Prespa Lakes

The Prespa Lakes form a transboundary wetland complex shared among Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia in the Balkan Peninsula. Great Prespa Lake is divided among all three countries, while Small Prespa Lake is divided mostly between Greece and Albania. This makes the region a unique focal point for international conservation efforts.

The Prespa Lakes are situated at a remarkably high altitude of approximately 850 meters (2,789 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude basin is surrounded by towering mountain ranges, isolating the ecosystem. They sit well above the nearby Lake Ohrid, connected only by underground karst channels.

The lakes and their surrounding marshes are home to one of the largest breeding colonies of Dalmatian pelicans in the world. The wetland complex also supports vast populations of rare water birds, endemic fish species, and diverse flora. The biodiversity here is recognized as one of the most ecologically significant in Europe.

Because of their isolation and high altitude, the lakes represent a pristine freshwater ecosystem designated as a transboundary protected area. They were declared a European and Global Geopark due to their unique geological and biological heritage. The region serves as a vital nesting ground for migratory birds crossing Europe.