Welcome to Ohrid Prespa Transboudary Biosphere Reserve: A New Member of EUROPARC

We are excited to welcome Ohrid Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve as the latest member of the EUROPARC Federation! Nestled between Albania and North Macedonia, the Biosphere Reserve is a haven for lush forest, shimmering lakes, and rare species.

Balancing Conservation and Community Needs

Designated in 2014 under the Man and Biosphere Programme, this cross-border biosphere reserve is home to two national parks: Galicica (North Macedonia) and Prespa (Albania). The area is recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and its commitment to conservation the nature and infrastructure.

The Ohrid Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve features unique ecological systems and geological formations, shaped by the sub-tropical mountains and three lakes. Among them, Lake Ohrid stands out as the oldest lake in the Mediterranean.

From Alpine meadows and wetlands to dense oak and beech forest, providing habitats for rare species such as the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus Crispus), the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx Balcanicus), and the Prespa trout (Salmo Peristericus).

Collaboration with civil society organisations plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, engaging local communities in preserving biodiversity and adopting interdisciplinary biosphere management, such as reforestation programs, and sustainable land-use practises.

Sustainable tourism is a key pillar of the reserve’s long-term viability, with a focus on rural tourism, village tourism, eco-tourism, and eco-friendly food production. In 2023 and 2024, a project was implemented to promote rural tourism in the villages along the banks of the Ohrid and Prespa lakes.

At the heart of the Galicica National Park lies an education centre, serving as a hub for developing and implementing actions plans for the biosphere reserve. The centre hosts practical workshops and educational trainings for the local communities.

Beyond its ecological value, the region has been an important cultural crossroads for centuries. The ancient town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its medieval churches, including the St. Naum Monastery, and the Church of St. John at Kaneo. The area has deep historical roots, with settlements dating back to the Bronze Age.

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