The Skadar Lake National Park (NP) has received a new vessel for surveillance, control and scientific research activities of NP employees, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) announced.
It is stated that the vessel was purchased as part of the project "Skadar Lake Basin - Transboundary Biosphere Reserve", which aims to preserve and sustainably manage one of the most precious ecosystems in the region - the Skadar Lake Basin.
MERS said that the relevant Minister Damjan Ćulafić and the Director of the Public Company for National Parks of Montenegro (JPNPCG) Marinela Đuretić, on the occasion of the completion of the project, emphasized that it represents a significant step in strengthening cross-border cooperation between Montenegro and Albania.
Ćulafić said that MERS, as the holder of the nomination for a UNESCO transboundary biosphere reserve in the Montenegrin part of the basin, strongly promotes synergy between the protection of natural values and the sustainable development of local communities.
"It is precisely this paradigm of preserving biodiversity and natural habitats that is at the heart of modern environmental policy, which allows us to preserve unique landscapes and the richness of nature for future generations," said Ćulafić.
According to him, Lake Skadar, as the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, is rich in invaluable natural resources and is a habitat of exceptional biological diversity.
"Preserving its ecological integrity is inseparable from the quality of life of the local population, whose well-being and economic opportunities depend on the stable and sustainable management of this natural resource," said Ćulafić.
She emphasized that the valuable acquisition represents not only an addition to the park's technical capacities, but also an important tool for nature protection.
"And I am convinced that there will be new strength in the continued fight against environmental crime," said Ćulafić.
Đuretić pointed out that the project "Skadar Lake Basin - Transboundary Biosphere Reserve" was completed last month and that numerous activities were implemented within it with the aim of preserving and jointly managing the park area.
"We are particularly proud that the project provided a new vessel for the Skadar Lake NP - the first since 2010," said Đuretić.
According to her, the acquisition of such a valuable work tool is of particular importance for the Protection Service, but also for other national park services.
"It will enable us to conduct more efficient surveillance, monitoring and research, which is crucial for nature protection and the development of sustainable tourism," said Đuretić.
She thanked the European Union and all partners for their support, stating that this project shows that working together can ensure a better future for Lake Skadar and the local communities that live from it.
As announced by MERS, the project partners were EnvPro - Environmental Program, Public Enterprise for National Parks of Montenegro, EDEN Center from Albania, Shkodra Regional Unit/National Agency for Protected Areas of Albania (NAPA).
It is added that the project was funded by the EU IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Program Montenegro - Albania 2014-2020 and lasted 30 months.
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