Now it’s official: The Government of Albania declared the Albanian part of Prespa National Park a Ramsar site. EuroNatur assisted the preparatory work in the past years.
Foto: One of the ecologically most valuable parts of the Balkan Green Belt: the Prespa-Ohrid region.
© Roland KnauerThe protected site covers all water and wetland areas in the Albanian part of the Great and the Small Prespa Lakes. It comprises more than 15,000 hectares and is characterized by an outstanding biodiversity. The Lakes are home to seven endemic species of fish, among them the Prespa trout and the Prespa nase. During winter and the migration seasons huge flocks of migratory birds rest at the Prespa Lakes. Globally und critically endangered bird species like the Dalmatian pelican and the Pygmy cormorant are still breeding here in substantial numbers.
“While this decision in itself does not elevate the area’s protection status, the Ramsar site declaration is internationally emphasizing the high ecological value of the lakes and their adjacent wetlands”, EuroNatur Executive Director Gabriel Schwaderer happily states.
Read more on EuroNatur’s projects to protect the Prespa-Ohrid region’s natural treasures.