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“There is overwhelming evidence that we have reached a critical turning point, where our actions will determine the future health and …

The EU Horizon ‘NaturaConnect’ project brought main partners together in building a resilient ecological network of conserved areas across Europe for …

As part of the project “Strengthening Local and Cross-Border Cooperation for Biodiversity Protection in the Prespa-Ohrid Region,” the “Une Gruaja” Association …

Ecological corridors are living landscapes shaped by wildlife, forests, traditional livelihoods, local knowledge, and the communities that depend on them. Understanding …

Ecological corridors are natural links that enable wildlife to move safely from one habitat to another. They keep landscapes alive and …

From 25 to 27 June 2026, more than 70 scientists, conservation practitioners, protected area managers, and representatives of environmental organisations from …

On the night of the 11th of July 2026, the Ohrid Red Cross Mountain Rescue Service was called to assist in …

Understanding mountain settlements, requires more than just observing the houses or the current landscape. It is also essential to recognise how …

By blending traditional cuisine, sustainable farming, and digital skills, the women of Prespa are creating economic opportunities while safeguarding their region’s …

As climate change continues to emerge as one of the most significant threats to biodiversity worldwide, mountain ecosystems are among the …

The 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB), which took place in Leiden from the 6-10 of July, attracted 850 participants …

In protected areas, small, well-thought-out infrastructure can have a much bigger impact than it seems at first glance. A cleared path, …

The winter of 2025 left a profound mark on one of North Macedonia’s most valuable natural treasures – the ancient Molika …

In 2023, EcoAlbania embarked on a multi-year initiative to address a complex environmental challenge: the preservation of the Polis-Valamarë-Rungajë-Moravë-Gramoz ecological corridor. …

A few days ago, Adela, one of the girls from the AlbNatyra youth group, showed us her memory book. Between pages …

The Municipality of Vevchani continues to successfully advance the implementation of the Management Plan for the Vevchani Springs Monument of Nature …

A major scientific breakthrough focusing on the tortoise population of Golem Grad in Prespa was reached in January 2026 with the …

The year 2025 marked a turning point in conservation efforts in the Prespa region, as the initiatives of the Macedonian Ecological …

PONT and the SPP have been working together for nature in Greek Prespa since PONT’s establishment a decade ago. Read on …

The second PONT Connect NGO Meeting, held on 26–27 March 2026 in Vevčani, North Macedonia, brought together implementing partners from across …

Throughout 2025, conservation work in the Prespa–Ohrid–Shebenik Ecoregion showed how scientific research, community involvement, and regional cooperation can jointly support the …

From 2022 to 2025, the project “Sustainable Use of Natural Resources for Transboundary Socio-Economic Development”, funded by the Prespa Ohrid Nature …

Protecting shared mountain ecosystems requires more than formal borders and institutional mandates. It requires cooperation, trust, and practical mechanisms that bring …

A new scientific study by ARCTUROS, based on 22 years of official compensation data (1999–2020), offers important insights into human–wildlife coexistence …

In 2025, the Public Institution Galicica National Park (PIGNP) continued to advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management and institutional strengthening under …

The third Scientific Prespa Lakes Symposium, entitled “Shared Waters, Shared Challenges: Building Climate Resilience in the Prespa Lakes through Science and …

Despite institutional instability and financial pressure, 2025 marked a year of measurable conservation progress and strengthened local engagement in the Shar …

On the 20th of January 2026, the town of Peshkopi, Albania, hosted the closing conference for the project “Protection and Sustainable …

Ecological connectivity has recently become a central focus in Albania’s conservation efforts, shifting from the protection of isolated natural areas to …

From September 2023 through to August 2025, the Hellenic Ornithological Society/ Bird Life Greece, together with the Eco Museum Zagori, implemented …

The Connectivity Conservation Initiative for Fresh Drinking Water (CONSERVE CONNECT project) integrates ecological restoration, traditional knowledge and participatory governance into a …

The project “Local and Cross-Border Actors Work Together in the Environmental Protection of the Prespa–Ohrid Region”, led by Unë, Gruaja, has …

In September 2025, a transformative three-year initiative, funded by PONT, successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in conservation. Led by the …

The CHAMOIS project aimed to enhance the ecological connectivity of Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) within the Pindos–Prespes Connectivity Conservation Area …

A new scientific study by ARCTUROS, published in the Journal of Environmental Management under the title “Unsound renewable energy source development …

Over the summer, from 19th to 29th August, Shebenik National Park hosted the International Small Mammals Research Camp, a living laboratory …

During the second phase of the “Adventure Zone in Galicica National Park”, a project funded by PONT, several key activities were …

The Transboundary River Forum (TRF) took place in Ioannina on September 24–26, 2025 bringing together scientists, academics, policymakers, civil society organisations, …

The aim of PONT Connect is to “improve the conservation of ecosystem connectivity and the sustainable co-management of ecological corridors thereby …

Over the past century, the Mountaineering Club “Ljuboten” – Tetovo has carried out a wide range of activities aimed at the …

The PONT board members had a memorable experience visiting the Shar Mountain National Park in North Macedonia. The visit started with …

Martha the bear returns to the wild

11 September 2025
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In May 2024, a frightened bear cub wandered into the yard of a house in northern Greece. Chased by dogs and …

The summer of 2025 has once again placed Albania at the centre of a wildfire emergency. By the end of July, …

For the sixth consecutive year, the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) has successfully coordinated the seasonal mowing of wet meadows in the …

“The documentary film titled Harmony Between People and Nature – Monument of Nature Vevchani Springs (2025) explores the profound and inseparable …

Albania is working hard to improve the management of its protected areas and achieve the objectives outlined in their Management Plans. …

On the 29th May 2025, the Municipality of Resen hosted a cross-border coordination meeting bringing together management authorities of all protected …

2024 has marked another significant chapter in the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the …

In a significant step toward strengthening cross-border conservation efforts, the first joint patrol mission was carried out on June 30, 2025, …

“Nature is not simply a resource for human use, but a community to which we belong.” The “Unë, Gruaja” Association organised …

Remzie Noka, a member of the rural women’s group in Kukes, has benefited from a grant dedicated to the cultivation of …

On June 3rd and 4th, a comprehensive Training for Trainers workshop on Holistic Landscape Management and Restoration was successfully held, bringing …

For thousands of years humans have domesticated animals, first the dog, then later – sheep, cows, goats, pigs, horses, amongst others—raising …

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in enhancing water management practices within Mavrovo and the Shar Mountain National Parks, …

The distribution range of the Common Goosander (Mergus merganser) is primarily confined to the tundra and taiga zones, as well as …

The health of any protected area is inherently linked to its management. Effective governance is not just a responsibility; it is …

PPNEA has, since 2015, established a long-standing bilateral collaboration with the Fishery Management Organisation (FMO) of Prespa National Park, grounded in …

Thirty people from twelve organisations from three countries united in the Greek part of Prespa on 27 & 28 March 2025. …

The Shar Korab Massif is more than just a breathtaking natural landscape; it is a vital resource for local communities that …

PONT and the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) have steadfastly worked together for nature in Greek Prespa since PONT’s …

“Theth as the Ecotourism Hub of the Albanian Alps National Park” is a project being implemented by the Aarhus Information Centre …

The Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), aside from being an internationally recognised framework designed to evaluate the effectiveness of management in …

In a significant step toward strengthening cross-border collaboration in ecological conservation, stakeholders from Albania and Greece convened in Konitsa, Greece, for …

The main goal of the project “Understanding anthropogenic pressures on Lake Prespa” was to determine the water quality of the tributaries …

The trilateral Prespa Lake, which borders North Macedonia, Greece, and Albania, is a natural treasure and a globally significant ecosystem. Renowned …

Over 18 months, the “Aligning Management Objectives with Tourism Impacts” project unfolded as a dynamic effort to balance the increasing demands …

On the 5th of August 2024, during a summer marked by heat waves and prolonged dry conditions, a wildfire broke out …

The identity of communities in the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park and Shebenik National Park have been shaped significantly by nature and the …

Large carnivores are an important element of global biodiversity as they provide important ecosystem services and are at the top of …

A two-day regional conference on the sustainable use of natural resources took place in Mavrovo on November 14-15, 2024. The event …

On July 12th 2024, the Pogradec Youth Centre organised an enlightening initiative called “Interpretation of Nature in the National Park of …

Prespa National Park has set a historic milestone by becoming the first park in Albania to map all its main habitats—forests, …

In environmental conservation, effectively managing protected areas is crucial for safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices. One innovative approach gaining traction …

Reflecting on another year as PONT grantees, we realise that our journey in Shebenik National Park has been both challenging and …

Eko-svest has launched an exciting initiative to foster a connection between children and nature from an early age, through the creation …

The Hellenic Ornithological Society/ Birdlife Greece and the Eco Museum Zagori have been implementing, since September 2023, different conservation, and awareness …

Pelister National Park, in accordance with Nature Protection Law, has developed a new Management Plan for Pelister National Park for the …

PONT Connect feasibility mission

27 September 2024
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In the southwestern Balkans, protected areas serve as fundamental components of national conservation initiatives and are integral to the methodology employed …

“We are strong in our differences” perfectly captures the spirit of the fourth meeting of the national PONT grantees, held on …

Summers in the Shar Mountain National Park are a busy time for the ranger service but this summer was particularly exceptional. …

The Prespa Transboundary Summer School 2024 brought together 21 students from Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece for an immersive experience in …

CNVP Albania, is seeking to promote and pilot new approaches and practices in biodiversity protection, nature-based tourism and NTFPs management in …

About a year and a half ago the Boulouki team designed the objectives of the “Connectivity Conservation Initiative for Fresh Drinking …

On July 7th, 2024, the local office of Eko-svest  in Vevcani, in collaboration with Rupicapra MTB Adventure, organised the mountain bike …

Recently, mandated by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), PPNEA has worked for the development of a study to assess the …

Over the past year, the collaboration between PONT and MedINA has sparked significant advancements in our joint efforts to maintain the …

Now in its fifth year, the collaboration between Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust and National Agency Protected Areas has blossomed into a …

In a groundbreaking initiative, World Vision Albania, with support from the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), is bridging the gap between …

In 2022, PONT started to explore “opportunities and needs” to enhance connectivity conservation in the PONT focus area. Six Connectivity Conservation …

The Sharr-Korab mountain massif is one of the most thrilling regions in the Balkans, boasting incredible potential for regional and transboundary …

On June 7 and 8, CNVP / PONT sub-grantees participated in a study visit to Prespa, North Macedonia. The visit targeted …

On May 24th 2024, the European Day of Parks, the Albanian Center for Environmental Governance (ACEG) organised the closing meeting for …

On May 30th, the CNVP North Macedonia team, along with the PONT team, visited part of the PONT sub-grantees who are …

In a strategic initiative on the sustainable management of ecological corridors in Albania, the first action plan for the “Polis-Valamarë-Rungajë-Moravë-Gramoz” Ecological …

National Park Management Plans are key planning and strategic documents that provide the basis for effective park management. Taking into account …

Two years after the “Albanian Alps” were proclaimed as a National Park, a significant milestone has been achieved through the installation …

Albania’s stunning protected areas, including the Albanian Alps National Park and Korab-Koritnik Natural Park, are beloved destinations for both tourists and …

The Albanian Alps National Park (AANP) is a crucial biodiversity sanctuary, providing a safe space for a variety of species and …

Sunday the 31st of March 2024, saw a clean-up operation by 140 volunteers at Amyntaio, Prefecture of Florina, hosted by ARCTUROS …

Eko-svest, in collaboration with the Municipality of Vevchani, has officially opened the Permanent Nature Exhibition titled “Journey through the Natural Treasures …

2023 was the first year of a new five-year PONT grant to the SPP, supporting their work for biodiversity conservation in …

On March 7, 2024, the fourth annual meeting of managers for protected areas from the cross-border region of Prespa was held …

The PrespaNet network in the past three years implemented the project “Prespa: conservation of biological diversity in across the Prespa border”, …

Last week, PPNEA hosted a workshop on wildlife crimes in Albania which brought together many key stakeholders. Mrs. Almira Xhembulla, Vice …

Vevchani is a small municipality located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, situated under the slopes of the stunning Jablanica …

Prespa Lake is home to more than 2,000 species of fish, birds, mammals, and plants. Many of these species are unique …

The breath-taking Nature Monument Vevchani Springs lies in the heart of the Jablanica Mountain in North Macedonia. This untouched haven of …

February 2024 marks the start of two “3-year follow-up” grants from PONT in the Wider Prespa Ohrid Area (including Shebenik National Park). …

The last year has proved to be both a time of remarkable accomplishments, and of significant challenges, for Pelister National Park. …

Today is #InternationalEnvironmentalEducationDay. The goal is simple: improve how people connect with nature and find solutions to local environmental issues. This …

Shar Mountain is a newly proclaimed National Park with an ambitious mission to establish and support local economic development. 2023 was …

2024 and the start of the new operational year has brought five 3-year grants of 1.8 million EUR from PONT to …

As the festive spirit engulfs the streets of Tirana, and as the end-of-year holidays loom, a group of dedicated individuals made up …

The collaboration between scientists and volunteers (ordinary citizens) has the potential to expand the scope of research and enhance the ability …

Over the span of the last 13 months, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Center for Education and Development (CED), based in Tearce …

Last week Dutch Ambassador Reinout Vos and his wife Corien Vos, paid a two-day visit to the Prespa region with executive …

CNVP North Macedonia awards 13 grants providing direct assistance to local communities in the National Park Shar Mountains and National Park …

In collaboration with the staff of Galicica National Park, our team embarked on an exciting journey, generously supported by PONT. Our …

In a significant step towards promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices in protected areas, a follow-up grant agreement was signed yesterday …

In a world swept up by the tide of urbanisation and modernisation, the NGO Albanian Center for Environmental Governance in Prespa …

Celebration of 10 years PrespaNET

14 September 2023
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Meeting by boat in the middle of Lake Prespa marked the start of the 10-year PrespaNet celebration. It is already 10 …

A KfW mission comprising Dr. Matthias Grüninger (Principal Portfolio Manager) and Dr. Gerhard Dieterle (Senior Natural Resources Specialist) undertook an implementation …

Promoting, protecting, and conserving biodiversity in the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, directly impacts and improves the livelihoods of local communities, as the …

Since September of last year, the association “Une, Gruaja” has been actively implementing the project “Local & cross-border actors work together …

Five exciting new grant agreements have been signed in the Pindos-Prespa Connectivity Conservation Area (CCA) in Greece. Mirjam de Koning of …

PONT grantees working in the transboundary Korab-Shara/Albanian Alps region continue to join forces to further their collaboration, exploring opportunities for combined …

Did you know that caves represent unique ecosystems in which the cave fauna adapts to live in complete darkness, high air …

Long-term monitoring of living organisms provides valuable insights into large-scale ecological processes. These processes, which have been influenced by human actions, …

PONT and the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Eko-svest, based in Skopje, signed a Grant Agreement related to the protection of selected river …

The role of shepherds in maintaining the biodiversity of protected areas cannot be overstated, playing a crucial role in preserving the …

An innovative approach for the management of tourism impacts in protected areas was introduced to PONT by the NGO Build Green …

The agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Target 22 of the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework recognises the vital role …

This morning PONT was at the offices of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) in the Prespa National Park …

At the heart of the Shebenik National Park, lies a village surrounded by mountains, providing it with a natural seclusion which …

Financial resources are essential for nature conservation today because they enable conservation organisations and governments to fund important conservation initiatives and …

With the approval of the new 627.05 km2 National park, Shar Mountain, North Macedonia is the latest to offer the world …

With the additional donations received in the summer of 2022 we managed to hire consultants to identify and describe the Connectivity …

Following on from the Call for Proposals in September 2022, PONT is pleased to announce it has awarded grants to 5 National-Level …

All protected areas in the PONT Focus Region, currently eligible to receive PONT grants, have successfully completed the first phase of …

Have you heard about monitoring of aquatic ecosystems based on the benthic macroinvertebrate organisms that live in lakes or rivers? I …

In an effort to continue coordinating transboundary conservation, the authorities of the Protected Areas (PA) in the Transboundary Prespa Park (TPP), …

Have you ever heard of the seven principles of Leave No Trace? Maybe yes, maybe not. But what do they mean?  …

On the 9th of November 2022, the PONT Executive Director and the Executive Director of Eko-svest ceremonially signed the new Grant …

This week PONT hosted a KfW mission in Galicica National Park, North Macedonia. Janis Müller-Späth of the KfW office in Frankfurt, …

Resen Municipality is responsible for managing two protected areas, the Ezerani Nature Park (NP) and the Lake Prespa Monument of Nature. …

Call for submission of Concept Notes by Non-Governmental Organizations involved in conserving the Korab-Shara/Albanian Alps areas and the ecological corridors connecting …

The region of Ohrid and Prespa has a high concentration of natural values. The protection, conservation and management of these values …

Five years ago, in the early days of PONT and CNVP’s cooperation in the Prespa area, a group of women was …

For the last four years, PONT and Connecting Natural Values and People (CNVP) have successfully cooperated in the areas of Non-Timber …

Over the summer four of PONT’s partners successfully closed their grants and applied for follow-up grants. We are delighted to announce …

Developing educational resources for cave and bat protection in Galicica National Park. “I am really happy that for the first time …

Shebenik National Park is one of the largest parks in Albania, about 34’000 ha, which means it requires a great number …

Implemented by Eko-svest in the period between November 2021 and June 2022 Eko-svest in partnership with Natura MK initiated a project …

“Bushtrica River”

21 July 2022
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The “Bushtrica River” is an important natural ecosystem of the Shebenik National Park. This river has special ecological values, the microclimate …

Living in Pogradec, pampered by Nature, you can become a poet or an environmentalist, or both! Living in Pogradec, gazing at …

We are pleased to announce that the National Agency for Protected Areas (NAPA) and the (RAPA) Kukes, RAPA Shkoder, and RAPA …

At the start of the 2022 summer holiday season, the first Via Ferrata in Galicica National Park was opened. This new …

Estimating the abundance of brown bears in the wild is a daunting task. It’s virtually impossible to directly observe the bears …

We are pleased to announce the successful NGOs in Albania from our first call for grant proposals launched back in March …

Storytelling

14 June 2022
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“How do we unearth the stories that want to be told? What makes us remember a story? How do we balance …

Reinout Vos, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Albania and his wife visited Shebenik National Park on the 4th of June. The …

Back in March 2022, PONT launched a call for applications for locally based non-Governmental Organisations involved in conserving the Korab-Shara and …

PONT board visits Albania.

26 May 2022
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The week of 23rd to the 25th May saw the PONT board visit Albania. We kicked off the visit with an …

Joining forces in Dibër

16 May 2022
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Following the expansion of the grant activities to the Korab-Sharra-Albanian Alps areas in Albania and North Macedonia, PONT is exploring the …

The new revenue generation model of the Public Institution Galicica National Park (PIGNP), excluding direct use of natural resources, has paved …

On April 14 2022, PONT joined the journalists’ trip to German Development Cooperation (GDC) projects that contribute to improving people‘s living …

Together with representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, PONT visited the Shar Mountain National Park and Mavrovo National …

With the additional capital contribution donated by the German Government at the end of 2021, the PONT Focus Region has further …

2021 Highlights of the SPP

15 March 2022
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PONT provides much of the financing for the Society for the Protection of Prespa’s (SPP) 5-year strategic framework (2018-2022), a selection …

A public consultation on PONT’s Strategic Framework is taking place in Albania and North Macedonia! Following on from the extensive public …

PONT had the honour to meet Mr. Naser Nuredini, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning (MOEPP) of North Macedonia, during his …

Bridging achievement with lessons learned is a crucial principle of PONT’s success and one that underpins its five-year cross-border work in …

Prespa National Park is a treasure trove of biological diversity. Recent research conducted by the Iliria Association has revealed very valuable …

The PrespaNet partners strengthened cross-border co-operation by working together to map and assess wetland habitats in Prespa, producing a transboundary plan …

In implementing PONT Supervisory Board’s decision to extend its conservation programme to the Wider Ohrid area, and complementing the support provided …

School children from Bitola visited Pelister National Park on 25 October to celebrate the Day of Climate Action. A recent temperature …

The rich and important forest biodiversity of the Galicica Mountain was the principal reason for declaring it a National Park, back …

The Protected Areas (PAs) are the main pillars in PONT’s programme aiming at conserving nature for a sustainable future of the …

Early in 2021, the PONT Supervisory Board decided to start the process of expanding the operations of PONT to the Wider …

What started as a joint call for proposals for small grants for the Wider Prespa Area has evolved over the past …

The Management Board of the Public Institution Galicica National Park formally approved the new Management Plan for Galicica National Park, for …

In June 2020, PONT and CEPF awarded a grant to the Balkan Foundation for Sustainable Development in North Macedonia concerning the …

The Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) combine their efforts in the Wider Prespa-Ohrid Area for …

The implementation of the first programme for long-term monitoring of biodiversity in Galicica National Park goes back to 2011 and the …

Following the formal approval of the new Management Plan for Pelister National Park (2021-2030) in November 2020, developed with support from …

In May 2020, PONT and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) awarded a grant to Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Art …

The recent dramatic water level decrease of Lake Prespa, in combination with the continued and unabated human pressures (water abstraction, pollution, …

The sustainable use of Non-Timber Forest Products holds the potential to improve livelihoods of local communities in Prespa while contributing to …

Nature-based tourism in protected areas in the Wider Prespa Area holds a great potential to contribute to the local economy, reduce …

National and local stakeholders, representing central and local government, Protected Area staff, CSOs, local communities and the private sector in Prespa, …

Following the easing of the border restrictions, the PONT team visited some of its beneficiaries in North Macedonia. The trip started …

The transboundary network of NGOs in Prespa – PrespaNet, recently published the results of the “Preliminary assessment of Human-Large Carnivore Conflicts …

Elaine Chen and Charlotte Walter’s creative adventure into raising awareness of at-risk species and their campaign #OurVulnerableEarth2021  came to an end …

As soon as most of the snow melted on the mountains of Prespa National Park in Albania,  the PONT Executive Director …

In early April, the Albanian Centre for Environmental Governance (ACEG) invited donors and tour operators to enjoy the beauty of Prespa …

The most important event of this two-year grant funding provided by PONT and the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation was the …

As we all know 2020 has been a challenging year for the entire world but the COVID 19 pandemic has had …

Conserving Prespa is impossible without transboundary collaboration at all levels of governance. The project ‘Working towards transboundary conservation of the Prespa region …

During 2020, we continued working on the maintenance and signage of the network of hiking trails with the help of local …

2020 highlights of the SPP

10 March 2021
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PONT provides much of the financing for the Society for the Protection of Prespa’s (SPP) 5-year strategic framework (2018-2022), supporting its …

The two-year process for developing the new Management Plan for Galicica National Park for the 2021-2030 period culminated with a formal …

Complementing the recently approved three-year grants for the Protected Area Authorities in the Wider Prespa Area in North Macedonia and Albania, …

Three-year grants for all the Protected Area Authorities in the Wider Prespa Area in North Macedonia and Albania were recently launched …

The ongoing dramatic water level drop of Lake Prespa has prompted the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia …

The Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Resen Municipality, managing Ezerani Nature Park and Lake Prespa Monument of Nature, have recently embarked …

The PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet has recently shared PONT’s experience in strengthening management effectiveness of protected areas in …

On 19 October certificates were awarded to 18 participants of the Youth Academy on nature-based tourism in Prespa. In June the …

Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) aims to expand its work beyond the Prespa region to include protected areas within the Lake …

In 2007 a team from the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), in cooperation with Serbian and French scientists (herpetologists and ecologists) commenced …

Following the successful completion of the first grant in August 2020, PONT and Resen Municipality continue their cooperation over the completion …

In January 2020, PONT signed a grant agreement with the Association “Sport for all – All for sport” – a non-governmental …

The challenge A Biodiversity Monitoring Scheme (BMS) is a long-term array of complementary surveys, censuses, surveillance and monitoring referring to a well-defined …

PONT and CEPF awarded two complementary grants to the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Art (MASA) and ILIRIA – Protection and …

In 2006, the Public Institution Galicica National Park, in cooperation with the Macedonian Ecological Society, organized a workshop to address a …

A formally approved Management Plan (MP), meeting PONT’s requirements laid out in the Framework Agreements with the governments of Albania and …

PONT aims to expand its work beyond the Prespa region to include other areas such as the Ohrid lake basin. With …

In June the Albanian Centre of Environmental Governance (ACEG) published a call for applications for Prespa community members to participate in …

Since North Macedonia’s lockdown was lifted on 26 May 2020, Galicica National Park has been a popular destination for the people …

On 3 July the Korça Regional Administration for Protected Areas (RAPA) for Prespa National Park, Albania, met with PONT and the …

A large amount of data, information and knowledge is needed for the conservation and sustainable management of biological diversity, natural processes …

Following up on the previous full grant by PONT, the latest proposal from the National Agency for Protected Areas (NAPA) and …

PONT and CEPF have recently awarded two complementary grants that address Strategic Direction 4 – the conservation of plants, under the …

In January 2020, PONT and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) published a joint Call for Proposals for grants inviting eligible …

Building upon the 2016 Review of Conservation Efforts in the Transboundary Prespa area, conducted by the PrespaNet NGO network, and in …

SPP highlights of 2019

22 April 2020
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PONT provides much of the financing for Society for the Protection of Prespa’s (SPP) 5-year strategic framework (2018-2022), supporting its core …

Through the ongoing grant from PONT, the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) has recently completed the first …

A year after the opening of its local office, MES and PrespaNet continue to work alongside regional stakeholders for the protection …

Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) recently opened a local satellite office in Albania. The country’s oldest environmental …

Improved staffing levels with sufficient technical and human capacity are critical elements required for improving the current management effectiveness of the Regional …

PONT grantees actively participated in the 54th count season of the annual International Waterbird Census that took place on the second weekend …

In December 2019 PONT signed a grant to the Public Institution Galicica National Park (PIGNP) to cover 50% of the total costs …

The Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) recently agreed to combine their efforts in the Wider Prespa …

Since its launching in 2007 by WWF and the World Bank, the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) has become the world’s …

PONT recently commissioned a report, which recommended supporting communities and entrepreneurs in Prespa to focus on developing and delivering nature-based tourism …

Water quality monitoring scientists from the three sides of the Prespa basin met in Stenje, in October 2019, to build on …

The Hydrobiological Institute Ohrid (HIO) and the Municipality of Resen in North Macedonia have recently formalised their partnership through the signing …

PONT provides most of the financing of the 5-year strategic framework (2018-2022) of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) …

PONT has identified two areas among its funding priorities that are not being addressed adequately by its current grants or actions …

The National Agency of Protected Areas (NAPA) and PONT have agreed on a follow-up grant for the Prespa National Park in …

PONT recently engaged the Connecting Natural Values and People Foundation (CNVP) to investigate the modest outcomes of past initiatives concerning ecotourism …

From 8-12 July many stakeholders joined forces in the Wider Prespa Area to work on the implementation of Natura 2000. PONTs …

Counting Pelicans Together

8 July 2019
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Collaboration between governmental, scientific and civil society organizations is of critical importance for improving the quality and efficiency of natural resource …

PONT and Galicica National Park have been working together to create a video highlighting the recent reorientation undergone by the park …

Sustainable nature-based tourism in the Wider Prespa Area is increasingly seen as a source of income to cover the cost of …

concerning sustainable, nature-based tourism in the Wider Prespa Area in Albania and North Macedonia PONT has identified two topics among its …

On 24 May 2019, the European Day of Parks, the Prespa National Park in Albania offered a guided tour for the …

Germany’s Lower Saxon State Government has provided funds to the Alfred Toepfer Academy for Nature Conservation for a project that aims …

On 7 May 2019, PONT was honoured by the visit of Achim Mortier and Maren Kneller of the German Federal Ministry …

PONT recently engaged the Connecting Natural Values and People Foundation (CNVP) to prepare a report that assesses the opportunities and challenges …

On behalf of PONT, the Connecting Natural Values and People Foundation conducted an assessment of the opportunities, and associated challenges, for …

2018 was an interesting year for Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) and PrespaNet, with many activities focused …

Since its establishment in 1958, the management of Galicica National Park (NP) has been funded through revenues generated from the park …

PONT provides most of the financing of the 5-year strategic framework (2018-2022) of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) …

The importance of wetland habitats Wetlands are one of the most important environmental assets in Prespa, home to many plant and …

Learn more about PONT, the Pathfinder Award, Panorama Solutions and financing conservation projects.  share share share share 

PONT has been selected, from over 200 submissions from around the world, as the winner of the 2018 Pathfinder Award that …

The objective of PONT as a co-funding instrument is to assist the management bodies of Protected Areas (PAs) in the Wider …

Germany pledges €5 million to PONT

19 November 2018
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The German Government, through its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the KfW Development Bank (KfW), has contributed …

Experts from the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment (PPNEA), in cooperation with RAPA Korce, have just completed the first assessment of …

PONT wins the 2018 Pathfinder Award

24 October 2018
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PONT has been selected, from over 200 submissions, as the winner of the 2018 Pathfinder Award. The Award, which recognizes outstanding …

PONT recently facilitated a successful exchange between the Society for Protection of Prespa (SPP), GIZ CSBL (Conservation and Sustainable Use of …

PONT has recently engaged an international independent consultant, Jernej Stritih, to support Protected Area authorities in the Wider Prespa Area in …

100 Villages Academy

4 October 2018
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A team from the 100 Villages Academy, focusing on villages in the region of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, presented initial …

Coming together for Prespa

2 October 2018
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Joint initiatives for the Prespa region were presented in Tirana on 25 September 2018. The event brought together approximately 50 stakeholders, …

Signed on 3 September, the Regional Agency of Protected Areas (RAPA) Korçe applied for a planning grant in close consultation with …

A Grant Agreement between PONT and the Public Scientific Institution Hydrobiological Institute Ohrid (HIO) was signed in Ohrid on 13 August …

A grant agreement between PONT and the Public Institution Galicica National Park (PIGNP) was signed on 3 August 2018, symbolizing the …

The official opening of the Macedonian Ecological Society’s (MES) new office in Resen took place on 9 July. Of great local …

The first Grant Agreement between PONT and the Municipality of Resen concerning the management of the Lake Prespa Monument of Nature …

Mirjam de Koning, Executive Director of PONT, and Amet Axhiu, Director of the Public Institution Pelister National Park (PIPNP) signed the …

Following an initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP), a meeting was held on 28 June 2018 in …

PONT’s new video

28 June 2018
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The Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Dewi van de Weerd, visited Greater Prespa Lake on 19 May 2018, where she enjoyed a …

The Supervisory Board of PONT recently conducted a tour of the Prespa-Ohrid ecoregion. This was a fantastic opportunity to further develop …

A ceremony was held on 14th of May in Skopje to mark the launching of PONT’s grants programmes in the Former …

In 2018, PONT has granted the NGO, Macedonian Ecological Society in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MES) (www.mes.org.mk), an initial …

Integrated landscape approaches provide a basic framework for balancing competing demands and integrating policies for multiple land uses within a given …

In 2018, PONT granted the NGO, Protection and Preservation of Nature Environment in Albania (PPNEA) (www.ppnea.org), an initial one-year grant. The …

The Wider Prespa Region covers parts of Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Greece. The transboundary area houses five …

As part of the development and establishment of PONT’s grant programme, PONT has conducted a conflict assessment. The study followed a …

Summer is nearly here and I’m so proud of all that we have achieved over the last few months. Since arriving …

21 February 2017, Tirana As announced I moved to Tirana in the second half of January to be closer to the relevant …

04 January 2017, Frankfurt am Main Prespa-Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) is pleased to announce that Mirjam de Koning has been named as …

The Prespa Ohrid Nature Fund (PONT) and Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) have embarked upon a combined services partnership which represents a …

01.May.2016 The PONT Board of Directors is pleased to announce David Morrison as Interim Executive Director of PONT. With David’s in-depth …

Announcing the establishment of the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) With 11€ million in funding from the MAVA Foundation and KfW Development …

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