Karavasta Lagoon, Albania

National Park of Divjaka, Albania.

The Divjaka- Karavasta Lagoon (Albanian: Laguna e Karavastasë) is the largest lagoon in Albania and one of the largest in the Adriatic 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 chosen as an area of international importance, protected by the Ramsar Convention of 29 November 1995.

The lagoon is situated in the west of Albania and near dhe city of Divjaka. The lagoon is cut off from the Adriatic Sea by a long sandy bar. The Karavasta lagoon has a lot of pine trees and small sandy islands. The lagoon is famous for the rare Dalmatian pelican which nests there: In fact 6.4% of the Europe's population of this type of pelican is found in this lagoon. They build the nests in the only island of Pelican in this lagoon.
The Karavasta Lagoon is within the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance and is part of the Divjake-Karavasta National Park. Inside the park's boundary are found a number of restaurants with the most famous Divjaka Fish a restaurant in forest, well known for variety of fish, vegetable cooked .
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.

www.albania.al/node/576
© Fation Plaku Photography