For the first time since the establishment in 1972, the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) on 09 of July has officially expanded its line of work to the Prespa Region by opening its very first local office, in Resen.
The opening of the Prespa local office for us is an important step forward, having in mind that we are an active member and founder of the trans boundary PrespaNet network, formed in 2013 and implementing conservation activities in the Prespa Region in Macedonia, Albania and Greece ever since. The local office was officially opened by the executive director of MES, Robertina Brajanoska, who stressed the importance of trans boundary cooperation towards protection of nature in Prespa region.
“It is a great feeling to see nature unite so many people, knowing no borders. Prespa Lake and the Prespa Region are a biodiversity hotspot, which needs protection for the generations to come. I do hope that the opening of this office will ensure intensified work and commitment towards conservation and study of Prespa and will cater effective cooperation among all important stakeholders at regional and national levels, states MES Executive Director”, Brajanoska.
MES in Prespa initiated monitoring of large mammals, plants and wetlands at transboundary level within the project dubbed “Working towards transboundary conservation of Prespa region by common actions raised by PrespaNet partners”, funded by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) and Aage V.Jensen Charity Foundation. The opening of the regional office of MES in Prespa was greeted by the Executive Director of of the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), Mirjam de Koning.
“Nature protection in the Prespa Region presents a priority, and as financiers we like to be present in the long run and to support the work of local NGOs, the protected areas in the three countries, as well as the local population through activities related to ecotourism and sustainable use of natural resources”, states the Executive Director of the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), de Koning.
Besides biodiversity monitoring and protection in Prespa, in the recent years MES has also developed educational programmes for the schools in the regions, whereas we also foster cooperation with the administrations of Galichica and Pelister National Parks, and the Municipality of Resen, as the managing body of the Ezerani Nature Park and the Prespa Lake Natural Monument.
The local office representative of MES in Resen is Daniela Zaec, MES project manager, zaec@mes.org.mk
