Transboundary Summer School in Prespa – for students and young professionals
Learning to protect together
Discover. Learn. Act. In Prespa.
28 July – 01 August July 2025 | Laimos, Prespa, Greece
PrespaNet is pleased to invite university students from Greece, North Macedonia, and Albania to participate in a transboundary summer school taking place in the transboundary Prespa basin in the Greek side of Prespa National Park – an area of exceptional ecological value and international importance.
This one-week event will blend field work with sessions from our experts, offering participants the opportunity to explore and understand one of Europe’s most unique shared ecosystems. Activities will be held primarily in the Prespa basin of Greece, with an additional field trip in Albania, encouraging experiential learning and cross-cultural exchange.
What to expect:
- From target species to habitats: discussing integrated system approaches and adaptable management practices
- Practical training in research and monitoring methods of waterbird species
- Baseline data interpretation workshops
- Workshops in threat identification and mitigation practices
- Transboundary point of view, meeting with experts from across the region
- Engaging people: communication, conservation & citizen science
Who it is for:
University students (BSc, MSc) or recent graduates (up to 3 years) from Greece, North Macedonia, or Albania, with a background in environmental studies, nature conservation, biology, ecology, natural resource management, agriculture, forestry, or related fields – such as law, political science, or communication – and a strong or demonstrated interest in environmental issues and nature conservation
Why you should be interested:
- You’ll explore one of the most unique and beautiful wetlands in Europe
- You’ll gain valuable experience, supporting your future steps
- You’ll become part of a cross-border network for nature
Information for Applicants
When: 28 July – 01 August July 2025
Where: Laimos, Prespa, Greece
Participation Fee: No participation fee – accommodation and meals are fully covered
Language: English
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
Apply here
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 standard 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 30 June 2025. Applicants will be notified about the final selection no later than 11th July 2025.
This year’s summer school is organized by the Society for the Protection of Prespa, in collaboration with PrespaNet partner organizations PPNEA and MES, through the “PrespaNetIII project: -Biodiversity Conservation in Transboundary Prespa’’, funded by the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, with support from EuroNatur, as well the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust.
This transboundary project aims to consolidate the efforts of PrespaNet partners, i.e. SPP, MES and PPNEA, through concrete conservation activities in the region, integrated cross-border actions on biodiversity protection, and working particularly with young people, through education and volunteering initiatives.
PrespaNet is a network of three environmental NGOs — SPP (Greece), MES (North Macedonia), and PPNEA (Albania) — working together since 2013 to enhance nature conservation in the transboundary Prespa area. The network’s activities are guided by five strategic pillars:
- Waterbirds, wetlands, and climate change
- Environmental education and outreach
- Species conservation
- Freshwater Island conservation
- Transboundary collaboration
Through this initiative, PrespaNet aims to empower the next generation of conservation professionals by fostering knowledge exchange, practical skills, and long-term engagement with the region’s natural heritage.
