Improving the status of the otter and its habitat in the Skadar Lake National Park area

The transboundary project is implemented by the NGO Green Home in collaboration with the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment (PPNEA) and Wildlife Montenegro from October 2024 to September 2025.

Challenge 

The otter (Lutra lutra) is a protected but “near threatened” species in Europe, and the number of mature individuals is in continuous  decline. Their aquatic habitats are extremely vulnerable to man-made changes. Canalization of rivers, removal of bank side vegetation, dam construction, draining of wetland, aquaculture activities and associated man-made impacts on aquatic systems all negatively affect otter populations. 

Objective

This project aims to generate comprehensive results on the presence of otters and an assessment of their population in Skadar Lake. In addition, the reporting of Montenegro and Albania to the Bern Convention should be improved and Open cases towards the Bern Convention Secretariat be closed. Also, the knowledge and involvement of local citizens in the protection of the otter in the National Park Skadar Lake will be increased, and cross-border collaboration be strengthened through capacity building.

Approach

To achieve our project objectives, we will:

• Evaluate existing monitoring protocols in Montenegro and Albania over two monitoring seasons;
• Support managing authorities to improve reporting to the Bern Convention with up-to-date and verified data;
• Strengthen protected area management;
• Conduct trainings for local communities (in Albania and Montenegro);
• Prepare promotional and educational materials (video, brochure, etc.) on the otter and its habitat.