PONT recently facilitated a successful exchange between the Society for Protection of Prespa (SPP), GIZ CSBL (Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity at Lakes Prespa, Ohrid and Shkodra/Skadar – Phase III) and the Albanian Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Prespa Project – Phase II. On 14 and 15 October, several sites were visited on the Greek side of Prespa with a focus on Small Prespa Lake, which straddles Albania and Greece.
After general information between the various initiatives was shared, the discussions focused on lessons learned regarding water and wetland management, fisheries, transboundary management, and the establishment of a local action group.
Scope for further cooperation and joint actions were discussed and agreed upon. The newly elected president of SPP, Clairie Papazoglou, joined the exchange, which created a great opportunity to get to know each other. The headquarters of the Management Body of the Greek Prespa National Park, located in Agios Germanos, were also visited.