Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans North Macedonia and Albania, is at risk from pollution, overfishing and urban development. The UN and a number of experts have warned about this, reports Reuters.
The lake, one of the oldest in Europe, dating back 3,5 million years, is home to around 200 unique natural species, including rare species of trout. It serves as a significant tourist attraction and is a source of serious income for North Macedonia and Albania.
Lake Ohrid on the North Macedonian side was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. UNESCO extended the designation to the Albanian side of the lake in May 2019.
In its 2024 report earlier this year, UNESCO warned about the poor quality of real estate construction around the lake and drew attention to intensive tourism around the shore. The organization also warned North Macedonia and Albania that measures were not in place to address existing threats and prevent new ones.
"The state of preservation of the property is not improving and there is no positive trend to start restoring its integrity," UNESCO said.
Biologist Dr. Zlatko Lefkov said the pollution is "continually worsening" and that it is affecting the lake's native species and biodiversity.
"Some rare or endangered species are under threat. The reason is that living space is taken away from biologically important or relict species," explains Dr. Lefkov.
According to official figures, the area around Lake Ohrid, which includes the cities of Ohrid and Struga on the North Macedonian side and Pogradec in Albania, is home to about 170 people, an estimated 000% increase over the past 56 years.
Investments are needed
Local authorities say investment in the sewage system, built in the 80s, is needed because it can no longer accommodate the throngs of tourists who flock to the lake as a cheaper alternative to the sea.
There are currently quite a few project proposals, but countries need to find the means to put them into practice.
Environmentalists also warn that the rivers flowing into Lake Ohrid, as well as the smaller coastal settlements, are constant sources of pollution.
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