In a transboundary cooperation with the Albanian NGO PPNEA the Project “Setting the foundation for a sustainable future for Buna River Protected Landscape in Albania and Bojana Delta in Montenegro” seeks to establish a scientific research basis for endangered and critically endangered aquatic species (e.g., Adriatic sturgeon - Acipenser naccarii and the European Eel - Anguilla anguilla) in the Bojana/Buna River ecosystem. Actions:

• conduct transboundary research on targeted species, gathering current information to enhance our knowledge of freshwater species and their status in both countries.
• Collaborate with local community and relevant institutions to develop an action plan based on the information gathered. The Bojana/Buna River is a highly important ecosystem as it acts as a connector between the largest lake of the Balkans, Lake Skadar, and the Adriatic Sea. The area has a high biodiversity and is home

for many important species including 143 freshwater fishes, 11 amphibians, 19 reptiles, 238 bird and 22 mammal’s species. The aim of the Project is to enable improved area management based on scientific data and to develop an action plan for the conservation of endangered species like Adratic Sturgeon and the European Eel and implement some of them. The project started on June 1st, 2023, and will last 17 months. It is funded by Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)