Skopje, 13 February 2024 (MIA) - At Tuesday’s session, following the initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, the Government approved the text of the draft law for proclamation of Lake Ohrid as a protected area in the third category - a monument of nature. The proposal will now proceed to the Parliament for its adoption, according to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.

Lake Ohrid has been officially declared a monument of nature due to its remarkable geomorphological and hydrological traits, extraordinary natural values, and status as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It stands as one of the most significant biodiversity refuges in both European and global contexts.

The monument of nature, Lake Ohrid, will be administered by the Public Enterprise "Collector System." The management plan must be developed no later than one year from the date of the enactment of this law, as reported by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.

The initiative to proclaim Lake Ohrid as a monument of nature is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Vienna, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Regional office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (IUCN ECARO) as well as national institutions and experts.

Photo: MIA archive