EAF Projects AlbaniaDivjak-Karavasta

The conservation of birds, and particularly the Dalmatian pelican in the Divjak-Karavasta complex.

Aim
The main aim of the project is to conserve the Dalmatian pelican in the Divjaka-Karavasta lagoon complex.

Location
The complex of Karavasta is the biggest lagoon complex in Albania and is located on the west coast in mid-Albania. It is composed of over 5000 ha. of wetlands (Karavasta) and 1200 ha. afforested areas (Divjaka). It is a Ramsar site.

Natural values
The Karavasta complex is the most important bird area in Albania with over 51,000 individuals over-wintering. Altogether 228 species of birds, 29 species of reptiles and amphibians and 25 species of mammals have been documented in Karavasta. Many of these are rare or threatened in Albania and globally: some 6% of the world's population of Dalmatian pelican are found here

Threats
Increased (illegal) logging, night fishing and hunting are adversely impacting the breeding of the waterbirds through disturbance and destruction of breeding sites, nests, eggs and chicks.

Activities
Urgent management activities have been undertaken to conserve the breeding sites of Dalmatian pelicans and other waterfowl. Nesting sites have been managed in 1999 and 2000 in order to increase the nest site suitability and number of nest sites. Little tern sites were also similarly managed. Initial evaluation suggests that these measures have been successful with the failure of breeding being halted, and even a small increase being noted.

Organisation and budget
The Albanian Society for the Protection of Birds and Mammals carried out the work with a budget of € 9,150.