Assessment of the Most Valuable Areas for Biodiversity in Bjeshket e Namuna/Prokletije Area

Genti Kromidha (1), Zamir Dedej (1), Vasilje Buskovic (2), Nihat Dragoti (3) Valbona Simixhiu (1); With the methodological and scientific support of Pierre L. Ibisch and Martin Schluck (GIS)

(1) Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania, Tirana, Albania (2)National Institute for the Protection of Nature, Podgorica, (3) Ministry of Environemnt, Forest and Water Administration, Tirana, Albania

Abstract The study area extends over 5’911 km2 (591’091 ha) in two countries. The study area includes 5 municipalities in Montenegro, and 24 communes in Albania. Within the study area lives approximately 500’000 people. The most important aspect of this assessment was the use of existing databases and cartographic information to assess the biodiversity values of the area. The assessment has produced several thematic maps which were used for the analysis and preparation of raster maps combining information. The map of important areas for biodiversity representation (species level) is a fine filter analysis map produced by combining all maps related to species richness (plants and animals) and maps related to species endemism. The map shows the existence of several areas of high and very high importance for biodiversity representation in the area. The map of important areas for biodiversity representation, a coarse filter map, is produced by combining different diversity layers including vegetation diversity, geological diversity and topographic diversity and shows important areas for biodiversity representation. The map shows the presence of several areas of high and very high importance for biodiversity representation at habitat/ecosystem level. The majority of these areas are located around the border between Albania and Montenegro, highlighting the importance of trans-boundary cooperation in effective and successful biodiversity conservation activities. The map of important areas for biodiversity integrity and functionality is produced by combining maps of road density, population density and land use patterns. As it is visible from the map, the area is quite important for providing biodiversity integrity and functionality since there are a lot of undisturbed un-fragmented areas as well as remote areas without road access. The map of important areas for human well being depending on biodiversity is a combination of all maps produced under ecosystem services and shows areas that are important for human well being depending on biodiversity. The map shows a lot of areas of high importance for providing ecosystem services important not only to local communities but to the entire region. The map of most priority areas is a combination of all priority maps suggesting a zoning of the area. It shows the existence of very high and high priority areas for biodiversity conservation, which provide a good base for planning conservation activities in the area. The combination of the zoning map with the protected areas map will allow for a gap analysis of areas put under protection within the study area to provide for protected ecological corridors and connectivity between priority areas for biodiversity conservation. Considering priorities identified according to current patterns of biodiversity importance and conservation status we have identified several actions aiming at improving the management and conservation of natural values as well as allowing for sustainable economic development. Considering priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development of the area there is a need to influence policy instruments for supporting these issues. Keywords: biodiversity assessment, GIS, ecosystem approach, conservation planning

1 Introduction The Dinaric Arc is a region of South-Eastern Europe encompassing a large part of the Western Balkans between the Adriatic Sea and the Danube Plain. The Dinaric Alps form the backbone of the region, which is endowed with a natural and cultural heritage with richness and variety that is almost unparalleled in Europe. Over the past twenty years, the countries of the Dinaric Arc have experienced

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 1 periods of political and social instability, economic crisis and transition towards a market economy and European integration. These difficult times have had a negative impact on the livelihoods of many rural communities in the most remote portions of the Dinaric Arc, as well as on the integrity of ecosystems and traditional landscapes. However, recent favorable events have created a unique opportunity to boost biodiversity, landscape conservation and sustainable rural development in the Western Balkans. All the countries of the region are following, at a different pace, the path towards accession and, eventually, integration in the EU. This process requires the harmonization of national legislation with the EU legislative framework and the adoption of EU policy and regulatory frameworks, which imply strong measures supporting environmental protection and rural development. Moreover, as the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Governments of countries in the Dinaric Arc region recognize the need for trans-boundary cooperation on protected areas, with the aim to create a well managed and ecologically representative protected area network, and to improve economic development in the region, based on natural and cultural values. Within the framework of the Dinaric Arc Initiative1, IUCN has partnered with SNV-Netherlands Development Organization and WWF-Mediterranean Program Office to propose the program “Sustaining Rural Communities and their Traditional Landscapes Through Strengthened Environmental Governance in Trans-boundary Protected Areas of the Dinaric Arc”. This cooperation program has been designed to benefit from the currently favorable opportunity and momentum for improving trans-boundary environmental conservation and governance in the Dinaric Arc. The proposed program aims to foster the sustainable development of rural communities on the basis of conservation of biological diversity and traditional landscapes in Trans-boundary Protected Areas by improving regional cooperation and strengthening environmental governance, including the involvement and empowerment of civil society and local communities. The program is financed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The overall program objective is to promote sustainable development of rural communities in the Dinaric Arc region through increased trans-boundary cooperation in the management and conservation of biodiversity and cultural landscapes.

2 Context Quality of rural life in rural and mountainous Montenegro and Albania is under pressure. Road infrastructure is limited, potential for large-scale mechanized farming and forestry restricted, long-term financing for economic ventures hard to get by for local residents, and nowadays many (younger) people migrate to urban areas in expectation of more economic opportunities, more excitement, better services and facilities. This migration results in ageing and reduced rural populations, and further undermines local development potential. Furthermore, the natural and cultural heritage of the area is under threat, in part due to the demographic trends, to partly subsistence agricultural and unsustainable forestry practices, and insufficient and decreasing human and institutional capacity to design, implement, monitor and control local development. The measures to develop rural economic development should therefore been seen both as measures to alleviate poverty, to ensure sustainability, and for the development of alternative and/or complementary employment opportunities. This study is part of an assignment implement by Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania in the framework of the above mentioned program. The results of this assignment provided the basis for concerted biodiversity conservation measures, across borders, in this area. It will support biodiversity conservation and sustainable socio-economic development, and will support local and national efforts aiming for the same. The objective was to strengthened knowledge of local public, private and civic actors (joined in informal Local Action Groups – LAGs) on biodiversity and landscape values/recourses, on threats (to these values) and awareness of opportunities for sustainable economic use (e.g. eco-tourism), and preparedness for taking intra-LAG joint action for protection and sustainable use of biodiversity.

3 Methods The study of the biodiversity of the area is a multidisciplinary task and is based on the principles of conservation planning. Conservation planning consists of various steps and elements. In general, the

1 The Dinaric Arc Initiative (DAI) is a broad framework of collaboration created in 2005 by several international institutions concerned with the future of the Dinaric Arc region and active in the area. Today, DAI includes the Council of Europe, Euronatur, FAO, IUCN, REC, SNV, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, and WWF.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 2 planning and implementation process in the Bjeshkët e Namuna/Prokletije region should follow the typical guidelines of Systematic conservation planning (see e.g. Margules & Pressey 2000): 1. Compile data on the biodiversity of the planning region 2. Identify conservation goals for the planning region 3. Review existing conservation areas 4. Select additional conservation areas 5. Implement conservation actions 6. Maintain the required values of conservation areas. Systematic conservation planning mainly aims at the identification of conservation areas and thus clearly matches the aim of the nature conservation initiatives. The mainstream exercises of systematic conservation planning, as documented in international literature, focus very much on the representation of static biodiversity patterns (such as species occurrences, endemics etc.) and to a lesser degree (or not at all) on the maintenance of ecosystem processes, functions and services. However, in recent years there has been made conceptual and practical progress towards planning for synecological targets (e.g., Hortal 2006) and biodiversity processes, as well as the inclusion of dynamic threats. One of the principal concepts underlying the nature conservation initiatives is the Ecosystem Approach (EA) of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Among the principles of the EA, which have the most relevant implications for spatial conservation planning are the principles 5-7, 9, 10-12. These principles shall guide the conservation planning in the Bjeshkët e Namuna/Prokletije region, whatever the concrete measures to be implemented will be. Relevant conclusions for the planning process and the establishment of the GIS database as important tool and input that can be extracted from these EA principles are: 1. The identification of areas important for the conservation of biodiversity goes beyond the search for areas rich in species and/or endemics. Ecosystem processes, functions and services are of special importance. 2. The database and the planning process shall consider a ‘bigger picture’, both in a spatial and in a temporal sense. As it is very well known that ‘change is inevitable’, especially in times of rapid (anthropogenic) global change, the database ideally shall facilitate the development and visualization of change scenarios in order to inform a planning as proactive as possible. 3. Virtually all information on the project region is relevant, and the database shall capture as much of existing information as possible – and shall be adaptable whenever new information becomes available. There is hardly any useless or ‘bad’ data; there is only improvable data. 4. Conservation problems are related to human action and socioeconomic development, and the effective biodiversity conservation shall benefit people, their livelihoods and well-being. Thus, it is of special importance to compile and systematically make available socioeconomic data and not restrict the database to biological or ecological information. Data to be compiled and facilitated can be results of scientific studies as well as statistics or local visions and perceptions. In line with the Ecosystem Approach and the goals of the nature conservation initiative the proposed methodology implies a ‘whole-area approach’ which means that all data types to be compiled in the GIS database shall refer to the whole study region (if not even areas of influence outside the established borders of the study region). Ideally, the whole area can be established as one conservation area, such as a Biosphere Reserve, which is zoned according to the necessities of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Thus, the planning process must not aim at the selection of ‘valuable biodiversity areas’ vs. ‘non-valuable areas’ but shall draw a differentiated picture of values, visions, options and priorities – that can be combined and overlaid in order to derive the best management solutions possible. The methodology used for Bjeshkët e Namuna/Prokletije in order to define the priority areas and the various zones of conservation and sustainable development is neither a predefined nor an automatized one. Rather the approach is that a multitude of data layers is produced - as objectively and science-based as possible and according to available data – that afterwards can be combined facilitating a transparent (and participatory) selection of priority areas.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 3 The GIS database is developed as a collection of any kind of data layers - which are visualized as maps - that are compatible to each other and can be combined and overlaid in order to facilitate various analyses. All maps shall be produced in the same projection. Metadata, including sources and special information such as use restrictions or certain previous treatments processing of the data, are carefully documented. Most topic maps are created in (or converted to) a raster format. The raster format – with a standardized grid size – facilitates the integration of data for prioritization. According to the point or vector data, certain values will be assigned to the grid cells that can be organized in different classes (e.g., 4 classes such as very high, high, medium and low). Natural breaks are recommended as classification scheme2. A grid size of 1km x 1km is used. Finally, based on the described methodology more than 45 thematic maps had been elaborated for the study area visualizing data (maps) that will be revised, commented and validated by stakeholders and experts providing not only for quality management but also facilitating a participatory planning process for biodiversity conservation.

3.1 Data and information processing The source data for producing Digital Terrain Model were SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) Global Digital Terrain Model (ESRI, 2008). The topographic diversity is probably followed by biological diversity as different vegetation formations are located in different altitudinal belts. The map of topographic diversity, counting the number of altitudinal belts, of 100 m, present in a grid cell of 1 km2, will show the locations placed on steep terrains where the altitude changes rapidly and can be used as an escalator effects for migrating plants and animal species. The hydrological network map (rivers and lakes) with a buffer of 50 m is transformed to a shape file and merged with the vegetation shape file to catch the values of water habitats which are important for specific very important plants and animals as well as a connection corridor for migrating species. The map of geological diversity, counting the number of different geological formations in each grid cell of 1 km2, will show the locations placed on different geological formations providing basis for a biological diversity. The map of soil diversity, counting the number of different soil types in each grid cell of 1 km2, will show the locations placed on different soil types providing basis for a biological diversity. The identification of main vegetation types is based on data elaborated by the WWF Dinaric Arc Initiative Project “Protected areas gap analyses within DAE”. Identified layers of potential forest vegetation were modeled overlaying CORINE 2000 maps. In addition to the above mention habitats we have identified some other habitats that are on one side habitats of relevant importance for biodiversity of the area, on other side characteristic natural features of the region, mainly due to its geological composition. All the vegetation types identified in the above map are merged in one single map including the hydrology as a separate vegetation type. This map with all the different vegetation types and habitats will serve as the basis for the vegetation diversity raster map. The map of vegetation diversity, counting the number of different vegetation types in each grid cell of 1 km2, will show the locations having a high diversity of habitats providing basis for a high diversity of plant and animal species. In order to identify areas that are important for flagship species we have used data and maps prepared in the framework of the WWF Dinaric Arc Initiative Project “Gap Analysis of protected areas within DAE”. This project has elaborated a distribution map of large charismatic mammals showing the distribution range of four large charismatic mammal including bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Lynx lynx) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). These maps were elaborated based on distribution ranges for these animals prepared by experts for different countries within DAE. They are not detailed map of distribution ranges but they show general distribution patterns for these animals based on observations as well as habitat suitability. The overlapping of all four maps of distribution ranges shows areas that are important to more than one large charismatic mammal and allows us to identify those particular areas that are important to all of them. Considering that accurate list of plant species are not available for each vegetation type we have used expert estimations to evaluate species richness per vegetation formation based on their experience

2 see: Univariate classification schemes (Geospatial Analysis - a comprehensive guide. 3rd edition © 2006-2009 by de Smith, Goodchild, Longley): http://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/output/html/Univariateclassificationschemes.html#_Ref116892931

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 4 and previous records on these vegetation formations. In this regard we have asked five renowned experts in the field of botany and forest vegetation types. In order to classify areas within the study area according to animal species richness we have used data and maps prepared in the framework of the WWF Dinaric Arc Initiative Project “Gap Analysis of protected areas within DAE”. This project has elaborated a distribution map for three groups of animals including amphibians (8 species), reptiles (24 species), and small mammals (22 species).We have used the distribution maps for all these animals species to identify areas with the high number of occurring species enabling us a classification of areas according to species richness. Data for species richness are not calculated for the municipality of , Montenegro. Based on data form people census in 2003 and 1991 we have calculated the population growth for all the communes within the study area. These figures are then used to produce the map of population growth in the study area identifying areas having strong or moderate growth and areas having strong or moderate population decline (negative growth). Based on the map of road infrastructure in the area we have prepared a map of areas directly influenced by roads by creating a buffer area to each road which width varies according to road category. Based on other experiences and literature we considered that the buffer area for main national road to be 1000 m (500 m on each side), for well kept grave roads 400 m (200 on each side) and for seasonal roads 200 m (100m on each side). The map of the roads buffer area is transformed into a raster map showing areas most influenced by roads as well as road less areas. This raster map shows two different categories: areas influenced by roads and areas not influenced by roads. Data on land use are taken form the CORINE 2000 Land use/land cover map. For this analysis only CORINE level two labels are used trying to identify artificial and agriculture land use types from natural land use types including forests and pastures. Based on the above information we have identified relatively un-fragmented and undisturbed areas, and regions relevant for the adaptation to climate change. Relatively un-fragmented and undisturbed areas are identified by a combination of areas without roads (road less areas from the road map) and areas with minimum population density (population density map). In order to emphasize the influence of road impact on biodiversity element for the calculation of this raster we have used the product of the two layers instead of the sum as used in previous raster calculations. More specifically, the map of un-fragmented areas = Population density (5 classes) * Road impact (2 classes). The results of the combination vary from 1 to 10, and are reclassified into five levels of fragmentation as following: Raster results 1 2-3 4 5-6 8-10 Density level Very low Low Moderate High Very high These areas if combined with areas of valuable and diverse biological resources will be the core zones for the protection of these resources from human impacts. Regions relevant for the adaptation to climate change (especially altitudinal shifts – “escalator effect”) are identified by an overlap of “Topographic diversity” map and “Relatively un-fragmented and undisturbed areas” map. The combinations of these two maps have identified undisturbed areas that have the altitude diversity suitable for adaptation to climate change. More specifically, map of Regions relevant for the adaptation to climate change = Map of un-fragmented areas (5 classes) + Map of topographic diversity (5 classes). The results of the combination vary from 0 to 10, and are reclassified into five levels of adaptation relevance as following: Raster results 0-3 4 5-6 7 8-10 Density level Very low Low Moderate High Very high In order to build scenarios and identify threats we collected information on probable trends in population growth, probable future infrastructure development and planed projects, trends of land use change and intensity, trends of tourism intensity and areas especially vulnerable to extreme impacts of climate change. Based on demographic data and expert opinion it is not foreseen any major change in population growth trends within the next ten years. Population will continue to move from remote areas to less remote and more developed settlements. In this regard, the map prepared for the population growth can be used as well to show future trends in population growth.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 5 Future infrastructure development for project area in Montenegro has been determined by the Physical Plan of Montenegro until 2020. In Albania the only planed road infrastructure improvement is the road from Shkodra to Hani i Hotit (the border with Montenegro) facilitating the traffic from Albania to Montenegro and vice versa. As areas especially vulnerable to extreme impacts of climate change we have identified areas of very step slopes which combined with the presence hydrological features (streams and rivers) create potential for erosion risks. It would have been useful to add to these data areas of very high precipitation but due to lack of data on precipitation distribution in the area this was not possible. Sustainable development opportunities have bend identified as an important element for supporting local communities’ development. In this regard we have identified important on going projects within the study area that support sustainable development of the area, including tourism infrastructure development. Areas foreseen for future development will attract more tourists in the future increasing the tourist intensity in those areas. The priority areas are mapped by the combination of proxies represented by specific topics, showed above. RM31. Important areas for biodiversity representation (fine filter value/priority areas) This fine filter analysis map is produced by combining all maps related to species richness (both plants and animals) and maps related to species endemism (both plant and animals). More specifically RM 1 = Map of plant species richness + Map of animal species richness + Map of areas important for endemic plant species + Map of areas important for endemic animal species. The final results vary from 7 to 66 which are then reclassified into five classes as following: Raster results 7-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-66 Diversity level Very low Low Moderate High Very high In addition to that the map shows existing protected areas to see how much of areas important for biodiversity representation are already under protection. RM 2. Important areas for biodiversity representation (coarse filter value/priority areas) This coarse filter map is produced by combining different diversity layers including vegetation diversity, geological diversity and topographic diversity and shows important areas for biodiversity representation at ecosystem/habitat level. More specifically RM 2 = Map of vegetation diversity + Map of topographic diversity + Map of geological diversity The final results vary from 0 to 25 which are then reclassified into five classes as following: Raster results 0-4 4-7 7-11 11-16 16-25 Diversity level Very low Low Moderate High Very high In addition to that the map shows existing protected areas to see how much of areas important for biodiversity representation are already under protection. RM 3. Important areas for biodiversity integrity and functionality This map is produced by combining maps of road density, population density and land use patterns and shows areas that are important for biodiversity integrity and functionality as undisturbed areas. More specifically RM 3 = Map of un-fragmented areas + Map of land cover/land use categories. The final result varies from 0 to 10 which is then reclassified into five classes as following: Raster results 0-1 1-3 3-5 5-7 7-10 Diversity level Very low Low Moderate High Very high In addition to that the map shows existing protected areas to see how much of areas important for biodiversity integrity and functionality are already under protection. RM 4. Important areas for human well-being depending on biodiversity This map is a combination of all maps produced under ecosystem services and shows areas that are important for human well being depending on biodiversity. RM 4 = Map of important areas for

3 Result Map

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 6 provisioning services + Map of important areas for regulating services (grazing) + Map of important areas for regulating services (erosion control) + Map of areas important for cultural services. In order to catch the influence of important areas for cultural service, we have used the results of that density of nature monuments raster. These results are then combined with the results of the previous table (using the sum function) providing the final results that vary from 0 to 26 which are then reclassified into five classes as following: Raster results 0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-26 Diversity level Very low Low Moderate High Very high RM 5. Combination of all priority maps This map is a combination of all priority maps suggesting a zoning of the area (e.g., priority areas for strict protection, areas for agricultural use and sustainable development etc.). RM 5 = F1 + F2 + F3 + F4. The final results vary from 9 to 113 which are then reclassified into five classes as following: Raster results 9-42 42-60 60-75 75-86 86-113 Diversity level Very low Low Moderate High Very high RM 6. Gap analysis map The combination of the zoning map (RM 5) with the protected areas map will allow for a gap analysis of areas to be put under protection within the study area. Based on the elaboration of all data collected for this assignment and all maps prepared we have elaborated some conclusions and recommendations for actions to be taken to address the needs for improving knowledge on biodiversity values of the area as well as actions for improving the conservations status of important biodiversity elements. Special attention is paid to conclusions related to opportunities for economic development for local communities trying to identify the most appropriate actions the support the sustainable development of the area.

3.2 Constraints and limitations: validity and reliability of data and conclusions The analysis of the information and data collected for this assignment has shown some problems or concerns mainly regarding the quality and usefulness of different data collected. These problems and concerns could be summarized as following: • Easy to identify sources of information but very difficult to obtain data, especially from government institutions. Normally it is not a problem to retrieve lists of different documents and reports but normally they do not include specific data that would allow for an analysis of the biodiversity elements in the area, obtaining these data is always difficult. • Several studies on different topics using different methodologies make it difficult to compare data and information. Normally, different researchers and different agencies use different methodologies in data collection and the scope and goals of their research produce results that are difficult to integrate and compare with each other. • The scale, format, quality and detail level creates problems for transposing it to maps. The majority of studies provide narrative description of the location of biodiversity elements, often lacking even coordinates of clear reference to geographical feature. This makes it difficult to identify those elements in the map and analyze their distribution • Not the whole area covered by all studies, creating gaps in information, some times the studies and reports are focused only on areas already under protection and do not cover the rest of the area creating a mosaic of patches having different level of information. • Data on human activities are not complete and accurate.

4 Case study description

4.1 General description of study area The study area extends over 5’911 km2 (591’091 ha) in two countries. The most southern boundary of the study area is the Drini River from Fierza to Shkodra and the Shkodra/Skadar lake. The most appropriate western border of the area would have been the Moraca River but we have taken the

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 7 administrative boundary of the municipality of Podgorica and Andrijevica in order to fully consider the human development impact on the area. The northern boundary is the administrative boundary of Berane and Rozaje Municipalities. On the eastern part the boundary follows the road to Bajram Curri and the National border of Albania with . This is an artificial border of the area since it should include also territories in Kosovo around municipality. But this is out of the scope of this assignment. The study area includes 5 municipalities in Montenegro, and 24 communes in Albania covering two different regions (qark) (Shkoder and Kukes) and three districts (Shkoder, Malësi e madhe, Tropoja) (Fig 1). Within the study area lives approximately 500’000 people. Topography The study area is characterized by relevant changes in elevation. Distances from sea level to mountain peaks more than 1000 m high are often of few kilometers providing for a high topographic diversity. The prevailing mountainous area clearly passes into the flat Zeta/Shkodra plain on the southwest. Canyons, cliffs and mountain ranges are characteristic features that have a strong influence on the biodiversity of the region. The highest peak is Jezerca with 2’693 m a.s.l followed by several other peaks over 2’400 m as Roshi peak 2’524 m, Koljata peak 2’556 m, Gryka Hapet peak 2’561m, Cet Harusha peak 2’423 m and Boshi peak 2’416 m, Hajla peak 2’403 m. Very short and narrow river valleys go through these high mountains as the Vermoshi river valley which is the most visible in the map ending in the biggest mountain lake in the area, the Plavsko Lake.

Figure 1: Base Map of the study area The map of topographic diversity shows the locations placed on steep terrains where the altitude changes rapidly and can be used as an escalator effects for migrating plants and animal species. The topographic diversity is probably followed by biological diversity as different vegetation formations are located in different altitudinal belts. Roads The most important road is that that goes from Shkodra to Koplik and then to Montenegro (Podgorica) and the road going from Bajram Curri to Kukes and Puka (Fig 1). Apart that, in the flat area that divides the mountains from the Shkodra lake there is a dense network of well kept gravel roads that connect different towns and villages in the area. More deep in the mountainous area there is a dense network of paths and hiking roads going over the mountains. In Montenegro, roads are digitized without a specific categorization assuming that all roads included are national roads. The most important road is the one connecting Podgorica with Berane and other cities in the north going on to . This road is not only used for transportation of goods through

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 8 Montenegro to Serbia and vice versa but it is also an important tourist’s vector bringing tourists in the area from main settlements in Montenegro. Hydrology: rivers, lakes The watercourses of study area (Fig 1) empty into the Black Sea and the Adriatic. Rivers of the Adriatic catchment are short, a consequence of karstified bedrock which is characterized by the shortage of surface hydrology. Due to their isolation, Adriatic rivers contain a large number of endemic animals, primarily fish. The most important rivers within the study area are Vermoshi river and Lim River, part of the Danube watershed, Cemi/Cijevna River and Moraca River that flow to the Shkodra/Skadar lake, Valbona river and Shala river and a number of small streams that flows to the Drin River. High mountain lakes are largely of glacial origin consequently they are poor with endemics. Despite this, as unique landscape features they increase local biodiversity in various ways. The most important and notable lakes are Plavsko Jezero, Pesica Jezero, Jezerca lakes, Dashi lake, etc. Among others, selective pressure under extreme environment of high mountain lakes produced various responses in life history traits in various animal groups, e.g. paedomorphosis in newts (Triturus). Recently, many of such unique populations were lost as a consequence of trout introduction into the lakes for angling. Geology The geology map of the study area has been digitized by INCA, harmonizing geological categories in both countries. The map of geological diversity shows the locations placed on different geological formations providing basis for a biological diversity Soils The study area is located on 23 different types of soils and some of them have a very limited coverage. The main soil types covering the majority of the area are Calcaric Cambisols (19%), Chromic Cambisols (17%), Rendzic Leptosols (16%), Dystric Cambisols (16%). Global environmental change The data on climate features for the study area, including average temperature and precipitation are only at big scale not providing enough details to allow for an analysis of the impact of climate features on biodiversity, especially an analysis of the impact of climate change and needs for adaptation measures. In order to have a general idea about climate conditions in the area we have used the following maps taken form the Climate Wizard web site (http://www.climatewizard.org) developed by The Nature Conservancy, the University of Washington and the University of Southern Mississippi. These maps are not in GIS format.

Figure 2: Average annual precipitation and trends for future changes The figures above (Fig.2), taken form the Climate Wizard web site, show average annual precipitation for the last 50 years as well as the projected change in average annual precipitation for the next 50 years. As seen from the figures (Fig. 2), the annual mean precipitation in the study area for the last 50 years has been about 1200-1300 mm/year and little or no decrease in annual precipitation is foreseen for the next 50 years.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 9 These other figures, (Fig. 3) taken from the Climate Wizard web site, show average annual temperature for the last 50 years and the projected change in average annual temperature for the next 50 years. As seen from the figures (Fig. 3) the annual mean temperature in the study area for the last 50 years has been around 6-8° C (14° C in the flat area around the lake) and it is foreseen an increase of the average annual temperature of at least 2° C for the next 50 years.

Figure 3: Average annual temperature and trends for future changes Considering the data from above, it seems that climate change will somehow affect the region. In this regard, it is important to identify potential areas that are relevant for adaptation to climate change. These are undisturbed areas that have the altitude diversity suitable for adaptation to climate change.

4.2 Biodiversity Ecosystem diversity On a general overview it seems like the area has been thoroughly studied be different researchers and indeed there are a lot of narrative descriptive data on the faunistic and floristic values of the area. The area is always included among priority areas to be studied by different institutions and authorities dealing with the monitoring and survey natural values including flora and fauna species as the Museum of Natural Sciences of Tirana, Botanical Garden of Tirana, State Agency for Environment of Forests (Albania), University of Shkodra, and Institute for Nature Protection of Montenegro, etc.

Figure 4: Vegetation diversity

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 10 A synthesis of research results of individual components of the ecosystem led to the specific ecological units, which are linked to natural ecosystems of Prokletije. Researches in the area have identified more than 40 typical plant communities (Bulić Z., Kashta L., Hadžiablahović S. & Marash R. 2003). A large number of plant communities that were established in the area of Prokletije, are of particular importance for protection since they include endemic and relict plant species (Bulic et al 2003). In some cases they include both endemic species, and species of international importance, what gives even greater value to these plant communities, such as: § Wulfenio-Pinetum Mugi (present endemic: Wulfenia blecicii, Lilium albanicum) § Euphorbia-Valerianetum bertisceae (present endemic: Valerian bertiscea) § Valerian-Silenetum macranthe (present endemic: Valerian pancicii, Silene macrantha) § Pinguiculo-Narthecietum scardici (present endemic: Narthecium scardicum) § Doronico-Wulfenietum blecicii (present endemic species: Geum bulgaricum, Wulfenia blecicii, Cardamine pancicii). But the difficulty is that all these studies and researches are not followed by a map or data collected during these studies are not correctly mapped. In this regard it is difficult to clearly identify on the map all areas that have been studied or all the places where different specimens of plant and animals species are recorded making it impossible to produce an accurate map of faunistic and floristic inventories within the study area. The map of vegetation diversity (Fig. 4) shows the locations having a high diversity of habitats providing basis for a high diversity of plant and animal species. The map shows the presence within the study area of sites with a high and very high habitat diversity that are worth to be protected. Species diversity Vascular flora Flora of Prokletije massif very rich and diverse and to a large extent has the character of central European flora with significant participation of arkto-alpine and sub-Mediterranean elements. Around 2,000 plant species are found in the area and 225 are flora endemics as well as a number of rare and endangered species. Out of 415 protected plant species included in the list of Montenegro Republic Institute for Nature Protection of Montenegro ("Official Gazette", 76/06), 60 species occur in the area of NP "Prokletije" there are 42 species of international importance, and 42 globally significant species. According to the latest data on the flora of the Balkan Peninsula, Prokletije is the richest floristical mountains of the Balkans, taking, a more important place than Pindus or Šarplanine, (Stevanovic 1996). Previous research and analysis of the flora of Prokletije shows that it is a floristically very rich mountain massif, and the composition of flora and vegetation is very interesting. Thanks to its geographical location in the far southeastern border of Dinaric Mountains, the average high altitude, massiveness, complex plastic relief, geological diversity and exposure to different, Mediterranean influences, the flora of the Prokletije massif is characterized, in the Balkan and European scale, as extraordinary wealth, which is a basic feature for exceptional horologic heterogeneity (Stevanovic 1996). Approximately 40% of the total high mountain flora of western and central Balkans occurs in Prokletije. It also includes about 60% of the Central European mountain species (Stevanovic 1996), which among other things, reflects the similarity between Prokletije and the European Alps. The special significance of this floristical group is given by the distribution of alpine and glacial relics as Dryas octopetalla, Saxifraga aizoides, S. androsacea, Primula minima, Geum reptans, Pedicularis verticillata, and others ((Stevanovic et al 1995). The importance of plant cover in this area is primarily reflected in the construction of unique, multi layered and complex ecosystems. Previous experiences and scientific findings indicate that the Prokletije massif includes about 400 plant species that have medicinal properties (Pulević V. 1965). Insects Existing researches shows that the insects of Prokletije consists on the following elements: the Central European-Siberian (60%), Oriental - Ponticus (30%) and the Mediterranean about 10%. There are about 60 endemic species of insects, 17 species of Coleoptera, eight endemic species in the genus Molops, 6 in the genus Pterostichus, 6 in the genus Nebria and 4 Omphreus endemic species. These species are specific to the elevated number of important habitat types occurring in boreal zone of high mountains where one can point out some representatives of the genus Otiorhynchus, Trachyphloeus and Phyllobius.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 11 Malacofauna The malacofauna is determined by several characteristic species of which one is endemic of Montenegro - Arion lusitanicus Mabille, 1868, and the others belong to the widespread high mountain species (Arion subfuscus Draparnaud, 1805; Arion silvaticus Lohmander, 1937; Malacolimax Simroth Mrazek, 1904; Limax cinerea-niger, Wolf, 1803; Limax maximus, Linnaeus, 1758, Deroceras laeve (Muller, 1774) and others (Nedic D. 1975). Mammals Studies of the distribution of individual species of mammals in this area do not provide enough data. However, there is more information on hunting mammals to complete the picture of biodiversity and natural values of this very interesting area (Bego F. 1997). Based on data from the forest and hunting grounds as well as data from the field, we can say that these other big mammals occur in the area: rabbit Lepus capensis, wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx) (Bego F., 2001). Representatives of indigenous ungulate species in Prokletije include: wild boar Sus scrofa, chamois Rupicapra rupicapra and roe Capreolus capreolus (Bulic Z. Vizi & O. 2003). Ornithofauna High mountain regions, valleys, forest ecosystems, mountain lakes and rivers in Prokletije are very important habitats for ornithofauna (Bino et al 1996). A number of habitats are anthropogenically modified to a greater or lesser extent, and this is especially true in forest habitats. Plav lake has a composition ornithofauna that goes far beyond of the bird fauna other high mountain lakes in the region and has a great mportance for migratory water birds (Amidžić L. 1999). Prokletije significantly counts for more than 43% of the total ornithofauna registered in Montenegro. In addition to Durmitor, which has so far recorded 172 species of birds, Prokletije are their most important habitat in the continental and the northern part of Montenegro (Amidžić L. 1999).

Figure 5: Animal species richness Herpetofauna Prokletije is an important center of herpetofauna diversity. Herpetofauna in the area has a diverse background and biogeographical links with regions in the area. Some sites have the largest population of mountain newt. Investigated area belongs to the very complex faunistic territories, which are abundant with the rich and varied herpetofauna, numerous endemic and relict forms. Regarding endemism, out of 40 species of amphibians and reptiles in the area, 9 are endemic species (Haxhiu, I. 1998). There is also a large number of native species occurring in the area (Džukić, G. 1995). The Prokletije massif is the most southeastern border of the black newt species (Salamadra atra) areal. In Montenegro they are found only at the Bogicevici mountain, at an altitude of 1952 m. areas around the Hridsko lake are the habitat of the mountain lizards (Lacerta vivipara), which was noted in Montenegro only in Komovi (Džukić, G. 1995).. On some streams, within the area, is found the Greek frog (Rana graeca), an endemic species to the Balkans.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 12 Ichtyofauna In terms of the richness and diversity of the fish fauna Prokletije are very interesting, but only Plav Lake consits of autochthonous ichthyofauna species (Drecun Đ. 1965). Of these species in particular should be noted Salmo labrax m. lacustris that is the only the original population in this lake, while for the Thymallus thymallus this is the southernmost distribution areal, for Esox lucius, and Lotta Lotta,, this is the only site in Montenegro. The fresh water fishes in Albanian are not so well studied (Crivelli et al 2006). However, in the basin of lakes and rivers around the study area lives a significantly high number of species registered in recent research, and on the basis of literature data (Crivelli et al 2006). Use of biodiversity including ecosystem services Biodiversity and human well-being are inextricably linked. Many other factors independent of changes in biodiversity affect the human condition and that biodiversity is influenced by many natural forces that are not associated with humans.

Figure 6: Areas important for provisioning services A full assessment of the interactions between people and biodiversity requires a multi-scale approach, as this better reflects the multi-scale nature of decision-making, allows the examination of driving forces from outside particular regions, and provides a means of examining the differential impact of changes in biodiversity, ecosystem services, and policy responses on different regions and groups within regions. The natural ecosystems within the study area provide a number of important services to both local communities as well as to the regional economy including wood/timber production, non- timber forest products (NFTP; e.g., mushrooms, wild fruits, herbs), etc (Fig. 6). Potential of forest ecosystems in the area of Prokletije is very important for both, economic and ecological reasons. Volume of these forests is significant in the municipalities belong to Project area - Prokletije region in Montenegro, as follows: Municipality Plav - 3.5 million m3, Municipality Rožaje - 3.3 million m3, Andrijevica - 2.1 million m3. Namely, total volume of these forests (per one hectare) is higher than Montenegro average for 24%. Also, volume of economically important forest is exceeding Montenegro average for 62%. Due to this fact, forest ecosystems in Prokletije region are estimated as most productive and rich.

4.3 Socio-economic features and trends – observed or expected impacts on biodiversity Current socio-economic situation Areas around settlement have the highest population density while other areas are less inhabited. In order to have an idea of possible impact of human activities on biodiversity elements we have also developed a map of population growth trends. Another important element influencing human impact

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 13 on biodiversity is transportation infrastructure. The map of the roads buffer area is transformed into a raster map showing areas most influenced by roads as well as road less areas.

Figure 7: Relatively un-fragmented and undisturbed areas All this information is used to identify relatively un-fragmented and undisturbed areas that could provide a great potential for future measure for biodiversity conservation. These areas (Fig 7) are identified by a combination of areas without roads (road less areas from the road map) and areas with minimum population density (population density map). These areas if combined with areas of valuable and diverse biological resources will be the core zones for the protection of these resources from human impacts.

Figure 8: Land cover/land use

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 14 Land use patterns also influence impact on different biodiversity elements. Land use map shows that the area is mainly covered by natural land use types (forests, scrubs) and less artificial land use classes (mainly agriculture lands). This means that there is good potential for biodiversity preservation, but at the other hand limited agriculture lands means more pressure on natural areas, especially close to and around the settlements. Possible future development scenarios Future infrastructure development for project area (Fig. 9) – wider region of Prokletije mountain massif in Montenegro has been determined by the Physical Plan of Montenegro until 2020. Infrastructure development of project area is considered by relevant sectors, as follows: § Motorways - Part of the motorway from the connection to the highway Beograd - Bar to the border with Serbia (Kosovo and Metohija): M- 9: Andrijevica – Murino – Čakor –Bjeluha – Kosovo. § Regional roads: R – 8: Rožaje-Kula (border with Serbia – Kosovo and Metohija) and R – 9: Murino-Plav, § New regional roads: (i) Gusinje/Plav-border with Albania, (ii) Verusa - border with Albania and (iii) Plav-Bogićevica (border with Serbia). In Albania the only planed road infrastructure improvement is the road from Shkodra to Hani i Hotit (the border with Montenegro) facilitating the traffic from Albania to Montenegro and vice versa.

Figure 9: Planed infrastructure and development zones Physical Plan of MNE until 2020 determined general Policy for spatial development of the Northern Region. In the frame of Development zones in Northern MNE, Development zone Rozaje, Sub-zones Plav and Andrijevica and Cross-border Development zones: Berane – Andrijevica – Rozaje – Pec – Kosovska Mitrovica and Zone of NP Prokletije have been defined, as follows. § Development zone ROŽAJE: Encompasses valley of Ibar in the wider area of Rožaje. Priorities of development: Forestry; industry, with orientation to finalization; mountain tourism and tourism oriented towards specialized offers with facilities and agriculture, orientated towards cattle breeding. § Sub-zone PLAV: Cover the area of Plavsko Lake, including the plains along Lim River. Priorities of development: Better traffic connection with the surrounding; agriculture oriented to farmer production, cattle breeding and fruit production; tourism, directed to two-season use of

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 15 capacities and valorization of the Plav Lake; wood processing industry, food industry, water bottling and use of hydro power potential through construction of small hydro power plants. § Sub-zone ANDRIJEVICA: Covers confluence area of Lim between Plav and Berane Priorities of development: agriculture directed to production of fruit and cattle breeding; industry with orientation towards finalization; mountain tourism; functions of service center with broader importance and small hydro power plants. In Albania, support to tourism development is planed for the areas of Valbona, Thethi, Boga and Razem. Already some tourist support activities are undertaken in these areas although still in small scale, lacking financial support from both the government and international donors (Fig. 9).

5 Results obtained The importance of the areas for biodiversity representation is considered in two different levels: at species level (fine filter) and ecosystem level (coarse filter). The fine filter analysis map (Fig. 31) is produced by combining all maps related to species richness (both plants and animals) and maps related to species endemism (both plant and animals). The map shows the existence of several areas of high and very high importance for biodiversity representation in the Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna area. The map shows a discontinuity of data for Berane municipality and this is because data on animal species distribution for Berane were not included in the analysis, since not available at that moment. The coarse filter map is produced by combining different diversity layers including vegetation diversity, geological diversity and topographic diversity and shows important areas for biodiversity representation. The map shows the presence of several areas of high and very high importance for biodiversity representation at habitat/ecosystem level. The majority of these areas are located around the border between Albania and Montenegro, highlighting the importance of trans-boundary cooperation in effective and successful biodiversity conservation activities.

Figure 10: Important areas for biodiversity representation (fine filter) Reduced human impact is an important element for the conservation efforts, so we have identified those areas that have the highest potential for biodiversity integrity and functionality. The map is produced by combining maps of road density, population density and land use patterns and shows areas that are important for biodiversity integrity and functionality as undisturbed areas. As it is visible from the map, the area is quite important for providing biodiversity integrity and functionality since there are a lot of undisturbed un-fragmented areas as well as remote areas without road access.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 16

Figure 11: Gap analysis map for priority areas for biodiversity conservation This map is a combination of all maps produced under ecosystem services and shows areas that are important for human well being depending on biodiversity. The map shows very few places of very high importance for human well being depending on biodiversity and this is because of limited distribution of cultural services considered in the analysis. At the other hand there are a lot of areas of high importance for providing ecosystem services important not only to local communities but to the entire region. The combination of all priority maps is important for suggesting a zoning system of the area (e.g., priority areas for strict protection, areas for agricultural use and sustainable development etc.). The map shows the existence of very high and high priority areas for biodiversity conservation, which provide a good base for planning conservation activities in the area. The combination of the zoning map (Fig. 11) with the protected areas map will allow for a gap analysis of areas put under protection within the study area. As shown in the map (Fig. 11), some of very high priority areas for biodiversity conservation in the Prokjletije/Bjeshket e Namuna area are already included under protected areas (NP Prokletije). However, there are some other important areas for biodiversity conservation that should be put under protection in order to provide for protected ecological corridors and connectivity between priority areas for biodiversity conservation. 6 Discussion and conclusions On a general overview it seems like the area has been thoroughly studied be different researchers and indeed there are a lot of narrative descriptive data on the faunistic and floristic values of the area. The area is always included among priority areas to be studied by different institutions and authorities dealing with the monitoring and survey natural values including flora and fauna species as the Museum of Natural Sciences of Tirana, Botanical Garden of Tirana, State Agency for Environment of Forests (Albania), University of Shkodra, and Institute for Nature Protection of Montenegro, etc. But the problem is that all these studies and researches are not followed by a map or data collected during these studies are not correctly mapped. In this regard it is difficult to clearly identify on the map all areas that have been studied or all the places where different specimens of plant and animals species are recorded making it impossible to produce an accurate map of existing knowledge on biodiversity elements within the area.

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 17 On the other hand even this methodology bring a lot of information for the quantity of new developed maps on GIS format, the need of more accurate, in depth and with new standard field studies is urgent, if we would like in a future to present real and concrete challenges for the area development. The data on climate for the study area, including average temperature and precipitation are only at big scale not providing enough details to allow for an analysis of the impact of climate features on biodiversity, especially in regard to effects of climate change and potential for adaptation to climate change effects. Specific data on forest cover within the study area were not available at digital format. Data on the coverage of different forest types were used to identify the vegetation formations of the area. Digital data on timber volume, productivity, age classes, quality etc, were not available at the forest management unit level at both countries. Lack of digital data and maps on forest productivity as well as lack of data on forest operations in the area made it impossible to identify old growth/non exploited/primary forests in the area which should have included areas that are known for their remarkable forest resources but never used by humans. The following research needs are identified: − Identification and development of Natura 2000 sites − Inventory and mapping of endemic and protected plant and species − Prepare Book of Flora of Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna − Prepare Vegetation Map of Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna − Bird Fauna Catalogue of Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna − Prepare Program for long time research of biodiversity in Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna − Revision of the Biodiversity Monitoring Program in Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna

6.1 Actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development Considering the current patterns and future scenarios regarding the biodiversity importance and conservation status, the group of experts, using also the existing information, has identified some priority interventions/actions related to two directions: spatial and thematic priorities. In all the made analysis came out the need of more systematic and quantitative data that can better indicate the natural condition of the habitat and species, and all the other elements with direct and indirect impact. a. Spatial priorities As mentioned in this study, the lack/gap of accurate information for the spatial references and in some cases differential data collected, lead to a difficult task in identifying priorities in the study area. In the same time in the frame of analysis made and the produced maps, we find out several actions to be proposed taking into account existing projects and initiatives: − Established a regular transboundary monitoring program with precise indicators and monitoring system (time, points, methodology, etc), particularly for those areas in Bjeshket e Namuna/Prokletije that are identified as important areas for biodiversity conservation, including valuable habitats and endanger/threaten species in the adjacent area; − On the basis of important areas for biodiversity integrity and functionality identified and the areas important for human well being depending on biodiversity, including the areas of high importance for providing ecosystem services not only to local communities but to the entire region, prepare a detailed zoning system with description of benefits for the local community and a national level. − Preparing through detailed project an accurate distribution of the plant and animal endemic species (including sub-endemic) occuring in the area, important for the conservation spatial planning and possible development; − Elaboration of Local Biodiversity Action Plans for communal areas and a Regional Environmental Action Plan that should be approved by the local authorities and serve as a “bible” in spatial and land use program; − Program for identification of wild plant and animal species that require undertaking priority Action plans/programs; − Project on fish protection, including their distribution and stock, particularly the trout species of the fresh water streams in the mountain area (Shala, Valbona, Cemi, etc).

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 18 b. Thematic priorities The major action in this direction is related to the protected areas management. All the analysis made lead to the inexistent of management structure and plans regarding the area under study. There are some efforts made in promoting the transboundary cooperation but we think that the major problem in the future is to work together in a transboundary context, promoting the activities and actions on a national level. The existing protected areas staffs are not efficient at all (the case in Albania) or not established near the transboundary zone (the case in MN). In this consideration the main activities suggested for the future are: − Prepare a Joint Transboundary Management Plan for the area to be included under protection, in parallel with sectorial plans in the field of: Tourism and guiders, Biodiversity/Nature interpretation plan, and Public awareness and Education plan for community and visitors. − Prepare/plan and implement System for Counting number of visitors and Visitor Impact Assessment for the identify area of the protection and tourism development (especially in areas were there ongoing or planned infrastructure developments for supporting tourism activities. − Prepare and implement action plans for critically endangered domestic breeds and varieties and programs for farming domestic breeds and varieties; − Implement through an approved working program the rehabilitation of some important species habitats, particularly for birds and mammals. A valuable support for this action should be requested for the disappeared or very damaged habitats, and identification of past and future impacts identified in the area;

6.2 Action for policy advice and public outreach Considering priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development of the area there is a need to influence policy instruments for supporting these issues. In this regard we have identified the following actions: − Integration of measures and requirements for biodiversity protection and tourism strategies for Bjeshket e Namuna/Prokletije region shall be provided in on-going future tourism strategies and plans. Relevant guidelines (CBD) shall be considered for performing this work. − Provide participation of local population in the management structures of Protected Natural Assets, priority national parks. − Provide integration measures for biodiversity / nature protection in the development sectors regulated by the physical planning documents. − Prepare Plan for the Protection of Biodiversity from negative impacts of Tourism development in Protected Natural Assets. − Integrate measures and requirements for biodiversity / nature protection in the regulation for economic development. − Implement/apply strategic and Environmental Impact Assessment and Nature Acceptance Appraisal for projects, concessions and works in Agriculture and Forestry. − Adapt and develop mechanisms for the participation of interest groups in the decision making system regarding biodiversity protection. In order to improve knowledge and information sharing about importance of biodiversity and need for sustainable use of natural resources we have identified the following public outreach activities: − Implement a public awareness campaign for respecting laws/regulation relevant for biodiversity / nature protection; − Working in establishing and strengthening the role of the civil society organizations and the base community organizations as the basis for the involvement and participation of the local community; − Education program for biodiversity protection, its sustainable use and equitable share of the use of genetic resources; − Introduction of environmental education concepts on elementary school level for “investing” in a very young generation;

BALWOIS 2012 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 28 May, 2 June 2012 19 − Development of information material on biodiversity values of the area and priority areas for conservation and establish point of information in the main village or points of tourist passage; − Promotion of regional cultural, social events (as “dani borovnice u plavu - bilberry days in plav”, “zavičajni susreti na alipašinim izvorima (2 avgust); - homeland meetings at alipasha springs for 2 August”, “Logu i Bjeshkeve - Miss Bjeshka”) which are gathering stakeholders form different parts of the area and could be used to communicate and promote the importance of trans-boundary cooperation for both biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development. − Promotion of the Prokletije/Bjeshket e Namuna festival, as a specific event for promoting trans-boundary cooperation and opportunities for development, including traditional products fair, meetings etc.

7 References Albania Watershed Assessment Project 2001 “Albanian hydrological network, road network and settlements digital file from “Harta Hidro-Gjeologjike e RPS të Shqipërisë 1984” Crivelli J. A, Shumka S, Lutz M. 2006 Inventaire des ressources patrimoniales et halieutiques des poissons d’eau douce en Albanie et recommandations de gestion, Tirana. ESRI 2008 Image Data- Global Digital Elevation Model SRTM, ESRI Data & Maps 9.3 Hortal, J. 2006. Towards a synecological framework for systematic conservation planning. Biodiversity Informatics 3: 16-45. http://climatewizard.s3.amazonaws.com/global_country_1951_2002/Albania/pptPct/historical/map_mean_cru50k_ pptPct_14_1951_2002.png. - Map of Average annual precipitation 1951-2002 for Albania. http://dataservice.eea.europa.eu/dataservice/. Corine land cover 2000 (CLC2000) 100 m-version 9/2007; EEA Data service. IAMB & Soil Research Institute of Albania. 2001 “Soil Information System in Albania” developed with the support of the INTERREG program. INSTAT 2001 “Regjistrimi i përgjithshëm i Popullsisë dhe Banesave 2001” http://www.instat.gov.al/repoba/ Margules, C. R. & R. L. Pressey 2000. Systematic conservation planning. Nature 405 243-253. Marris, E. 2007. The escalator effect. Nature Reports Climate Change: 94 – 96. MEFWA 2008 “Map of nature monuments in Albania”. Ministry of Environemnt Forests and Water Administration, Tirana. Ministry of Environment and Physical Planining 2008 Physical Plan of MNE until 2020, Podgorica, Montenegro. MPPRRT 2006 Plani afatgjate i zhvillimit te infrastruktures ne Shqipëri. Ministria e Puneve Publike dhe Rregullimit te Territorit, Tirana, Albania Müller, R., C. Nowicki, W. Barthlott & P.L. Ibisch 2003. Biodiversity and endemism mapping as a tool for regional conservation planning – case study of the Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae) of the Andean rain forests in Bolivia. Biodiversity and Conservation 12(10): 2005-2024. Pressey, R.L., M. Cabeza, M.E. Watts, R.M. Cowling & K.A. Wilson 2007. Conservation planning in a changing world. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 22: 583-592. REPOBA – People and building registration, INSTAT 2003 REPUBLIC OF MONTENEGRO, Statistical Office 2004 “Census of Population, Households and Dwellings, POPIS 2003 – POPULATION - NATIONAL OR ETHNIC AFFILIATION Data by settlements and municipalities” Podgorica, septembar 2004. Smith, R.J., P.S. Goodman & W.S. Matthews 2006. Systematic conservation planning: a review of perceived limitations and an illustration of the benefits, using a case study from Maputaland, South Africa. Oryx 40: 400-410. UNDP – GIS office, Shape file of hydrology, roads, protected areas, Emerald network and settlements of Montenegro prepared in the framework of Environmental Forestry GIS project, base on topographic maps of Military Geographic Institute Belgrade from various time periods, in standard scales: 1: 25.000, 1: 50.000, 1: 100.000, 1: 200.000 and 1: 300.000. WWF Mediterranean Program 2010 “Final Report of the WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet – Dinaric Arc Ecoregion Project Protected Areas gap Analysis”

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