Prespa National Park has set a historic milestone by becoming the first park in Albania to map all its main habitats—forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This accomplishment was made possible by the collaborative work of the Iliria Association which dedicated years to studying and mapping the unique ecosystems in the Albanian section of the park with the support of the PONT and other donors.
What Makes Prespa National Park Special?
Prespa National Park lies at the crossroads of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, creating connections to other protected areas in these neighboring countries. This cross-border location is a haven for biodiversity, featuring scenic lakes, forests, and mountain landscapes that are home to rare plant and animal species. Covering the Great and Lesser Prespa Lakes and surrounding mountains, the park is celebrated for its ecological diversity. It’s also one of the few places in the Balkans where diverse habitats meet, creating a unique landscape that attracts researchers, nature lovers, and conservationists from around the world.
Why a Complete Habitat Map is a Big Deal (or step forward to N2000)
A comprehensive habitat map means we now have a detailed and accurate record of where each forest, grassland, and wetland is located, along with the species that live there. For the first time, scientists, park rangers, and local organisations can see the big picture of Prespa’s diverse habitats, making it easier to protect, monitor and manage them.
PPNEA (Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, Albania), MES (Macedonian Ecological Society, North Macedonia), and SPP (Society for the Protection of Prespa, Greece) mapped wetlands from 2018-2020, forests in 2023 through a KfW project, and the Iliria Association have just finalised mapping Grasslands. This new map helps guide conservation efforts, ensuring each habitat receives the attention it needs and its management.
The recent mapping of grasslands was no small task. Experts from the Iliria Association conducted surveys across the subalpine and alpine grasslands of the park, using GPS data, Standard Data Forms and standardised methods to document plant species, growth stages, and habitat conditions. This data was then transformed into a detailed digital map that shows the unique plant life in each area. Importantly, this project did not just collect data; it also invested in people. Twenty individuals—including ten master’s students, five RAPA staff members, and five municipal staff—received training on species monitoring, equipping them with valuable conservation skills that will support the park’s future.
Prespa National Park’s mapping project is a first step toward aligning with the European Union’s Natura 2000 (N2000) standards, which aim to protect Europe’s most valuable natural areas. By mapping its habitats according to these standards, Prespa is setting a high bar for conservation in Albania and creating opportunities for future collaborations on international environmental projects.
On the 28th of October 2024, Iliria Association organised an event in the village of Zaroshka, located in the heart of Prespa National Park, to share these achievements with stakeholders. The event brought together conservationists, government officials, and local communities.
For Iliria Association, an experienced non-governmental organisation working in Albania, this habitat mapping project is more than a technical achievement—it’s a promise of a sustainable future for one of Albania’s most precious natural areas. With detailed information on the park’s ecosystems and ongoing community involvement, Prespa National Park is poised to remain a leader in conservation and a beautiful destination for nature lovers for years to come. The habitat map for Prespa NP, is a reference and starting point for other protected areas of Albania, towards their management according to N2000 standards.
By: Iliria Association
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