The Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) plays a key role in advancing environmental conservation in the transboundary Prespa region — a unique and ecologically significant area shared by North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece. In 2013, after years of informal collaboration, MES, together with the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) from Greece and Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) from Albania, established the PrespaNet network — a transboundary network of environmental NGOs aimed at coordinated action for the protection of the natural heritage in the Prespa Region.
Through PrespaNet, MES actively promotes the idea that sustainable nature conservation must transcend national borders, in line with the natural connectivity and ecological integrity of the Prespa basin.
One of the most significant achievements of the network is the development of the Transboundary Strategic Framework (available HERE). The document was developed in collaboration with several international partners and defines the priorities and necessary actions for conserving biodiversity in the region. MES played a key role in providing relevant data and field expertise, particularly concerning the Macedonian part of Prespa.
Between 2018 and 2021, MES played 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), the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, and EuroNatur. As part of the project, MES expanded its operations and opened a local office in Prespa, marking an important step toward deepening collaboration with the local community and all involved stakeholders. During this period, MES participated in the implementation of several key activities, including detailed mapping of coastal habitats around Lake Prespa, monitoring of large carnivores, and the delivery of environmental education programs for 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), the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, and EuroNatur. The project was structured around five interconnected programs addressing key priorities of the Transboundary Strategic Framework, with the goal of strengthening ecological resilience and transboundary cooperation. Activities focused on addressing the impacts of climate change on wetland habitats and biodiversity, engaging local communities through education and citizen science, protecting priority species such as large carnivores and bats, and restoring critically endangered freshwater island ecosystems — all while building capacities in protected areas in North Macedonia and Albania.
Building on the two previous projects, the “PrespaNet Project III: Biodiversity Conservation in Transboundary Prespa” is already being actively implemented for the period 2024–2027, with support from the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, and EuroNatur. The project consists of 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 by improving scientific understanding, aligning conservation efforts, and promoting informed, cross-border actions. The second strategy, “Consolidating Prespa Conservation Interests”, strengthens collaboration with mandated managers of protected areas, builds local capacity through biodiversity monitoring, and supports young conservationists through field labs, summer schools, and youth-focused educational programs. The third strategy is called “On the Frontline – Combating Priority Threats”, and targets pressing challenges such as unsustainable energy development and threats to wildlife through a spatial policy-based approach and cross-sectoral cooperation. The fourth strategy, “Listen and Share: Reinforcing Local Engagement”, enhances community participation, reinforces the role of the local office, and ensures joint transboundary management and communication.
The Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) is a civil society organization actively working in the areas of ecology and environmental protection.