Lake Shkodra lies on the border between Albania and Montenegro and is the largest lake in southern Europe. It takes its name from the city located on its southeastern shore. The lake is of karstic origin and covers a total area of 368 km², with 149 km² within Albanian territory.

It forms the largest freshwater ecosystem in the Mediterranean region and supports remarkable biodiversity. The lake is home to about 65 fish species, 240 bird species, more than 850 plant species, and around 600 animal species. It is especially important for birdlife, with 281 recorded bird species, 123 mammals, and 20 endangered plant species.

The Albanian section was designated a Ramsar site in 2005. Together with the Buna delta, Lake Shkodra is one of five major European wintering sites for birds, including the rare Dalmatian pelican and the world’s second-largest colony of dwarf cormorants.