Rebuilding the Lower Bojana Basin and Ulcinj Ecosystem Complex BESTbelt heritage in Montenegro

Challenge

The ecological quality of the Lower Bojana Basin and Ulcinj Ecosystem Complex (LBBUEC) is declining due to flooding, soil and beach erosion, loss of vegetation cover and eutrophication, caused by strong rivers and local agricultural practices. In addition, habitat fragmentation leads to biodiversity loss, changing species compositions and the spread of invasive species.

Objective

The main objective of the project is to protect LLBUEC and to restore its biodiversity. It aims to establish ecological corridors, increase the ecosystems’ resilience towards climatic changes, apply nature-based solutions and promote sustainable management. In addition, the project aims to raise awareness and increase the number of nature protection supporters, e.g. by celebrating positive actions and creating sustainable partnerships.

Approach

The project aims to achieve its goals by:

• Preserving existing, functional ecological structures and increasing the (self-) regulating capacity of forests, wetlands and grasslands (through mapping, protecting, and monitoring of ecosystems and their functionality).
• Introducing a sustainable management and restoration of ecologically significant sites and increasing the ecological network’s integrity. This will be achieved through actions by local stakeholders and sharing of inspiring examples and  a positive attitude towards nature conservation.