Call for Applications
Transboundary Summer School 2026 in Prespa for students and young ecologists
Traditional Knowledge and Contemporary Ecological Practices
27 – 31 July 2026 | Oteshevo, Prespa, North Macedonia
Application Deadline: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Young ecologists from North Macedonia, Albania and Greece, are invited to explore and experience the unique nature of the Prespa Lakes basin at the Transboundary Summer School 2026 in Prespa, organized by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) in collaboration with PrespaNet partners: SPP and PPNEA.
Through carefully planned activities, including field work, lectures from expert and interactive workshops, around 15-20 students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the natural values of the Prespa-Ohrid Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, getting familiar with the local traditional knowledge and the contemporary ecological practices in natural resource management.
Themes (subject to change):
- The effects of climate change on the hydrology of the Prespa-Ohrid Lakes system
- Practical training in the scientific study of wild species
- Traditional and modern approaches in agricultural practices and wetland management
- Socio-economic and cultural perceptions regarding ecosystem service provision and landscape functionality
- Use of digital tools in monitoring and mapping species and habitats
- Transboundary perspectives and community communication
Eligibility:
Application for the summer school is open to all university students (BSc, MSc) or recent graduates (up to 3 years) from North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece, with a background in biology, ecology, agriculture, forestry, or related fields, with a strong or demonstrated interest in environmental issues and nature conservation.
Benefits:
- You will explore and experience one of the most unique and beautiful transboundary biosphere reserves in Europe
- You will gain hands-on practical and theoretical knowledge, supporting your future development in nature conservation and natural resource management
- You will be able to network with peers and experts from all three countries
Key Information for Applicants
When: 27 – 31 July 2026
Where: Oteshevo, Prespa, North Macedonia Participation Fee: No participation fee – accommodation and meals are fully covered Language: English Application Deadline: 21 June 2026 Apply at the following LINK.
Priority will be given to applicants from the region, or those studying in regional universities.
The official language of the summer school will be English and a good knowledge of English should be demonstrated in the application.
The cost for food, accommodation, transport, and insurance of the successful applicants will be fully covered. Further details will be distributed following the selection of successful applicants.
To apply for this summer school, please fill out the application form available HERE before midnight on June 21st, 2026. Applicants will be notified about the final selection no later than July 3rd, 2026.
About PrespaNet and the Transboundary Summer School in Prespa
The network of environmental NGOs, PrespaNet, was established in 2013 to enhance the protection and preservation of nature and biodiversity in the transboundary Prespa region, guided by four strategic pillars:
- Water and Wetland Landscape Conservation
- Consolidating Prespa Conservation Interests
- On the Frontline – Combating Priority Threats
- Listen and Share – Reinforcing Local Engagement.
As part of our efforts in environmental education, the PrespaNet Transboundary Summer School in Prespa has been organized annually since 2018 – on a rotational basis between the three host countries. It aims to empower the next generation of young conservationists by encouraging knowledge exchange, practical skills, and long-term engagement with the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
This year’s edition of the summer school is organized by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), in collaboration with PrespaNet partner organizations Society for the Protection of Prespa from Greece (SPP) and Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), through the project “PrespaNet III: Biodiversity Conservation in Transboundary Prespa’’, supported by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, and EuroNatur.
