A particular combination of the Mediterranean and Continental climate, different rock types, isolation on high altitude, together with the longevity of 12 million years have rendered Lakes Macro and Micro Prespa a globally unique flora and fauna.

Around the two tectonic lakes – among the oldest on Earth – rich biodiversity has developed. A shelter for over 90 species of migratory birds, Prespa lakes are also home to tens of species that have been officially registered as critically endangered or vulnerable. Among them is the Dalmatian Pelican, one of the largest flying birds in the world, who seeks secluded wetlands to build nests and to hatch chicks in what is its largest breeding colony worldwide.

Settlements with traditional stone-built houses, numerous Byzantine monuments, and artifacts dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages witness to immemorial human presence and diverse cultural heritage.

However, the Prespa ecosystems are beginning to suffer from increasing stress caused by unsustainable human activities. Some of them are in:

•    Agriculture: Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers affects the quality of the soil, the water and thus ecosystem and human health; excessive use of water for irrigation may result in the drop of lake water level;
•    Waste Management: Untreated waste water can affect the quality of ground waters and of the lakes;
•    Land-use Management: Conversion of sensitive habitats into other uses can have a negative impact on ecosystems’ services;
•    Fisheries: Unregulated fishing, introduction of exotic fish species and the lack of a   monitoring program can bring about a decline in the native species of fish.

Today, the preservation of the Prespa Lakes ecosystem and its biodiversity calls for integrated measures of sustainable development that will restore and keep the balance between the healthy ecosystems and the livelihoods of the people living on its shores.

This makes Prespa a part of the global efforts to protect wetlands: Currently, 1828 sites covering 169 million hectares in 158 countries have been designated a Wetland of International Importance. Among them are the Micro Prespa (5,078 ha) in Greece, and Macro Prespa in FYR of Macedonia (18,920 ha).♦