Karavasta Lagoon

Karavasta Lagoon is perfect for bird-watching

The Karavasta Lagoon (Albanian: Laguna e Karavastasë) is the largest lagoon in Albania and one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It is separated from the Adriatic Sea by a large strip of sand. The lagoon is part of the Divjake-Karavasta National Park. It was elected as an area of international importance, protected by the Ramsar Convention of 29 November 1995.

Geography

Karavasta Lagoon is home to the Dalmatian pelican

The lagoon is situated in the west of Albania and the largest town found near the lagoon is Lushnjë. The lagoon is cut of from the Adriatic Sea by a long sandy bar.[1] The Karavasta lagoon has many pine trees and small sandy islands.[1] The lagoon is famous for the rare Dalmatian pelican which nests there: In fact 5% of the world's population of this type of pelican is found in this lagoon.[1]

The Karavasta Lagoon is within the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance[2] and is part of the Divjake-Karavasta National Park. Inside the park's boundary are found a number of restaurants with the most famous being Alfa-Yur, also known as Ali Kali Restaurant. A former gymnast, Ali is known to serve food portions while doing acrobatic moves with his white horse.

Since disinfection campaigns have long been halted, the area is known to have a very active mosquito season. However, in 2014, disinfection campaigns have started and a park rehabilitation project has been initiated by the national authorities. It included a hunting moratorium which revived bird-watching activities.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Bashkia Fier » Karavasta Lagoon". Bashkia Fier. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  2. ↑ Ramsar (September 11, 2014). "The list of wetlands of international importance" (PDF) (in English and Spanish). Ramsar. p. 5. Retrieved 14 August 2010.

External links