UNESCO calls for urgent action to protect Lake Ohrid
According to Radio Free Europe, UNESCO has once again warned that the Lake Ohrid region faces serious threats from illegal construction, urbanization, and poor spatial planning. The organization emphasized that Albania and North Macedonia must take urgent steps to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Ohrid, which risks being added to the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger list.
Why is this important: Lake Ohrid has become a focal point for international concern due to increasing environmental and urban pressures. The site’s degradation threatens its outstanding universal value, recognized globally. UNESCO has stressed the need for Albania and North Macedonia to deepen their dialogue and jointly implement measures to prevent irreversible damage. The issue has also become a test of the two countries’ commitment to environmental preservation and the enforcement of legal frameworks.
Context: In its third consecutive report, UNESCO highlighted severe environmental concerns, including wastewater pollution, inadequate urban planning, and unchecked illegal construction. Over 120 illegal structures have been identified in the Ohrid municipality alone since 2020, according to local authorities.
UNESCO’s latest recommendations include halting construction in sensitive areas such as Studeničishta Marsh, revising urban plans for Ohrid and Struga, and resolving issues with unlicensed developments that undermine the region’s authenticity.
The challenges extend to Albania, which also shares responsibility for the lake’s preservation. UNESCO has urged Albania to revise Pogradec’s general urban plan, prevent coastal development, and safeguard sensitive zones like Drilon. Both countries must submit a joint progress report by February 1, 2025, detailing their efforts to implement these recommendations.
What’s next: If adequate measures are not taken, Lake Ohrid could be added to the World Heritage in Danger list, an outcome UNESCO says is still on the table. Activists and organizations, such as “Front 21/42,” have called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, highlighting corruption and institutional inaction as key factors behind the ongoing degradation.
Go deeper
Albania to ban TikTok and implement school safety plan following tragic incident
Published on December 21, 2024
Why is this important: The dramatic decision follows extensive consultations, involving over 1,300 meetings with parent councils nationwide, initiated in response to concerns over the rise of violence and bullying among students. The government views the TikTok ban as a crucial measure to curb the harmful effects of online content and protect young people.
Albanian and Kosovo Parliaments convene in Pristina for joint session
Published on December 20, 2024
Why is this important: The session was particularly significant given the strained relations between Rama and Kurti over the past two years. Their discord began after Rama postponed a planned joint government meeting in Kosovo. Today’s gathering not only united the two leaders in the Pristina Parliament but also included a private meeting in Kurti’s office, where they signed an agreement to host the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030. In his address, Rama delivered pointed messages directed at Kosovo, the European Union, and the ongoing sanctions imposed on Kosovo.I’m
Kosovo’s Special Prosecution summons Prime Minister Kurti for questioning again
Published on December 20, 2024
Why is this important: This marks the second attempt by prosecutors to secure Kurti’s testimony, following his absence from an earlier session due to being abroad. The summons has sparked controversy, with representatives of the government accusing the Special Prosecution of political bias, despite Kurti being summoned in the capacity of a witness. The development highlights a politically charged dynamic between Kosovo’s government and judiciary.