Strengthening Conservation and Sustainable Management in Galicica National Park – 2025 Highlights

In 2025, the Public Institution Galicica National Park (PIGNP) continued to advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management and institutional strengthening under the Operational Plan 2024–2026 (Y2), supported by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT). Despite financial and administrative constraints, the Park demonstrated resilience and steady progress toward the objectives of the Management Plan 2021–2030.

The cornerstone of 2025 was the continued implementation of the Long-Term Biodiversity Monitoring Programme. In cooperation with the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), monitoring included winter bird censuses, Balkan chamois surveys, bat monitoring, Apollo butterfly assessments and the census of the Great Cormorant colony on Golem Grad Island. Findings informed adaptive management measures, including conservation planning for the endemic Dianthus galicicae following wildfire impacts.

The Red Deer Reproduction Centre operated successfully, with 45 individuals released into the wild, strengthening the free-ranging population. Transboundary cooperation under the Trilateral Brown Bear Project advanced through updated action planning and improved spatial mapping of conflict-sensitive areas.

Forest governance was reinforced through the internal preparation of Special Forest Management Plans, demonstrating strong institutional capacity and cost-effective management. Firefighting preparedness was strengthened through the procurement of targeted equipment, improving rapid response capacity in wildfire-prone areas.

Environmental education remained a strategic priority. Through the EU for Prespa “Green & Blue Initiative,” PIGNP conducted outreach in 16 primary schools and organised workshops for more than 300 students, enhancing awareness and long-term public support for biodiversity conservation.

A key institutional achievement in 2025 was the improvement of park management infrastructure through the completion of the Lipona Livada refreshment facility, financed by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. Officially opened in September 2025, the facility provides indoor sales space and an outdoor terrace for visitors in one of the Park’s most frequented areas. Although operational late in the tourist season, it significantly enhances visitor services and strengthens the Park’s capacity for future revenue generation.

In the tourism sector, continued development of the Adventure Zone and improved visitor services contributed to increased self-generated income, reaching approximately EUR 177,616 in 2025. Through diversified funding sources, strengthened partnerships, and adaptive management, Galicica National Park continues to enhance conservation impact while building long-term financial and institutional resilience. The sustained support from PONT remains essential to safeguarding the Park’s unique ecosystems and promoting sustainable development in the wider Prespa – Ohrid region.

By: “PIGNP”