In the Mediterranean, the marine (1 %) and the coastal (3 %) coverage of protected areas is insufficient (Lopéz Ornat & Correas 2003). Based on the Regional Master Plan for Tourism for Croatia and Montenegro and the Regional Master Plan for Ulcinj (DEG 2003), the establishment of a protected area and the development of tourism in accordance with the protection of natural resources is an important precondition for the sustainable development of the Bojana-Buna delta. As data on biodiversity and land-use was insufficient to define protected areas, Euronatur started to conduct a Rapid Assessment of the Ecological Value which is presented in the NatureGIS use case.

The objectives of the Rapid Assessment of the Ecological Value of the Bojana-Buna Delta (Albania/Montenegro) were:

1. Description of the landscape and the values through the fieldwork and interpretation of satellite images including the preparation of a habitat map for the whole transfrontier area with all important wetlands and the buffer zones.
2. Evaluation of the ecological value by mapping birds by an international team of experts during one year in the Bojana-Buna Delta and collecting additional information of flora and fauna through working groups in both countries.
3. Preliminary identification of threats for the area impacting the biodiversity.
4. Preparation of a first proposal for the development of a transboundary protected area and rural development including the tourist sector.

So far, only a small reserve is existing on the Albanian side of the Bojana estuary although the coast of these two countries is of outstanding importance for the preservation of coastal lagoons, beaches, dunes and deltas. Therefore, Euronatur is proposing a set of 15 priority areas for nature protection both for Albania and Montenegro. Velika Plaza is one of the most important areas according to international standards.

The Bojana-Buna Delta has important features as a corridor in different ways:

1. Migration corridor for fish, water birds and water bound animals (e.g. Otter L. lutra) from the Adriatic Sea to Lake Skadar and the hinterland.
2. Migration corridor for coastal species especially those of dunes and lagoons along the Adriatic coast.
3. Migration corridor for terrestrial species such as large mammals along the coastal zone South of Lake Skutari.
4. Stepping stone for migrating birds crossing the Adriatic Sea (Central European Flay Way).
5. Migration corridor for birds migrating along the Adriatic coast as wintering site and refuge area depending on the temperature.

Additionally, a set of important natural and semi-natural areas is of great value in the Bojana-Buna delta. These areas, based on the Biosphere Concept and the proposed zonation of the transboundary site, are in need of special protection. Therefore, some of them are proposed as core areas meaning that they have to be strictly protected, others are used and are in need of landscape protection.

Each area has its own special value, but the sum is much more: all these areas form the unique seascape of the Bojana-Buna delta. Here, we find all kinds of habitats allowing a great variety of species to survive and, at the same time, offering the visitors a great holiday.

Based on the international standards and recommendations and the national approaches, a first concept for a Marine Park Bojana-Buna Delta has been elaborated as proposal for sustainable development of the area. It supports the decision of Albania to establish a protected area covering Lake Skutari and the Buna Delta as well as the Regional Master Plan for Tourism (DEG 2003), which proposed protected areas in the Eastern part of the area.

The GIS Data (shapes and tifs) used for the Use Case cover Ada island and Velipoja Reserve with prodelta (mouth of the Bojana-Buna Delta), Velika Plaza with prodelta (beach and dune area along the coast) and Ulcinj salt-pans "Solana Ulcinj" in the south-west. The area presented is only a part of the concept developed for the area including the Bojana-Buna river up to Lake Skutari.

Based on the international standards and recommendations and the national approaches, a first draft concept for a Marine Park Bojana-Buna Delta has been elaborated. It supports the decision of Albania to establish a protected area covering Lake Skutari and the Buna Delta and the Regional Master Plan for Tourism (DEG 2003), which proposed protected areas in the Eastern part of Velika Plaza including the Ada Island.