Aim of the project
The aim of the project was the establishment of a system of nature conservation sites for Lakes Ochrid and the Greater and Lesser Prespa.

Location
The lakes are situated in eastern Albania and form part of the south western border of FYRO Macedonia. Lake Ochrid is the most northerly of the complex of the three lakes of which Lakes Prespa also border northern Greece.

Natural values
Lake Ochrid, an oligotrophic lake, is an important wintering site for migrating birds. It is also used as an important stepping stone in the spring and autumn migration routes of birds. In summer, many breeding species can be found, including the rare Pygmy Cormorant and Dalmatian Pelican, in the springs, wetlands, rivers, reeds and marshes. There are several endemic fish in the lakes whilst the surrounding area is habitat for the brown bear, wolf and lynx.

Threats
The low socio-economic level of the local communities means that the pressures on the area are enormous. There is increasing and evident overuse of wood for heating and trade to people in the surrounding areas. There is also overgrazing by increasing numbers of livestock, particularly goats, and over-fishing. Rules are ignored and the level of understanding by the local populations is low, this is evidenced by the overuse of waters from the lakes for irrigation purposes. Wetland areas have been lost due to drainage for farming.

workshop

Conservation status
The land purchased was owned by the state-owned tourist enterprise, Albtourist. There has been great interest from western tourist enterprises to buy the springs which feed lake Ochrid and construct hotels and other tourist facilities in this pristine area. The EAF-sponsored project prevented this and turned the existing buildings into a visitor's centre. This land was of such a highly strategic value that the government speeded up the process of declaring a new Prespa National Park with an overall expanse of about 27,000 ha. Now the organisations are working together to create a transboundary biosphere reserve with the FYRO Macedonia. This will embrace at least a further 28,000 ha. on the Albanian side and several existing National Parks on the Macedonian side. The Prespa lakes are already protected on their Macedonian and Greek sides.

Planning and budget
The project began in 1997 and cost € 351679.

Project co-ordination
The responsible organisation was the Preservation and Protection of Nature and Environment of Albania.