National parks are parts of the country with special beauty and important and rare natural occurances. They make up an ecological and a geographical part of land that is separated from others by law and also protected by law. The land of the national parks Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, Skadar lake, Lovcen and Prokletije makes up around 10% of the teritory of Montenegro. Each park is characterized by a specific natural and cultural heritage. Due to their values, parks have not only national but also international significance. Thus, since 1980, Durmitor National Park with the Tara River Canyon is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Tara River has had a Biosphere Reserve (MAB) status since 1977. Skadar Lake National Park has been designated a Significant Ornithological Area (IBA) since 1989 and in 1995 was listed on the World list of Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR).