The Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) plays a key role in advancing environmental protection in the transboundary Prespa Region - a unique and ecologically significant area shared by North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece. In 2013, following years of informal cooperation, MES, together with the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) from Greece and the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), established PrespaNet - a transboundary network of environmental non-governmental organizations aimed at coordinated action for the protection of the natural heritage of the Prespa Region.
Through PrespaNet, we actively promote the idea that sustainable nature conservation must transcend national borders, in accordance with the natural interconnectedness and ecosystem integrity of the Prespa watershed.
One of the network’s most significant achievements is the development of the Transboundary Strategic Framework for the Protection of Prespa (available HERE). The document was prepared in cooperation with several international partners and defines priorities and necessary actions for biodiversity conservation in the region. MES played an important role in providing relevant data and field-based expertise, particularly with regard to the Macedonian part of Prespa.
From 2018 to 2021, MES had a leading role in the implementation of the project “Strengthening NGO-led Conservation in the Transboundary Prespa Basin”, supported by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation and EuroNatur. Within the framework of this project, MES expanded its activities and opened a local office in Prespa, representing an important step toward deepening cooperation with the local community and all relevant stakeholders. During this period, MES contributed to several key activities, including detailed mapping of coastal habitats around Lake Prespa, monitoring of large carnivores, and the implementation of environmental education programmes with pupils and students.
Between 2021 and 2024, the project “Biodiversity Conservation in Transboundary Prespa” was implemented, with the support of the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation and EuroNatur. The project was structured into five interlinked programmes addressing the key priorities of the Transboundary Strategic Framework for the Protection of Prespa, with the aim of strengthening ecological resilience and transboundary cooperation. Activities focused on addressing the impacts of climate change on wetlands and biodiversity, engaging local communities through education and citizen science, conserving priority species such as large carnivores and bats, and restoring critically endangered freshwater island ecosystems, while simultaneously building capacity within protected areas in North Macedonia and Albania.
Building on the previous two projects, the project “PrespaNet Project III: Biodiversity Conservation in Transboundary Prespa” has been actively implemented since 2024 and will continue until 2027, with support from the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation and EuroNatur. It comprises four main strategies aimed at enhancing transboundary nature conservation in the Prespa basin.
The first strategy, “Water and Wetland Landscape Conservation”, focuses on the urgent impacts of climate change on wetlands and waterbirds through improving scientific understanding, aligning conservation efforts, and promoting informed, transboundary actions. The second strategy, “Consolidating Prespa Conservation Interests” strengthens cooperation with protected area managers, builds local capacity through biodiversity monitoring, and supports young conservationists through field laboratories, summer schools, and youth education programmes. The third strategy addresses “Combating Priority Threats”, focusing on pressing challenges such as unsustainable energy development and threats to wildlife, through an approach based on spatial planning policies and cross-sectoral cooperation. The fourth strategy is aimed at “Reinforcing Local Engagement,” enhancing community participation, reinforcing the work of the local office, and ensuring joint transboundary governance and communication.
Through PrespaNet, the Macedonian Ecological Society continues to promote a model of nature conservation grounded in science, local knowledge, and transboundary cooperation - laying the foundation for long-term environmental protection in one of the most valuable natural regions of the Balkans.
