The initiative was discussed on Tuesday by Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja during a meeting with Greece’s newly appointed ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini.

Gonxhja said Albania welcomed the proposal put forward by Greece’s Culture Ministry and was ready to work with the two other countries to advance the nomination process.

The joint bid for Prespa would go beyond securing UNESCO status, Gonxhja said, arguing that it could raise the region’s international profile and create opportunities for protecting and promoting its cultural heritage, sustainable development and higher-quality tourism.

“The impact goes far beyond the nomination itself. It means greater international attention for Prespa, more opportunities to protect and promote its cultural heritage, sustainable development, quality tourism and a new perspective for local communities,” Gonxhja said.

Prespa, which is shared by the three countries, represents both a common responsibility and an opportunity for cooperation, Gonxhja said.

The aim is to develop Prespa into a European model of cross-border cooperation, where nature, culture and tourism can help strengthen ties between Albania, Greece and North Macedonia while creating new development opportunities for local communities, he said.

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The event brought together more than 70 participants, including stakeholders, local actors, donors, experts, relevant ministries, and representatives from the UNESCO Secretariat.

According to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodër, the applications are now ready for submission to the respective ministries. These documents are crucial in presenting the project’s achievements and establishing consensus on next steps for the creation of the Shkodra Lake Watershed – Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (SLW–TBR).

The final conference served not only to take stock of the project’s progress but also to promote regional cooperation and commitment to sustainable development.

Through the biosphere reserve program, the region aims to foster green and sustainable growth, which, according to the organizers, will require a shift in both mindset and policy. Coordinated partnerships among all stakeholders were identified as essential for long-term success.

The conference concluded with a fair celebrating the cultural and natural diversity of the region, highlighting the rich potential of the future Biosphere Reserve.

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