World Rivers Day 2024
In Prespa, we celebrate our rivers and streams every day!
The Society for the Protection of Prespa undertakes actions related to the streams and the Agios Germanos River, which, despite their seemingly short length, together with their riparian vegetation and habitats, are biodiversity hotspots of great ecological significance and a valuable source of water and life for Prespa. We are implementing:
Since April 2022, the program “Prespa’s Green & Blue Life Lines”
These “LifeLines” run through the Prespa basin via the Agios Germanos River and the five streams that flow in Lesser Prespa Lake, as well as through the riparian forest along the shores of Great Prespa Lake.
The streams are key breeding habitats for the nine endemic fish species of the lakes, which spawn in running waters, while the Prespa trout permanently lives in the Agios Germanos River.
In addition to their hydrological importance, riparian zones provide habitats for many bird species, critical corridors for the movement of mammals, and are vital elements of the landscape.
However, the streams and the adjacent riparian forests are threatened by various unsustainable human practices, primarily due to climate change. Unfortunately, streams are often seen as passive water conduits, and riparian habitats as linear forests suitable only for grazing or logging, while current management only considers flood risk mitigation, ignoring environmental and ecological parameters.
Within the framework of the “Prespa’s Green & Blue Life Lines” program, the Society for the Protection of Prespa aims to strengthen and collect scientific data to create a comprehensive picture of the riparian zones, which will significantly contribute to improving their management by integrating the natural and cultural values that surround them and identifying their critical impact on the well-being of local residents. The program also includes the implementation of immediate restoration measures and actions to prevent threats.
Since March 2023, the program for a ‘Prefeasibility study on rehabilitation of Agios Germanos River Prespa’
The river branch that flowed into Lesser Prespa Lake met the spawning needs of endemic fish species for centuries, but it was dammed in the 1930s, and the morphology of the river’s catchment area was modified to serve irrigation needs. Meanwhile, for various reasons, including climate change, eutrophication has increased in both lakes, significantly affecting the populations of endemic fish. The need to rehabilitate the Agios Germanos River to regain its ecological functions, support biodiversity, and ensure sustainable water use has been recognized as a priority at both local and regional levels. The pre-existing riverine spawning habitats must be restored to boost fish reproduction, while the river’s clear waters will significantly improve water quality in Lesser Prespa Lake.
This program aims to complete the river restoration prefeasibility study through a participatory process, ultimately benefiting the region’s endemic fish. The process involves the meaningful participation of all relevant local, regional, and national stakeholders in shaping the plan. The first step is to gain knowledge and prepare for discussion and decision-making, covering technical, social, economic, environmental, cross-border, institutional, and legal issues.
Towards this direction, a study of hydrogeomorphology has been conducted, examining soil alterations, both artificial and natural, from the river’s action on rocks, as well as the hydraulic and ecological connections of the river with the lakes. This will provide crucial information for a preliminary feasibility study on restoring the river and its connection with Lesser Prespa.
Dissemination of knowledge and dialogue will enhance public support and participation, enabling the development of sustainable interventions. The proposed restoration measures aim to benefit the aquatic ecosystem, the nine endemic fish species, and human activities by improving water resources. As a nature-based solution (NbS) addressing the societal challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss, as well as economic and social development issues, public participation is a vital component of the program. Therefore, a detailed mapping of stakeholder opinions at national and cross-border levels is conducted, along with an analysis of the legal framework and regulations.
The Society for the Protection of Prespa benefits from the support of the Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems. The project ‘Prespa’s Green and Blue LifeLines’ is co-funded by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust.
The project “Prefeasibility study on rehabilitation of Agios Germanos River, Prespa” is funded by WWF Greece, within the framework of the “Greek Wildlife Alliance” initiative. The “Greek Wildlife Alliance” initiative represents the collaborative effort of 11 environmental, nongovernmental organizations to enhance the impact of their work, through a shared vision for the well-being of wildlife and humans. For more information visit www.greekwildlifealliance.gr