication of the possibilities that the area offers for many birds. But, on the other hand, nearly 10% of the species are reported as extinct. 36% of the species have an unfavorable local conservation status (Table 4), either very rare or rare. The extinction of 24 species of birds is strongly related with the loss of feeding and nesting habitats due to hydrological changes. Table 4. Local Conservation Status of the bird species registered in different habitats of Butrint: number of species and proportions (in brackets) Habitats Extinct Very rare Rare Commo n Very common Total species Wetlands 16 (13%) 24 (20%) 34 (29%) 30 (25%) 15 (13%) 119 Woodland and 4 (5%) 2 (2%) 12 (14%) 32 (36%) 38 (43%) 88 scrub Dry areas 3 (6%) 3 (6%) 10 (22%) 11 (23%) 20 (43%) 47 Rocky areas 5 (23%) 4 (18%) 5 (23%) 8 (36%) - (0%) 22 Total 24 (10%) 33 (13%) 56 (23%) 72 (29%) 61 (25%) 246 Wetlands represent the habitat with the largest loss of biodiversity; 16 species are considered as extinct, while some 58 species are considered very rare or rare. The former Butrint marshes and riverine forest were an excellent habitat for many species of birds (see Table 4). Butrint had a special importance for Globally Endangered Species such as: Whiteheaded Duck Oxyura leucocephala, marbled teal Marmaroneta angustirostris, White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga and Great Bustard Otis tarda (Ticehurst, C. B. & Whistler, H. 1932, Lamani and Puzanov, 1960). Hydrological changes of the 60's were mainly done in the northern part of the complex, in Vurgu plain and in the southern part in Vrina-Mursi plain. Large parts of marshy areas were thus reclaimed for agriculture, resulting in drainage of 3000 ha of land. The loss of natural habitats was accompanied by changes in the hydrological regime of the entire area as well. The whole ecosystem became more saline allowing only the presence of few species adapted to such stress, while species adapted in fresh water systems became either extinct or very rare. Two Globally Endangered Bird Species have been observed foraging in the temporary marshes: the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla and the Great Snipe Gallinago media. In 1993 a single individual of Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris, a Globally Endangered Species, was observed in the outlet of Pavllo River (Hagemeijer, 1993). Thirteen bird species observed up to now in Butrint area are considered as Globally Endangered according to the Red Data Book of IUCN (2011). This figure is really high even compared to other Albanian sites. Some of those species are not observed nowadays and this fact weakens the position of Butrint area as a stronghold for nature conservation. But, on the other hand it gives the idea that a better protection of the area is very likely to bring back some of those extinct species (see table 3). 95 species present in Butrint area (38 % of all the species observed) are considered as endangered in Europe. With such a high number of species Butrint remains an area of special interest for nature protection all over Europe. 56 bird species observed in Butrint are nationally endangered according the Albania Red Data Book (Misja eds, 2006). This figure is higher than in other Albanian wetland complexes. Butrint is thus a site of special importance for the biodiversity protection in Albania. A special attention should be paid on species considered as Critically Endangered for Albania; Butrint holds 17 of them. Butrint is the site with the highest number of bird species observed during the last hundred years (246 species towards 228 of Karavasta lagoon complex considered so far as the most

10 important site for birds in Albania). But, consideration on the high richness of Butrint concerns only the specific richness while the number of individuals per each species is relatively low (Figure 4). The situation during the breeding season is even worst with very few breeding water birds. Despite its apparent poverty on wintering and breeding water birds, the area could be much more important if proper management measures would be taken in the future and illegal hunting would be stopped. Newly re-established wetlands along the southern part of BNP area, due to collapse of drainage scheme over the last 15 years, especially those on the western part of Vrina plain (Figure 5), have remarkably increased biodiversity values of the entire Ramsar site. This has resulted in the increase of habitat and species diversity, particularly with regard to water birds using these shallow waters (fresh and brackish) as resting and feeding sites. About two third of the counted wintering water birds of Butrint wetland complex are linked with these newly re-established marshlands (Kayser et al, 1995, 1997; Bino et al, 1996; Bino and Bego unpublished data). Therefore keeping these newly re-established wetlands under natural succession process is considered crucial for the ecological integrity of the entire Butrint Ramsar Site Trends of Wintering Waterirds in Butrint NP area during No. of Individuals Years Years Waterbirds Figure 4. Midwinter counts of water birds in BNP area during the period a) b) Figure 5. Recently re-established wetlands in the west of Vrina plain (a) and south of Bufi lake (b)

11 Aesthetic and landscape characteristics: The symbiotic relationship between man and the environment lends significant value to the landscape in terms of the history and archeology of Butrint. (Figure 6). The landscape is mosaic and beautiful in its range of features from high mountains to low plains, marshland, lakes and sea shore. Land use and local economy is also reflected in the history of the landscape. Historic sources record the important of the woodlands of Butrint for timber for shipbuilding and export. Likewise, the recorded export of fish and cattle indicate the long existence of fish traps and use of land for pasture. The huts and pens belonging to the tradition of transhumant shepherds add a further dimension to the matrix of human intervention in the shaping of the landscape. Traditional methods of agriculture still prevail and take the observer back to a lifestyle long forgotten in most of Europe. Figure 6. Landscape View over Vivari Channel. Threats and how to address them Biodiversity of the Butrint NP is threatened by a number of factors of internal and external origin, of which most are related with the past and current human activity. In spite of the progress made to protect and manage Butrint NP, there is an increasing pressure throughout most of the park territory from illegal construction (especially in Ksamil-Manastiri area), dumping construction waste materials along the road, lake and seashore, irrational development of marine aquaculture, uncontrolled grazing and overgrazing, illegal hunting and poaching, mining activity (mainly quarries), and fires. The Park territory today includes areas such as Ksamil commune which has been an explosion in informal development over the last 20 years (from less than 1000 inhabitants in 1990, today s resident population of Ksamil is estimated at cc inhabitants). The new Law on Spatial Planning obliges local authorities to draft their own land-use plans. Yet, the law provides that in areas of national interest (e.g. national parks, cultural sites, etc.) the local land-use plans must abide to national criteria for land-use. But, local authorities have little if not any experience with developing local land-use plans, and therefore there is a potential risk that land-use plans may not be in compliance with national priorities and international status of Butrint as Ramsar Site, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Irrational marine aquaculture activity along the coastal area developed in less than 20 m sea depth, especially in Cape Stillo, has resulted in destruction of the coastal areas and small islands and severe impacts on marine benthic communities and sea grasses (Posidonia oceanica), very sensitive and important habitats for the marine ecology and economy, and included in the list of priority habitats for Europe (Annex I, Habitat Directive, 92/43/EEC). Interventions into the hydrological system of Butrint lake (deviation of Bistrica and Kalasa rivers), reclamation of the marshlands in the North (field of Vurgu) and in the South (field of Vrina), development of aquaculture (Mytillus galloprovincialis), farming and demographical growth inside and outside BNP area have drastically changed ecological balance of Butrint lake. Consequently, several dystrophic crises have taken place over the last 50 years, accompanied with massive death of fish stock and mussels and acceleration of eutrophication processes. The rehabilitation of the drainage scheme of Vrina plain would result in reclaiming and destruction of the most import and sensitive area of the Butrint Ramsar Site for water birds. Natural succession processes developed in the last 15 years will be interrupted and this

12 would drastically reduce biodiversity values of the Site, especially those related with water birds, putting so at risk the ecological integrity of the core area of the Butrint Ramsar Site (Bego and Malltezi, 2011). In order to address this serious threat, as part of the management planning process two main alternatives are proposed to be considered by the Government of Albania for an immediate decision making: Alternative A is non intervention option, that s for keeping the area as it is today. Leaving the tidal marshland habitat of fresh and brackish water under natural succession processes, would enrich biodiversity values of the Butrint Ramasar site and National park, and maintain long term ecological integrity and stability of the entire wetland complex. This alternative fully respect legal status of the Butrint national park established by the Council of Ministers Decision of year 2005, as well as international legal status of Butrint Ramsar Site, established in This alternative asks for a fair compensation/ expropriation of the farmers and landowners of Vrina and Xarra for the land that will remain as it is today, that s fresh and brackish water marshlands under a tidal water regime. The alternative would require that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumers Protection should stop the rehabilitation of the Vrina pumping station, and maintain the drainage system of the rest of the Vrina-Xarra plain. The Administration of the Butrint national park should assist local farmers with eco-development project design and implementation (fishery and marine aquaculture, agro processing, bee-keeping, medicinal herbs, handcrafts), proper marketing and sell of local products, eco-tourism and other forms of agro-tourism so that they are compensated in long run for the partial loss of their land and livelihood. Alternative B is for a careful and wise intervention for rehabilitation of the drainage system of Vrina Plain, taking into consideration ecological, economical and social concerns linked with such intervention. This alternative is trying to seek for a win-win approach solution, because it takes into consideration both the need for preservation of the tidal marshlandscore area of Butrint Ramsar Site and National Park (cc 250 ha), and the local people of Vrina and Xarra demand to rehabilitate and use most of the agriculture land of Vrina Plain (more than 450 ha), that although not permanently inundated, is time by time at risk of inundation during rainy seasons, and thus not fully used by the local people. This alternative would urgently need a design and implementation of an hydraulic intervention so that the tidal marshlands are cut off from the remaining drainage system of the Vrina-Xarra Plain. A new embankment should be constructed around the existing permanent tidal marshlands, so that they are permanently preserved. This intervention should take place before the Vrina pumping station is put into operation. The solution is widely consulted with local people of Vrina and Xarra, and they largely accept this solution. But, again they would need to be compensated for the loss of the land that would remain permanently inundated under tidal regime. They are ready to accept compensation with land that is located not far away from their houses (land that is given for use to agriculture specialists), or to sign a contract with the Administration of the Butrint national park for the land they will give in rent/lease to park and used as a permanent marshland as per today. Investment to reclaim the existing marshlands re-established on the west of Vrina and south of Bufi and Butrint Lake are considered useless from the agro-economical point of view, as the reclaimed salty land would never become a productive land. This judgment is based not only on the loss of the productivity of the land remaining permanently under water over the last 15 years, but also to the former experience with this type of land during the communist regime; all efforts to desalinize this salty land created by the reclamation work over a period of more than 30 years ( ) have failed. Therefore, keeping these restored marshlands as they are today is the best investment both ecologically and economically. The enriched biodiversity (fish, water birds, including breeding waterbirds) would attract more visitors practicing sport-fishing and bird-watching, that in return, would bring other economic benefits for the local people economy in Vrina and Xarra.

13 Conclusion and Recommendations Maintaining and further improvement through wetland restoration intervention of the reestablished brackish and fresh water marshlands south of Bufi lake and west of Vrina plain is considered a high priority and emergency conservation measure and Government of Albania should take decision to accept any of the two alternatives proposed so as to stop further habitat loss and deterioration of the Butrint Ramsar site. Enforcement of legal status of the Butrint National Park, strengthen its Management Authority and Administration, increase the environmental performance of the park administration and improve supervision and control of the Butrint park area is a must. The Butrint National Park, as a UNESCO as well as a Ramsar Site, provides great opportunities for eco-tourism activities, such as hiking, biking, walking trials, bird-watching, picnics, sun and sea beach, wind surfing, scuba diving, sport fishing and so on. Organic products produced locally by farmers support such forms of tourism and contribute to improved livelihood of the locals. Promotion of any form of eco-development and support to traditional way of living in the park should be considered priority issues to Butrint park administration. Eco-tourism and other forms of tourism should be in comply with conservation objectives of the Butrint National Park, Ramsar and UNESCO site, such as preservation and restoration of ecological integrity of the coastal and wetland ecosystems and habitats of the park, as well as protection of priority habitats and species of the park area. Communes of Ksamil, Xarre and Aliko should be encouraged to undertake actions for sewage water canalization and treatment before their discharge into the lake or the sea. It is essential that development plans and projects are integrated are harmonized with primary nature and biodiversity conservation objectives of the park area. References Academy of Sciences. 1988, 1992, The Flora of Albania, Vol. 1,2,3. Tirana. Albania. Academy of Sciences The Red Book. Flora. Tirana. Albania. Achama, F Defining ecotourism. In: Haysith and Harvey, J. (eds). Nature Conservation and Ecotourism in central America. Wildlife Conservation Society, Florida, pp Agardy, M. Tundi, Accommodating ecotourism in multiple use planning of coastal and marine protected areas. Ocean & Coastal Management. Volume 20, Issue 3, 1993, pp Bego F, Te dhena mbi komunitetet e gjitareve te vegjel (Mammalia: Rodentia dhe Insectivora) te fushes se Vurgut (Messopotam) dhe Myzeqese (Apolloni). Akademia e Shkencave: Studime Biologjike. No.7: Bego F, Kryštufek B, Paspali G, and Rogozi E., Small terrestrial mammals of Albania: annotated list and distribution. Hystrix Mammalogical Journal, Vol. 2: pp Bego F., Malltezi J., Ecotourism opportunities and challenges in Butrint, Albania, a unique UNESCO and Ramsar site. Journal of Coastal Research (2011),Special Issue 61: Bino, T., Tourenq, C., Kayser, Y., Bussutil, S., Crozier, J., Dore, B.J. & Bego, F Recensement des oiseaux d'eau hivernants en Albanie (14-31 janvier 1996). Rapport de la Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, Museum des Sciences de la Nature de Tirana, ASPBM et LIPU. 102pp. Bruno S., Introduction to a study of the herpetofauna of Albania.-British herpetological Society Bulletin 29: Hagemeijer, W.J.M., Schepers, F. & Hallmann, B Wintering waterbirds in the coastal wetlands of Albania, WIWO-Report Nr. 49. Haxhiu I The hepetofauna of Albania, Amphibia: Species composition, distribution, habitats, Zool.Jahrb.Syst

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