PONT Support to the SPP

In a nutshell, this project addresses a large proportion of the programme of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) for the overall conservation and protection of Greek and transboundary Prespa, as foreseen in the organisation’s Strategic Framework for the period 2023-2027, as well as support for core administrative and managerial work. These efforts aim to contribute to achieving the long-term goals set out in the previous strategic framework, which were drawn up in 2018 and will conclude in 2030. The goals cover the good ecological status of the area’s waterbirds, endemic fish and other priority species, as well as freshwater, riparian and priority terrestrial habitats and the basin’s water bodies, together with maintaining the heterogeneity and integrity of the landscape. In addition, the goals also refer to strengthened community engagement and cohesion, as well as diversification and greening within the local economy.

To work towards these goals, Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT) funds a programme of activities that aim to: increase the scientific knowledge which underpins the SPP’s conservation work; effectively manage biodiversity and ecosystem functions; address threats; strengthen participatory governance and decision-making; positively influence the environmental protection regime; support conservation networking; promote environmentally positive socio-economic activity; and boost awareness of Prespa’s natural and cultural values. Furthermore, the project also supports the SPP in communicating the values of Prespa and its work effectively, raising funds for its programme and managing its efforts well, building its organisational and technical capacity.

PONT also funded the SPP’s strategic framework for 2018 to 2022, which aimed to contribute to the same goals with a programme of activities on: research and monitoring of species and habitats; conservation of species and habitats; water protection and management; operation of PrespaNet; greening of the local economy and community empowerment; education, training and capacity building; support to national and transboundary collaboration schemes; as well as an operational framework that included work on: corporate communications; fundraising and development; governance; greening policy, energy use and carbon footprint; infrastructure and buildings; internal communication and management; and, management of human resources.
PONT’s support for the SPP was established with funds from the MAVA Foundation, as noted in the project MAVA & PONT Core Support.