Figure: River priority map for the extension of the Emerald network.
Project Summary
Established by the Council of Europe in 1989 under the Bern Convention, the Emerald Network consists of areas of special conservation interest established to conserve wild flora and fauna in their natural habitats. However, the existing Emerald network covers only a small number of important river ecosystems. Western Balkans rivers are home to numerous endangered and endemic species that can’t be found anywhere else. Compared to the rest of Europe, most of the region’s rivers are in good or pristine condition and many are ideal candidates for protection. To reflect that we have prepared a priority map for the extension of the Emerald network. My personal tasks in this project included:
Gathered and analysed GIS data of the distribution of fish species from Annex II of the Habitats Directive for Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Bosna and Herzegovina.
Prepared preliminary maps to be presented at the Emerald Green webinar on 6-7 December 2022. Supported the moderator and participants of the webinar in the GIS-related enquaries.
Added the gathered data from experts to the analysis of distribution after the webinar and produce a final version of the database, analysis and maps.
