The event was implemented within the framework of the Petersberg Phase II / Athens Declaration Process and the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourse and International Lakes (Water Convention).
The Meeting contributed to and supported the implementation of the GEF Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Large Marine Ecosystems (GEF SPM) and the Mediterranean Component of the EU Water Initiative (MED EUWI).
The watershed of the Drin River can be considered as the “connecting body” of an extended system that includes the Prespa, Ohrid and Shkoder Lakes and the Drin and Buna/Bojana Rivers, linking them into a single ecosystem of major importance.
The Meeting aimed to discuss challenges, needs and potentials towards Integrated Water Resources Management in the Drin. Furthermore the Meeting elaborated on possible synergies for promoting cooperation among competent players on the matter.
More specifically, the Meeting provided the opportunity to:
- Exchange information among national competent authorities and key international actors regarding (i) the current status of water resources management in the Basin and (ii) the on-going and planned initiatives and projects related to integrated water resources management in the Basin;
- Sound opinions, interests and needs from the key stakeholders in the Basin and identify challenges for promoting IWRM planning and application;
- Identify synergies as well as ways of coordination towards transboundary cooperation for the integrated management of the Basin.
An Information Note and the draft Agenda of the Meeting are attached for your information. Targeted representatives of key stakeholders in the Drin Basin, including competent governmental institutions of the riparian countries, regional authorities, international organizations and institutions, NGO’s and others participated.