Since 2018, the Macedonian Ecological Society and its partners from the transboundary environmental network PrespaNet have been implementing the project cycle “Prespa Project,” supported by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation and EuroNatur.

I. First Project (2018–2021) – “Strengthening NGO-led Conservation in the Transboundary Prespa Basin”

The first of the three projects delivered significant results for nature conservation and contributed to strengthening the PrespaNet network of environmental NGOs.

Key achievements include:

• The first detailed map of wetland habitats along the shores of Lake Prespa;
• Educational programs for children and students from all three countries;
• Improved understanding of large carnivores, their diet, and conflicts with human activities;
• Pilot actions for the restoration and management of wetlands in Ezerani Nature Park;
• Joint communication of activities across the region.

One of the most notable successes was the opening of local offices with permanent staff in North Macedonia and Albania, which has contributed to better coordination and increased involvement of the local communities.

The project was guided by the Transboundary Strategic Framework and achieved significant progress in:

• Strengthening the capacities of the NGO sector;
• Encouraging transboundary research for nature conservation;
• Improving regional cooperation.

II. Second Project (2021–2024) – “Biodiversity Conservation in Transboundary Prespa”

The project aligned the objectives of the Transboundary Strategic Framework, the strategic plans of partner organizations, and the management plans for protected areas.

The project was structured around five key programs:

1. Wetlands,  Waterbirds & Climate Change – Focused on the impacts of climate change, wetland restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and the first vulnerability assessment of Great Prespa Lake to climate change. It built on experience from Lesser Prespa Lake and aimed to support long-term, science-based decision-making at a transboundary level.
2. Environmental Education and Outreach – Aimed at raising awareness and engaging local communities, strengthening environmental education, and expanding citizen science initiatives.
3. Species  Conservation – Focused on monitoring and protecting key species such as large carnivores, bats, and other highly threatened priority species.
4. Freshwater Island  Conservation – Included activities for restoring threatened waterbird populations and protecting unique island ecosystems, while encouraging institutional and transboundary cooperation.
5. Local  Office Management and Transboundary Co-ordination – Ensured effective implementation through continuous coordination among local teams, partner organizations, and stakeholders from all three countries.

The project solidified PrespaNet as a key stakeholder in transboundary nature protection, balancing the capacities of NGOs in all three countries to address complex ecological challenges such as climate change.

III. Third Project (2024–2027) – “PrespaNet Project III: Biodiversity Conservation in Transboundary Prespa”

This project is built on four main strategies aimed at tackling the key challenges of nature conservation in Prespa, particularly in the context of climate change:

1. Water and  Wetland Landscape Conservation – This strategy addresses the urgent threat posed by climate change and its effects on wetlands and waterbirds in Prespa. It includes activities to improve the understanding and management of water resources, organize a symposium to advance knowledge, and implement transboundary monitoring of habitats and birds to enable effective, data-driven protection.

2. Consolidating Prespa Conservation Interests – Focuses on strengthening the management of protected areas and supporting young conservationists. Through field research, biodiversity monitoring, and educational programs (summer schools, camps, and youth programs), this strategy builds local capacities and inspires the next generation of nature conservationists.

3. On the Frontline – Combating Priority Threats – Focuses on critical threats such as inappropriate energy development and threats to wildlife safety. The approach is transboundary and landscape-based, involving identification of vulnerable areas, policy development, raising public awareness, and building networks to address these challenges.

4. Listen and Share: Reinforcing Local Engagement – Emphasizes close transboundary cooperation and active involvement of local communities. This strategy highlights communication, public outreach, and the vital role of local offices in making nature protection a priority within communities.

After years of dedicated work, PrespaNet has become a key actor in transboundary nature conservation. This project aims to maintain that momentum and continue building a sustainable future for this exceptional natural region.