The aquatic and coastal vegetation of Lake Prespa in Macedonia was studied in detail during the 1960s. However, the results of this study are now outdated, and, moreover, no comprehensive map of the distribution of the different vegetation types has been produced.
The delineation of different habitat types is crucial for determining their value at both local and global levels. At the same time, it represents the first step in identifying the threats they face, thereby enabling an assessment of their conservation status and their potential for long-term sustainability.
Recognizing these issues, in 2018 Prof. Dr. Ljupcho Melovski and Dr. Yorgos Fotiadis initiated and led the identification, assessment, and mapping of coastal and lacustrine habitat types in Lake Prespa.
Through fieldwork and analyses, a total of 19 different habitat types were identified (Figure 1), six of which are listed in Annex I of the European Union Habitats Directive, while two are considered priority habitats (naturally occurring only within the boundaries of the European Union and under threat of permanent disappearance): alder forests and Pannonian sandy steppes. In addition to being found exclusively on the Macedonian side of the lake, these habitats do not occur at any other location within Macedonia.
