Shkodra Lake: Social and Environment Problems

Abstract

The human activity is considered as the main reason for the damage of the lake ecosystem stability. Shkodra Lake is
ecologically characterized by a high stability. Clean water and high productivity are considered as potential health factors of this Lake.
This ecosystem is one of the most preserved wetlands of the Mediterranean. However, the unfavorable global factors and human activity
have a dangerous impact on the ecosystem. The damage of the lake water regime causes oscillations, which lead to disorders for the
habitats and ecosystem, creating concerns to the life of populated areas. Contamination from decomposing organic matter degrades the
ecosystem in a trophic unrecoverable situation. Destruction of forests around watershed, failure to have anticorrosive measures and
wastewater discharges are essential for the growth of solid flows affecting the eutrophism of the lake. Shkodra Lake can’t support these
difficult situations by itself alone. It leads to water microbial contamination of beaches and increases people's concerns. Awareness
should be raised to the public, decision making, and the population around it, in order to eliminate these risk factors. Cross
contamination with toxic substances penetrate the food chain of biota and end up accumulated up to the humans, causing life -
threatening and deadly diseases. People should be aware and should take measures to eliminate discharges to ensure the standards of
lake water and consuming resources. Long-term strategies and policies should be set up for developing the Lake region, with main
objectives and measures of managing character. Natural ecosystem of Shkodra Lake and the urban ecosystem of Shkodra city will
coexist in a better way if harmony and integration of natural development and human activity will be achieved.