Taking urgent measures and activities and high-level readiness of all stakeholders involved in the process to remove the threats endangering Lake Ohrid and its natural and cultural heritage, according to UNESCO recommendations, is a top priority of the new UNESCO National Commission.
In addition to the measures and activities under way, a detailed urban planning is due to be adopted for the coast of Lake Ohrid by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the government said Tuesday.
The UNESCO National Commission, which has been coordinating with the government’s intersectoral body chaired by PM Zoran Zaev, is included in the preparation of the 2020 progress report, which is set to be sent to the UNESCO World Heritage Center by Feb. 1.
“The report will include all important activities and measures the country has taken in a bid to protect the status of world heritage of the Ohrid region, including the establishment of a commission on the management of the Ohrid region’s natural and cultural heritage and the action plan on implementing the 2017 UNESCO decision,” said the press release.
Through the intersectoral commission and the UNESCO National Commission, it added, the government has been demonstrating commitment to protect the Ohrid region’s status as UNESCO world heritage taking into consideration the risks stemming from the possibility of Lake Ohrid and its natural and cultural heritage being proclaimed endangered area.
