Greece, Albania, North Macedonia Sign Joint UNESCO Bid for Prespa Lakes

Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia signed a joint declaration on Thursday to nominate the transboundary Prespa Lakes region for UNESCO World Heritage status as a mixed natural and cultural property. The ceremony took place at the Prespa Municipality Hall in Laimos, Greece.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said Greece has taken the lead on the initiative, calling the day particularly important for Prespa, Western Macedonia, and Greece. She highlighted the region's continuous human presence dating back to the sixth millennium BC.

“We absolutely believe that the Prespa Lakes in all three countries constitute a tremendous comparative advantage for our region in terms of natural environment, biodiversity and cultural heritage.”

Mendoni stated the joint effort could strengthen ties between the peoples of the three nations and create conditions for cooperation on heritage protection. She noted UNESCO inscription would add prestige but also responsibility to preserve the area's character.

North Macedonia's Culture and Tourism Minister Sedat Sulejmani described Prespa as a natural and historical unity despite its shores being divided among three countries. He emphasized the lake's unique biodiversity and cultural heritage as assets requiring coordinated action.

Albania's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja also participated in the trilateral meeting. Representatives from UNESCO, UNDP, the European External Action Service, and the European Commission attended the session.

The ministers agreed to proceed with scientific, technical, and institutional preparations required for the joint nomination file under UNESCO World Heritage Convention procedures.