The environment ministers of North Macedonia, Naser Nuredini, of Albania, Blendi Klosi, and of Greece, Kostas Skrekas, and the EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, David Geer in accordance with the Agreement on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park Area held Tuesday the first meeting to discuss ways for cooperation to protect Prespa Lake, which is joint natural heritage.

The ministers and the ambassadors voiced strong will to solve the Prespa Lake issue and discussed future steps due to be taken by the three parties, including joint hydrobiological study, introduction of monitoring system, capacity building and the development of sustainable agriculture and local brands, as well as promotion of alternative and environmental tourism, Nuredini’s office said.

“I’m glad that the three coastal countries managed to kick off joint activities even in the midst of health and economic activities and to make efforts to improve the alarming situation Prespa Lake is in. We are aware that it is a cause for concern but we also are aware that the issue can be solved only through coordinated work,” Minister Nuredini told the meeting.

He said that climate change, strong anthropogenic pressure, agriculture and invasive species are a threat,

The three ministers agreed to convene the working bodies in order to discuss key issues at technical level and to finally implement the integrated approach.

Also, Ambassador Geer announced an EU-funded program for Prespa estimated at EUR 18 million for North Macedonia.

After entering into force on May 29, 2020, the Agreement on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park Area was signed in February 2010. The Agreement envisages a high-level segment, which took place today, and Prespa Park Steering Committee and technical level working body.