Introduction

In this volume, for the first time, the current knowledge on the environment of the Lake Skadar/Shkodra ecosystem has been brought together in one overview of this unique ecosystem. The last similar book on Lake Skadar/Shkodra was published in 1981. Over the last four decades, a lot of new knowledge about Lake Skadar/Shkodra has been accumulated in various fields of science. Altogether, this book includes 23 chapters and brings together researchers of many disciplines synthesizing the fragmented knowledge on Lake Skadar/Shkodra and its basin in a book which will improve our understanding of this ecosystem and the path toward sustainable and science-based ecosystem management. This book is a basic tool for all scientists interested in the environment of Lake Skadar/Shkodra – in particular for scientists investigating the interaction between the land and the water, between limnology and biota, and between natural and cultural resources. This book is intended for a wider audience as well as for decision-makers, in order to emphasize the necessity of protecting this unique ecosystem, which today is exposed to various forms of anthropogenic impact.