International scientific symposium in Korça/ Prespa Lakes under the scrutiny of researchers from Albania and the region

2026-02-02 14:18:00, Aktualitet CNA

International scientific symposium in Korça/ Prespa Lakes under the

In the city of Korça, at the premises of the "Fan Noli" University, the third Scientific Symposium on the Prespa Lakes was held, restoring after more than 20 years an important tradition of scientific cooperation for the protection of one of the most valuable natural areas in the Balkans.

The activity coincides with International Wetlands Day and has gathered for three days researchers, experts and academics from Albania, North Macedonia and Greece, who share the same concern about the current state of the Prespa Lakes and the challenges they are facing due to climate change and human pressure.

International scientific symposium in Korça/ Prespa Lakes under the

The symposium returns after a long hiatus, following the tradition of the first two scientific conferences held in 1997, which paved the way for the proclamation of the Prespa National Park and later for the creation of the transboundary park between Albania, North Macedonia and Greece. During the symposium proceedings, researchers will present detailed studies on biodiversity, hydrology, water quality and the impact of climate change on the lake ecosystem.

International scientific symposium in Korça/ Prespa Lakes under the

One of the main concerns highlighted by the head of PPNEA, Aleksandër Trajçe, is the drastic drop in the water level in Lake Prespa, a phenomenon that is endangering the natural balance of the area.

"Today is a significant day for the whole world, because it marks International Wetlands Day and we think it is a very good moment to restore a long-standing tradition of holding a scientific symposium on the Prespa Lakes. This is the third symposium, which comes after more than 20 years. The first was held in 1997 and paved the way for the proclamation of the Prespa National Park and the cross-border park between Albania, North Macedonia and Greece. Prespa is an area that holds the flag of nature conservation in the Balkans, due to its unique values. In these three days we have gathered many researchers who will present various aspects of biodiversity, hydrology and the latest scientific developments. The area is facing numerous challenges, as in recent years the water level in Lake Prespa has suffered a drastic decline, the reasons for which we still do not have a full explanation", said Trajçe.

International scientific symposium in Korça/ Prespa Lakes under the

The focus of the discussions is also the necessity of cross-border cooperation, as the Prespa lakes are shared by three countries and their problems cannot be addressed in isolation. Greek expert Giorgos Catsadorakis praised the organization of this conference, emphasizing that it should have been held years ago, due to the worrying situation the lakes are going through.

"I am from Greece and I work for the Prespa Protection Association. The scientific conference is very interesting because it is something we should have done earlier. Now is the time to bring together scientists from the three countries that share the Prespa Lakes. We have common problems: less snow, less rainfall and a significant drop in water levels due to the climate crisis. The inhabitants of the area will sooner or later have to adapt to these changes, but we must protect the natural values ??and harmonize management measures with their livelihoods," the expert said.

International scientific symposium in Korça/ Prespa Lakes under the

Arjan Merolli, an environmental expert, estimates that Prespa constitutes one of the most unique ecosystems in Europe and that its preservation is of strategic importance not only for the area, but also for other ecosystems related to it, such as Lake Ohrid.

"It is of great interest that for the third time a scientific conference focused on the biodiversity values ??of the Prespa region is being organized. This is one of the two unique ecosystems in Europe, for which in 2014 Albania and North Macedonia prepared the nomination for the declaration of a transboundary biosphere reserve. I am here to present several studies related to the bathymetry of Lake Prespa and indicators on the level and quality of the waters. Prespa is an example of sustainable development, where the use of natural resources must be balanced. The protection of Lake Prespa is also of great importance for Lake Ohrid, as about 78% of its waters are supplied by Prespa", said Merolli.

The Prespa Lakes Scientific Symposium aims to create a common platform for cooperation between science, institutions and the local community, to guarantee the long-term preservation of an area of ??exceptional natural value and sustainable development for future generations. /CNA