PRESPA OHRID NATURE TRUST

The Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust – PONT is a transboundary conservation trust fund dedicated to conserving the rich natural heritage of the mountainous cross border protected areas of Greece, Albania and North Macedonia and their connectivity conservation areas. We do this by providing effective long-term funding support to the parks and organisations involved in conservation of the region. We are the only Conservation Trust Fund working in the Balkans.

The Prespa-Ohrid region is located at the heart of the Balkans and covers parts of Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. Regarded as one of the most ecologically valuable regions in Europe, the Prespa and Ohrid lakes are among Europe’s oldest. The lakes and their surrounding mountains, the plants, animals, and the people that call this magnificent area home, are in desperate need of effective and long-term protection to safeguard the ecosystem services.

The Korab-Shara region is an incredible mountainous region covering parts of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. Due to the remoteness, many areas are still pristine but also under pressure. Efforts are underway to create a transboundary park, it will be one of the largest in the Balkans.

The Albanian Alps region is connected to Montenegro and Kosovo and is well known for its magnificent high mountains and natural beauty. Also, here the pressures are high and support is needed to maintain the long-term protection of these areas to ensure ecosystem services for sustainable livelihoods.

Finally, there is the North-Western Greece region known for the Pindos Mountains but also many Natura 2000 sites and the Vjosa/Aaos river source.