On the 29th May 2025, the Municipality of Resen hosted a cross-border coordination meeting bringing together management authorities of all protected areas in the Prespa region. Supported by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), the event was held at the municipal offices in Resen and served as an important opportunity for authorities to share the progress made in 2024 and explore ways to enhance cooperation in 2025 and beyond.
The meeting gathered representatives from the Prespa Lake Monument of Nature, Galicica and Pelister National Parks (North Macedonia), Prespa National Park (Albania), and the National Centre for the Environment and Climate Change (NECCA) representing the Greek side. This annual working-level meeting fosters communication and exchange amongst the institutions directly responsible for managing Prespa’s natural resources, strengthening alignment across national borders.
During the one-day event, each authority presented key results from the past year. These included efforts in biodiversity monitoring, forest and habitat restoration, sustainable tourism development, education, and community engagement. The adoption of the Management Plan for the Prespa Lake Monument of Nature was highlighted as a significant milestone by the Municipality of Resen, reinforcing its commitment to long-term conservation and sustainable use of the lake and surrounding ecosystems.
Other highlights included:
- Galicica National Park’s progress in expanding tourism infrastructure and partnerships;
- Pelister National Park’s initiatives in species monitoring and forest regeneration;
- Albania’s Prespa National Park’s actions in waste management, habitat protection, and support to local communities;
- NECCA presented its biodiversity action planning and recent work in documenting rare and endemic species on the Greek side.
The participants also discussed ideas for strengthening cross-border cooperation, such as joint water quality monitoring of the Prespa Lakes, organising shared public events, and exploring coordinated actions to protect shared natural assets. The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the need for regular communication, knowledge exchange, and collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges in the Prespa basin.
This annual coordination meeting is part of a broader effort, supported by PONT, to promote integrated management and sustainable development in the Prespa region. The Municipality of Resen was pleased to host this important exchange and remains committed to supporting continued collaboration among the authorities responsible for protecting Prespa’s natural heritage.
By:Resen Municipality
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