Box 9Q Albanian lagoons

Dalmatian pelicans on the Albanian lagoons

Source: IRSNB


The Albanian coastline consists of a wide range of important habitat types in often exceptionally natural conditions and with a relatively high number of internationally important sites (Sites 1 to 5 on Map 9.9). Rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries and lagoons as well as phrygana and maquis vegetation host a flora and fauna of high biodiversity. Due to Albania's long period of political and socio-economic isolation, the still relatively unspoiled coastline is home to a number of rare and endangered species. In the 1950s and 1960s, Albania was known to be of world importance for breeding pygmy cormorants (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) and Dalmatian pelicans (Pelecanus crispus). Despite a substantial decline of these bird populations during the 1970s and 1980s (mainly due to hunting and overfishing), the recent re-establishment of Dalmatian pelicans makes the lagoons of the Karavastas/Divjaka complex an internationally important site (IUCN, 1991). In 1993, more than 200 Dalmatian pelicans and 400 pygmy cormorants were reported, and since 1991 at least 50 breeding pelicans have been recorded (Vangeluwe et al, 1993). Other equally important sites include Lag e Nartes, Kune-Vain Patok, Gjiri i Lalzit and Gjiri i Vlores, the latter being significant for the endangered monk seal (Monachus monachus; see Box 9BB).

Since the political changes of the early 1990s, Albanian coastal ecosystems now face new potential threats by becoming the target of large-scale tourist developments mainly from foreign investors (Vangeluwe et al, 1993). For example, the Karavastas/Divjaka site is currently being directly affected by the construction of recreational facilities in the direct proximity of the lagoons. Furthermore, uncontrolled expansion of hunting and fishing activities (attracting foreign interest) can have strong impacts on local wildlife. Although Albanian authorities are aware of the environmental situation (an 'Environmental Protection and Preservation Committee' has been created) there is still a lack of experience in operating with private investors and applying environmental policies.