Analysis: Fewer migratory birds in Albanian lagoons

Albanian lagoons are well known for their population of migratory birds. Experts warn, however, that the number of these birds is falling and that urbanization and climate change are the causes.

Vain Lagoon is a birdwatcher's paradise.

About 196 different species have been registered there and the area has been protected by law since 1940, says Besiona Simoni, the person in charge of the lagoon.

"This lagoon, since July 7, 1940, has been declared the first protected area in Albania, and from that time until now it enjoys the status of a managed nature reserve of category four.

In fact, the variety of habitats and natural characteristics of this lagoon have made it an important area for birds.

Its ornithological values ??have undoubtedly made it possible to have several types of biodiversity here," says Mrs. Simoni.
She says that last year the lagoon was visited by 30 thousand tourists, one fifth more than the previous year. Many of them also come during the winter to watch the birds.

"You can come here by bike. You can come by car. I also saw that you can pitch a tent here and there are many restaurants and not overcrowding," says Wolter Simba, a tourist from the Netherlands.

But researchers say Vain Lagoon's migratory bird population is endangered.

About 22,000 migratory birds were recorded here in 2018, but this number dropped to 10,400 in 2024, according to data from the Ornithological Society of Albania. One of the possible causes is urbanization.

"We believe that the main threat in all these last years, especially after the year '90, is the increasing urbanization near them and the pressures that come from urbanization, which are related to many other factors, disturbance, pollution, illegal hunting, etc." , says Taulant Bino, from the Ornithological Association of Albania.

A similar situation exists in the Lagoon of Divjaka and Karavasta, about 130 kilometers south of Vain.

This lagoon is well known for flamingos and pelicans, but even here their populations are declining.

In 2018 there were 46,165, but in 2024 there were only 24,543, according to data from the Ornithological Society of Albania. This organization is concerned that climate change may also have an impact.

"It makes sense that a small impact comes from it, because with the warming of the climate, generally with the increase in temperatures, migratory birds no longer need to move south, because they can find food reserves further north," he says. Mr. Bino.

He wants to see studies on the effect of climate change on the birds of this area.

Tourism is also another concern, says biologist Ledi Selgjekaj. She calls on the government to think more about the levels of tourism that this natural paradise can handle.

"Mass tourism would be negative and could affect bird populations. For example, if we have here many constructions, infrastructure in these areas, then we have habitat degradation and disturbance of the species present.

So we must decide carefully what type of tourism we should do in these areas and not do mass or aggressive tourism", says Mrs. Selgjekaj./VOA