Project summary:

The objective of the overall action “EU for Prespa” is to promote the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in the transboundary Prespa Lake area in line with the “no persons and regions left behind”. 

The goal of the project “Restoration of natural resources and enhancing sustainable agriculture and tourism” is to instigate a significant change in practices and behavior among policy makers at local level, farmers, private sector, CSO and citizens regarding the management of and the sustainable use of natural resources in the Prespa region which will result in improved quality of life and contribute to economic development by emerging “green” pathways to growth.

Activities:

The EU investments will contribute to the preservation of the natural capital and restore the damaged ecosystem of Macro Prespa Lake to good ecological status, in line with EU standards. The measures will address the pollution of water and soil, protect endangered species and encourage the sustainability of the local economic and agricultural practices. The farmers, households, and small businesses will be supported to apply good agricultural practices, create small chain value, and invest in sustainable tourism services and products respectively. The project shall also enhance the cross-border cooperation by supporting the creation of a new vision for sustainable development of the Prespa Lakes region. 

The project will focus on four important areas of support: 

• Area of support - biodiversity     
• Area of support - Fighting pollution of water and soil
• Area of support - Sustainable business and food systems in rural areas
• Area of support - Cross-border cooperation 

Expected results: 

The all-encompassing result of the activities within the project that are addressing the challenges related to agriculture and tourism shall have a positive impact to the valuable natural resources of the region, especially to the Prespa Lake through the reduced run-off from agriculture and improved capacities of the farmers, entities, and individuals active in tourism, and the local government of the Municipality of Resen. 

This overall goal of the Action will be achieved through three outcomes: 

Outcome 1: The ecological system in Prespa lake area preserved and improved;

Outcome 2: Sustainable economic activities in Prespa area boosted;

Outcome 3: Enhanced cross-border cooperation.