Lake Ohrid

The evidence based campaign on Protecting Lake Ohrid

A project implemented by DMO ALBANIA, in the framework of the call for proposals: “Financial Support to Third Parties in the framework of the EU-funded project: ENV.Net Factoring the Environmental Portfolio for WB and Turkey in The EU Policy Agenda, of Co-Plan, Institute for Habitat Development Natural heritage is a major part of a destination’s identity, but recognition alone does not protect it. UNESCO status brings responsibility. It needs to be supported by regular monitoring, reliable evidence, responsible development, and cooperation between institutions, communities, businesses, experts, and civil society. Lake Ohrid is one of the Balkans’ most important natural and cultural heritage sites. Shared by Albania and North Macedonia, the lake is recognized for its exceptional ecological, cultural, and scientific value. On 5 July 2019, the Albanian part was added to the UNESCO World Heritage property, joining the North Macedonian part, which had been recognized since 1979–1980.

The UNESCO designation was an important achievement, but it also highlighted the need for stronger protection. The Albanian side of the lake has faced a number of environmental pressures, including illegal fishing, pollution from industrial and mining activities, contaminated rivers and waterways, poor waste management, and illegal construction in protected areas. In response, DMO Albania implemented “The Evidence-Based Campaign on Protecting Lake Ohrid” within the EU-funded ENV.Net project, supported by Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development. The eight-month campaign, implemented in 2019, focused on identifying and documenting environmental pressures affecting the lake and bringing this information to decision-makers, local stakeholders, civil society, and the wider public. The approach was based on a straightforward idea: environmental protection needs evidence. Working with an environmental expert in the Pogradec area, DMO Albania investigated specific threats and potential pollution sources affecting Lake Ohrid.

The investigation identified several key concerns, including illegal fishing, mining and mineral waste, polluted rivers and waterways, and illegal construction within protected areas. The findings were developed into three investigative reports: • The Mine Activity in the Protected Area of Lake Ohrid • Polluters of Lake Ohrid • Potential Danger in the Cultural Heritage Site of UNESCO

These reports turned concerns that were often discussed informally into documented findings that could be used for advocacy, public discussion, and further policy action. Engaging policymakers was an important part of the campaign. DMO Albania presented the findings to representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and Municipality of Pogradec, encouraging discussion around the identified problems and possible responses. At the same time, protecting Lake Ohrid cannot depend on public institutions alone. Local communities, businesses, environmental organizations, experts, and the media all have a role to play in identifying problems and supporting long-term protection. To encourage this wider discussion, a roundtable was organized in Pogradec, bringing together more than 30 representatives from public institutions, civil society, local stakeholders, and the media. The meeting provided an opportunity to present the findings, exchange views, and discuss possible solutions. The involvement of the media was particularly important. Environmental reporting can help turn technical information into stories that people understand, while also bringing attention to problems that might otherwise remain unnoticed. Evidence-based journalism can encourage public debate and strengthen accountability. The campaign connected environmental research with heritage protection, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness. It also reflected DMO Albania’s wider commitment to sustainable tourism.

Lake Ohrid is an important tourism asset for Pogradec and the surrounding region, but its future as a destination depends on the health of its ecosystem and the protection of its natural and cultural values. The campaign demonstrated that UNESCO recognition is only the beginning. Long-term protection requires responsibility, monitoring, transparency, cooperation, and action. By investigating environmental pressures, producing evidence, engaging institutions, and bringing different stakeholders together, DMO Albania helped keep the protection of Lake Ohrid on both the public and institutional agenda. Protecting Lake Ohrid means protecting more than a UNESCO site. It means protecting its environment, communities, tourism economy, and the generations that will inherit it.

Raising awareness to stakeholders

A round table with all stakeholders and media were held in the end of project with the presence of more than 30 people from different institutions, civil society to present these documents and to discus with them about the ways of solving the problems

More about this project

https://lakeohrid.blogspot.com/2020/05/investigative-report-polluters-of-lake.html</p>