Management Recommendations for Drini Bay by MEDASSET

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY JANUARY 2012

THE PANTON TRUST

THE SPEAR CHARITABLE TRUST THE J.F COSTOPOULOS FOUNDATION

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

AUTHORS Dr. Michael White (lead author), Liza Boura, Kostis Grimanis, Lily Venizelos MEDASSET ‐ Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles. c/o 24, Park Towers, 2 Brick St., London W1J 7DD, UK 1c Licavitou St., 106 72 Athens, Greece, Tel/Fax: + 30 210 3613572, medasset@medasset.org www.medasset.org www.euroturtle.org CONTRIBUTORS & REVIEWERS With special thanks for reviews and contributions from: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Bego (Albanian Association for the Protection of Birds and Mammals; Tirana University), Prof. Dr. Eglantina Bruci (UNDP Climate Change Programme), Mr. Xhovalin Cali (Fisheries specialist), Dr. Zamir Dedej (Institute of Nature Conservation in Albania), Mr. Abdulla Diku (PSEDA ‐ ILIRIA organisation), Dr.vet. Vath Gabili (Fishery inspector), Mr. Jak Gjini (EIRLA Association), Ms. Drita Grishoj (Agency of Environment and Forestry), Ms Lira Hakani (EDEN Centre), Mr. Ermal Halimi (Head of Fauna, Flora and Soil Sector, MoEFWA), Mr. Enio Haxhimihali (Albanian Lawyers for Environment Protection), Prof. Dr. Idriz Haxhiu (Vitrina University; Herpetofauna Albanian Society), Mr. Bledi Hoxha (PPNEA), Mr. Rezart Kapedani (Regional Environmental Centre‐ REC), Ms. Ermelinda Mahmutaj (EDEN Center), Mr. Niko Mihali (local NGO Permet), Ms. Marina Mitro (Tirana University), Mr. Atef Ouerghi (RAC/SPA), Ms. Vilma Piroli (Tirana University), Mrs. Zaira Poga (Institute of Public Health, "Albanian Environmental Woman Association", "PRO MJEDISIT"), Ms. Elvana Ramaj (Nature Protection Policies Directorate, MoEFWA), Dr. Merita Rumano (Directorate of Environmental Impact Assessment and Licensing, MoEFWA), Mr. Enerit Saçdanaku (Vlora University), Mr. Kliti Starja (Agency of Environment and Forestry), Mr. Bekim Trezhnjevna (Tirana University), Mr. Denik Ulqini (“RAINBOW” Association). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the co‐funders of the research and capacity‐building project “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania 2008‐10” which laid the groundwork for the drafting of this document: the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grant Programme (GEF/SGP), Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA), the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), the British Chelonia Group (BCG), the J.F. Costopoulos Foundation (Greece), the Spear Charitable Trust (UK) and the Panton Trust (UK). The 2008‐10 project was implemented in collaboration with the University of Tirana, Herpetofauna Albanian Society, Adnan Menderes University (Turkey) and ECAT–Tirana (Environmental Centre for Administration & Technology). This document was produced in parallel to the drafting of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania under the auspices of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and RAC/SPA; thanks to the financial support of the MAVA Foundation and the collaboration of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration (MoEFWA), that enabled a deliberation and feedback process among relevant stakeholders and experts about both documents during July‐December 2011, which included a stakeholder consultation workshop on October 24th 2011 in Tirana. Special thanks to all the reviewers for their comments, to Atef Ouerghi (RAC/SPA) for his advice and to Elvana Ramaj (MoEFWA) for her valuable support in the stakeholder meeting organisation and the formulation of the Action Plan. Thanks also to Marina Mitro and Enerit Saçdanaku for voluntarily helping during the consultation workshop organisation. Please reference as: MEDASSET (2012) Management Recommendations for Drini Bay. White M, Boura L, Grimanis K, Venizelos L. Athens, Greece. 11pp. P Think before you print. Reduce paper consumption: this document is designed for double‐sided printing.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

Founded in 1988 and with roots going back to 1983, MEDASSET ‐ Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles ‐ is an international environmental NGO registered as a charity and private company in the UK and as a Non Profit Organisation in Greece. MEDASSET plays an active role in the study and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats throughout the Mediterranean, through scientific research, environmental education, political lobbying and raising public awareness. Since 1988 the organisation has been a Permanent Observer‐member of the Bern Convention at the Council of Europe and Partner to the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) of UNEP. In 2009, MEDASSET was awarded Partner status for the implementation of UNEP’s Action Plan for the Conservation of Mediterranean Marine Turtles. UNEP/MAP (United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan) aims to assist the Mediterranean countries to assess and control marine pollution, to formulate their national environment policies, to improve the ability of governments to identify better options for alternative patterns of development and to optimize the choices for allocation of resources. RAC/SPA (Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas) was established by the contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its protocols, with the aim of assisting Mediterranean countries in the implementation of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas in the Mediterranean. RAC/SPA’s mission is to assist the Parties in establishing and managing specially protected areas, conducting programmes of scientific and technical research, conducting the exchange of scientific and technical information between the Parties, preparing management plans for protected areas and species, developing cooperation programmes among the Parties, and preparing educational materials designed for various groups. The MAVA – Foundation engages in strong partnerships to conserve biodiversity for future generations. It was established in 1994 and is a family‐led, Swiss‐based philanthropic foundation with an exclusive focus on three focal regions: the Alpine Arc and Switzerland, the Mediterranean Basin and Coastal West Africa. In addition it also supports projects outside those regions and that address either extraordinary threats or exceptional conservation opportunities. Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP) supports activities of non governmental and community‐based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................... 4 MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY ...................................................................................... 5 A. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 5 B. Responsible Authority .................................................................................................................... 6 C. Legal Framework ............................................................................................................................ 6 D. Principal Impacts in Drini Bay ......................................................................................................... 7 E. Mitigation Measures ...................................................................................................................... 7 E.1. Fishing ........................................................................................................................................ 7 E.2. Pollution ..................................................................................................................................... 8 E.3. Buildings & infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 9 E.4. Habitat Loss ................................................................................................................................ 9 F. Management Options for Protection of the Wider Drini Bay Area ............................................. 10 CITED LITERATURE ............................................................................................................................................ 11

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY A. Introduction The three‐year research programme in Drini Bay “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania 2008‐2010”, quantified the extent and impacts of fishery bycatch from two stavnike fish‐traps (fixed location, uncovered pound nets); deployed three UHF transmitters (satellite‐telemetry) onto Caretta caretta in order to show their migratory movements and marine habitat use; and collected skin‐biopsies for DNA analysis to identify the natal origin of those sampled animals (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas). Detailed knowledge for Drini Bay was gathered concerning the marine environment, abiotic factors, environmental‐awareness of local inhabitants, threats and impacts that affect sea turtles and their habitats locally; legislative and regulatory procedures, awareness, inspections, compliance and enforcement.1 The project concludes that turtles are using Drini Bay and the Patok area as a foraging habitat, and recommends that Drini Bay is recognised as being a regionally and nationally important habitat that is used by sea turtles throughout the year: i) for foraging ii) as a refuge iii) as part of a key migratory corridor between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. Drini Bay is also used: iv) by adult and adolescent loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta v) by a significant assemblage of male loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta vi) as an over‐wintering habitat for Caretta caretta vii) occasionally for foraging or migration by green turtles Chelonia mydas. MEDASSET hereby submits its recommendations for the protection of Drini Bay. Fig. 2: Map of northern Albania: The research project “Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania 2008‐2010” has shown that a substantial number of sea turtles are present in Drini Bay. (Map prepared with MapTool www.seaturtle.org)

For more information see White et al. 2011

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

B. Responsible Authority

The Regional Government at Lezhe has responsibility for Drini Bay, apart from the Velipoja area where Buna River enters the bay; which is the responsibility of Regional Government at Shkoder. These authorities are responsible for administering the legal acts that protect sea turtles and their habitats within Drini Bay. The Regional Environment Agency (REA) for Lezhe was established in June 1994 pursuant to the Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 599, dated 20/12/1993 “Concerning the creation of regional agencies for protection of environment in the prefectures”. The Regional Agencies established at prefecture level have the following duties and responsibilities: 1. control and enforce the implementation of the environmental legislation; 2. implement and oversee the preliminary procedures on environmental licensing; 3. collect and process data on the state of the art of the environment at the region and prefecture level. In Drini Bay the following riparian areas are protected as Managed Nature Reserves: Velipoja; Kune‐ Vain; Patok‐Fushë‐Kuqe. The Decision of the Council of Ministers (DCM) “On the designation of natural ecosystem Patok‐Fushë‐Kuqe as Managed Nature Reserve” was approved in November 2010, extending the protected area.

The Management Plan of Velipoja area is under preparation and the first draft will be completed by the end of 2012. Kune‐Vain Protected Area Management Plan was prepared in 2010 and approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration (MoEFWA). Patok‐Fushë‐Kuqe area has no management plan. In the absence of a management plan, law no. 8906 “On protected areas” (6.6.2002) describes the permitted and prohibited activities for each protected area category (which are identical to IUCN categories). According to the DCM on management Committees protected areas of Categories II, IV and V (National parks, Managed Nature Reserve and protected Landscape) have management committees. The designation of Drini Bay as a Specially Protected Area (SPA) is in the long‐term plans of the MoEFWA.

C. Legal Framework

Reference: (Protection of wild fauna Law nr. 10006 dated 23/10/2008)

The following Articles of the Wild Fauna Law are relevant for the protection of sea turtles and their habitats:

Control for protection of wild fauna 1. Control for protection of wild fauna is a state activity that ensures the implementation of the provisions of this law, by‐laws for its implementation, and relevant conventions, to which Albania is party. 2. Control for protection of wild fauna is organised and operates continuously throughout the territory, with a view to identifying the negative impacts on nature and punishment of illegal actions regarding the fauna in general and specific species. Control authorities 1. Forest Police and Fisheries Inspectorate are specialised bodies for the enforcement of the provisions of this law, by‐laws for its implementation, and relevant conventions, to which Albania is party. 2. Bodies of local government control the protection of wild fauna, within the authorised boundaries of communities and habitats owned or used by the communities and municipalities (Komuna; Bashkia).

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

3. To increase the capacity control of inspection, the Minister authorises, by special order, specialists of the ministry of research institutes in the field to participate in the control groups. 4. To increase the effectiveness of controls, Forest Police, the Inspectorate of Fisheries and control bodies of local government cooperate with veterinary and phytosanitary inspectors of the respective counties.

D. Principal Impacts in Drini Bay Table 1: Principal impacts identified in Drini Bay Fishing

1. Trawling in shallow water depths: less than the 40‐metre isobath and near to the shore‐line. 2. Dynamite (fishing with explosives): a threat to possible foraging turtles. 3. Stavnike fish‐traps (during spring & summer periods); mostly non‐lethal to captured sea turtles. 4. Artisanal fishing methods: mrezh (trammel nets) and long‐lines (may kill or injure turtles); pinar, rod & line, by hand (usually negligible for turtles). 5. Shellfish harvesting (mostly by hand, drag‐net or push‐net); low threat to turtles.

Pollution

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Widespread distribution of visible pollutants, especially plastics. Sewage effluent (via the riverine and lagoon systems). Microbiological contaminants. Persistent chemicals and heavy metals. Hydrocarbons (oil and benzene spills). Industrial activities in the area (fish processing industry, thermo‐power plant planned to be built in Shengjin, etc.) 7. Runoff from agricultural activities in the area (use of herbicides and pesticides)

Building & 1. Rapid development of Shengjin as a tourist resort. infrastructure 2. Unplanned developments and construction, especially in Patoku inner lagoon. 3. Lack of compliance and enforcement of planning regulations and environmental impact assessments. 4. Development of the port of Shengjin; its associated shipping traffic; and the potential for accidental discharges of hydrocarbons and other pollutants. Habitat Loss

1. Coastal erosion in the Shengjin‐Kune zone. 2. Eutrophication in wetland areas, especially Patoku lagoon.

E. Mitigation Measures The sea turtle population in Drini Bay needs to be systematically monitored as per the submitted ‘Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania’; the population trends studied; and activities negatively impacting these endangered species monitored and managed. Sea turtles are migratory marine animals and therefore any marine area can be their natural habitat. The Government of Albania needs to provide the necessary protective legislation and management of human activities that impact upon these critical‐habitats, including Drini Bay, so that these red‐listed animals are not further endangered. E.1. Fishing Trawlers based at Shengjin have been regularly observed fishing close to the eastern shore of Drini Bay. At times these vessels have been working within 100 metres of the beaches and in depths that may be shallower than 15 metres2; this is a known threat to sea turtles. The impact of small scale artisanal fishing on sea turtles has not been studied; however, it has been observed that such fishing activities are widespread throughout Drini Bay, including along Rodoni Cape. 2

White et al. 2011

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

The Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania (Action Plan) explains the need for a thorough investigation of the extent and impacts of all fishing activities on sea turtles and their habitats nationally; this includes all of the fishing activities that occur in Drini Bay. As part of this investigation it is recommended that an awareness campaign is implemented immediately for members of the professional fishing community, including ship‐owners, agents, and inspectors, to explain the threats to sea turtles; to show how to report bycatch‐data; to remind them of the conditions of their fishing licences; and of the regulations regarding enforcement of fisheries and aquaculture laws; to demonstrate safe‐handling techniques for sea turtles (including how to care for injured turtles); and provide fishermen that participate in the training courses with a certificate. A similar approach should be used with small scale fishermen, but with emphasis on raising awareness of the problems, how individuals are an important part of the solution; and to also offer them training in sea turtle handling and bycatch reporting. The next step is to vigorously enforce the legislative measures. As per sub‐action 6 of Action 3C of the Action Plan, fishermen should be compensated for damaged fishing nets as a result of sea turtle activity. This requires that the evaluation and compensation process envisaged in principle within Albanian Law no.10006, be extended to include fishing activities. Dynamite: data on explosive‐fishing (2008‐2010)3 in Drini Bay were made available to the Ministry of the Environment, Forests and Water Administration at Tirana. This was forwarded to the Durres Chief of Police, who subsequently conducted a special operation aimed at curtailing such activities in the Godull and Rodoni Cape zones. It is recommended that similar enforcement activities are used at irregular intervals4; and that an environmental awareness‐campaign is implemented in these very remote communities. E.2. Pollution A great challenge will be to reduce and eliminate the anthropogenic pollution that enters Drini Bay via the riverine system. Plastics found throughout the bay are transported from the hinterland via the four main rivers (Buna, Drini, Mati and Ishmi), with Ishmi river being by the far the biggest contributor5. Ishmi river is supplied by several other rivers (Lana, Tirana, Limuthi and Terkuza combine to form the Gjola section; which, along with Zeza, becomes Ishmi) that bring sewage‐effluent, waste, and other pollutants from Tirana, Kamez, Rinas, Kruje, and the various communities along its route. The Ishmi outflow is in the southeastern corner of Drini Bay, but this is very difficult to access, monitor or control. The reduction of pollutants and effluent entering Drini Bay requires the co‐operation of about 30% of Albania’s population and their responsible Authorities; this clearly requires that an integrated approach is developed, promoted and implemented (see Action 3D of the Action Plan). In practical terms this means it would be a waste of time, manpower, money and other resources, to clean up the shoreline of Drini Bay without also having a national media campaign to change the habits and attitude of people (i.e. reduce‐reuse‐recycle campaign, present negative effects and motivate people to responsibly dispose of waste: i.e. not throw waste into rivers, canals or sea). Tale beach is cleaned and managed by its local communities and now supports a small, but successful, leisure industry; there is still a problem with visitors leaving their garbage on the beach, so an awareness campaign is also needed. This could include promoting reusable shopping‐bags (cotton or linen, baskets etc instead of plastic‐bags). Nonetheless, Tales has put the infrastructure in place to collect and dispose of this waste: this is an achievement that can be duplicated in other coastal areas.

White et al. 2011 It is understood that resources are presently limited; however, this approach could be used to attract additional funding from external sources. 5 White et al. 2010 4

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

A second local achievement was the establishment of Albania’s first recycling project in 2009 at Lezhe. This is a partnership between Bashkia Lezhe and Kadeli SHPK; providing separate collection facilities for plastics, glass, paper & cardboard and household waste. Also, during 2010, Lezhe replaced much of the under‐street waste water system. A similar approach now needs to be implemented at nearby Shengjin, which is being developed rapidly as a tourist destination, but is lacking in infrastructure, particularly for waste management. E.3. Buildings & infrastructure It is recognised that many of the communities around Drini Bay are impoverished, isolated, and with limited or no infrastructure. However, infrastructural‐development is now underway; with many improvements being made since 2009 (e.g. a road‐building programme is well advanced). Development must be planned, sustainable and compliant with regulations in order to maintain the ecosystems’ health and protect the ecological services they offer to humans and the species that are present around Drini Bay. Authorities should: 1. Promote a culture of compliance with environmental and planning regulations through a national and regional media campaign. 2. Actively control and enforce national, regional and local planning legislation. 3. Require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) on any developments that impact upon the marine and coastal zone of Drini Bay. E.4. Habitat Loss Shengjin‐Kune At Kune the sea is eroding the western sandy coastline, the trees are dead or dying and collapsing into the sea. However, Kune lagoon is a few metres away on the eastern side of this narrow strip of land. There are buildings, tourist developments and artisanal fisheries located in the southern zone, which may be cut off from the access road to Shengjin. There is still time to identify a solution, such as beach renourishment or the construction of a bridge; however, there is a noticeable loss of land each year. An EIA can identify a suitable response. UNDP’s Climate Change Programme (www.ccalb.org) is studying the rivers Drini and Mati and their adjacent zones, including Kune‐Vain and Patok‐Fushë‐Kuqe lagoons; and aims to submit to the national government recommendations concerning mitigation and adaptation measures for the impacts of climate‐change. Recommendations and findings of the UNDP project that are relevant to sea turtles and their habitats should be considered. Increased sea/lagoon water and sand‐dunes temperature, changes in ocean chemistry (e.g. acidification), sea level rise, more frequent and intense floods, aggressive erosion, frequent inundation and longer submersion of low lying coastal areas could affect life cycles of sea turtles and pose risks of habitat loss and fragmentation. These changes in climate are expected to increase the stress on local community activities as well. Patoku‐Fushë‐Kuqe Lagoon Patoku–Fushëkuqe lagoon, apart from being connected to an important sea turtle habitat (Drini Bay), is an important fishing ground; a bird feeding, nesting and overwintering area (e.g. Egretta garzetta); while reptiles and amphibians are also present. The two aspects that require immediate attention are: 1. Dumping of hazardous materials and waste (including plastics) into the inner and outer lagoons (e.g. detergents, bleaches, hydrocarbon fuels and oil, and sewage effluent); as these probably contribute to the problem of eutrophication. 2. Compliance and enforcement of building and planning regulations. 3. Publication of the minutes and decisions of the management committee meetings would be an asset.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

F. Management Options for Protection of the Wider Drini Bay Area

A full EIA should be carried out in order to determine the fauna and flora that are present; the extent and level of existing impacts; and the likely effect of future impacts. The ports and shipping traffic should be included in the EIA. There should be a review of any existing or impending Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) planning and operations. The EIA should include appropriate measures to mitigate any actual or potential impacts; and also to propose a system for ongoing monitoring and environmental reporting that will enhance the ICZM structure. A feasibility study should be conducted to identify the most appropriate management options for the bay e.g. Marine Protected Area (MPA). In particular, the study should investigate whether to develop and implement a single protective category for all of Drini Bay, or if ‘zoning’ is a more suitable and enforceable alternative: 1. A by‐catch assessment throughout Drini Bay including trawls, nets, long‐lines, small scale and artisanal fisheries is necessary in order to thoroughly study the degree of sea turtle fisheries interaction and to identify the areas most used by turtles either for foraging, development or overwintering. Previous research has focused mainly on stavnik traps in the Patok area, while only anecdotal information has been collected by fishermen using other fishing methods. 2. Zoning has some merits, also for sea turtles, because there have been few reports of bycatch from the northernmost areas of Shengjin and Velipoja; and this means that the Port of Shengjin could continue to operate normally, within the provisions of MARPOL. 3. The higher protection zone should extend southwards from the mouth of Drini River to the northern shore of Rodoni Cape, as this is the area where fishermen report catching most sea turtles. The area includes water depths shallower than the 50‐metre isobath (although government may decide on the 40‐metre isobath based on existing legislation). Fishing activities should be strictly licensed; and regulations actively enforced; with sanctions and area closures applied as appropriate. 4. At present there is no justification in Drini Bay for establishing an absolute protection zone (i.e. an area where no activities are permitted except for scientific purposes). 5. The Management Plan will need to carefully consider permitted activities and ways of improving the livelihoods and opportunities for local inhabitants, especially the younger generation; these could include alternative methods of income‐generation, such as ecotourism, organic‐food production; identifying skill‐gaps in areas such as environmental management, sustainable development, and environmental education; and the provision of higher education or further training. 6. The Management Plan should particularly address the biological needs of endangered species that are present and any impacts, whether current or yet to manifest, to them and their habitats. 7. A key element of this process is raising environmental‐awareness: this will take time and should start in schools and local authorities. People have to develop an understanding that a clean, healthy environment is also beneficial for their personal health and well‐being; as well as enhancing socio‐ economic opportunities, through sustainable tourism for instance. Potential benefits to Albania A very powerful reason for managing Drini Bay and its hinterland is that it combines: 1. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Rodoni Cape, the mountain ranges; and Rana Hedhur 2. Protected or managed areas: Kune‐Vain, Fushë‐Kuqe‐Patoku, Velipoja, Shkodër Lake 3. Rivers: Buna, Drini, Mati, Droja and Ishmi 4. Turtles and dolphins; and other rare, endemic, or endangered species (frogs, birds etc) 5. Sites of interest for tourism: Velipoja, Shengjin, Tales, Patoku and Rodoni 6. National heritage sites: Skenderbej’s tomb, several castles and archaeological sites By reducing and then eliminating, environmental pollution, especially plastics and sewage‐effluent, the risks to public health are reduced. Additionally, it is likely that Drini Bay would become more attractive to international tourism organisations. The most striking illustration is to compare either side of Buna River; a river that flows from Shkodër Lake, entering Drini Bay in the north. The eastern Albanian side is

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRINI BAY MEDASSET – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles

at Velipoja, where garbage is widespread across the beaches, dunes, forests and wetlands; this site is a popular local holiday destination. The western side of Buna is in Montenegro. Extending westwards from Buna towards Ulcinj is the 12‐kilometre‐long Plazhi i Madh (Big Beach) that is mostly very clean and with good facilities; including a recycling programme. At least four “Blue Flags” have been awarded in this area (www.blueflag.org): this award‐scheme requires that well‐defined minimum standards are met (e.g. bathing‐water quality, environmental care, provision of services and facilities etc.) and are clearly promulgated for beach users. Blue Flag Awards are reviewed annually and require a continual commitment. Holiday‐makers in Europe actively seek out these ‘Blue Flag Resorts and beaches’. Therefore, by cleaning‐up Drini Bay, which shares the same waters as Plazh i Madh, the potential exists to greatly benefit from increased international tourism. Tourism development in Albania should follow international principles on destination stewardship, sustainable and responsible tourism6. Attracting funds from EU and international sources It is likely that these activities would be eligible for funding by the European Union and other international donors. Therefore a comprehensive Management Plan should be drawn up for the entire bay, based on the findings and recommendations of the EIA; this in itself may be fundable as a feasibility study. Securing funds in order to undertake sea turtle research and conservation programmes in Albania can be seen as an important measure of success.

CITED LITERATURE MEDASSET (2012) Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania. White M, Boura L, Grimanis K, Venizelos L. Athens, Greece. 38pp. White M, Haxhiu I, Kararaj E, Përkeqi D, Petri L, Saçdanaku E, Boura L, Venizelos L (2010). Plastic debris at an important sea turtle foraging ground in Albania. Book of Abstracts, 30th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, International Sea Turtle Society Goa, India. White M, Haxhiu I, Kararaj E, Mitro M, Petri L, Saçdanaku E, Trezhnjevna B, Boura L, Grimanis K, Robinson P, Venizelos L (2011) Monitoring and Conservation of Important Sea Turtle Feeding Grounds in the Patok Area of Albania 2008‐2010. Final Project Report. A project of MEDASSET in collaboration with University of Tirana; H.A.S., Albania; ECAT, Albania. Supported by: GEF/SGP, Tirana; RAC/SPA (UNEP/MAP); UNEP/MAP. (Available from www.medasset.org). For more literature please see the Bibliography section of the 2008‐2010 Final Project Report and “Cited Literature” in the Action Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles and their Habitats in Albania

E.g. see http://www.unep.fr/scp/tourism and “Sustainable Coastal Tourism ‐ An integrated planning and management approach” at: http://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/DTIx1091xPA‐ SustainableCoastalTourism‐Planning.pdf