Under the agreement, the signatory municipalities should launch joint and coordinated actions to tackle certain issues and commit to meeting obligations set forth by the governments of the three countries a few years ago.

On behalf of Albania, the agreement was signed by the Mayor of Devoll, Eduard Duro, and Mayor of Pustec, Pali Kolefski.

The signing ceremony was signed by the European Union Ambassador to North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, and the UNDP Resident Representative in Greece, and local government authorities from the neighbouring country.

This Memorandum is based on the “Mayors’ Cooperation Protocol 2022” and was signed by the Municipalities of Pustec, Prespa, Resnjë and Devoll.

The Memorandum aims to strengthen joint efforts towards sustainable development, environmental protection and cultural heritage within the Prespa Basin. In this context, the parties have agreed to establish a European Territorial Cooperation Group, as a mechanism that will enable in-depth and coordinated cooperation between communities and relevant institutions.

This collective commitment aims to increase capacities for sustainable management of natural resources and to promote sustainable development in the Prespa Lake region, home to a unique natural and cultural asset.

With a surface area of around 260 square kilometres, the ancient lake is home to more than 2,000 species of fish, birds, mammals and plants.

It is most famous for its population of nesting Dalmatian pelicans, a globally threatened species. Nine of its 11 native fish species are found nowhere else in the world.