Ohrid, 16 September 2023 (MIA) - The Ohrid region has retained the status of world heritage of outstanding universal value, protected by UNESCO. The region has remained on the list announced at the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Committee has recognized North Macedonia's care for the rich Ohrid cultural heritage and its responsibility to Lake Ohrid, as well as the joint efforts of North Macedonia and Albania for preservation of the Ohrid region's prestigious status as world heritage, the Government said in a press release.

Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova attended the Riyadh event, thanking the Committee member-states for the decision that validates the Government's commitment, but also to the experts, civil society and municipalities for the activities undertaken to retain the status.

"The importance of the Ohrid region is unmeasurable and perpetual. Therefore, it is our duty not to endanger our Ohrid region, an area that the world has recognized and verified as unique, as one of only 39 mixed (cultural and natural) sites across the globe, and part of the 43 cross-border sites," said Minister Kostadinovska-Stojchevska in the address.

She added that the Committee recommendations have been properly addressed, noting that national and local authorities, institutions and citizens should be fully engaged.

"Many activities listed in the recommendations have been launched but their full realization lies ahead. We have to be aware that our failure to act upon the recommendations could lead to the inscription of the Ohrid region in the list of World Heritage in Danger," noted Kostadinovska-Stojchevska.

Minister Shukova said the Committee decision ensured the required time for further steps towards protection, maintenance and sustainable management of the Ohrid region.

"Working side by side with Albania, we are committed to making the region's management an example of cooperation, thus ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the Ohrid region, and passing them on to future generations. Protection of nature and biodiversity remains to be our goal, such as adoption of the law on declaring Studenchishko Blato a category IV protected area - Nature Park, and a new law on declaring Lake Ohrid a category III protected area - Natural Monument," said Shukova.

The ministers told the session that teams of experts from North Macedonia and Albania have drafted a strategic plan for rehabilitation of the natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid region with an action plan, which represents a significant step in detecting and managing the factors that have a negative impact on the region's values, reads the press release.

Photo: MIA