The protection of Lake Skadar and the preservation of its rich biodiversity should be imperative, because wastewater pollution, the use of pesticides in its environment, as well as illegal fishing require urgent attention, was concluded at the International conference for the protection of Skadar Lake National Park, organized by the Center for the Protection and Research of Birds, on the 13th of December in Podgorica.
The conference was an opportunity to bring together different stakeholders and once again point out numerous problems concerning the management of the largest lake on the Balkan peninsula and accompanying issues, such as the rapid spread of invasive plant species such as false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa), poaching of fish and birds, climate change, but also the lack of effective cooperation between competent institutions, area managers, local community, etc.
Since the Skadar Lake is shared with neighboring Albania, colleagues for that country also pointed out the challenges they face on their side of the lake, while discussing possible solutions and opportunities for future transboundary cooperation. The conference is organized through the „SOS Skadar Lake – Keeping the Montenegrin Wilderness Wild“ project, financially supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
