Resen, 12 July 2024 (MIA) - Improved collection and treatment of wastewater, solid waste management, opening of the “Markova Noga” border crossing, are some of the activities that will be realized in the Prespa region as part of the “EU4Prespa” project funded by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The project was promoted at an event Friday in Resen, attended by European Union Ambassador David Geer and UNDP Resident Representative Armen Grigoryan, as well as Resen Mayor Jovan Tozievski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Izet Mexhiti, and Minister of Agriculture Cvetan Tripunovski. The project, according to the EU Ambassador, includes support for local nongovernmental organizations and institutions, with the goal of protecting Prespa’s natural and cultural heritage. 

“The combination of the effects of global warming and human activity have a dramatic effect on the water level of Lake Prespa, and consequently on the surrounding area. It’s time for action to try to turn this trend around. All stakeholders in North Macedonia, Albania and Greece, the national and local authorities, civil society, the business community and the international community should work together to achieve the same goal, the preservation of this exceptional place and the protection of the livelihood of the people who live here,” Geer said.

The implementation of the activities, Geer stressed, will build a sustainable future for Prespa.

“Success depends on the strong political commitment by the central and local government, including investments from the state budget as well,” Geer said, urging all relevant partners to engage in the interest of the entire Prespa region.

The program is worth EUR 21.5 million, of which EUR 18 million have been provided by the European Union.  

The UNDP Resident Representative, Armen Grigoryan, emphasized that Lake Prespa is home to 2.000 different species that are under threat due to all negative influences, which is why, he said, great efforts are needed to protect the lake.

“We hope that as part of the project we will manage to reinvigorate and preserve the biodiversity of one of the oldest freshwater lakes in the world, which is in danger due to the negative influences, unsustainable agricultural practices, climate change, pollution and the discharge of waste and untreated waste,” Grigoryan said.

In addition to strengthening biodiversity, the planned activities, according to Grigoryan, will also promote commitments to sustainable agriculture and tourism, while also working on larger infrastructural interventions in terms of wastewater and waste management.

According to the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Izet Mexhiti, the realization of the project activities will contribute to the improvement of tourism and agriculture in Prespa, which, he stressed, are the two main pillars.

“I hope we will end the emigration of youth and work hard to integrate Macedonia in Europe, and not the citizens in Europe,” Mexhiti said.

Agriculture Minister Cvetan Tripunovski clarified some of the activities relating to agriculture, noting that good agricultural practices and agro-environmental measures will be implemented in the production of apples.

“I am convinced that together with the Mayor we will achieve the goal of Prespa being sustainable once again and of sustainable development and prosperity for the farmers in the region in the coming period,” Tripunovski said.

Resen Mayor Jovan Tozievski noted that the project is one of the most significant projects for the development of the Prespa region.

“We expect to realize the remaining components of the ‘EU4Prespa’ program together with the relevant ministries, the UNDP and EU in the coming period. Restore Prespa as the greatest pearl in our country, with the benefits, above all, being greatest for the citizens of Prespa but also all citizens of Macedonia and the region,” Tozievski said.

The region of Prespa is already benefiting from the “EU4Prespa” program through 4 grants awarded to local civil society organizations and 2 contribution agreements signed with UNDP. In addition, EU-funding of €7.7 million is available under the program for cross-border cooperation between Greece and North Macedonia for re-opening of “Markova Noga” border crossing. 

Photo: MIA Archive