25.09.2023 – PrespaNet, a network of environmental NGOs dedicated to the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the transboundary Prespa Lakes Basin, is proud to be passing its 10th anniversary this year! Founded in 2013 by three organizations with a rich history of environmental stewardship in the region – the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP), the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), and Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) – PrespaNet has made significant strides in advancing conservation efforts in the area since then.
Situated at the crossroads of Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, the Prespa region is a unique ecological treasure that hosts both extraordinary biodiversity and a rich cultural heritage. PrespaNet’s mission is to protect this natural wonder for the sustainable benefit of both people and wildlife, now and for generations to come.
Over the past decade, PrespaNet has tirelessly worked to strengthen transboundary co-operation between NGOs and protected area management authorities. The network has always highlighted that collaboration is key to the success of conservation efforts and has fostered close partnerships with all the authorities responsible for the preservation of the basin’s remarkable nature, landscape, and culture.
Just a few of the network’s significant achievements have been the more effective engagement of local communities and regional stakeholders with the establishment of Prespa offices on all three sides of the basin, joint conservation work to help protect the region’s rare species and habitats, and the development of the Transboundary Strategic Framework for conservation in Prespa, which outlines the priorities for NGOs in safeguarding the area’s precious natural heritage.
To mark its 10th anniversary, PrespaNet organized a unique event at the crossroads of the network’s work, the heart of the Great Prespa Lake where three borderlines meet, but also the point where our collaboration starts! Holding hands, we reaffirmed our commitment to the preservation of Prespa’s unique character and we promised to continue working steadfastly with partners, authorities, and local communities to ensure the sustainable future of this invaluable ecological and cultural treasure.
Following on from this meeting, we then continued at PPNEA’s local offices in Dolna Gorica, where supporters, stakeholders and local authorities joined us in celebrating this milestone and warmly expressed their continued commitment to supporting PrespaNet’s mission.
For more information about PrespaNet, please visit:
https://spp.gr/about-spp/
https://ppnea.org/
https://mes.org.mk/en/
For media inquiries, please contact:
Klaudja Koçi │ Connectivity Conservation Manager │email: [email protected] │ mobile: +355 69 431 3698
Lorena Pyze Xhafaj │ Communications and Public Relations Officer │email: [email protected] │ mobile: +355 69 211 8037
